1CA

    Overcrowded villages, shrinking land holdings, and low productivity made life difficult in Poland.
Canada appeared as a saving grace and a land of great opportunity for Polish peasants.

    Canada, where for $10 people could purchase a block of land comparable in size to a whole village in their native country.

    Owning land represented higher social and economic status and a sense of self-empowerment.

1927. Nick and Katie
with children: Maria and Walter

               Nick and Katie were married in November 1917

       Nick (born September, 27, 1895) came to Canada May 1928                   leaving his wife and two young children, seeking a better life for his             family. But Nick arrived in Canada only to find it in a state of                           depression. It was very difficult to make any money.
In April of 1930 he come to High Praire and decided to make
a homestead on a piece of land 11 miles from High Praire.
Once settled he begen the process to bring his wife to join and
help him.

        Katie was born on November, 21, 1896. After her husband's                 departure to Canada and prior to her own journey, Katie lived in                   Poland caring for their children - Maria and Walter.
Katie herself arrived in Canada in the fall of 1933. She left behind Maria (14) and Walter (7). On August 14, 1934, Katie gave birth in Canada to her              second daugher Anne.


      They lived on a farm where their closest neighbours were 2 miles
away (not including the neighbourly wildlife such as kayotes and                 bears). In 1939 Nick and Katie wanted to bring their two children,
stll living in Poland, to Canada. Unfortunatly, their hopes of a reunion were
dashed by the onset of World War II. Meanwhile, Maria and Walter            endured many hardships growing up alone.

Walter came to Canada -- 1948
(His family joined him on his move to Canada)

Maria came to Canada -- 1975
(She left behind her two grown daugthers with families of
their own, both of which immigrated to Canada in later years.)

Anne made a life for herself in Canada, close to her parents                               and took care of them throughout their final years. She was                             married and continues to reside, with her husband, near her                              parents' homestead.


        FINALLY! In November 1977 Nick and Katie celebrated their
60th Wedding Anniversary together with ALL their children as a                        whole family reunited.

(1927) Nick

(1932) Katie

1940, Anne and parents

1975, Maria and Walter

1975, Maria and Anne