THEY WANTED A PEACEFUL LAND FOR THEIR CHILDREN            Click for home

This is the story of John and Mary Krar

It is a story rich in history, a story of religious persecution, of hardships, of sickness, suffering and war. But it is above all a story of hope, of tremendous faith, courage, and an unshakeable faith in their ability to make a better life for their children.

In writing this story, I have often been in awe of Dad's tremendous “natural" education. His grasp of present realities, and his ability to project into the future, belie a Grade 6 education. His accomplishments in wartime, his natural ability in the field of construction and maintenance speak of an ability to absorb technical information and principles in science and mathematics, and apply them in ways which were recognized by his superiors. From the age of 18, he was entrusted with great responsibilities. His judgment was frequently deferred to by people who had far more education.

As I write this story, I feel that Mom must have often been in awe, as well, of this man whom she married. They discussed these matters for the many hours that were not absorbed by the hardships they encountered. I wasn’t aware that Dad made the decision to come to Canada without discussing it ahead of time with her. She was opposed and fearful. Dad said it had to be done, because he could see the clouds of the next war and his sons would not fight in another war. I have a feeling that this may have been the last debate Dad won. Mom, in her quiet way, had tremendous strength. If any proof is needed, we need only recall two serious heart attacks when she was in her 50's, and her courageous four-year fight against cancer.

Two remarkable people who lived a remarkable life.

Six years ago, while they sat alone one evening reminiscing, they began to fear that their story would die with them and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren would not know the story of their journey to a new land in search of peace.

So join me in the story of John and Mary Krar. Not all parts of it will be of equal interest to everyone. Skip the parts of little interest to you now. Come back to them when your interests, or studies, lead you.

This is a journey back to your roots. Back to the year 100, to Swabenland; to Mor; childhood; religion; farming; First World War; marriage; children; coming to Canada; the Depression; friends; houses; hopes; dreams, and disappointments.

Joe  1985

EARLY HISTORY

The story begins in 1000 B.C. when warlike tribes began to migrate from northern Europe in search of better lands for hunting and farming. During the 100's B.C., they moved south to the area of the Rhine and Danube Rivers in what is now south­western Germany, near the frontiers of the Roman Empire.

In 468 A.D. Christianity and the Roman way of life were adopted. We will see that this Roman Catholic faith remained firm through persecution and other difficulties. The first German Dynasty was established under Charlemagne in 768. The Treaty of Verdun, in 843, divided the dynasty into three monarchies under Louis II, Charles I, and Lothair.

By 911, the German kingdom consisted of five powerful Duchies (territories ruled by a Duke) - Bavaria, Lorraine, Franconia, Saxony, and SWABIA, this last being the ancestral Krar homeland.

SWABENLAND

 This area is located in the south-west of Germany. It’s western boundary is France; on the south is Switzerland. It is also identified as the HOHENZOLLERN. The main river is the Rhine to the west. One of its main tributaries, the "Neckar River, runs through Swabenland. Approximately 30 miles to the south is the Danube River (Dunae River), the only European River that flows east. The Danube River flows through Budapest in Hungary, and was almost certainly the route taken by our ancestors in their migration to Hungary. It led our ancestors away from the religious persecution and uncertainty to a more peaceful land, their new home in Mor, Hungary, just 40 kilometres south of the Danube, a journey  of some 600 km .

The region of BADEN-WURTTEMBERG has a present day population in excess of 8,000,000. Stuttgart is the capital city with a population of over 600,000.

The exact ancestral city has not been identified at the time of writing. Correspondences to relatives in Germany and Hungary will, hopefully, fill in some of  these gaps. The countryside in Swabenland is remarkably similar to that found in Mor. Vineyards and farms are found in both areas.

Language and Culture

 Low German or Plattdeutch (“flat” German was spoken in the flat northern plains of Germany. High German or Hochdeutch was spoken in the mountainous region of southern and central Germany.

Low German differs mostly in the sounds of its consonants. It is a softer language than High German and sounds more like Dutch or English than High German does. At last, the wives will know why they could understand much of what we said when we were speaking in German with Mom and Dad.

Low German served as the spoken and literary language of northern Germany until the 1550's when it lost its importance as a written language when Martin Luther based his translation of the Bible on the High German dialect of east-central Germany called Saxony.

GERMAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

 For hundreds of years the German-speaking people had no capital or centre of culture. The advent of the Renaissance, and the philosophy of Humanism had a profound effect on all aspects of life in Europe. The Reformation, which began in 1517, produced a great deal of literature in the field of Religion, thus preparing the way for a standard German language and setting the groundwork for the later moves toward nationalism.

