MENNONITE HISTORIAN

Published by the Mennonite Heritage Centre and the Centre for MB Studies in Canada Volume xx, No.2, Jwte, 1994

big eyes as they spotted the rifles. Michael had a conspicuously bandaged leg and crutches. Boris was engaged in unloading their loot. Peter kept a close eye on the scoun­ drels. In his mind they were suspect; their guns were not like those of the military. After evacuating their room the boys re­ turned to the bam. Even before the dinner bell pealed a shot resounded. Unexplainable, but since it was in the back yard the boys ignored it After a briefinterlude another shot close to the door leading into the house. They rushed to the bam door intending to enter the house when a voice, in German, alerted them not to leave the bam. They regretted not having taken their rifles to the bam. The Students and staff of the Deaf and Dumb School at liege, Molotschna (1913). Staff per­ Russian hired hands, some of whom had sons Include (back, I-r) Anna Brau(n), Anna Fast, Mr. H. Janzen, Mr. and Mrs. Froese been present during the first attack, were also (houseparents), Mr. J. Schroeder (treasurer), Mr. H. Peters and further to the right, Mr. cautioned: "Beware! Don't leave the bam!" Ab(ram) Unruh and Mr. W. Sudermann (extreme right further down). At the very back (1­ r) a former student working as shoemaker, and Henry Wall, who emigrated to Canada Peter and Jakob could hardly endure the and became a minister, as well as a teacher at CMBC in Winnipeg. Photo: Courtesy of suspense and uncertainty. They blamed Agathe Redekop, Abbotsford, BC (1984). Onkel Janzen for being so naive, for allow­ ing the scoundrels into the house. They did Peter, A Man of Stamina and Courage not spare him in their sharp criticism. Peter disregarded the fact that he was his uncle by A. E. Heidi Koop and called him anything that came to mind. "We're not done yet," Peter persisted. "Who This is an excerpt taken from a longer had plundered a business in Bejuk. As was knows what we'll be in for before the day is essay in a book-length manuscript. Peter the way of soldiers, the three did not inter­ over? And we are without weapons! Two Koop, the suhject of this artie/e, was born pret their thievery as stealing. Rather they shots have already been fIred. That's not very in Karassan, Crimea, Ukraine, and passed saw it as requisieren, (as their right to re­ reassuring. Who else would shoot on this away in Winnipeg on August 12, 1990. quest and make their own anything they estate, either we or these scoundrels?" They desired to possess). In actuality they were were unaware of the Selbstschutz surround­ It was a fabulous autumn evening in 1919 bandits pretending to be soldiers. ing the estate - that's where the shots had when a horse-drawn carriage with a coach­ After inquiring as to their intent, Junior originated. Peter continued: "Onkel Peter, do man and three passengers in uniform (re­ fleetingly perused their documents, acknowl­ you have any further excuses? If at least you ferred to here as Boris, Paul and Michael) edging them as valid. He then accepted these would have put them up in the workers' quar­ appeared on the estate of Peter Janzen, Pe­ strangers as legitimate White Army soldiers ters. Those quarters are only a few steps off ter's uncle, at Kitaj. "Fellows of the White and granted them permission to spend the the kitchen. The girls could easily have Army have come to spend the night," Junior night. After all, they were of "our" army, so waited on them there." declared quite naively. There was no reason all were safe. Jakob Huebner and Peter But blame and deliberation did not help for suspicion as far as he was concerned. backed off suspiciously: let them be soldiers the situation. They were perplexed. How But Peter was skeptical; too much baggage, of the White Army on vacation wanting to could they ever resolve the predicament? and had they not come from the train station stay the night and then move on the next Peter was convinced that had the episode in Bijuk-0nlar, 18 versts north of Kitaj? morning... They returned to their chores. the end turned out differently than it actu­ The coachman appeared agitated and Soon Peter and Jakob were ordered to va­ ally did, Onkel Janzen would not have spared frightened. Russians under such circum­ cate their rooms for the night in order to ac­ his nephew either. Junior, meanwhile, became stances tended to be fearful, while Germans, commodate the trio. As they were about to defensive, still insisting, "They are soldiers on the other hand, would have been inclined leave the room with some of their belong­ from the White Army, our protectors." to lash out. Unlike Junior, a son of Peter ings including their rifles, Paul and Michael Meanwhile the Selbstschutz was out to Janzen and overseer of the estate, the coach­ were already in the hall. Peter suspiciously get these scoundrels. After dropping off the man knew these guys were armed. He had took note of their eye movements as they trio, the man who had brought them in had been forced to transport them to Kitaj. He assessed the situation: fifteen doors - that left the estate. On his return trip he had met knew they were thieves. This was verified must ha ve been an unusual setup from a the Selbstschutz, alerted them to the prob- later on by a search of their baggage. They Russian's viewpoint. He also noticed their (conl'd on page 2) Page 2

