A Visit to Canada
Portland, Oregon, July 20, 1928
My dear readers, Anyone who has now read my uncle Georg Miller's report of October 14, 1927 will have seen that this report indicated that I should report more closely on the relationship of the second German congregational congregation, with regard to the progress of this congregation since Election of a new pastor. But since my uncle wrote the good things about the main factor, I would have had no choice but to touch on the downsides, which I didn't think was good.
For a long time we have longed to make a trip to Canada, about which we had heard so much and where so many of our friends from the old country have settled there. Advice comes with time, so that on June 10th, our longing was fulfilled by starting the journey. My wife, Heinrich Miller, and I left together. When we got to Seattle to the Immigration Bureau, where we met a real lawman, who acted exactly according to his regulations and gave no room for mercy, who, looking through our papers, discovered that Heinrich Miller was not an American citizen and consequently no entry permit allowed. My wife, who is also a non-citizen, was able to go with me after the necessary bonds or security deposit were provided. We tried everything we could to persuade the man, but all the good words were in vain, and I would have loved it if a number of those from Portland had been here who could have made things better by supplying their legal wisdom. On the evening of June 11th we continued our journey by ship from Seattle to Vancouver. In Vancouver we had no problems with the customs office, although we took a lot of things from Portland for our Canadian friends. On June 12th we resumed our journey to Calgary, and in the evening of the same day we sent a telegram to Peter Spady, to whom we wished to pay the first visit. When we arrived in Calgary, Frau Spady and Heinrich Weitzel were waiting for us in their car and took us home.
Since we only wanted to stay in Calgary for one day, we had to stay with Heinrich Weitzel for dinner; he is also a Norker and so we felt at home immediately and we enjoyed it. His wife is an excellent cook and has done the best under the circumstances. And I don't have to forget to mention that we also had good beer to drink. After dinner we went to Spady's house and spent the night and part of the next day there. Several Norker families live there, who also visited us immediately and they were sorry that we had to move on so quickly. Peter Spady, who works as a cement worker for the city, is making good money and I could see no need on their part. They are both content and happy to be away from Russia.
On June 14th we continued our journey to Stony Plain. When we got to Edmonton I telegraphed Georg Weber that we would be in Stony Plain in three hours. When we arrived at the station in Stony Plain, I found our telegram still lying there. Since Georg Weber now lives about four miles from the city in the country and it was now midnight, I telephoned him through his father and after half an hour George Weber and his father-in-law Lowrenz came and picked us up by car. Immediately after arrival and greeting, Lawrence asked for his brother Heinrich, who, as previously stated, was not admitted. Of course, Lowrenz's sad feelings didn't stay away. Now when we arrived at Georg Weber's home, everything was lit up and animated. But as we ourselves were very tired from the journey, we soon went to bed. Early in the morning Lowrenz had brought the news to Conrad Miller, who lives half a mile away, and when I got up I saw Conrad Miller come running in a hurry. And I can tell you, after a period of 16 years, there was a very happy and lively reunion. We chatted a little and ate our breakfast. Then we went to see Conrad Miller, inspected his farm, his livestock, and became acquainted with his family. Even though he's only been away from Russia for three years, I have to say that I found him to be a hard-working farmer who did his job well. Although our compatriots also gave him help, I could see that he also appreciated it. As we know, there are many people who don't have the understanding to correctly accept temporary help. We stayed with Conrad Miller and Georg Weber for a week. During this time, Conrad Miller and I often sat together until 2 a.m. and talked about our old homeland.
On June 20th we went by train from here to Vegreville, where we arrived after seven hours. We had already phoned Heinrich Albrecht and when we got to the train station, Heinrich Albrecht was there with his new car to pick us up. When we arrived at our niece Margaretha's, the children were very excited about the arrival of their uncle and aunt, whom they had been expecting for a long time. On the evening of the same day, Ludwig Knies came with his wife, who had also just bought a new car. Ludwig Knies represents the McCormick Farm Machinery Agency. We all chatted a bit about Portland, after which I mentioned that our intention was to be in Castor the following Sunday, June 24th.