Early Germany consisted of separate states ruled by princes. In the late 1880'5, building on the national spirit awakened in the 1500's, Otto von Bismarck, prime minister of Prussia, united Germany through three brief wars. Efforts to increase power were contributing factors to World War I which began in 1914. Unresolved problems from this War led to World War II in 1939. The current U.S. - Russian problems, the P.L.O. problem and many others are the direct aftermath of this war.

The following statement characterizes life in Swabenland. It applies as well to the German culture which Mom and Dad brought to Canada. “Germans are famous for being thrifty, hard-working, and obedient to authority. But they are also known for their enjoyment of life. They love music, dancing, good food and beer, and fellowship.”

 RELIGION

The Reformation began in Germany in the early 1500’s. By 1600, most of the people in northern and central Germany had become Protestants. Those in the west, south and southwest remained Catholics. These groupings are about the same today.

 THE SOUTH GERMAN HILLS

Swabenland is also known as the South German Hills. It has rich farmlands. The main crops include grains and potatoes. Vineyards are found on the slopes of the hills. This area is remarkably similar to the area around Mor where our ancestors settled.

The food sounds very similar to what we grew up with. The main meal is at noon, with pork being featured. Beef and fish are eaten less often. A snack of fancy pastries is always available. Sauerkraut was developed to preserve cabbage; sausages to preserve the meats. It is amazing that the transplanted German culture was maintained in Hungary by our forefathers for over 400 years.

BRIEF HISTORICAL REVIEW

It is impossible to understand the true depth of religion and the rejection of war without an in-depth look at the Reformation. For all the social, political, and religious changes which occurred, we must take note of the suffering of the common people on both sides of the religious-political battles.

In 1571, Martin Luther began to attack many teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. Some princes became Protestants only to gain church property. Many peasants hoped the Reformation would free them from their lord's control. They revolted in the Peasants' War of 1524-25 but were brutally crushed. Luther, at first, justified the peasants' demands, but after the rebellion had broken out, he sided against the peasants and condoned the bloody suppression of the revolt.

The revolt started in Thuringa, Wurttemberg and along the Upper Rhine. The peasants armed themselves with scythes, pitchforks, axes, knives and flails. Wurzburg went over to the rebels, along with dozens of smaller towns between the Danube and the Rhine. The idea of political reformation, under peasant auspices, began to gain ground among all classes. Luther would not concede that he had in any way brought this on his princes.

On May 5, 1525, Luther wrote a “Tract of Murder Against Murderous and Thieving Hordes of Peasants” inciting nobles to “stab, smite, throttle, slay those rabid dogs without mercy, with a good conscience”.

The princes attacked with 3400 horse and 8400 foot soldiers, mostly trained professionals, including mercenaries from Switzerland. The army was excellently equipped with artillery. Reports state that 35,000 peasants were destroyed.

The following report concludes this portion of our history: With virtually the entire higher nobility now eager to wipe out an initial display of weakness, and able to claim Dr. Martin's sanction, nay orders, for doing it with blood, the massacres and sadistic attacks stopped short only of exterminating the class on which the country's food supply depended.

Dad had spoken at various times about his knowledge of history of religious persecution at the time of Luther. It is interesting that all the historical sources that were consulted verify the accuracy of his information. It was gained from the wine buyers who came to Mor from Swabenland. They recounted stories of repression, of families being forced out of their homes, of women giving birth by the side of the road. It was from these men that Dad learned of his early roots.

In 1555, Protestant princes forced Charles V to accept the Peace of Augsburg. This gave each Lutheran and Roman Catholic prince the right to force those under him to accept his religion.

Now came the long journey to a more peaceful land, Hungary. The Germans had skills in farming which were very much needed in Hungary which was just turning to an agrarian way of life. The land that our ancestors found around Mor was remarkably similar to what they had left in the South German Hills. They planted crops, and on the hillsides they planted the vineyards which still exist to this day.

To give some idea of the length of their journey, the following distances may be of interest:

Stuttgart to Munich    100 miles

Munich to Linz         100

Linz to Vienna          80

Vienna to Mor          100

Perhaps one of the grandchildren or great-grandchildren will find it of interest some day to retrace this journey.

Some background information on Hungary may be of value:

Hungary is approximately twice the size of the State of Indiana. It consists of rolling farmland drained by the Danube (Dunae) River. The official language is Magyar, a language which is Tartar in origin. It is an extremely complex language totally unlike German. Besides the language, the Hungarian culture was very different from that found in Germany. Many aspects of German culture remained very strong in Mor, which was more than three quarters German.

The Germans and other immigrants were not well accepted into the Magyar culture. As late as 1914, the Magyar culture was quite elitist; over 90% of the Members of Parliament, for example, were Magyar, a number that far exceeded their numbers in the general population.

