Transcript of Conneaut Courier, Oct. 4, 2000

Plosila-Sorvisto reunion held here.

More than 70 family members from throughout the United States and abroad gathered 

at Conneaut Township Park on July 15 to hold the first Plosila-Sorvisto (Johnson) 

family reunion that was international in scope.

Five family members from Finland including Pentti and Auli Plosila from Mikkeli, 

Finland and Eija, Annamarie and Jaako Turmola from Helsenki Finland were in attendance.

Other family members came from Oregon, Illinois, Michigan, Florida, Pennsylvania, 

New York, Texas and Ohio.

Pentti Plosila brought greeting from the city of Kurikka, Finland, and presented the 

City Coat of Arms of Kurikka and a book on the history of Kurikka to the Plosila family.  

The Plosila family originates from Kurikka where many emigrated to the U. S. and Conneaut 

in 1899 and thereafter.  Kurikka is a town of 10,800 persons on the western coat of 

Finland and is a town focusing on agriculture, furniture, and metals for employment.

The event was organized by Mary Plosila Griswold, Pam Plosila Deemer, and Walter Plosila.

Reverand David Laakso presented an overview of the history of the Sorvisto family in 

Finland and America back to the 1750's.  Walt Plosila presented an overview of the 

history of the Plosila family in Finland and America back to the 1550's.  Paula Plosila 

Pitts presented awards and prizes to the participants.

All attending agreed to continue this international tradition and hold another 

international family reunion in three years.