With a few words, Heinrich Albrecht and Ludwig Knies made the preparations and work that they would drive us to Castor by car at 4 a.m. on Sunday morning, so that we would be there at around 8 a.m. But after we had driven about 80 miles, the roads became so bad due to the heavy rain that we doubted whether we would really make it. But it all went ahead and just as the church service started, we arrived and stepped from the car into the church. We sat down and looked around afterwards, but at first it seemed like they were all strangers. After the service was over, the greeting followed, and I could hear that as soon as someone identified themselves, they were from Norka. I finally asked the question: "Is there anyone here who isn't from Norka?" And I got the answer: "No!" So you can see I found a whole congregation from Norka. At the same time a woman came from the side, called me by my name and said: "Ludwig, you once knew me!" I stood and looked at the woman, trying to remember her from the past, but I couldn't. My wife, who was already acquainted with her, said to me: "That was our old neighbor in Norka." I threw my thoughts back to Norka, but couldn't picture them. And who do you think she was? She was Emilia Staertz, who is now married to Johannes Schnell and raised by her uncle Johannes Klaus.
We were invited to lunch by Conrad Weber, Georg Helzer and Heinrich Weitzel. But now Emilia Schnell also came, who now counted herself as a former neighbor and should under no circumstances be ignored. I then said we would split the army into two parts - my wife would go with Emilia Schnell and I would go with Conrad Weber. When I sat down in Conrad Weber's two-horse carriage, Georg Helzer and Heinrich Weitzel followed with their carriage and we all went to Conrad Weber's for lunch together. When we all arrived, Conrad Weber's two daughters were a bit surprised. But I assured them right away that everything that was presented to us would be good enough. After the meal I was also able to see Heinrich Spady with his family. We all talked and after three hours Georg Helzer drove me to Johannes Schnell, where my wife was. I want to say that if Conrad Weber gets a good harvest from his big sowing, which was looking very good at the moment, the pain of Russia would be healed very soon. When we got to the Schnells, the table was again beautifully set and we were forced to take part in the good meal. After the meal we had to say goodbye again. We sat behind Georg Helzer's two-horse carriage and drove to his place so that we could see his home and his cattle. Georg Helzer has not yet received the right amount of help and has suffered a loss with the cattle, but I could see that he was satisfied with all of this. From there we went to Johannes Spady’s, where, as we all know, things are going well and where we were invited to dinner again. After a short conversation, Georg Helzer drove us to Philip Schnell. When we got there I found a host, rich in land and rich in children. After a short chat we got in the car and happily headed back across the road to Vegreville and I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of those who gave us such a warm welcome and invite you all to come to Portland to be able to return them all the best, because we had a nice time among the many dear friends and acquaintances. We got to Vegreville at 12pm. In the morning we got up and now it was said that the uncle had to work because Heinrich Albrecht had sold a wagon of wheat and had to drive it to the freight station in the city. I learned right away how wheat is transported in Canada.
After a week we had to go back to Edmonton, from where Georg Weber picked us up, showed us the beautiful city and otherwise showed us all kinds of hospitality. I don't want to forget to mention Frau Weber, who spared neither effort nor work to make our stay comfortable. After arriving at George Weber's, we received an invitation from Adam Wolf, who used to be my father's servant, to appear as his guest the next evening. Now when we came and saw his circumstances and how the table was laid, I could see that he was no longer a servant but a master.
On Saturday evening, June 30th, several relatives of Johannes Weber got together and you can be sure that everything possible was there to nourish your body, and a good glass of beer was not missing either. At 10:30 that evening, my wife and Conrad Miller took the train to Mewassen. When we arrived Peter Hinkel his son was there and took us to his home where we stayed and had a nice rest. Peter Hinkel's wife is not in the best health as she should be on the farm; but she did everything to entertain us well. After breakfast we went to church. When we got there, we saw Adam Hohnstein and his wife, my wife's half-sister. We also met Adam Schnell, Johannes Hinkel and several others. After the service we drove to Adam Schnell's. When I turned around during the drive, I saw that the whole congregation was following us. I then asked where the people were all eating and got the answer not to worry because it was taken care of. When we arrived at the Schnells, I also met my old cousin Christina Schnell. Then I said: "No wonder - because she once cooked for half of Norka." Although there were many, I can tell you that nobody went hungry, because Adam Schnell and his good wife, with the old mother, had taken care of everyone. Conrad Miller's wife, Georg Weber and his wife also came to this gathering. We had a very good night's sleep and in the morning we went back to Stony Plain, where we started our return journey to Portland after a two-day stay at Georg Weber's.
Overall we liked it very much in Canada and we experienced a warm reunion. Our people have already worked their way into prosperity and lead a quiet, industrious and peaceful life. The fields were in such blessed growth that it was a pleasure to behold them. I hope that we will be able to make such a nice trip to Canada again. Well, all you dear friends, acquaintances, compatriots, Norkers, etc., if I haven't mentioned anything then don't be mad at me, for I've tried my best and I'm not a writer.