Hungary is divided into 19 megyek (counties), with an area of 35,919 square miles. Its East-West distance is 267 miles; North­South is 160 miles. In 1960, its population was 9,961,044 with 287 people per square mile. Its money was 100 fillers in 1 forint. The filler would be equal to one cent. The forint has now been changed to the krona. After the war this was changed to the pengu. One pengu equals 8.085 in U.S. money (Canada .93). Hungary is under Communist rule.

The following distances will locate Mor. It is 40 miles South-West of Budapest,and 100 miles South-East of Vienna. Szekesfehervar, the provincial capital, is 20 miles to the South­East. Scenic Lake Balaton and the Bakony Forest are located 20  miles to the South-West. It is approximately 250 miles to the Russian border.

Mor, in the early 1900's was a city of 15,000, about the size of Welland when Dad arrived in 1927. The Provincial Capital had a population of 200,000-300,000, about the size of modern-day Hamilton.

There were four large markets for wine each year. Merchants came from towns and villages from miles around to sell their produce and animals. The market ran for one day, mostly on a Monday. Stock that remained unsold could be sold on Tuesday.

Wine buyers came to Mor from Germany and spelled out the rules and regulations for wine to qualify for the export markets. A special permit was required; no additives were permitted. Export wine brought a high price, so the quality was very important. Wine sold by the Hectolitre. The usual yield was 50­60 Hectolitres per acres, with good years as high as 100 Hl. One litre sold for about 80 filler.

There were two main vineyards, one approximately 2 acres in size (roughly the size of two football fields), and another of 1 1/2 acres. The fields were located about 4 1/2 km away from the house and 6-8 km apart. There was another vineyard that was 10 km away, but it wasn't as good. The best vineyards were located on the slopes of the hill where they received sunlight all day. This increased the natural sweetness of the grapes and produced the best, and most plentiful wine for export.

The growing season was from March to October. By April, the shoots were 6-7 inches long. April saw the occasional frost. The winter temperatures were roughly the same as here, but the season shorter. The earliest frost was late October. The harvest was at the end of June and into July.

When the shoots were 3” long, you could count the number of grapes and estimate what the yield would be by the acre. The hillsides where the best grapes grew never saw a frost as far as Dad could remember.

The other farms which did not have as good soil grew wheat, potatoes, corn, tomatoes, barley and oats. Feed was grown for pigs and poultry. Some grain was taken to the mill to be ground for flour. They had to buy flour, in addition, to meet their needs. This was paid for by wine.

This account is remarkably similar to the farming done in the ancestral home of Swabenland.

The farms were scattered around the town in small sections because in the early days the father, when he became old, would pass the farm along to the oldest son, with the other sons working for him. This frequently brought arguments, so the farms were divided into smaller farms. Buying and selling over the years led to even more divisions. The best Krar vineyard was in the Krar family for as long as anyone could remember, and probably from the days of first settlement in Mor.

The wine that did not qualify for export was hauled into Vienna to be sold to restaurants. Dad had his regular customers. With two horses and a wagon he generally hauled 14-15 Hectolitres (100 L = 1 HI). The 120 km trip took 20 hours, fully loaded. He stayed over one night and delivered to hotels and restaurants. The wine was already pre-bought by the buyers. It would take only 7-8 hours for the return trip.

In the off-season Dad also teamstered for others. The border to Austria was closer than the trip to Budapest. He occasionally hauled goods to Slovakia, which was then part of Hungary. He was paid three times as much for this work as he was at home. On one trip, gypsies attacked. He carried a 9 mm pistol. He told them to stand away, or he would use the pistol. They did.

The buyers always came to Dad's father. He knew where the best vineyards were. These buyers wanted to take Dad to Swabenland to manage vineyards there. These are the same buyers who filled Dad in on the early history. Since his mother had died and he had taken on the responsibility of raising his younger sisters, he declined.

EARLY HISTORY

Grandfather Peter had a great influence. He lived with the family for the first six years of Dad's life. He was like a second mother with the children. He was never sick, never even had a cold. Yet, he fell ill and within six days he was in the grave. Grandfather was a firm disciplinarian. From him comes the well-remembered admonition,”Du grigtz”.

Mother died when Dad was 14. She had twins and was very sick after the delivery. She was on her way to recovery when she began to bleed internally. She became gravely ill. Dad went to the market to get his father. By time they returned, his mother was dead. His father was greatly affected by this sudden death and felt very heavily the burden of the young family. Dad remembers him with eyes full of tears at all times. He promised that he would take on the responsibility of helping to raise his sisters. His father also suffered from arthritis so painful that he could often not hold a knife to cut his meat.

