“Motboken”: The rationing booklet
The rationing booklet “Motboken” is introduced, and the state-owned liquor stores get full control of the alcohol monopoly in Sweden. From this day, there were no private wine merchants in […]
What do you know about the man on the Absolut seal?
In the 19th century, the Swedish industrialist and politician L.O. Smith was one the most famous people in the country. Today, we know him as the man on the seal of the Absolut vodka bottles.
Read more about the life of L.O. Smith
The beginning of the Victorian era
Victoria ascended the throne and became Queen of the United Kingdom shortly after her 18th birthday. The era named after her lasted until she passed away on 22 January 1901. […]
A child is born
On October 12, 1836, farmers Lusse Pehrsdotter and Ola Persson had their third child in Kiaby, Skåne, east of Kristianstad in southern Sweden. They gave the child the name Lars […]
Landowning farmers in Blekinge
On July 21 this year, Lars Olsson’s parents bought the farm Sjöarpsgården in Blekinge and so became landowners. The building had two floors and was 3.2 meters high, 18.29 meters […]
A life-changing meeting
When Lars Olsson was seven years old, the consul Carl Smith came to collect a debt. Smith was a wholesaler and one of Karlshamn’s most prominent people. As Lars was […]
Four lifelong promises
The next day, Lars reflected on the terrible state of many people he had seen out at night. He set up four principles that he would stick to throughout his […]
Smith’s luxurious summer residence Carlshälls
In 1873, Smith and his family started renting a large property at Långholmen island, just south of Stockholm city. He invested substantially in the house, turning it into something truly […]
L.O. Smith’s first job
At the age of 10, Lars did not want to be a burden to his benefactor Mr. Smith any longer. After getting his approval, he took up employment with the […]
L.O. Smith’s second job
The PR success at Skottsberg’s shop did not pass unnoticed. Within one year, Smith was offered an annual salary of SEK 300 from the competitor Cervin. The 11-year-old Smith kept […]
Heading for Stockholm
After the commercial success of his early shop work, L.O. Smith was keen to pursue his career. When his mother died in 1853, he decided to go to Stockholm. Through […]
Sweden’s drinking habits
In the 1830s and 1840s, it was common for Swedish people over 15 years to drink at least two liters of spirits a week. On a regular day, this would […]
L.O. Smith for extended voting rights
In 19th century Sweden, only those with an annual income of at least 800 SEK per year were allowed to vote. Far from everyone earned that much. During a disagreement […]