With best regards, farewell everyone.
Signed kindly, Ludwig Miller
For a long time we have longed to make a trip to Canada, about which we had heard so much and where so many of our friends from the old country have settled there. Advice comes with time, so that on June 10th, our longing was fulfilled by starting the journey. My wife, Heinrich Miller, and I left together. When we got to Seattle to the Immigration Bureau, where we met a real lawman, who acted exactly according to his regulations and gave no room for mercy, who, looking through our papers, discovered that Heinrich Miller was not an American citizen and consequently no entry permit allowed. My wife, who is also a non-citizen, was able to go with me after the necessary bonds or security deposit were provided. We tried everything we could to persuade the man, but all the good words were in vain, and I would have loved it if a number of those from Portland had been here who could have made things better by supplying their legal wisdom. On the evening of June 11th we continued our journey by ship from Seattle to Vancouver. In Vancouver we had no problems with the customs office, although we took a lot of things from Portland for our Canadian friends. On June 12th we resumed our journey to Calgary, and in the evening of the same day we sent a telegram to Peter Spady, to whom we wished to pay the first visit. When we arrived in Calgary, Frau Spady and Heinrich Weitzel were waiting for us in their car and took us home.
Since we only wanted to stay in Calgary for one day, we had to stay with Heinrich Weitzel for dinner; he is also a Norker and so we felt at home immediately and we enjoyed it. His wife is an excellent cook and has done the best under the circumstances. And I don't have to forget to mention that we also had good beer to drink. After dinner we went to Spady's house and spent the night and part of the next day there. Several Norker families live there, who also visited us immediately and they were sorry that we had to move on so quickly. Peter Spady, who works as a cement worker for the city, is making good money and I could see no need on their part. They are both content and happy to be away from Russia.
On June 14th we continued our journey to Stony Plain. When we got to Edmonton I telegraphed Georg Weber that we would be in Stony Plain in three hours. When we arrived at the station in Stony Plain, I found our telegram still lying there. Since Georg Weber now lives about four miles from the city in the country and it was now midnight, I telephoned him through his father and after half an hour George Weber and his father-in-law Lowrenz came and picked us up by car. Immediately after arrival and greeting, Lawrence asked for his brother Heinrich, who, as previously stated, was not admitted. Of course, Lowrenz's sad feelings didn't stay away. Now when we arrived at Georg Weber's home, everything was lit up and animated. But as we ourselves were very tired from the journey, we soon went to bed. Early in the morning Lowrenz had brought the news to Conrad Miller, who lives half a mile away, and when I got up I saw Conrad Miller come running in a hurry. And I can tell you, after a period of 16 years, there was a very happy and lively reunion. We chatted a little and ate our breakfast. Then we went to see Conrad Miller, inspected his farm, his livestock, and became acquainted with his family. Even though he's only been away from Russia for three years, I have to say that I found him to be a hard-working farmer who did his job well. Although our compatriots also gave him help, I could see that he also appreciated it. As we know, there are many people who don't have the understanding to correctly accept temporary help. We stayed with Conrad Miller and Georg Weber for a week. During this time, Conrad Miller and I often sat together until 2 a.m. and talked about our old homeland.
On June 20th we went by train from here to Vegreville, where we arrived after seven hours. We had already phoned Heinrich Albrecht and when we got to the train station, Heinrich Albrecht was there with his new car to pick us up. When we arrived at our niece Margaretha's, the children were very excited about the arrival of their uncle and aunt, whom they had been expecting for a long time. On the evening of the same day, Ludwig Knies came with his wife, who had also just bought a new car. Ludwig Knies represents the McCormick Farm Machinery Agency. We all chatted a bit about Portland, after which I mentioned that our intention was to be in Castor the following Sunday, June 24th.
With a few words, Heinrich Albrecht and Ludwig Knies made the preparations and work that they would drive us to Castor by car at 4 a.m. on Sunday morning, so that we would be there at around 8 a.m. But after we had driven about 80 miles, the roads became so bad due to the heavy rain that we doubted whether we would really make it. But it all went ahead and just as the church service started, we arrived and stepped from the car into the church. We sat down and looked around afterwards, but at first it seemed like they were all strangers. After the service was over, the greeting followed, and I could hear that as soon as someone identified themselves, they were from Norka. I finally asked the question: "Is there anyone here who isn't from Norka?" And I got the answer: "No!" So you can see I found a whole congregation from Norka. At the same time a woman came from the side, called me by my name and said: "Ludwig, you once knew me!" I stood and looked at the woman, trying to remember her from the past, but I couldn't. My wife, who was already acquainted with her, said to me: "That was our old neighbor in Norka." I threw my thoughts back to Norka, but couldn't picture them. And who do you think she was? She was Emilia Staertz, who is now married to Johannes Schnell and raised by her uncle Johannes Klaus.