Dad's schooling came to a premature end. He was an exceptional student and had been allowed to do his 5th and 6th grade in one year. The teacher wanted him to go on to High School. However, his mother's premature death forced his withdrawal from school. At least he had completed his father's wish of 6th Elemy (Grade 6 Elementary). This lack of education was always a concern for Dad. He was determined that his sons would have better.

When Dad turned 18 he was conscripted into military service. It was May 1915, and the First World War was underway. By July he was on the Russian front with only two months training. Here, fluency in both written and spoken German and Hungarian was a great asset, as most soldiers were unilingual. He was given responsibilities far beyond his years.

He was put in charge of a field cannon with eight men. The field cannon was the most forward piece of artillery, closest to the enemy line. Because of Dad's exceptional skills, his firing was used by the commanding officer as reference for the other artillery.

The skills in sighting involve judgment of distances, calculations in Trigonometry, the ability to adapt and adjust to changing circumstances, and the ability to make rapid and correct decisions. All who know Dad recognize these as qualities which he has carried with him through life in every endeavour.

It was necessary to sight the target through binoculars, judge the distance, set the height and side-to-side distances, and fire. Eight men were under Dad's command, 3 on the munitions wagon and 5 on the cannon. When he was put in charge, he protested to the commander that some of these men were older than his father. The reply was that in the army there is no age. The best person is assigned to the job and does  it. Others follow his orders without question.

Dad was always the leader for the first shot, to establish  the target. When new generals arrived, they would sight Dad's shots, and from the heights estimate, without instruments, the firing ranges for the other guns.

The necessity for quick decisions can be seen in the fact Dad's cannon could fire up to 40 shots per minute. These were quick-fire light cannons, using 8 centimetre shells. These cannons could be used in the hills. The guns could be dismantled and carried to a new emplacement if necessary.

Dad was always called on in new situations. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal. Communications was by means of telephone wires in the ground; poles would get shot down quickly. Camouflage was used. They changed positions often, if not pinned down by enemy fire. The binoculars used were 40 power. The guns used ranged from the light field cannon with a range up to 6 km, through field howitzers, heavy howitzers, and finally heavy cannons which fired 30-30  1/2 cm shells at a range of 40-50 km.

Dad was on the cannon from July 1915 to October 1918. He was called on for office work with the Commander because of his ability in German and Hungarian. He learned to read and write German from his mother. The Commander, who censored all the mail, could see that Dad had an excellent mastery of the two written languages. He told Dad, "You're the best at languages. You will be the censor”.  Dad questioned his ability to do the job. The Commander said, "You don’t have to want to do it, you have to do it. It's an order".

It appears that Dad did his duties with relish. He had to threaten those who were sending back bad news from the Front. Dad called all the soldiers together to explain the rules of the game and what the punishments would be. If there was a problem, there would be no more mail. He says that everything settled down and he was praised by the Commander for being more effective than he himself had been.

I think that in my early days of seeing family garages and houses built here in Welland, I witnessed a few brief meetings where Dad "explained the rules of the game". He never seemed to have any difficulty defining the problem precisely and prescribing the exact solution. Somehow there was never any question about when he was dead serious. I'm sure the men who worked for him at Union Carbide participated in such meetings. Dad knew that the satisfaction for his workers came from the job being well done.

The Russian Front was about 500 km from Mor. Lambourg was the last train station before the front. Tarnapole was the closest city near the Bouge River. It was near the dividing line between Hungary and Poland.

The Russians, early in the war, had advanced into Hungary as far as the Karpathian Mountains. Gradually they were driven back hundreds of kilometres. When General Hindenberg took over command of the German troops, the front extended 2000 km from the Black Sea to the ocean. He cut off all The Russians in Austria and Hungary without food and supplies. He let them advance deep into the territory and then encircled them. This was in 1916; hundreds of thousands of men were cut off.

The end of the war came as a shock to the soldiers on the Russian front. They were well inside enemy territory and certain that they were winning the war. Communication with the Western front was lacking, however. The United States entered the war in 1917, and by early 1918 the Western front was beginning to collapse. The Russian soldiers on the Eastern front were certain they had been sold out when they were ordered to withdraw and told to return home. They returned to a country in a state of turmoil. In 1919, the Communists seized control of the government during the Russian Revolution.

It was in this setting that Dad married his childhood sweetheart on February 5, 1919. Mary Horak's ancestors also had come from Swabenland, the German name “Horach” having been changed to the more Hungarian Horak. Her parents were farmers too. Mom left school before the end of Grade 4. She wasn't much interested in school and her parents didn't push her.

It was very natural for Dad to marry someone from the same background as his. Over 75% of the population of Mor was of German ancestry, most of them from Swabenland.

