Frickabron

Frickabron is an 83-metre-long suspension bridge over Frickasundet in Lake Halen that was completed in spring 2020. The bridge connects the western and eastern sides of Halen Nature Reserve into one whole. The site has a fascinating history dating back to the mid-1850s and is about the local well-known Länsman Frick. Here is the story:

Kronolänsman Jöns Andreas Frick was born on August 4, 1794 in Glemminge, just northeast of Ystad. In the mid-1820s he marries Regina Bothilda Kihlgren. The young couple Frick then moved to Blekinge and Gammalstorp parish, where they rented a farm. During the years in Gammalstorp parish, the couple had three children. In 1837 the family moved to Holje in Jämshög parish, where J.A. was appointed crown bailiff. He appears frequently in the court records in his capacity as sheriff and thus also public prosecutor. Perhaps his most spectacular case concerns the poisoners Bengta Olsson and boatman Håkan Jönsson Bollman in Farabol. They were both sentenced to death and executed by beheading on the gallows hill in Pukavik on 19 January 1854. Less than a month later, on 10 February 1854, the tragic accident occurred when Jöns Andreas Frick drowned in Lake Halen. The event is mentioned, among other things, in the Blekingeposten: - "The rarely capable Crown Lieutenant Frick, has unfortunately drowned during his journey across the lake." Whether it was an accident or not, there are divided opinions about. Like the whispering game, the truth or the tale changes along the way. One version claims it was suicide, but the most commonly told story is this: Länsman Frick was out hunting in what is now Halens nature reserve. His dog picked up the scent of some game and took off across the ice. Farmer Frick followed and watched his dog fight for its life, as the dog had gone through the ice. Determined to save his dear hunting friend, County Commissioner Frick made an attempt to rescue his dog. The tragic accident occurred and both dog and sheriff drowned. The location of the accident is just under the bridge. The hunting team found Mr. Frick's gun on the ice, which is why he was quickly found and confirmed dead. The rifle was taken care of in the family and eventually ended up with trader Allan Holmberg in Gränum. Within the Holmberg family, the rifle has been passed on for generations. At the inauguration of Frickabron on May 2, 2020, the rifle was donated by Bengt Holmberg from Bjärrred to Olofström Museum. The bucket is now on display at the museum. For some time after the tragic accident, the strait was named Frickasundet. Now the bridge has also been named after "the exceptionally capable" Crown Lieutenant Frick. Contributors: Ylva Silverbern - Rotfast, Hans Blomqvist, Johnny Karlsson