Peter, A Man of Stamina and age, Peter, now courageous and unafraid, Courage bravely ordered Michael out of the building. (conJ'dfrompage 1) Michael hesitated, but Peter's voice esca­ lated in volume and intensity, while his fm­ tem, and directed them to Kitaj. ger was already positioned on the trigger. The fruit orchard in the western quadrant Michael raised his hands, turned and fled, of the estate was surrounded by a seven­ running right into the guard waiting for him foot wall. Though guards were placed all outside. around, this section was only sparsely The lamps were lit and he house was marmed. The guards had advanced right to searched. Wounded Paul was treated as care­ the workers' living quarters on the other side. fully as possible. Peter had the privilege of Here they had fired warning shots. unbinding Michael's bandaged leg while one According to military standards the of the guards looked on. It was a healthy leg Selbstschutz was well-organized and ready indeed. Not even a scratch could be de­ to do its duty. Orderly in their approach, with tected. adequate alIU1lunition on hand, they first ap­ Michael with his healthy leg and cany­ proached the bam housing three hundred ing his crutches, wounded Paul and dead sixty oxen from the south side. They soon Boris were loaded onto military vehicles and detected Boris in the back yard. Boris, be­ returned to Bejuk with all their belongings coming aware of the danger as he noticed including the rusted guns. Paul apparently the soldiers, bent forward and ran for his died enroute. life. But to no avail - the first shot downed Following an adventuresome year on his him. Uncle Peter Janzen's estate, Peter's exit in Paul meanwhile had stationed himself on Peter Koop as student In 1921. the spring of 1919 was all but uneventful. He the steps leading from the northwest corner was still only sixteen years old. The Red of the house into the garden, playing with Army was at the threshold of the Crimea. In his belt while chatting through the open door decision had to be made: Who should be May the Janzens were advised to "pack up with the maids in the kitchen. Coming around the first to enter the house? Two of the vil­ and leave the estate." Their belongings were the corner of the house, from the north, one lains must still be in the house. It seemed transported, under the direction of Junior, to of the Selbstschutz men detected him. A logical that the guards, unfamiliar with the Ekibash, a neighbouring town sixteen versts bullet penetrated deeply into Paul's thigh and layout of the building and hallways, remain northwest of Kitaj where the Janzens were up into his abdomen. This was the second outside. They would also not have recog­ well-known. shot Peter and Jakob had heard while in the nized family members. So who was ap­ A pair of the strongest horses was bam. Paul dragged himself on all fours pointed? The smallest one, Peter. Junior hitched to the covered wagon and Peter, through the kitchen and along the hall to his agreed, of course. Peter protested, insisting rather than the coachman, was given the re­ room, leaving a trail of blood behind. Then that since Junior had let the scoundrels into sponsibility oftaking Onkel Janzen, his wife, he collapsed. the house, he ought to be the first to enter. his daughter and daughter-in-law to Ekibash. Michael was pacing the hallway - his "I will not be the first," Peter objected force­ They chose to travel a roundabout way, paus­ crutches were nowhere in sight. Tante Janzen fully. However, he did consent to follow Jun­ ing at the Ekibash well, hoping to remain and her daughter-in-law were also there. See­ ior. Should there be a bullet, Junior ought to adequately concealed. Meeting some peo­ ing his wounded brother, Michael totally lost be the one to get it. ple at the well they heard stories about the his composure. In spite of the women's pro­ Forced to go, Junior finally entered the White Army's invasion of the town of tests he entered the room now housing house making his way through the veran­ Ekibash under the direction of General Jakob's and Peter's belongings - unfortu­ dah to the Garderobe. He met his wife and Wrangel. nately the door had been left unlocked. He mother in the dark hall discussing the situa­ They also saw some of the evidence of grabbed one of the guns with the colIU1lent tion. Peter could easily have slipped by un­ this attack. Once again Onkel Janzen was that he would protect the women. He disap­ noticed, yet as he entered the corridor he overcome with restlessness and worry. He peared into the dark Garderobe, a closet quivered in all his limbs. Inadvertently he decided to take the family into town and to where outer wear was hung and stored, and twisted and turned, and in doing so noticed get rid of all conspicuously dangerous pos­ parked himself in the corner by the door lead­ the silhouette of Michael in the corner. He sessions. Even Peter's reliable and last rifle, ing into a glass verandah which in turn led was armed. Lunging toward Michael, a fright­ a "Brownie," had to go. It was tossed into to the front door. ened and anxious Peter grabbed the gun, the well. (To be concluded) By this time dusk had changed to pitch twisted it out ofMichael's hand and ilIU1ledi­ darkness. Some of the guards met with Pe­ ately recognized his own weapon. It ap­ ter, Jakob and Junior to plan their strategy. peared Michael had not expected this turn Heidi Koop is a writer residing in Winni­ The happenings were briefly renewed and a of events. Albeit not yet sixteen years of peg, MB.

MENNONITE HISTORIAN is published by the Mennonite Heritage Centre of the Conference of Mennonites in Canada and the Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies (Winnipeg) of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches. Editors: Lawrence Klippenstein (MHCA) and Abe Dueck (CMBS). All correspondence and unpublished manuscripts should be sent to the editorial office at 600 Shaftesbury Blvd., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3P OM4 (Phone 204-888~781) or 1·169 Riverton Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R2L 2E5 (Phone 204~69~575). SUbscription rates: $8.00 per year. Individual subscriptions may be ordered from these addresses. Periodical number: ISSN 0700 8066. Page 3