Their first son, John, was born in November, a very lively child, interested in everything. A treat every day was to wait for Dad to get home with the wagon so that he could ride the horses from the gate to the stable. He was very helpful, and wanted to be part of every job Dad did.

The next son, Joe, died at one year of age. He had always been healthy. But he got a cold. He had been sitting on the cold tile floor. Within a week he had contacted pneumonia and died. The doctor was unable to help.

The next boy, Steve, cried a lot. He was good, and fat, and strong. Mom went to the doctor, quite concerned about the crying. The doctor said, "You don't need a doctor. Let him cry. His lungs will get stronger. He'll stop. He won't die".

Frank was a quiet baby. He was willing to do everything they wanted him to. He had a quiet nature.

John was in the Third Class by the time the family emigrated to Canada. He was a very good student. Both German and Hungarian were taught in school. He learned to read and write in both languages, a facility he retains to this day. Steve was in Kindergarten when they moved in May of 1929. Frank was the baby at age two.

DEPARTURE TO CANADA

Dad arranged for his visa in Budapest. He could not go to the United States where his older sister had gone, as quotas had been placed on immigration. Canada was anxious for immigrants to settle the West. Dad received his visa within a month. He left for Canada within 4 to 5 weeks.

One day's train trip took him to Cherbourg, France, the point of departure. The passage cost $107. He landed in Quebec City, after a very smooth voyage of eight days. The year was 1928.

Dad was supposed to go out West to work on a farm. He met a German man who sold cigarettes and newspapers on the train. Dad helped the man with translation and in exchanging money. The man advised him to get off the train and head for Toronto. Dad had to wait almost a full day to make connections. The Frank Apolczers had come to Welland previously and had told him how to get there. At Union Station in Toronto, Dad ran into Frank Hornich, another former Mor resident who had moved to We11and. He had a car which he had won in a draw for a quarter. Dad came to Welland with him, and moved in with the Apolczers who lived above a garage on Ontario Road.

Dad's first job was on the Welland Canal which was being dug. He worked 10-12 hours a day, 6 days a week. The pay was 27 cents an hour. He began learning English, both on the job and by attending night school.

When winter was approaching, the foreman advised him to look for other work since there would be no concrete poured during the cold weather. Union Carbide hired him for unloading ships at the docks. 

He then was given the chance to work on the furnace room mix, working shift work for 42 cents an hour. He filled in for a man who was sick. When the man returned, he didn't want the job, so Dad was kept on. Later on he was laid off. Apparently, the man in charge of hiring was accepting money from men in exchange for hiring them. Orie Fox, Dad's foreman, demanded he be hired. "He's a useful man. He speaks English". He told Dad, “You've often helped me out. I'll never forget you. You'll get a better job".

This new job was still only partial hours. As it turned out the company carpenter, "Old Jimmie", needed a good, dependable worker. It was steady work, with better pay. Dad worked in the Carpenter Shop until it was joined with the Machine Shop. Then a man who was to have a great influence on Dad came on the scene. Lou Whitaker was to remain a life-long friend. He was hired as foreman when the previous foreman died.

He had been a building contractor until he was forced into bankruptcy in 1934. Dad and another worker, Frank Kobat, had already functioned as sub-foremen. They knew the ropes. Shortly after, Kobat bought a tobacco farm, and moved away. Dad remembers Lou Whittaker’s words. “Help me and I’ll help you a thousand times. You’ll run all the jobs". He gave Dad a portion of his desk and never interfered once.

Lou and the engineers praised Dad for jobs being done well and on time. Everything went smoothly. Dad had a good, relaxed job. He built a good name throughout the plant with his maintenance crew. They looked after all water pipe breakdowns; they repaired concrete work; relined furnaces. Their work took them into every section of the plant. The word was, "Call John Krar if you're stuck; he'll know what to do".

Dad recalls, "I had to do it; that's why I knew what to do when a problem came up. They gave me anything and everything I wanted for the jobs. I got my vacations when I wanted them. I had to train the people for the job. I had a good job, even though I was always busy, preparing for the next job”.

By this time, Lou Whittaker was frequently sick. His successor, Bill Mitchell, didn't like the job and was succeeded by a new foreman. He was a difficult man who had to prove he was boss. He often said, "I'm always the boss". Dad told him, "You say it a thousand times. I'll let you be the boss, if you know everything". Unfortunately, Dad's many years of happiness at work had come to an end. He retired shortly afterward.

The foreman's problems, however, continued. After Dad’s retirement, he couldn't get along with the men. He took on a new job and immediately tried to double production while laying off men. His theme of, "I'm the boss" didn't sit well with the men. They began to deliberately do everything wrong. They finally decided to even the score. They sent out a whole shipload of carbon parts that didn't match. The foreman was removed.

