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The Swedish Colonial Society recreated the Wicaco block house for
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the 1926 Sesqui-Centennial International Exposition in Philadelphia. Peter Gunnarson Rambo was buried near a structure like this in 1698.
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This month, we are celebrating the life of Peter Gunnarson Rambo (1612-1698). After an arduous journey on the Kalmar Nyckel, Rambo and New Sweden’s other first permanent settlers arrived in Delaware in 1640. Rambo quickly became an important leader in the community. He served on the Council of New Sweden, was a Justice of the Court and helped establish the first Swedish Church in America. At his plantation, Rambo cultivated seeds he’d brought with him from Sweden. The delicious Rambo apples that we know today likely descend from his crops. Rambo died in 1698 and was buried at the Wicaco Church (now Gloria Dei Church).
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Rambo’s life story has inspired many over the years and for good reason. It took a lot of grit and determination to build a life in New Sweden. You’ll learn about his struggles and triumphs in the winter 2022 edition of Founders Magazine. This issue was written by Ron Beatty, a scholar, historian, and Rambo descendant. Our major donors will receive hard copies of the magazine in the mail. Digital copies are also available for free on our website.
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We do not have paid staff. All of our work is made possible by our volunteer board members. You can support our efforts by making a donation to our organization.
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Candace Roberts
Chair of the Board
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Calling All Local History Authors
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Have you published a book about local history? Are you looking for an opportunity to connect with readers? If so, let us know. We’re thinking about hosting an outdoor History Book Festival this spring … and want to know if area authors of fiction, non-fiction, tour guide books, cookbooks, children’s books and more are interested in participating. Contact Us.
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Old Swedes and the Apple
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Did you know an apple is named after one of Gloria Dei's early leaders?
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At age 27, Peter Gunnarson Rambo, came to the area on the second voyage of the Kalmar Nyckel in 1639-40. Initially, he was a laborer but he later served as a Justice of the Court from 1655-1680. Rambo's hospitality was well known. Not only were court sessions occasionally held at his house, but it was also a place where many visitors, including William Penn, were welcomed. Peter Rambo died at age 85 and was buried at the Swedes' log church at Wicaco on January 29, 1698.
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Rambo had a prosperous farm, which included apple trees grown from seeds he had brought from Sweden. The "Rambo Apple," which is still grown in several of the northeastern states, was allegedly Johnny Appleseed's (John Chapman's) favorite apple. The apple was the first to ripen in the season and was known as an excellent apple for cooking and cider.
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There are two other apples which bear the Rambo name although it not known if they are related to Peter. Ripening in August, Summer Rambos make scrumptious pies and applesauce, and are especially suited to drying. The skin is yellow-green with a red blush. The Hauser Strain Rambo is a summer apple which is good for pies, jelly, and drying.
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The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission says it is possible to drive through the orchard country of Pennsylvania, or any other eastern state, and see signs advertising Rambo apples.
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The Rambo apple had been extinct in Sweden for three centuries. Some Rambo trees were sent back to Sweden and in 2008 the trees were available in Sweden as part of the Swedish-American Jubilee. The Jubilee honors the Swedish people who crossed the Atlantic for a new life in America, taking with them reminders of what they left behind.
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The Rambo apple entered pop culture as the source of the hero’s name in the “Rambo” book and movie series starring Sylvester Stallone. Author David Marrell wanted a strong-sounding name and chose “John Rambo,” after his wife brought home a bag of Rambo apples.
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So the next time you eat an apple or hear about Rambo think of the connection to Old Swedes'.
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The Life and Times of Peter Gunnarson Rambo
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In the winter 2002 edition of Founders Magazine Ron Beatty tells us the story of his ancestor, Peter Gunnarson Rambo. Rambo was an early settler in New Sweden and the progenitor of the Rambo family in America.
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Digital downloads of our magazine are free. Hard copies are available to purchase (supplies are limited).
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Messages from Our Sponsors and Affiliates
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On Thur., Mar. 24, 2022 from 7:30 - 9:00 pm, The Jazz Sanctuary presents Jazz & Joe at Riverside Hall, Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church. Jazz & Joe is a "coffee-house" style venue. This live performance will feature Jazz Sanctuary founder Alan Segal (bass), Randy Sutin (vibes/percussion), Eddie Etkins (saxophone), Leon Jordan Sr. (drums) and James Dell’Orefice (piano), and vocalist Lynn Riley. Active listening and quiet conversation is welcome throughout the evening. Refreshments are served, and attendees are welcome to BYOB. This event is free, but donations are appreciated to help defray costs.
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Silk Road Then and Now: 2200 Years in the Making
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Wed., Mar. 30, 2022, 6:30 – 9:00 PM
A panel of experts meets at the Gloria Dei historic site, followed by a performance by the Jazz Sanctuary
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Thanks to the Silk Road tea, coca, tobacco, cotton, whisky, and Marco Polo (1254–1324), earned their well-respected appreciation through the centuries.
Join a panel of experts to talk about the old and modern Silk Road's effects on geography, trade, the Belt & Road Initiative, and cultures of the world as well as their impact on Philadelphia.
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- DR. MARCO AIRAUDO, DREXEL UNIVERSITY
- DR. SAMUEL K. CHUEH, CITY OF PHILADELPHIA / DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
- PROF. JUDY OKUN, ROWAN UNIVERSITY
- Moderator: DR. BERRIN GUNER, ROWAN UNIVERSITY
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Our Keystone Project Sponsors
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We are profoundly grateful to these organizations for their support of our painting and wood repair project.
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The Historic Gloria Dei Preservation Corporation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Federal ID# 45-3210057). All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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![The Life and Times of Peter Gunnarson Rambo [Winter 2022]](https://preserveoldswedes.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Winter_2022.png)