GENEAI...OGY AND FAMILY msroRY Only after glasnost did Arkadi learn that his This book begins with a description of father had a Mennonite background. Arkadi the life of the earlier ancestors of this family. by A Redekopp If has emigrated to Germany and decided that Then it continues with a collection of the he too would like to be Mennonite. Contact: personal memories of the twenty-one chil­ QUERIES Harold Otto bei Schmidt, Prenzlauer Allee dren ofAbram Hanun. Some interesting fam­ 209, Germany orE-mail address: 100336,3575 ily photos are also included, such as that of Alexanderkrone: Can anyone send me compuserv. com. a grandson Viktor Hamm who has worked infonnation on this village in the Molotschna Weier: I would like information about the with Evangelist Billy Graham or Gerhard Colony? Contact: Brenda Dueck, 49 Arbour ancestors of Abram Weier and ? Schoenke, Hamm with US Astronaut Geneml Charles CliffCloseN.W., Calgary, AB T3G 3W5 the parents of Abmm Weier (1874-1943) of Duke. Contact: Gerhard Hamm, Lessingstr. Beier: I am looking for infonnation on Tiegerweide, Russia. He married Katharina II, 53913 Swisttal-Heimerzheim, Germany. Johann Beier m. Marie Ratzlaff. He lived in Klassen, the daughter of minister Dietrich Jacob W. and Hilda 1. Born, To be Born: Waldheim, MoIotschna and died in 1897. Klassen and Anna(?) Klein. Contact: Wl1ma Episodes in the Life ofthe Born Fllmily: Children: Helen BeierNickel, b. 25 Oct, 1852, Turner, 79 Glen Park Road, St. Catharines, Wilhelm Jucob Born: Jucob Wd/ia:m Born m. Jacob Nickel ~ Anna Beier Wiens, b. 6 Jan., ONL2N3GI. (Matsqui, B.C.: Imprint Press Publishers, 1954, m. Jacob Wiens; Susanna BeierKliewer, 1991)pb.,140pp. b. 3 Oct., 1857, m. Peter Kliewer; Katherine BOOK NOTES This book is a collection of experiences Beier Regier, b. 22 Nov., 1864, m. Cornelius from the life ofWllhelm 1. Born (1897-1969), Regier. Contact: Donovan Wall, Apt. 20 I, Bert Friesen, Faith-Love-Hope: and his eldest son, Jacob W. Born (1927 -) 4502-58th Ave., Brooklyn Centre, MN, 55429­ Schoenfeld-Ens (Winnipeg, MB: Dunvegan who lived in Alberta from 1927 till 1946 when 2931, USA. Publishing, 1994) hdc., 221 pp. they moved to B.C. Wilhelm 1. Born was born Friesen: I am looking for infonnation on This book traces the family history of in Herzenburg, Russia and married Katerina the family and ancestors of minister Franz John Schoenfeld (1931- ) and his wife Anne Dueckmann who was born in Alexandertal, Goerz 1820-190 I from Rudnerweide, Russia. Ens Schoenfeld (1935- ) of Winnipeg, Mani­ Russia. Jacob W. Born, co-author of this Contact: Wilma Turner, 79 Glen Park Road, toba. The book includes sections on the Ens, book, was born near Sedalia, Alberta, just St. Catharines, ON L2N 3GI. Schoenfeld, Lehn, Penner, Funk and Tessman six months after his parents arrived from Isaac, Dr. John: I am researching the families. The Lehn family ancestry traces Russia. Many photographs, both in colour themes of refugee escape routes and reset­ back to Christoph Lehn (1679-1771) of and Black and White, having been repro­ tlement of Russian Germans (also Menno­ Danzig. The Ens family traces back to Jakob duced using a colour photocopier, enhance nites) who were able to get to Harbin, China, Ens (1828-1905) who lived in Neuendorf, this publication. Contact: Jacob W. and Hilda 1929-1931. A Dr. John Isaac and his wife were Chortitza. The Funk family traces back to a Born, 21-3055 Trafalgar St., Abbotsford, BC able to help many to obtain immigrant per­ Heinrich Funk who flfst married Margaretha V2S4N3. mits to the USA. Does anyone have infor­ Klassen (1782-1813) and then married a mation about the Isaac family and their 3 Diana Loewen, Family History of Helena Barkman (1795-1827). The Penner children: Konstantin, Waldemar and Heinrich John Loewen (Calgary, AB: Pri­ family begins with Heinrich Penner (1802­ Margaret? Did any of them come to North vate publication, 1994) pb., 48 pp. 1843) who died in Schoenhorst, Russia. The America? Contact: Wilmer A. Harms, 2904-B This book traces the ancestors of Schoenfeld family begins with Franz Ivy Dr., North Newton, KS 67117, USA. Heinrich John Loewen (1906- ) back four Ferdinand Johan Schoenfeld who lived in Martens: Looking for the names of the generations (complete except in one case) Josephstal not far from Ekaterinoslav, parents ofDavid Martens b. 3 Feb., 1820, d. and sometimes five or six genemtions. It also Ukraine. The Tessman family traces back to 8 Aug., 1880, and married to Katharina gives family records, beginning with Loewen Nicholas Tessman (1897-1992). A compre­ Doerksen b. 2 Oct., 1820, d. 7 Dec., 1909. One and his wife Vern May Webster (1902-1970), hensive index at the end of this book makes of their children, Justina (Wall) was born II going as far back as the family tree shows. it easy to filld specific individuals. Nov., 1842 in Neuendorf, Chortitza Colony. Contact: Diana Loewen, Apt. 101, 2131 17th This book was produced using geneal­ David Martens homesteaded in Schoenfeld, St.SW, Calgary, AB T2T 4M5. ogy software currently being distributed by West Reserve, Manitoba. Contact: Queenie the Winnipeg Genealogy Committee of the Victor Goossen, ed., Fratl1. Froese (1825­ Martens, 4435 Cascade Drive, Vernon, BC Manitoba Mennonite Historical Society. 1913) and Anna Braun (18#-1908) Fam­ VIT8J7. Contact: Bert Friesen, 100 Dunvegan St., ily Register (Rosenort, MB: Prairie View Schellenberg: Can anybody provide in­ Witmipeg, MB R2K 2H I. Press, 1994) pb., 320 pp. fonnation about the Soviet-Mennonite au­ Here is a set of family registers of the de­ thor David Schellenberg? He was a success­ Gerhard Hamm and Bernhard Hamm, Eine scendants of Fmnz Froese and Arma Bmun ful writer in Soviet Union until Stalin cmcked Fami/ie mit aber 700 Kindern (Grofiwall­ to the present. Their people were among the down on intellectuals in 1935 and sent him stadt: Bibel-Mission, 1993) pb., 218 pp. 1870s emigrants to Canada. The infonnation to Siberia. Did any of his sisters or brothers The focus of this book is on one branch is organized into families and generations emigrate to Canada or the USA? His mother, of the Hamm family which tmces back to by a numbering system. There is also an in­ originally from Armenia, was a Gennan lan­ Martin Hamm born in 1690 in West Prussia. dex of names. A few clippings and reminis­ guage student in Moscow before she was This branch is that of Abram Hamm (1874­ cences are included. Contact: Prairie View deported to Siberia. His son, Arkadi Schel­ 1937) who first married Anna Hein (1877­ Press, Box 160, Rosenort, MB ROO IWO. lenberg, presently living in Germany, was 1907) in 1897 and then married Katharina seven years old in 1953 when his father died. Peters (1888- ) in 1908. The surviving de­ After David's death his mother moved to scendants of Abram Hamm numbered 702 in Send inquiries to Aif Redekopp, CMBS, the Georgian Republic with her two children. 1992 and hence the title of this book. 1-169 Riverton Ave., Winnipeg, MBR2L 2£5. Page 4

