History

Mansion's grounds were inhabited as early as the 16th century. During this era, tar, or "Black Gold", was transported by boats down the Oulu River to various places all over the world. Also, there was a factory of spirits on the riverbank, which was closed in the 1920's.

The aura here at "Maikkula" has remained true to its time and, when you arrive, you'll feel and see the remains of the elitist culture of Northern Finland. On the riverbank, you'll still see Fredrica's House of 1860's. To the right, the stables, staff's house, and Maikkula Mansion from 1830's.

All logs used in construction have been carefully and scientifically inspected. The trees in the area have grown since Medieval Times; thus making the wood for construction strong and sturdy. When you look at the condition of Maikkula's buildings, it makes you admire the craftsmanship of the old times. The Mansion and Frederica houses were last inhibited in the 1860's when the Liljeqvist-family (Commandant for the Swedish Crown) and the Nordgren-family (Head of the Constabulary) claimed residence to the buildings. During renovation, we have documented both the history of the inhabitants and the members associated with the construction and interior of the houses.

The "High Society" of Oulu chose Maikkula as their primary meeting place after the destructive fire of Oulu in 1822. Maikkula was safe outside of city and thus became one of the largest wooden buildings of the region. A restaurant, which was open until 1982, was considered as an ideal choice for weddings and formal family reunions.

They have always been together, the river and Maikkula. It has been said that all prosperity came down the river towards the city of Oulu. Since the 1730's the Oulu River has been a major way of transportation for tar, or " Black Gold". At one time, the Oulu region was the largest supplier of tar in the world. Also, it was the largest storage place for this "Black Gold".

THE ERA OF TAR

The smoke and smell of burning tar were strongest in the upper parts of the river in the 1830's. During this time, more than 30.000 barrels of tar (each 125 liters) floated past Maikkula in sleek and narrow boats called "paltamo". These boats weighted some 4000kg and were up to 15 meters long. The strong rapids of the river were difficult to pass, so officially appointed boatmen guided this valuable cargo through the rapids.

In the beginning of the 1830's an extremely bad economic situation prevailed in the Province of Oulu and, because of the lack of food, many people starved to death. Yet, the owner of the Maikkula Mansion, Commandant for the Swedish Crown, Johan Gustaf Liljeqvist, reported: " Peace and order prevail in this province, and to my knowledge, there are no casualties of hunger".

SALMON AND THE RIVER

In the 1860's, the annual number of salmon caught in the Oulu River was a phenomenal 82.000 kg. The river was a trustworthy companion for fishermen. Foreign fishermen (the English in particular) have carefully documented these trips in their literature. Even during its worst years, the annual catch was no less than 40.000 kg. With that in mind, it's no wonder that the hired staff of Maikkula had an agreement with its owner stating: " food offered for staff must not include salmon more than three times in a week!" 

MAIKKULA'S SPIRITS

Up till 1865 every registered male person was allowed to "moonshine" 12 gallons (12x2, 64 ltr) per year. Females were only entitled 6 gallons. In 1861 the production of spirits reached 452.422 liters. The population in the province was only 47.000 at the time.

Therefore, in 1870 a prosperous market had already been established for the Maikkula Steam distillery, which was located on the riverbank. The original owners of distillery were a group of distinguished gentlemen from Oulu's higher society. The directors and landlords of the distillery occupied Fredrica's house, located on the riverbank.