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The Photo Record is an archive of digitally restored historic photographs from Finland and beyond.

Fisherman's Cottage in Sortavala

Fisherman's Cottage in Sortavala

This peaceful lakeside scene was photographed by I. K. Inha in 1895 in Haavus, a rural part of Sortavala, a former Finnish municipality. Nestled beside the water is a modest fisherman's cottage, surrounded by drying nets, boats, and tarpaulins hung between poles. These everyday items speak to a working life tied closely to the lake—fishing, repairing nets, and storing equipment.

The landscape is serene but practical. A small wooden structure stands at the shoreline, likely used for storing tools or gear. The boat at the water’s edge is piled with more nets, suggesting a break between outings or the end of a busy day. This image gives us a glimpse into the rhythms of a fishing life—quiet but industrious, always oriented toward the lake.

Original Photograph

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Digitally Restored Photograph

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Photo Information

Original photo courtesy of the Finnish Heritage Agency
Photographer: I.K. Inha
Year: 1895

Link to original photo here


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