HOUSES  kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

After a short stay with Apolczers, Dad rented a house on Fifth Street, shortly before Mom and the boys arrived. They remained there for about a year. They next moved to Park Street. They then bought a lot on Garner Avenue. It was a 200 foot lot that cost $300. The year was 1929. The Great Depression was at hand.

In 1930 they bought an abandoned house in the Southworth Street area for $630. They sold the lot for a small amount of money and had a mover transport the house to 169 Garner Avenue. The mover blocked up the house and Dad dug the basement with free help. The mover then lowered the house onto the foundations, and Dad finished the windows and frames. He did the rough work; it didn't cost much.

The house had been a two-story house that had been stripped of everything, including doors. Dad built on the two back bedrooms. When he got cheap materials he did more building. A real windfall came when the Burgar Street Lumber Yard went bankrupt. He got four truckloads of lumber delivered free. This provided the materials for the garage and the outdoor bowling alley. Dad learned his construction skills and concrete work and sewer laying from part-time jobs with contractors and the City.

A house like the 169 Garner Avenue one would have cost several thousand dollars to buy. Dad says that he made a lot of mistakes, because there was so little money. A lot of repairs were needed later.

Despite the depression, they were not eligible for relief payments because they were not Canadian citizens. In fact, immigrants had fears that if they could not support themselves, they might be sent back to the Old Country. Mom and Dad took in borders. The family moved together into the 1iving room and dining room and shared the kitchen and bathroom with the borders. They took in $40 to $60 per month.

Living was cheap during the Depression, but there was little money around. Mom did washing for 50 cents a half day. Dad did farm work for $1 a day. Mom worked at the Canning Factory. The years 1930 and 1931 were very bad for work.Six cents would buy you a loaf of bread; 7 to 9 cents per lb would buy you clean meat. This was then butchered, some of it made into the tasty sausage the boys all remember. A pair of shoes cost $2 to $3.

Dad bought coal from the Carbide, even though he didn't work there. He remembers it as Pocahontas Coal. It was good, and he was ­able to buy it cheap. I can remember one of the men with whom Dad rode, pulling up every Friday after work in the winter with a bag of coal tied to each fender.

In 1931, the last son, Joe, was born. Dad remembers he was not a crier. During this time a family called the Metzkers lived there, and Mom looked after their baby and Joe. In 1932 there was a bit of work. In 1933, Dad was recalled to the Carbide. He had been without work for 26 months. He had chased around, looking for even a half day's work.

It was during the time of severe unemployment that Dad got to know Fox, the Plumber. This was E.S. Fox who went on the build a multi-million dollar business based in Welland. Dad began to do part-time work for him. He asked Dad how he heated the house. Dad told him that he had three separate stoves; one for the upstairs and two to heat the downstairs. It was a real mess, having to take the ashes out through the house every morning. Fox insisted on putting in a central hot water furnace.

Dad remembers his words: “I’ll put in the furnace for you. You don't have to pay for it for a long time. You’re a good worker and an honest man”. It was a big job to put a hot water furnace into that house. But it was the best type of heating, and cheap. Fox came himself to fire up the furnace the first time to be sure that Dad would have no trouble.

Dad paid him as he could. Fox never bothered him once. He said, "Don't pay me in hunger”. He encouraged Dad. He gave him work on Saturdays and Sundays. Dad learned more about plumbing and was able to earn money. “How are you going to dress your children in winter? I'll pay you good wages, so you can dress your children. You do good work, and work that other people won't do. You are the best worker I have because you do things exactly the way I would, so I want to see you looked after”.

Fox had been fired by the plumber he originally worked for. This man's secretary was Fox's future wife. She told him that she had saved some money and if he wanted to start his own p1umbing business, she would put up the money. He had started into business in the early 30's. He consistently outbid the other plumber, and with his wife as secretary, accountant and promoter, built a very successful business.

He paid well, and did good work. He would keep only the best workers. Within a year he had more business than he cou1d hand1e. His wife went out on jobs to show prospective customers the quality of the work. Anytime Dad wanted to payoff more of his bill for the furnace, she questioned whether he could afford to pay. They were very concerned that he was not running himself short.

In later years, Dad helped Fox a great deal at the Carbide. He provided all the tools that Fox's men didn't have when they were working on a job there. This included concrete breakers, drills, rubber boots, guns, hoses. Fox was very appreciative. Dad to this day still goes to Fox Plumbing for all this supplies.

When I questioned Dad about the bowling alley, he laughed. The lot on Garner Avenue was a very long one - 211 feet. He used earth from the basement excavations across the street to build the base for the bowling alley. He carried it across by wheelbarrow and built a “hip” or crown in the middle so the water would drain off – just like in the Old Country.

