This photograph shows a long log hauled on two 2-wheeled carts pulled by oxen on a road in the Azov Forestry Camp in Russia. A group of 5 men, or more, are supervising. This photograph can also be found in Mennonite Alternative Service in Russia by Lawrence Klippenstein and Jacob Dick on page 56.0
This photograph shows a fairly large group of men possibly on the grounds of the Azov Forestry Camp in Russia. There are 5 rows, possibly including the Head Forester, seated in the middle row, third from left. Abram Dick is at the top left corner of this picture and Jacob Tiessen on the far right. This picture also appears in the book Mennonite Alternative Service in Russia by Lawrence Klippenstein and Jacob Dick, on pages 136 and 151. There is a larger copy of this photograph in this collection numbered 686-183.
This photograph shows a long train making its way to Alexandropol along the mountainside on the shores of the sea. The train has been prepared for the transportation of the wounded. There is a Russian note on the reverse of the photograph possibly written by Abram Dick"Dear Family and Relatives, I am sending you a postcard of our train taken by me on the way from Tiflis to Alexandropol in the high mountains near a smelting factory. It is a beautiful area. I am, thank God, alive and well, which I wish you as well. There is nothing new to report. Best wishes to you, your loving son. Goodbye. I have not received a letter after No. 1." This picture also appears in the book Mennonite Alternative Service in Russia by Lawrence Klippenstein and Jacob Dick, on page 78.
This photograph shows a long Medical Service train being disinfected with a pipe attached to each car, as described by the German note written on the reverse of the photograph. "This is a picture of the disinfection operation. Alongside the train you see a pipe, and from this main pipe smaller pipes extend upward to enter each car through the windows. The main pipe is connected to a generator from which it is directed into the cars. Eight cars are disinfected at a time. It takes about twenty minutes. The temperature forced into the cars ia about 60 degrees. The insects all perish." This picture also appears in the book Mennonite Alternative Service in Russia by Lawrence Klippenstein and Jacob Dick, on page 80 where it is identified as Medical Train No. 208 at Baku. This is the same photograph as number 686-85.
This photograph shows 3 men in Alternative Service uniforms holding a stick with fresh game on the end over a smoky bonfire. Further to the right a man with an apron, holding a little girl in his arm, is watching the procedure. Another man in uniform is watching from the doorway of a shed behind him. This photograph can also be found in the book by Lawrence Klippenstein and Jacob Dick, Mennonite Alternative Service in Russia on page 137.
This is a portrait of David Thiessen in the uniform of the Alternative Service men in Russia. He is seated on a rock, holding a book in his left hand. This photograph can also be found in the book by Lawrence Klippenstein and Jacob Dick, Mennonite Alternative Service in Russia on page 138.
This is a photograph of the countryside in Russia, probably near the a forestry camp, showing a wide dirt road with bare trees. There is a larger building at the bottom of the road and a small cottage on the right slope. The background is treed with some open fields.
This photograph seems to show five men in Alternative Service uniforms sitting around a table with arms folded, but it is in fact one who sat in five different locations. This was a unique form of photography chosen by a number of Mennonite service men. The translation of the German note on the reverse of the photograph: Dear Brother. Wishing you the best of health, that I, with thanks and praise to God am also enjoying again. A Russian word (possibly the location is on the left top corner with the date 1916. By the time you receive this card it will probably soon be Easter. Wishing all of you there a joyful and blessed holiday. If I am not mistaken you will recognize one person on this picture. If so, write and and tell me which one it is. If you should meet Peter Neufeld or Jakob Klassen there, greet them. With heartfelt greetings, I remain your brother, Johann. This photograph can also be found in the book by Lawrence Klippenstein and Jacob Dick, Mennonite Alternative Service in Russia on page 140.
This photograph was taken by medical service men during World War I in Russia at the ruins of a fortress near the Station Ksanka. This photograph can also be found in the book by Lawrence Klippenstein and Jacob Dick, Mennonite Alternative Service in Russia on page 139.
This photograph shows a train coming around the bend in the distance. Two men are standing alongside the railroad tracks. This picture was taken by the Mennonite medical service men who worked on the trains during World War I. This photograph can also be found in the book by Lawrence Klippenstein and Jacob Dick, Mennonite Alternative Service in Russia on page 82.
This photograph is described on page 63 of Mennonite Alternative Service in Russia as "Medics on the Medical Train No. 208 ARZU at the ruins of a fortress near the Station Ksanka. View of the insides of the ruins." This is probably the translation of the Russian note written on the reverse of this picture. The alternative service men are perched at various heights on the ruins and also gathered in the rocky inside level.
This is close up view of the ruins of a fortress near the station Ksanka. There is a short Russian note on the reverse. This photograph was taken by medical service men during World War I in Russia and can also be found in the book by Lawrence Klippenstein and Jacob Dick, Mennonite Alternative Service in Russia on page 139.
This photograph was taken by medical service men during World War I in Russia at the ruins of a fortress near the Station Ksanka, in Georgia. This photograph can also be found in the book by Lawrence Klippenstein and Jacob Dick, Mennonite Alternative Service in Russia on page 161 where a recent picture of this scene is also shown.
This is a photograph of an unidentified officer in a double breasted uniform posed with his hands behind his back. He has a large moustache and receding hairline. He is probably one of the officers in the Alternative Service where Peter J. Sawatzky served in Russia.
