History of South-Savo and Lake Saimaa ON THE PIER Living on the shores of Lake Saimaa

Saimaa becomes inhabited Savo between East and West Town built on islands Expanding town The harbour Strait Kyrönsalmi Tarburning Ironworks Agriculture Life in the archipelago Savo dwelling Villas Sääminki parish Church boats Savo boats Boats for every occasion Tar steamers Constructing a tar steamer Life on tar steamers Winter journeys   VILLA LIFE ON THE SHORES OF SAIMAA Villa life blossomed on Lake Pihlajavesi in the 1920’s and 1930’s. It became a custom to move to the countryside for the summers. Villas were also signs of wealth and social status, dotting the shores of Pihlajavesi like a ribbon along the boat route between Savonlinna and Punkaharju. As motorboats became more common in the 1930’s, more villas were built further in the archipelago beyond the main boat routes. Almost half of the villas were situated on islands. Before the Winter War broke out in 1939, at least 36 summer villas had been erected on Pihlajavesi. The Winter War brought an end to the trend, and cottages were built instead. Ladies and children would spend the entire summer at the villa together with their servants and relatives. The summer would pass among hobbies and interests. The villa would often have a flourishing flower and kitchen garden. Servants attended to the work, but the lady of the house would plan and have overall charge. There were plenty of visitors, and even larger parties were organised. Boating and walking excursions became an annual custom. One would drink coffee, socialise, swim and fish as well as pick mushrooms and berries on the shores. Attire at the villas heeded to fashion customary to the time. There were no particular villa or leisure time outfits. Men wore long trousers, a shirt and a waistcoat on weekdays, and a tie and light-coloured summer suits were also used. A gentleman’s summer hat was either a straw or Panama hat. Women wore light-coloured cotton dresses at home, and an apron would give protection whilst tending to chores. Finer clothes were worn for boat trips; the attire included a hat, a parasol and white gloves. The summer outfit for young boys was a sailor suit, girls were clothed in a dress, and older boys were dressed in knee-length trousers. Children would often linger in their swimsuits, and dress smartly for dinner or visitors. In the 1930’s, young ladies wore special beach or sun suits.

29.7.2005