We were invited to lunch by Conrad Weber, Georg Helzer and Heinrich Weitzel. But now Emilia Schnell also came, who now counted herself as a former neighbor and should under no circumstances be ignored. I then said we would split the army into two parts - my wife would go with Emilia Schnell and I would go with Conrad Weber. When I sat down in Conrad Weber's two-horse carriage, Georg Helzer and Heinrich Weitzel followed with their carriage and we all went to Conrad Weber's for lunch together. When we all arrived, Conrad Weber's two daughters were a bit surprised. But I assured them right away that everything that was presented to us would be good enough. After the meal I was also able to see Heinrich Spady with his family. We all talked and after three hours Georg Helzer drove me to Johannes Schnell, where my wife was. I want to say that if Conrad Weber gets a good harvest from his big sowing, which was looking very good at the moment, the pain of Russia would be healed very soon. When we got to the Schnells, the table was again beautifully set and we were forced to take part in the good meal. After the meal we had to say goodbye again. We sat behind Georg Helzer's two-horse carriage and drove to his place so that we could see his home and his cattle. Georg Helzer has not yet received the right amount of help and has suffered a loss with the cattle, but I could see that he was satisfied with all of this. From there we went to Johannes Spady’s, where, as we all know, things are going well and where we were invited to dinner again. After a short conversation, Georg Helzer drove us to Philip Schnell. When we got there I found a host, rich in land and rich in children. After a short chat we got in the car and happily headed back across the road to Vegreville and I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of those who gave us such a warm welcome and invite you all to come to Portland to be able to return them all the best, because we had a nice time among the many dear friends and acquaintances. We got to Vegreville at 12pm. In the morning we got up and now it was said that the uncle had to work because Heinrich Albrecht had sold a wagon of wheat and had to drive it to the freight station in the city. I learned right away how wheat is transported in Canada.
After a week we had to go back to Edmonton, from where Georg Weber picked us up, showed us the beautiful city and otherwise showed us all kinds of hospitality. I don't want to forget to mention Frau Weber, who spared neither effort nor work to make our stay comfortable. After arriving at George Weber's, we received an invitation from Adam Wolf, who used to be my father's servant, to appear as his guest the next evening. Now when we came and saw his circumstances and how the table was laid, I could see that he was no longer a servant but a master.
On Saturday evening, June 30th, several relatives of Johannes Weber got together and you can be sure that everything possible was there to nourish your body, and a good glass of beer was not missing either. At 10:30 that evening, my wife and Conrad Miller took the train to Mewassen. When we arrived Peter Hinkel his son was there and took us to his home where we stayed and had a nice rest. Peter Hinkel's wife is not in the best health as she should be on the farm; but she did everything to entertain us well. After breakfast we went to church. When we got there, we saw Adam Hohnstein and his wife, my wife's half-sister. We also met Adam Schnell, Johannes Hinkel and several others. After the service we drove to Adam Schnell's. When I turned around during the drive, I saw that the whole congregation was following us. I then asked where the people were all eating and got the answer not to worry because it was taken care of. When we arrived at the Schnells, I also met my old cousin Christina Schnell. Then I said: "No wonder - because she once cooked for half of Norka." Although there were many, I can tell you that nobody went hungry, because Adam Schnell and his good wife, with the old mother, had taken care of everyone. Conrad Miller's wife, Georg Weber and his wife also came to this gathering. We had a very good night's sleep and in the morning we went back to Stony Plain, where we started our return journey to Portland after a two-day stay at Georg Weber's.
Overall we liked it very much in Canada and we experienced a warm reunion. Our people have already worked their way into prosperity and lead a quiet, industrious and peaceful life. The fields were in such blessed growth that it was a pleasure to behold them. I hope that we will be able to make such a nice trip to Canada again. Well, all you dear friends, acquaintances, compatriots, Norkers, etc., if I haven't mentioned anything then don't be mad at me, for I've tried my best and I'm not a writer.
With best regards, farewell everyone.
Signed kindly, Ludwig Miller
Sources
Die Welt-Post und der Staats-Anzeiger, August 2, 1928, page 2.
This translation is provided courtesy of Michelle Monson.
This translation is provided courtesy of Michelle Monson.
Last updated November 25, 2023