Editorial:

The ‘best-laid schemes of mice and men gang aft agley’ says poet Robbie Burns.  And that’s what seems to happen with themes we choose for various editions of our newsletter.  But, as chosen themes get put on the shelf for use another day, new themes emerge.  The theme that emerged for this edition is ‘people.’  Those, like Menno Simons whom history has deemed significant, and those who live quiet, unassuming lives yet have a great impact on the lives of others.

 Anna German, the singer whose past was a mystery, came to my attention through Mennonite friends in the Netherlands.   When I first started researching her past a few years ago, there was little information available aside from the article by Lucia Thijssen.  While this article was interesting, the facts were vague.  Much more is available now, each account adding a small piece to the puzzle.  I have footnoted the article so interested readers can  follow up on this story.

 This issue also pays tribute to Jean Neufeld, long-time MHSBC volunteer, who passed away suddenly July 28.  She will be sorely missed.  LBP

Letter to the Editor

A number of pieces in the March 07 issue gripped me deeply.  The horror of the Wilhelm Gustloff passengers is the worst--and to realize that we knew none of this.
Stinging nettles saved many of our people, too.  Cousin Susie Friesen credits that nourishment for the survival of most of their family.  On a visit to Stuttgart, we watched our relatives whip each other’s back and legs to stimulate circulation.
My mother enjoyed raising silkworms.  I still have a few samples of her silk yarn.
Robert Martens’ visit to Tiege, Orloff in Zagradovka is also part of our story ...Thank you heartily for Roots and Branches, Hilda J. Born.   (see Hilda J. Born’s story on  page 3.)

Archive Corner

Each month, the volunteers and staff at the archive office assist visitors in finding genealogical information.  One such search requested by email brought the following response:

Thank you very much for your help to find something about my parents.
Especially the "Einbürgerungsurkunde" is very interesting. So I saw where we have been during our way from Russia to Germany in Poland. After mother died nobody had known details about this terrible trip.
And all the dates from grandpa etc.
Thanks again, we are very happy, Lilli Ternäben and family

Future events

Oct. 13, 2007.  6 pm Annual banquet.  Speaker John B. Toews
 Emmanuel Mennonite Church Tickets: $20.00 on sale at the archives.
 Topic: “In Defense of Mothers and Sisters: The Mennonite Selbstschutz in Ukraine [1918].”

Nov. 10, 2007 Genealogical workshop.  Speaker Henry Schapansky and others.  Check our website, or phone archive office for details.

November 24, 2007 , 7 p.m.
Lecture
Speaker: Peter Letkamen:
topic: "Ben Horch and his contributions to Mennonite church musicology".

Feb. 23,  2008  “Letters from the Gulag”  with Ruth Derksen Siemens,  art by Edith Krause.  Bakerview Church
  7 p.m.

October  2008.  “Memory, History, Thanksgiving.”  Banquet and other special events celebrating the post-WWII   refugee trek to Canada.