Madam Jenny’s Room

Johanna Margareta (1830-1857), who was known as Jenny, was the daughter of Zachris Franzén and his second wife Lovisa Eleonora Frosterus. In 1850, Jenny married Fredrik Sovelius (1822-1897) who worked as an accountant at the Trade House of Lang.

After the death of Commercial Counsellor Zachris Franzén, Fredrik Sovelius Junior was chosen (from many sons-in-law) to lead the company. Zachris had already during his lifetime transferred many business affairs to Fredrik. The ownership change required a splitting the large wealth into parts which meant that the heirs sold ships, houses, sawmills, and ironworks. Jenny and Fredrik settled down to live in the Lang main mouse by the Big Market Square (nowadays known as Pekka Square). The house has 17 rooms altogether. The happiness of Jenny and Fredrik was short lived as Jenny died at childbirth in 1857. Fredrik’s long mourning period started. He got remarried after being a widower over 30 years in 1891 to a young Swedish-born Ebba Ljunggren.

Fredrik was certified both as a mate and a sea captain. He received merchant rights in 1849 and the title of Commercial Counsellor in 1869. He continued to run the Lang business affairs with an excellent and successful manner and during his era, Raahe thrived as the biggest sailing ship town in Finland during 1860s and 1870s. The Trade House of Lang continued to grow, and towards the end of the 19th century, Fredrik Sovelius was even called the richest man in Finland.

Through the window of Jenny’s room there is a view full of light towards the courtyard. Wives of rich merchants bought furniture, wallpapers and fabrics from abroad, and the distinguished decoration of Jenny’s room suggests that furnishings have been shipped from further away. The old floorboards have been repainted with a similar shade found underneath. The décor reflects the dreams and love of the newly married woman.