1907
population about 16,000
The first unicameral parliamentary election with universal
suffrage was held. Finnish women were the first in the world
to have the right to stand as candidates. Nineteen women
were elected to the first parliament. A total of 4,514 votes
were cast in Oulu, about half of which were for the Social
Democratic Party.
The runners up were the Young Finnish Party, Finnish Party,
Swedish People’s Party and Rural Party. The turnout
percentage was 59.2. The following people from Oulu were
elected Members of Parliament: Social Democratic Party
representatives Kalle Hämäläinen and Juho Alfred Komu, both
journalists, and Rural Party representatives Matti Hoikka, a
blacksmith, and Otto Karhi, a farmer.
1917
population about 17,850
Parliament declared Finland independent on 6 December. After
the declaration, Finland descended into civil war. Armed
civil guards (Whites) and red guards (Reds) fought in Oulu
in January and February 1918. The battles were won by the
Whites, who founded a prison camp in Raatinsaari. The
battles and the prison camp claimed over 90 lives in total
(68+23). The Whites also executed at least ten Reds.
Compared to the other populated centres in Finland, Oulu’s
casualties were minor. The Raatti prison camp was closed
down in August 1918.
1919–1921
population about 15,200
The first Oulu city council after general suffrage was
elected. A total of 36 councillors were elected, five of
them women. An equal number (18) of right-wing and left-wing
(social democrats) councillors were elected. The first
meeting selected G. Borg, a right-wing city doctor, as the
chairman and Otto Karhi, a left-wing managing director, as
the vice chairman.
1931
population about 19,030
Toppila Oy, a sulphite pulp factory founded by an English
family business, P Dixon and Son Ltd., was established. The
factory buildings were designed by Professor Alvar Aalto.
The Dixons sold the company to Kajaani Oy in 1973. In 1985,
the company laid off all 320 employees and closed down the
factory. Today (in 2000), a residential area stands on the
factory grounds and the old buildings house various
businesses, including a supermarket and a recycling centre.
1937
population about 20,770
Oulu Oy’s sulphite pulp factory was established in
Nuottasaari. The factory was founded by the privately-owned
Kajaani Oy and the state-owned Veitsiluoto Oy. Both
companies had a 49% share of the factory while the Bank of
Finland owned 2%. Oulu Oy’s business was not limited to pulp.
It also owned a wooden house factory and the Pateniemi
sawmill, for example. Acquisitions brought with them changes
in the ownership of the company, and today (in 2000)
Nuottasaari accommodates a factory producing high-quality
paper owned by Stora Enso Oyj.
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