MENf\JOr!!M

Recent Acquisitions

1. Ten cartons ofcongregational records from Sterling Mennonite Fellowship, Winni­ peg, MB. Brought in by Pastor Norm Voth. 2. Forty LP recordings by Mennonite music groups. Included a set ofeight recordings, Liederschatz, by the Bethel Place (Winnipeg) Golden Brushes Club members who have mounted a paintings Mennonitischer Mannerchor of Winni­ exhibition at the Mennonite Heritage Centre for May - July. Bottom right: Neil Fehr (Loon Magic Gallery, Winkler, MB), instructor. Photo: Courtesy of Esther Peters, Winnipeg, peg. Courtesy ofAnne Schmidt, coordinator of the group. Nettie Rogalski, and John Friesen, all of Winnipeg, MB. 3. Einlage - The Village that Vanished by Catherina Martens-Berg nee Hildebr?ncl (1991), manuscript, pb., 50 pp. Court(.S'j ofGerhard Ens, Winnipeg, MB. 4. Photocopy ofthe 1565 editors of Rechenschaffetbuch von den Leer und Glallbens von den Bradern so man die Hlltterischen nent by P. Rydeman (Riedeman). 190pp. Courtesy of John Friesen, CMBC. 5. Materials from ConferenceofMennon­ ites in Manitoba. One carton papers plus three cartons books. Courtesy of John Wiebe and Alice Pound, CMM of­

fice. Jacob E. Friesen (left), Hague, Saskatchewan, received special recognition as a local 6. English translation ofDos verlorene Kind, historian at a meeting of the Mennonite Historical Society of Saskatchewan held on April done by Justina Funk. Courtesy of 29, 1994. Also on the photo are Dick Epp (centre), chairperson of MHSS and John Nickel, AdolfEns. CMBC. board member, making a presentation on behalf of Mennonite Heritage Centre. Photo: Courtesy of Frank Letkeman, Rosthern, SK. 7. Duplicates ofseveral thousand pages of fmanciaI and emigration records from Mennonites in Mexico. Courtesy ofBruce Wiebe, Wmlder, MB. 8. Negatives of 15 photos by Peter Rempel, Moscow. Related to research on his grandfather, the late Peter Petrovich Rempel. Courtesy ofMCC, Akron, PA, and Herb with Maureen Klassen, Abbotsford, BC. 9. Fifteen rolls ofmicrofilm ofDutch Men­ nonite materials found in theMennonite archives at Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Courtesy ofBethel College, N. Newton, KS, and John Friesen, CMBC. 10. A collection ofpapers and numerous Members of the CMM History Committee working on a history of the Conference of volumes from the library ofRev. Jacob Mennonites In Manitoba. Seated (I-r) Henry Loewen, general secretary, Gerhard Ens; Anna Ens, author; Betty Dyck; Lawrence Klippenstein, MHCA consultant. Standing (I-r) Toews ofWinnipeg, MB. Courtesy of Frank J. Neufeld, chairperson; Henry J. Gerbrandt; John Dyck, research assistant; Peter Dorothy Keizer, Winnipeg, MB. Rempel. Photo: Courtesy of Frank J. Neufeld, Winnipeg, MB. Page 5

Celebrating 50 Years of C Centre for MB Institutions M Mennonite B Brethren byAbe Dueck S Studies in Canada

