There was a time not so many years ago when ethnic jokes were popular. The jokes generally depicted members of the targeted ethnic group as being not very smart. Members of an eastern European ethnic group who are quite numerous in Canada were often the brunt of such jokes. One such joke went this way: … Continue reading How many Mennonites does it take to change a light bulb?
Ontario
Giving credit where credit is due
I have posted two letters written by Benjamin Eby, the first was on May 14 and entitled "A gentle admonition," the second was yesterday. These letters were originally written in German, the English translations were done by Isaac R Horst, an Old Order Mennonite of Mount Forest, Ontario. I obtained the first letter during a … Continue reading Giving credit where credit is due
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace
The first Mennonites to settle in Canada came from Pennsylvania in 1786 and settled near Sherkston, along Twenty Mile Creek in the Niagara region of Ontario. The church membership increased rapidly. Dissension arose between two of the ministers in the later 1840's. Bishop Benjamin Eby of Waterloo county was called in to make peace between … Continue reading Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace
The Strickland sisters told it like it was
Sisters Susanna Moodie and Catherine Parr Traill were Canadian pioneers. Their husbands brought them from England to Canada in the early 1830's, settling near Peterborough, Ontario where Samuel Strickland, a brother of Catherine and Susanna had earlier settled. The sisters had each written and published books before marrying and coming to Canada and both continued … Continue reading The Strickland sisters told it like it was
Remedy for the Indian problem
Starting in 1701, the government made treaties with the Indians living in Canada. The treaties were rather open-ended arrangements, promising schooling and health care, giving the Indians parcels of land for their exclusive use, but not limiting their right to hunt, fish, and trap wherever they wanted. Left to their own devices, the Indians would … Continue reading Remedy for the Indian problem
A gentle admonition
[Benjamin Eby was bishop of the Mennonite churches of Waterloo County. The other Mennonite churches in Ontario, in the Markham and Niagara areas, had their own bishops. Nevertheless, Benjamin Eby was highly regarded and he was often called upon by the others for counsel. This letter gives a hint of the reason for this respect. … Continue reading A gentle admonition
Clinging to the rock
The majestic elm tree was a landmark along the Autoroute des Cantons de l’Est south of Montréal. It stood straight and tall on the east side of the highway, near St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, but it looked the same in summer as in winter. Like most North American elms it had fallen victim to Dutch Elm disease and … Continue reading Clinging to the rock
Spring fever
In books, spring always seems to come in a rush. Homesteaders on the prairies, or trappers in the northern bush, endure a long harsh winter, their food and their firewood have almost run out and the snow is so deep they can't get out to replenish their supplies.. Then one day they notice something different … Continue reading Spring fever
When you and I were young, Maggie
I wandered today to the hill, Maggie, To watch the scene below, The creek and the creaking old mill, Maggie, As we used to, long ago. The green grove is gone from the hill, Maggie, Where first the daisies sprang, The creaking old mill is still, Maggie, Since you and I were young. And now … Continue reading When you and I were young, Maggie
Twelve Foot Falls
We were driving through Wisconsin, on our way from Ontario to Saskatchewan and planning to stop at friends for supper and night. There was a little sign beside the road saying “Twelve Foot Falls” with an arrow indicating the direction. On a spur of the moment impulse I pulled off onto the side road. For … Continue reading Twelve Foot Falls
Flatlander Faith 