Preserving the Past

It's impossible to visit any of the Mennonite villages surrounding Altona today without hearing faint echoes of the past. One can still see some of the old houses with attached barns, structures unique to the Russian Mennonites, reminding us of a simpler, more practical times. Giant Cottonwood trees, grown from seed brought from Russia, still tower majestically over many village streets. Take a summer stroll through any local cemetery, and the stones will tell their story. Their dates whisper of an era when lives were often cut short by the harsh rigors of pioneer life; when it was achingly common for a family to lose many of its infants. And yet, some proudly proclaim they made it, surrounded by their silent descendants.

Located about 10 km southeast of Altona, the village of Neubergthal is one way to step into the past. Designated as a national historical site in the early 1990's, the small community houses many prime examples of the early Mennonite settlements.

The Schwartz Heritage House is an example of the prosperity Altona enjoyed at the turn of the century. Built in 1902 by Johann Schwartz, an ambitious local businessman, the house was the biggest ever built in Altona. Restored to it's original elegance, it now serves as a popular attraction for tours and for bed and breakfast lovers.

The war years left an indelible mark on Altona's history. About 300 Altonans enlisted in the armed services during World War I and II. A cenotaph stands in the centre of town in honour of those who never came home. The names and dates etched in the black stone stand as solemn reminders of the price we sometimes need to pay to live in peaceful communities. A veteran's memorial is also located at the Rhineland Pioneer Centre in Altona and includes photos and momentoes of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Altona's colourful history did not die with it's original founders. Thanks to a few talented area archivists, their stories have been captured forever in several beautifully written history books. Original issues of the Red River Valley Echo, the local newspaper, are also available at the Altona Public Library and offer an enlightening view into the past.