Skruv is situated in Kronoberg County, Småland, in southern Sweden. It lies approximately 322 kilometers from Stockholm and 220 kilometers from Copenhagen. The village, founded in 1874 around a railway station, is surrounded by flat farmland and evergreen forests. Nearby lies Ljuder, a small settlement anchored by a parish church. In 1975, the factory hooters structured daily life, and cycling was a common mode of transportation in Skruv. In 2000, the hooters had fallen silent, cycling declined, and the railway station had become a flower shop, as trains no longer stopped there.
Population
In 1975, Skruv had a population just over 700 inhabitants.
In 2000, the number of inhabitants was around 540.
Population Characteristics
In 1975, the village was quite modern and industrialised. It had a high number of telephones per capita, reflecting its connectedness and relatively high living standards.
In 2000, the community had aged, with fewer children visible and heard. Villagers remarked on a quieter, less vibrant atmosphere compared to 1975.
Economy and trades
In 1975, Skruv was an industrial hub in Sweden’s glass-blowing district. Its economy was supported by factories (glassworks, metalworks, and a cardboard factory), along with a brewery and a sawmill.
In 2000, industry, particularly small factories such as the glass and wood factories, remained central. Also, the role of tourism had increased as the glassworks offered services to visitors.
Soundscape Characteristics
In 1975, researchers described Skruv’s soundscape as harmonically rich, dominated by industrial sounds like hums and rumbles from factories. These sounds created a “folk music of the Electric Revolution” as one moved through the village.
In 2000, the glass factory sounds were replaced by the clinking of glass-recycling containers, reflecting Sweden’s environmental awareness. Overall, the soundscape became quieter, with fewer human voices and diminished liveliness.
Villagers’ Experiences
In 1975, the industrial sounds seemed to define Skruv’s identity as a progressive village. While the researchers noted a structured, harmonic quality to the soundscape, there was little information about villagers’ specific feelings toward the sounds.
In 2000, many expressed nostalgia for the sounds of children playing outdoors and the daily rhythms shaped by factory signals. Some found the newly installed bell tower’s sound to be harsh and intrusive.