This year and in the next several years a 1-169 Rivenoo Ave., WlnnJpeg, MD, Cao.tory. est Mennonite school in Canada. Top: The main building on the Virgil Bible Endnotes In 1945 several other MelIDonite Breth­ School campus. It had three classrooms ren high schools were founded. One was and a dining room In the basement. I The author wishes to acknowledge help Eden Christian College in Niagara-on-the­ Bottom: Sketch for a proposed new school received from a manuscript in preparation Lake, Ontario. 2 Another one was the Men­ bUilding. The school was located near the for the third volume of Mennonites in town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON. Photo: nonite Brethren Collegiate Institute in Will­ Canatkl by Ted Regehr. Courtesy of CMBS. nipeg, Manitoba. In fact, a high school cur­ 2 The school was initially operated as the High School Department ofthe Virgil Bi­ riculum was already being offered by the and 7-11 in 1947-48. Then it closed perma­ ble School. MelIDonite Brethren Bible College in 1944­ nently, a move caused by financial difficul­ 3 Mennonitische Lehreneitung (June 45, but a separate high school was seen as ties and the major flood in 1948. 3 1949):5. necessary. (A series of events as well as a In addition to the high schools which publication are being plarmed to celebrate were opened from 1944-46, the Mennonite the alIDiversary ofMBCI in 1994-95.) A third Brethren also launched another major edu­ high school was established in 1945 in cational institution in 1944. That was the Recent Acquisitions Yarrow, British Colwnbia and named Sharon MelIDonite Brethren Bible College, begun as MelIDonite Collegiate Institute. It closed an "advanced Bible school" in October, 1944. 1. One file entitled "Morija" containing the briefly in 1950 and then reopened at a new Mennonite Brethren communities had al­ research notes for the article with this ti­ location in Yarrow in 1951 where it operated ready established many Bible schools in the tle published in Sophia in 1993. Donated until 1970. previous decades, beginning with the by the author Dora Dueck, WlIUlipeg, MS. In 1946 another high school (predomi­ Herbert Bible School in 1913. Most of the 2. Thieleman lv.Braght, Der blutige Schau­ nantly ME) was established in Coaldale, Mennonite Brethren Bible schools were es­ platz. Mtirthyrer-Spiegel... (Elkhart, IN: Alber1a. It was named the Alber1a Mermon­ tablished in the late 1920s and in the 1930s, John F. Funk, 1870). Donated by Harold ite High School and continued to operate and only two in the 1940s (Black Creek in Jantz, Wumipeg, MS. until 1964. Also in 1946, a high school cur­ 1942 and East Chilliwack in 1947). The move 3. One video recording of the 1984 Canadian riculum was added to the Steinbach Bible toward advanced Bible training was not, Conference service celebrating the Que­ School (now Steinbach Bible College), a however, simply a vertical move; it was also bec Conference joining the Canadian MS school which was founded in 1931 and which a horizontal move toward a more broadly­ Conference. had significant Mermonite Brethren involve­ based education. The curriculwn of the Bi­ 4. Manitoba ME Conference records of the ment in its early years. ble College from the begilIDing included vari­ secretary (1988-1991) consisting of30 em It is interesting to note that it was mainly ous non-religious subjects in the social sci­ textual records. Donated by Fred Wiens, the Mennonite Brethren who established ences, hwnanities, music, etc. Therefore the Wmnipeg, MS. high schools in this period, although some motives for the establishment of high 5. Sixteen colour photographs (9x13cm) de­ were operated by societies which included schools were not always that far removed picting five MelIDonite Brethren congre­ members ofseveral denominations. Only two from the forces that led to the founding of gations in Germany among the recent im­ or three other MC1IDonite high schools were the Bible College. migrants from Russia. Donated by John begun in those years - the United Mennon­ Much work still needs to be done to in­ N. Klassen, Germany. ite Educational Institute in Leamington, On­ terpret the establishment of these schools, 6. One photocopy ofa map ofDurango Kolo­ tario (opened by Conference of Mennonites and to place these events in the larger con­ nie, Mexico. Donated by Gerhard Friesen, in Canada congregations in 1945), Rockway text of the Mennonite Brethren experience Wumipeg, MS. Mermonite School in Kitchener, Ontario in Canada. There were some obvious rea­ 7. Records of the Canadian ME Conference (opened by (Old) Mermonites (now Me) in sons for the different developments among minister 1980-1990 consisting of36 em 1945, and Menno High School in Sardis, Brit­ MelIDonite Brethren and other MelIDonites, textual records transferred from the Ca­ ish Columbia. The sponsorship of the latter but other factors may still need to be ex­ nadian Conference Offices. is not clear. It offered Grades 7-10 in 1946-47 plored. Page 6 Stories From the Past Workshop in Altona

