Preservings 11 (1997) - Plett Foundation

The name change of the KG von Riesens
has been attributed to their wish not to be associated
with nobility, which the “von” implied
in Prussia and Russia. Actually A. v. Riesen
Sr. and son Peter never changed their name.
Some of Peter’s descendants who settled in
Beatrice, Nebraska, use the name “von Riesen”
to the present day.
Regarding the “morgen” of land, I used the
data of 40 acres per morgen as provided on the
list of Mennonite land holdings in Prussia, on
the internet, MMHS website.
Unfortunately we all make mistakes. Although
never excusable, it is part of the research
and development process which must occur. If
we cite sources others can correct our errors
and take up the research where we left off.
Thank-you for taking the time to draw these
matters to my attention.
_______
Hilda Handziuk
782 Union Ave E
Winnipeg, R2L 1A6
August 1,1997
Dear Sir:
I just had the opportunity to read one of your
issues of Preservings and was really impressed
and found it of great interest, especially some
of the people I knew.
I do not know if anyone can subscribe and
become a member? But since my heritage is of
Mennonite background, I myself was still born
in the Ukraine and immigrated to Canada with
my parents and grandparents, so sure hope I
can.
I would like to become a member and am
sending you $__.00: $10.00 membership fee
and $__.00 donation.
If there is any information you can send me
and also a receipt, I would be very grateful.
Sincerely “Hilda Handziuk”
______
255 Wakina Drive
Edmonton, Alberta
T5T 2X6
August 6,1997
Dear Editor;
Many thanks for taking the time to see my
sister from Seattle and I, in June with our
brother Bob Brandt. We value your insights and
appreciate the tremendous work you have done,
researching and documenting our common heritage.
I came home and within a few days read
the “Blumenort” book (Loewen)—over 600
pages of impressive pages....
It was a fascinating read, along with copies
of Preservings for a non-Mennonite such as I
who am descended from them. (I grew up with
my mother’s people—English.)
My sister received another Preservings,
however, I have received no acknowledgement
of membership. Am saddened that you annual
meetings are held during the winter as I might
otherwise come.
The contribution of the people in your area
No. 11, December, 1997
News News from from the the Editor
Editor
The Genealogy and Family History Committee
of the Manitoba Mennonite Historical
Society has announced the winners of the
“Henry E. Plett Memorial Award” for 1997. The
award is given annually to two Manitoba high
school students for research and documentation
of a Mennonite Family History.
First prize was awarded to Pamela Plett of
the Steinbach Christian High School and presented
at the June 23, 1997, school graduation
service. Pamela received the first prize of
Pamela Plett, photo courtesy of The Messenger, August
20, 1997.
$250.00 for her research and article on, “My
Family History: from Abraham Klassen to
Pamela Plett”.
Mark Schaan, a recent graduate of Westgate
to Canadian life is outstanding and I congratulate
you on your effort to record it.
Sincerely “Pat Walker”
______
Hanover Steinbach Historical Society,
Sept 25,1997
Greetings;
To whom it may concern:
In reading through the September issue of
“Voice” magazine, I found this article taken
from the newsletter which you publish. I would
appreciate so much a copy of the June 1997
issue telling the stories of women involved in
the first migration from Russia to Canada in
the 1870s.
When will someone write the history on the
group who went from Canada to Mexico? I am
eagerly waiting to learn more of that migration.
I know that some have returned to Canada
and elsewhere, because I have met a few of
them—especially the young ones need to know
17
H.E. Plett Awards
Mennonite Collegiate, Winnipeg, was the winner
of the second prize. Schaan was one of several
Westgate students who chose to research
their family history to fulfil an assignment for
their course in Mennonite history.
The “Henry E. Plett Memorial Awards”
were established by the Manitoba Mennonite
Historical Society Inc. to encourage and stimulate
the interest of high school students in their
ethno-cultural and religious heritage.
Mark Schaan, 1997. Mark is the first student from
Westgate Mennonite Collegiate to receive an award
and, hopefully, not the last. Photo courtesy of Janis
Thiessen, Mark’s history teacher.
continued on next page
more about this part of their background. Two
of my own grandsons are marrying girls from
that group.
I have always been keenly interested in cultural
history, how people lived and why and
how they managed their lives. I was born and
raised in a large family in a Mennonite home
having Swiss and English-Irish ancestors, who
came to the Eastern U.S. instead of Canada or
Paraguay. I have always felt a sort of compassion
for the group that went to Mexico. Their
best reasons did not always materialize.
My brother Ivan Headings and his wife
Louise, lived in Steinbach for many years. It is
still home to Louise and her son Roger—my
brother passed away some years ago. Thanks
so much for your help and consideration. In
anticipation—
Mrs. C. Buerge
6501 Springhill Dr. N.W.
Albany, Oregon, 97321