Backstugan and the large Stage
This red painted timber-frame cottage with a peat roof originates from Drängsered in Hylte municipality and was built in 1836. It is called Backstugan and is an example of how poor people lived in the countryside in Halland. From the beginning the cottage consisted of just one room. In periods six people, registered as paupers, lived in the cottage when it was still situated in Drängsered. The smaller annex by the entrance was built some time after the cottage was moved to Hallandsgården in 1923.
After it was moved here manufacturer Alfred Wallberg, who founded the open-air museum, decided that one of his former female workers at the brick factory of Slottsmöllan could come and live in the cottage. Hence a woman named Nelly moved in in the 1920´s. Her surname is not documented, but she was given the role as genitor and to entertain the younger visitors by reading fairy tales aloud. There might still be some people left who remember her.
Centrally on the open-air museum, in the slope below Krafsagården and the café is the newest building at Hallandsgården – the large stage. Its sloping, sun feather-shaped roof stands on poles. The back wall is made of glass, because one wanted to show as much of the view of Halmstad as possible. The design is inspired by older stages, such as rotundas and pavilions from the 19:th and 20:th centuries. But this one, unlike the other buildings, wasn´t moved here. It was built for this place in 2008 in a collaboration with Halmstad municipality, because they lacked a permanent place for celebrating Swedens National Day, the 6:th of June.
The slope leading down to the stage can house several thousands to take part in that celebration and other larger events. The stage is a compliment to the older wooden dance floor, which also has a smaller stage, which however is not enough for a larger audience. The open-air museum lacked shelter from rain or strong sun light. Therefore, the roof of the stage also makes it useful for craftsmen, workshops, and quite often for the general visitor who needs protection from the weather for a while.
