Taken at a farewell party. During the 1920s many families emigrated from Russia, going mostly to Canada. Relatives, friends, and play-mates had to part. They did not know whether they would ever see each other again. The young people often organized a farewell event. It was a bitter-sweet experience. [HR 215]
This is a photo of Abram A. Bergmann (1853-1920). When still a child, he came to Russia with his parents. He was an estate owner and served many years on the Board of "Bethania" institute. [HR 98]
This is a photo of Abram Matthies and his son, Hans, in front of the barn on their estate. A Mennonite took pride in his horses, and great efforts were made to improve the breed. [HR 250]
This is a photo of Abram Toews with wife and son. Their tragic story is that of very many of our families. Toews, a teacher, was exiled to the North of the Soviet Union. There he froze to death. His son, at the age of 30, stepped on a bomb in Leningrad and died. Mrs. Toews came to Canada. Here she fell, broke her hip, and henceforth had to walk with a cane. She passed away in Winnipeg. [HR 169]