by Elmer Heinrichs

Stories from the past: the founding of Altona 1875-1900, the Mennonite Collegiate Institute - a pioneer school, and pioneer health care on the West Reserve were dealt with at a Manitoba Mennonite Historical S0­ ciety local history committee workshop held at Altona, Manitoba on April 30. In opening comments, history committee chairman John Dyck welcomed participants from as far as Winnipeg and Steinbach suggesting it should be "an encouragement for the resto­ ration of family and community history." Longtime hospital administrator Otto Peter Hiebert, Steinbach and John Rempel, Altona (Halbstadtt examine rare document. at the Stories of the Past workshop held In Altona on April 30. We are sorry to have to Hamm (Morden) presented a paper on pio­ inform our readers that John passed away on May 20, 1994. He was co-author with Bill neer health care on the Mennonite West Re­ Harms of two important volumes dealing with homestead maps In the former East and serve, while Gerhard Ens (Winnipeg), for West Reserves and was deeply Involved In other historical activities as well. Photo: thirty-three years a student, faculty member Courtesy of Elmer Heinrichs, Altona, MB. and principal ofthe Gretna MCI, made a pres­ entation on "The MCl: A Pioneer School." some training, but most were self-taught." but name." Mennonite Heritage Centre director Law­ Mrs. 1. 1. Wall of Altona was one of the This early policy, in place from about 1891 rence Klippenstein traced the beginning of midwives who assisted at many births. Af­ to 1907, produced Mennonite teachers well­ Altona from the origin of Darp Aultneiv in ter their mother died in 1910 two Siemens' versed in English and German and deeply the late 1800s to the first decade of the adja­ sisters went into nurses' training and in 1915 Mennonite in conviction. These individuals cent town of Altona, now planning to cel­ established their own nursing home in later stepped into the district schools forced ebrate its centennial in 1995. Altona. This service continued till the mid­ on the Mennonites; they helped to keep Three key developments shaped the birth thirties. One of the first doctors in Altona, them Mennonite, said Ens. and early development of the town, said added Hamm, was a lady, Susan Isaak, who After World War I the MCI was a pioneer Klippenstein. These were the coming and practised here from 1895-1900. The frrst hos­ school again, this time pioneering in the con­ growth of the railways, the Mennonite mi­ pital in rural Manitoba was built in Morden servative sense, one of the primary bulwarks gration of 1874-1880, and Wmnipeg's in be­ by the Free Masons about the same time. of cultural conservatism, in particular the coming the capital of Manitoba and While Gretna has had doctors in their retention of German. Winnipegs "boom period." community since 1883, one of the first Men­ Elmer Heinrichs is a writer residing in Much of the eastern part of the Western nonite doctors, Dr. C. W. Wiebe, began a Altona, MB. Reserve, a second Mennonite reserve west practice in Winkler in 1925. Ten years later ofthe Red River nestled against the Canada­ he became a strong proponent of a hospital U.S. border, received Mennonites who ar­ to be ,built in Winkler. In Altona a hospital Events to Come rived there after first settling down north and opened in a renovated home in 1936, with a east of the Rat River, an area then known as new hospital dedicated in 1948, said Hamm. Anniversary - The Arnaud Mennonite the East Reserve. Ens informed the workshop participants Church will celebrate its 50th anniversary on The first flurry of building in the town that between 1891 and 1921 enrolment in the July 30-31. Registration will begin on Satur­ occwred in 1895. Soon three elevators stood Mennonite Educational Institute (after 1908, day at 2:00 p.m. An old-fashioned auction on its streets - Lake of the Woods, Ogilvie's the Mel) averaged 40, ranging from a low of sale will begin at 3:00 p.m Supper will follow. and a third by Peter and John Schwartz (sons I3 to almost 90 in 1915. Services will be held on Sunday morning and of Johann Schwartz of the village ofAltona.) The school was conceived and begun by evening. A history book will be available. Businesses flourished and in its frrst years progressive elements of West Reserve Men­ For further information call Art Kathler at Altona was basically "a service town for a nonites, many of whom had found a spir­ 427-2582 in Arnaud or Art Toews at (204) farming community. Blacksmiths, lumber itual haven in the Bergthaler Church. It pro­ 475-3615 in Wmnipeg. merchants and machinery dealers served at moted the use of English in Mennonite Reunion - A Klippenstein reunion will be least ten villages within a four-mile radius of schools, the common language of most peo­ held in Altona, Manitoba on Tuesday, July the town, with another ten villages located ple. "At the same time,· said Ens, "it sought 25, 1995. All relatives in the clan are invited. within a six-mile radius.· new ways of adapting and still perpetuating For further information call Ted Friesen at Hamm, a former administrator of hospi­ the Mennonite faith. Principal H. H. Ewert's 324-5018 in Altona or write to him atBox 720, tals at Altona and Morden, said in his talk policy produced Mennonite teachers well­ Altona, ME ROO OBO. that the early settlers "relied on chiropractors trained in English and Mennonite beliefs for Reunion - Otterbwne, ME. has been cho­ (trachtmaocka) and midwives, when avail­ district schools. Thus emerged a system of sen for a reunion by the Loeppkys of Strass­ able, for medical help. Some of these had publicly-supported schools, separate in all berg - dit Sied and jant Sied (both sides of Page 7

