Hyllstofta: Building and School History of the Ryggåsstugan

Hyllstofta’s local history can be traced through several distinct periods: the Ryggåsstugan connects a presumed construction phase in the early 17th century with its later use as a schoolroom. Paintings, community association work and historical changes of ownership add different perspectives to this story. For travellers who like to understand how a place tells its story through its buildings and their uses, this offers a clear cultural focus to consider when planning your trip.

The Ryggåsstugan and its history

Based on its construction, the central part of the Ryggåsstugan is believed to have been built in the early 17th century. However, the exact year in which the building that stands today was built has not been established. The approximate dating therefore applies to the central part of the building; it is not an exact date for the entire building as it stands today. This distinction is helpful when putting its building history into context.

Föreningen Hyllstofta Ryggåsstuga was founded in 1971. Its main task is to preserve the Ryggåsstugan and its contents. A presumed early construction phase and organised preservation work thus stand alongside each other as distinct parts of local history.

A schoolroom in the same building

The history of the building also offers a glimpse into everyday life in the 19th century: in 1858, the parish rented the eastern room of the Ryggåsstugan from Tuve Svensson for use as a so-called roteskola. Classes were held there until 1879, when the roteskolor were abolished. This makes it possible to place the use of a particular room in its historical context, rather than limiting the building’s history to its presumed construction date.

If you are travelling with children, you can use this sequence of events to explore the difference between a building’s history and its later use: a room that was part of an older building served as a place of instruction for many years. The dates 1858 and 1879 mark the beginning and end of this use as a school.

Paintings, changes of ownership and other traces

A painting also records part of local history: a painting by Paul Nelson from 1890 depicts Hyllstoftagården with the old distillery. The history surrounding the Ryggåsstugan also includes an earlier change of ownership. In 1952, Domänverket sold the croft and its associated land to Åsbo Häraders Hembygdsförening for 100 kronor. The painting and the sale tell of different historical connections, but they are not the same kind of evidence: one is an image, the other a specific event with a year, seller, buyer and price.

Another recorded date concerns the Hyllstoftastugan: it has stood in the same place since the 17th century. Together with the presumed construction phase of the central part of the Ryggåsstugan, this creates a picture in which several local histories and dates stand alongside each other.

Local connections and trip planning

The road connection is also useful for finding your way around: Road 1869 runs through Hyllstofta and Ebbarp to Harholma, where it joins Road 108. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Hyllstofta, you can consider whether local history should be a main focus of your stay or one part of your trip.

Membership is required to use Lyckebanan. If you would like to visit the Ryggåsstugan in person, ask the association in advance about the possibility of a visit. This allows you to include the historical sites in your plans without assuming that a visit will necessarily be possible.

Discover more destinations: Färingtofta, Klippan, Ljungbyhed, Öja.

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