With the four loads of lumber he got for free, he built the bowling alley and the garage. They were both completed by 1935. The bowling alley provided a source of fun for all the neighbours, and a small source of income. With their neighbourhood bocce courts, the Italian neighbours kept summer evenings alive with laughter and cheering as well. Dad worked steadily from 1933 on. He didn't work much after he went back to the Carbide full time, but he had learned plumbing skills that would be put to good use for the rest of his life.

He sold a sixty foot lot to Alphonse Dimartile. He sold it for too little, but he was worried about paying the taxes. He couldn't sell the lot on which 167 Garner Avenue is now located, as the lot was too narrow. He took the driveway from 169 Garner and bought the house to the south of it, and added 7- 9 feet to 169 for a driveway. He sold the other house after 1 1/2 years. For all these lot changes he simply had to notify City Hall!

In 1941, he built the “new house" at 167 Garner. They had money. He rented a mixer, mixed concrete, laid out the footings. He put in 18" footings rather than 6”. People said that the city engineer wouldn't pass it. But the engineer told him: “You're in the wrong job. You should be a contractor. Even a bomb couldn’t affect these footings. You have the sewer laid; go ahead; I don't even need to see it”.

It took less than 6 months to build it. The boys and friends helped. They did all the rough work, and Paul D'Andrea, a carpenter who lived down the street, did all the finished carpentry work. He worked for three months, off and on. Lou Whittaker was the person who had drawn a rough set of blueprints. The house had a value of $6,000 - $8,000 when completed.

He had learned much from building the old house. He sold it in 1960 for $16,000. In 1954, Mom and Dad moved to 56 Northcote Ave. One of the conditions for this move was that it had to close to a church and at that time, St. Kevins was just being built.

There were some problems connected with this new house. Construction was held up because of the lot size. Bill Dawson and Lou Whittaker went to the committee of City Council responsible, after a two year delay. There were no builders on this committee. After the presentation, the City Engineer ordered the permit granted. Dad had it the next day.

Lou Whittaker drew the plans for this house as well. Lou Wurfel did the contracting. This turned out to be a mistake. Wurfel was a commercial contractor, and was unfamiliar with home construction. Dad came every day at lunch to check, and every day there was a mistake. Wurfel waited each day for the OK to go ahead.  The lot cost $600; the contract for the house was $5200.

Dad had also bought a house on Aqueduct Street during the War. Shortly thereafter, Rent Controls were imposed. He sold the house at a loss. Dad said: “Not everything we tried was a profit. We lost a lot”.

VACATIONS

It's impossible to talk about vacations without talking about cars. The first car was an old Chrysler bought from Lou Whitaker for $140. It wasn't in too good shape and the tires were very bad. Many a trip to Buffalo was interrupted to stop to fix a flat tire by the side of the road. But Dad, John and Steve all learned to drive on this first car.

The second car was a good one, again a Chrysler. Whitaker heard that Bill Gram was in danger of losing his car because he was unable to keep up the payments. It only had between 9,000-12,000 miles on it. Dad got it for half price, around $250. It was a good car and never once needed servicing at a garage. The gas mileage was excellent. On one trip to Hartford, the Pfiffers also drove in their new Dodge. The Chrysler mileage was as good, even though it was a much heavier car.

The three trips to Hartford, a distance of over 400 miles and trips to Windsor showed an adventurous spirit considering that the Depression was just coming to an end. The condition of the highways also made each journey an adventure. The many construction zones and detours on the old Highway 20 to Hartford are well remembered.

Tires were rationed during wartime, and finally the Chrysler was down to four bad tires; the spare had long given up. Dad sold the car to a minister, who could get tires because of his work. Dad was considered within walking distance of his work, and so not eligible. The minister thanked Dad many years later for having sold him such a good car.

The next car was a nearly-new Chevrolet purchased from the Schletts.  They had just bought a farm in Ridgeville and needed the money. It had good tires.

On the trips to Hartford, the family visited Dad’s older sister, Mary Hartl. The Hartl’s were tobacco farmers. An aunt, Satzker Tant, is also well remembered. She was a big woman, full life. Other people from Mor worked in a silk factory. As our local Cotton Mills did, they employed many immigrants at low wages. The clearest recollection to Manchester is a spectacular fireworks display at a baseball park on the 4^th of July. Fireworks formed a giant American flag and Niagara Falls among other displays.

There were close ties to former Morers, landsleit. Visits to Pongratzs and Freys in Windsor come to mind. The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan remains a clear memory.

One of the highlights of any of the car trips was the full scale “lunch” that Mom always packed. The breaded chicken, fresh bread, fresh tomatoes and peppers, and cakes were always the highlight of the trip. No trip could start without the saying of the Rosary, to request a safe journey.