did much more than that. He gave us a sense of the drama of unfolding events, his own personal pride in the Mennonite accomplish­ ments, as well as the trawna associated with the decline and faU of the Mennonite com­ monwealth. The translators must be commended for making the book very readable. Seldom do questions about the nature of the transla­ tion emerge. Two relatively minor instances might be noted. In one case (pp.20-21) the German term Kaiser is translated "Emperor" and "Tsar" within the same quotation. The translation of Kirchenkonvent as "General Assembly" seems inappropriate, since it was more like a Council of Church Leaders (p. 76). Most of the pictures in the original vol­ A semlln at the Pembina Threshermen's Museum, Winkler, of the type built by early WIle are retained, while substitutions and ad­ Mennonite families in the East Reserve and West Reserve. The Mennonite Memorial ditions are made at other points. Questions Landing Site Association is erecting a park at the fork of the Rat and Red Rivers to recall the arrival of these Manitoba pioneers in the 1870s. Donations for this project may be might be raised about the omission of pic­ mailed to MMHS, 1-169 Riverton Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2L 2ES. They must be designated tures relating to the Great Trek (pp. 244-47). Landing Site Donation. Tax deductable receipts will be issued. Photo:Courtesy of Elmer The editorial footnotes make an excellent Heinrichs, Altona, MB. contribution. The translation also has a selected bibli­ the Red River) in 1995. The time for the reun­ to capture the essence of the entire Men­ ography and glossary. The Preface is really ion, to be held on the campus of Providence nonite experience in Russia. The book is much more than a usual preface. It is in fact College, has been moved forward one week "triumphalist" not only in its point of view a very excellent, albeit short, interpretive to the July 15-16 weekend. For further infor­ regarding the development of the Mennon­ essay which should be read very carefully mation contact Elmer Heinrichs, Box 1106, ite commonwealth in Russia, but also in its by every reader. Altona,MB ROGOBO,Ph. (204)324-5281. implicit understanding of Molotschna in the The Molotschna Settlement is a book Symposium - "Anabaptist Visions in the context ofMennonitism in Russia as a whole. that belongs on the shelf of anyone inter­ 20th Centwy: Ideas and Outcomes." The Although Goerz's primary interest may ested in the Russian Mennonite story. sessions will be held at Goshen College, have been in the religious and ec<;lesiastical Abe Dueck is Director of the Centrefor ME Goshen, Indiana from October 13-15, 1994. aspects of Mennonite life, he does provide Studies in Winnipeg, ME. Registration will be at 5:30 p.m. on Thurs­ a great deal of information on various other day, Oct. 13. For further information con­ facets of life, including education, agricul­ tact Dr. Albert Keim at (703) 432-4468 or ture, industry, and culture. His sources were MMHS Board Meets (703) 433-0543, or the Centre for MB Stud­ evidently quite limited, and he quotes sec­ ies, Wmnipeg, (204) 669-6575. ondary works like Friesen's extensively and The MMHS Board met on April 12 at uncritically. Much information also comes Grace Mennonite Church, Wmlder. The fol­ from his own personal experiences and the lowing positions were approved for 1994: Book Review personal accounts of others. Goerz was ob­ Executive - Bert Friesen (president), Richard Heinrich Goerz, The Molotschna S~lemenJ, viously someone who had mastered the art Thiessen (vice-president), Lawrence Trans. by Al Reimer and John B. Toews of story-telling, even though he could not Klippenstein (secretary), Alf Redekopp (Winnipeg: CMBC Publications and the have known what might be demanded of a (treasurer) and Adolf Ens (member at large); Manitoba Mennonite Historical Society, professional historian. One of his conclud­ Membership and Publicity - Richard 1993). pb., 252 pp. $18.00 CAN. ing statements is particularly revealing in this Thiessen (chair), AIf Redekopp and Bert respect (pp. 247-48): Friesen; Genealogy - Hans Werner (chair), Reviewed by Abe Dueck Again and again I reminded myselfthat Alf Redekopp, Evelyn Friesen, and Abe This volume is the fifth in the series of J was writing history - and history is, above Hoeppner; Research and Pub6cation • Abe translations of the Echo Verlag series. As all, a factual account, an objective presen­ Dueck (chair), Adolf Ens and Victor the translators state, Goetz's book fonns the tation ofwhat has happened. Doerksen; Local History and Memorials ­ centrepiece of the series and thus it makes a Fortunately for us, Goerz unconsciously Jolm Dyck (chair), Bruce Wiebe, EdFalk, Otto very valuable contribution to our under­ Hamm, Bill Harms, John Rempel and Abe standing of Russian Mennonitism. Loewen; Financeffreasurer- AIfRedekopp. Although the book focuses on the The Research and Publication committee Molotsclma Mennonite settlement, and thus reported that the next Echo Verlag publica­ is narrower in scope than a book like Peter tion by CMBC Publications will be the biog­ M. Friesens The MennoniJe Brotherhood raphy of Johann Comies. The Local History in Russia (1789-1910), the reader soon feels Committee reported that the Reinillnder that the Molotsclma experience is presumed (cont'd on page 8) PageS

