August 8, 2024
By Nathan Dyck
Thank you for joining us last week for Pioneer Days and celebrating the 150th anniversary of Mennonite arrival in Manitoba. If you haven’t yet visited the new exhibit, come to the MHV to see “Mennonite Reflections: Arriving in Manitoba 150 Years Ago.” If you love to bike or ride your ebike, consider joining the Peace Trek fundraiser on August 17th. Raise money for the MHV and the Peace Trail – register at www.mhv.ca/peace-trek.
On Friday, August 2nd, a sharing circle of local dignitaries and Métis representatives took place at the MHV to celebrate the connection between Mennonite and Métis communities over the last 150 years. We thank everyone involved for sharing their stories and the experiences of their ancestors.
Cornelius Goossen married Katharina Barkman, daughter of Reverend Jacob M. Barkman, in 1874 shortly before sailing for Canada. They primarily earned their income from farming but had some of the smallest land holdings in Steinbach. Cornelius was also known for his ability to survey and often delineated fields for others. In 1883, they only farmed 15 acres and owned two horses, an ox and a wagon. They were known for surviving by being thrifty, and after 17 years they sold Wirtschaft 15 to Hendrik Sobering, who had immigrated from Romania in 1900.
The Goossen family had seven children, with only three surviving into adulthood. Son Cornelius married the girl next door, Margaretha Friesen, daughter of J. S. and Margaretha Friesen. They lived in Steinbach for a number of years before moving to the West Reserve. Daughter Katharina married Peter K. Esau who had worked as a teacher in Hochstadt and a cheese maker in Hochfeld. Peter attempted to run a grocer in Steinbach as well as being a cheesemaker, and later owning a tailor shop. After 1921 they moved to Winnipeg to operate an inn. Son Peter B. Goossen was widely known as a poet in the 1920s. He worked as an elevator operator for Coca-Cola in Winnipeg.
Katharina died suddenly in 1912, and Cornelius chose to relocate to Winnipeg after this. He lived with his daughter and son-in-law, Peter and Katharina, in Winnipeg until his own death in 1916.
The name Goossen was common in the development of Steinbach over the decades, but these were the descendants of Cornelius’ nephew Franz K. Goossen who was raised by the Johann Isaac family of Gruenfeld. His son John D. Goossen would go on to be reeve of the R.M. of Hanover and son Gerhard (George) D. became the village barber after studying in Winnipeg. He later sold his barber shop to become a butcher before eventually taking ownership of the livery barn and hotel from Klaas R. Toews in 1918.
Upcoming Events:
Peace Trek, August 17th. Join the MHV for our annual cyclathon fundraiser along the Peace Trail. We being at the Mennonite Landing at the Red & Rat Rivers and cycle past important historic locations before arriving at the MHV for lunch at the LBR. Stay tuned at www.mhv.ca/peace-trek to register and for more information.
Celebrating 150 Years: A Tapestry of Pioneering Women, August 18th. Tickets for purchase at MHV reception, or from Auxiliary members – $25. Enjoy personal stories of pioneering women as told by: Marylou Driedger, Eleanore Chornoboy, and many members of the MHV Auxiliary. Stories and demonstrations of pioneer women, with Faspa served in the at 5pm. For more information, call: 204-326-9661
Fall on the Farm, September 2. Visit the MHV to experience the harvest through the eyes of the early Mennonite settlers. Enjoy harvest demonstrations, historical interpretation and fun family activites. The Cultures stage with feature diverse cultural acts, and don’t forget to enjoy both Mennonite foods and delicacies from around the world!