The Hon. Urban Albin is welcomed to Jamestown on Tuesday at the Robert H. Jackson Center. P-J photo

Near the entrance of the fourth floor conference room of The Post-Journal offices in Jamestown, framed front pages of historical significance line the walls. Some of those editions include the notable battles of World War II, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and a 1969 edition noting that man walked on the moon.

One other is a tribute for two homes: the south county city and Sweden, a nation with strong ties and connections with the region and the 23rd U.S. Congressional District that includes Chautauqua County. “Thousands Welcome King Carl” headlines the Monday, April 26, 1976, newspaper.

According to the articles that day, erratic spring weather in Western New York was part of King Carl XVI Gustaf’s visit to Tracy Plaza at City Hall during the cold and damp setting. Estimates noted there were about 7,500 were in attendance that afternoon.

For those who gathered then, it was a tremendous celebration and homecoming of sorts. “Jamestown is an example of what Swedish settlers did. … Jamestown is a place to come back to,” King Carl said.

He did exactly that in October 2011 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Norden Club. In a YouTube video of his arrival, Chip Johnson of the organization is shown greeting the monarch who continues to hold the throne for almost 52 years now.

Sweden, with good reason, is revered for establishing Jamestown’s proud past. Samuel Johnson was the first Swedish immigrant to arrive in 1849. Many others would follow his lead, bringing a work ethic and innovation that grew the region and its reputation.

By 1920, 75% of the businesses in the city were founded by Swedish or those of Swedish descent. Some of them made their mark in the powerful furniture industry that was known worldwide for its quality and durability.

On Tuesday, all these contributions and accomplishments were highlighted at the Robert H. Jackson Center with the arrival of Swedish Ambassador the Hon. Urban Ahlin. From performances by the Thule Lodge Festival Dancers to proclamations and a Key to the City, Ahlin was overwhelmed.

After being announced to the podium by U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy, a standing ovation from the 250 at the event followed. “It’s pretty impressive,” Ahlin said.

He then graciously talked about Sweden’s history, thanking Chautauqua County and the United States for allowing his countrymen to settle here. Their preference for Jamestown had a lot to do with the four seasons, its rolling hills and proximity to the lakes.

It felt like home.

Langworthy, who made the event happen, had struck up a relationship with Ahlin early on in his Congressional tenure when he reached out to the Swedish embassy about attending an event. Being a county native, he understood the strong bond both countries share.

Ahlin’s two-day whirlwind trip to visit attractions included Roger Tory Peterson Institute, Jamestown Community College’s Scandinavian Studies initiative as well as Ecklof Bakery. These destinations not only bring a sense of pride to area residents, they also resonated with Ahlin. “I’ve been looking forward to coming here for a long period of time since I met Nick,” he said. “I realize the deep roots of Swedish heritage in Jamestown and the area around here. … I’m so eager to learn more.”

Currently a nation of 10.5 million, Sweden has a major impact on the economy when it comes to investing in manufacturing in the United States. Compared to other nations in the world, it ranks third — behind only Japan and Canada. “No wonder there is a strong bond,” Ahlin said. “It has been there for a long time.”

Longtime county residents understand the importance heritage has in the makeup of so many communities here. Jamestown has its summer Scandinavian Festival, Fredonia has its Festival Italia yearly in June and Dunkirk’s Polish roots are evident in club names that include Kosciuszko and Moniuszko.

In November 2001, many connected to the north county city’s Polish community were grateful to hear Lech Walesa, a fiery shipyard electrician who became president of the country after the Solidarity movement with the former Soviet Union, when he visited the State University of New York at Fredonia.

That was a shining and exciting moment. Quite similar to what Jamestown witnessed for two special days this week.

John D’Agostino is editor of The Post-Journal, OBSERVER and Times Observer in Warren, Pa. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 716-487-1111, ext. 253.