BOOK REVIEWS The second part of the thesis consists of ace, "the history ofLow German and its rela­ biographies of seven lawyers of Mennonite tionship to the English language." The fact background who practised in Saskatchewan that this study is "interesting and enjoyable" Dick, Harold 1. Lawyers ofMennonite Back­ and Manitoba: Abraham Buhr (1880-1960), is an understatement when one realizes he ground in Western Camlda Before the Sec­ Henry Vogt (1886-1968), David Vogt (1900­ has given us a cultural, political and social ond World War. (Wmnipeg, MB: Legal Re­ 1979), Peter Hooge (1886-1963), John overview of medieval times stretching back search Institute of the University of Mani­ Everette Friesen (1895-1987), Erdmann to 500 A. D. and moving us to the present. toba, 1993), pb., 163 pp., $19.95 CAN. Friesen (1904-1969), and Elmer Abraham Each chapter deals with a particular pe­ Driedger (1914-1985). Five ofthese men were riod in Low German history: the Anglo-Saxon Reviewed by De/bert F. Plett interrelated: the Vogts were brothers and roots, the Middle Low German period, the In the words of the author this work Henry Vogt was married to Buhr's sister. The era of the Hansa trading centres governed "examinees) two cultures as they existed in two Friesens were father and son. by the Teutonic Order of Knights, and the Western Canada during the period between Four of these men had quite distinguished modem Low German period from about 1850. 1870 and 1940, ...the Mennonites and the le­ legal careers. Buhr had a successful law prac­ In good academic fashion, each chapter gal profession." This study was completed tice in Morse, Saskatchewan. Hooge prac­ is summarized and completed by extensive as part of a Master's Thesis at the Faculty of tised in Rosthern, Saskatchewan, where he endnotes. Six maps and two schematics en­ Law, University of Manitoba, under the aus­ served a term as the local MLA. In 1948 he hance the clarity of a rather complex subject pices of Professor Alvin Esau. was appointed a provincial judge. John E. by showing regions of Low German culture The thesis is divided into two parts. The Friesen practised in Swift Current, Saskatch­ and Germanic language groupings. Speech first part is intended to provide a theoretical ewan, serving as mayor ofthe city from 1953­ characteristics and dialectical differences are and historical background to the study. I will 54. He was appointed to the Federal Bench dealt with thoroughly, including four and restrict myself to two comments on this sec­ in 1957 and Queen's Counsel in 197\. one-half pages of words in English, Low tion. Driedger practised in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, German and Plautdietsch which are identi­ Firstly, the author has not referred to the and was appointed King's Counsel in 1949. calor similar. new source materials which have recently He became Deputy Attorney-General of Epp's impassioned plea is that we need been published regarding Kanadier Men­ Canada in 1960. to study and promulgate Plautdietsch in nonites, for example, the publications of the The seven men were all 1870s Mennonite North America just as scholastic and liter­ Hanover Steinbach Historical Society and immigrants to Manitoba or their descend­ ary activities in Low German are widespread the studies by Dr. Royden K. Loewen. Had ants. Buhr and the Friesens were from in Germany as well as at the University of Mr. Dick looked at Profile ofthe Kleine Bergthaler background and the Vogts and Groningen in The Netherlands. Gemeinde 1874 (1987, pp.61 and 68), he Driedger were from Altkolonier or Chortitza Mennonites have already carried this oral would have found some of the earlier Rus­ Colony background. Hooge was born in the culture across continents making it a crea­ sian history of Wilhelm Vogt (b. 1842), the Molotschna settlement but had moved to tive, expressive and adaptable dialect widely father of two of the lawyers later referred to the Old Colony prior to the immigration. The used by creative, expressive and adaptable in the study. Kleine Gemeinde, the smallest of the three people. Secondly, Dick has chosen to beg the denominations to settle in Manitoba during Ken Braun is a farmer who resides near question in the opening quotation. To un­ the I870s, and the RufJltinder, i. e. Mennon­ Altona, MB. derstand the relationship between Mennon­ ites who came to Canada during the 1920s, ites and the legal profession, it must be rec­ were not represented in this group. ognized that the Ukrainian Mennonites who Dick has brought forth some interesting MMHS Board Meets came to Canada had an awareness of a legal observations regarding these men. None of (cont'djrom page 7) system that was probably more sophisticated the seven were formally associated with the and equitable than that of their host society. Mennonite church. Six of them attended the Gemeinde Buch is now in the final proof­ Many individuals were involved in lawyer­ Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Gretna and reading stage and will go to the printer in the related activities such as the Waisenamt, and four had parents who were active support­ next few months. They also reported that the BrandtJItester who ran large institutions ers of the school. the West Reserve Settlement Register of complete with legal machinery to handle es­ Delbert F Plett, Q. c., is a lawyer and au­ 1880 has been entered on the computer as tates and fire insurance claims. Also, there thor residing in Steinbach, MB. well. Additional information is being com­ were a nwnber ofnotary publics, such as my piled for each family in the register. This great-great uncle Abraham S. Friesen (1848­ document is expected to be ready for print­ 1917) in Steinbach, who were active convey­ ing in 1995. ancers and estate attorneys. Epp, Reuben. The Story ofLow German and In other news, the society has agreed to The impact which Mennonites have had PlauJdietsch. Tracing a Language Across be a participant in the Jewish-Mennonite­ on the legal system and culture of Manitoba the Globe. (Hillsboro, KS: The Reader's Ukrainian Conference planned for late Au­ and the other western provinces during the Press, 1993) pb., 130 pp., $12.95 US. gust, 1995. It has appointed Bert Friesen and years of the study would only come to light Reviewed by Ken A. Braun Lawrence Klippenstein to represent MMHS from a study of these individuals and insti­ on the Conference Steering Conunittee. A tutions. Mr. Dick has chosen to study only For those readers who know Reuben Epp vote of thanks was given to Peter H. Rempel those individuals actually practising law as through his recordings of short stories and for serving on that committee up to now. The lawyers thereby restricting the same to indi­ anecdotes in Plautdietsch, here is Reuben next board meeting is scheduled for October viduals who were no longer part of the criti­ Epp the scholar, the linguist and the pioneer II at the Mennonite Heritage Centre in Wm­ cal mass of their own communities. who has researched, as he states in his pref- mpeg.