107th town anniversary
The municipality of Hafnarfjörður celebrates its 107th anniversary as a town today. Hafnarfjörður was granted town rights on 1 June 1908. On the same day, the first election was held in the Good Templars“ Hall on Suðurgata.
The town of Hafnarfjörður is celebrating its 107th anniversary today.
“Hafnarfjörður was granted borough status on 1 June 1908. On the same day, the first election was held at the Good Templar Hall on Suðurgata. The poll opened at midday and closed three hours later. 25 people turned out to vote, although it is thought that around 400 were on the electoral roll. The Kvásar, a newly established local newspaper, reported that the townspeople were generally pleased with the election; there was one list of candidates on offer, of „good and enterprising men“.
One of the town council's first tasks was to install mains water pipes, as there was a great need for it. The drinking water was contaminated and cholera broke out, so the newly appointed district doctor had plenty of work to do. The Salvation Army made its presence felt in the town, as did the two policemen hired for law enforcement. Both were giants in stature, and their police uniforms attracted a great deal of attention from the townspeople.
There were 109 children in the primary school and young people were training in wrestling with the 17th of June Youth Association. The townspeople made their living from fishing and the first trawler of the Hafnfirðingar, the Coot, ran aground at Keilisnes.“
Happy birthday.
Text from the book HUNDRAÐ, published on the occasion of the town's 100th anniversary.