Midland holds a very special place for the family. With limited funds, Mom and Dad always put the highest importance on this holiday. The first summer it was one week. Every summer after, it was two weeks. We rented a large tent at Galley Park. Across the lake, we could see the Martyr's Shrine. Another advantage was the proximity of Penetang where there was a beer store; Midland was dry.

The park had a well with the clearest, coldest water. There was a free kitchen, and outdoor pit for roasting bacon and weiners. The boys could rent a boat for a dollar a day, but often the owner wouldn't accept any money. The boys loved the boats and often disappeared for a full day, exploring the many coves and inlets on the lake. The 30,000 Island cruise was a highlight of each year's visit.

The owner accepted the Krars as part of his family. He often gave half of the rent money back. He said the children were so well behaved and helped out so much, that the owner enjoyed having them. One of the workers at the park, Mrs. Podio, moved to Welland later because of Mom and Dad. One of her daughters married Don Oliver, of Don Oliver Draperies.

Dad says of these days: "We had never been able to do very much. Now we could afford it. The children enjoyed it so much. There was so much to do up there".

John and Rose hitch-hiked to Midland on their honeymoon without Mom and Dad knowing it. They were coming home from church at the Martyr's Shrine and spotted Rose and John sitting on a bench on the main street.

"The sun has now shined on us. The children could enjoy many activities. Mom always made sure we had good things to eat. We all had a good appetite because of the fresh air”.

"We came from a foreign land into a strange land. We had a lot to learn, to adjust to things that were different. To learn these ways. They were good days. We were determined that the children would get a good education. We didn't mind sacrificing. Thanks to God it turned out well. A peaceful life, that we prayed for all the time together. That each of the children could arrange for a peaceful life together."

"We made no mistake in leaving Hungary, where I was born and where my ancestors were born. There would be no more war here. A better education for our children. Such a peaceful land. The politics here were not of war, but of peace."

"I was only 18 when I went to war; I was young when I came to Canada. The move brought us to a peaceful land, and a good education for our children."

"I thank God even to this day. Even though I’ve been left alone. But that's nature. I must continue and see that my children live in peace. I've accepted that I'm alone”.

CELEBRATIONS

Christmas and New Year's were feasts of continuous celebration. New Year's Eve was an all-night party. Many of the Morers lived on Garner Avenue. A travelling band moved house-to-­house. The band members were from among the friends. It was a “lustig" end to the old year and a "lustig” beginning of the new. The children had great fun on New, Year's Day with their “Winche, winche, was ich wos".

In Hungary, a major feast started the growing season, called Fruchtveich (Blessing of the Fruit). A procession from field to field lasted all morning and ended at noon at an outdoor altar. A cantor led the procession of thousands of people, from the very old to the very young. People who ordinarily did not go to church also joined. The custom goes back over 1000 years. The importance of good crops can easily be understood. Their whole livelihood depended on what they could grow on their land.

 A rough translation of the chant:

"Send us your blessings,

Send us your dew and rain.

That the thirsty mother earth

Together with the fruit awaken".

There was such a feeling of togetherness that often people who had unsettled disputes made peace during this time. For Pentecost Sunday, they traveled to a neighbouring town. The procession was led by a band and ended up at a Marian Church which had beautiful stations of the cross. Fasching was our Mardi Gras. The partying started on Monday at 2:00 p.m. and lasted until 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday. On Tuesday, they went to the boy's or the girl's house for supper. Good Friday called for fasting until noon. A big event on Holy Saturday was the Blessing of the Food.

Wine Lesse Fest was in October, our Oktoberfest. The harvest was in; the profit for the year depended on this. There were big family celebrations, big meals. In the big centres there were dances and balls. The young peop1e were allowed to go with their group to the dances. There was beer, drinks, and food of all kinds.

The other gathering of friends that remains as a memory were the sessions of “feden schleissen”. The ladies would gather up duck feathers during the year. Most families kept ducks and chickens in their backyards for their own use. The ladies would start at one home and continue working for as many nights as it took to 'de-vein’ the feathers. The men played cards, and at the end of the evening there would be a lunch for all. The children were also part of this. These sessions went on for a good part of the winter. The ties that bound these people in a common culture remained strong in Canada.

FAMILY

As previously noted, Grandfather Peter Krar had a tremendous influence on Dad. He died at 62 when Dad was 6, but many of his sayings and admonitions remain fresh in Dad's memory  over 80 years later.

Peter Krar married young. George, Dad's father, was born in 1863. Peter was only 23 years old. Grandfather loved the children and they loved him. He gave them food from his own plate. When Dad's father admonished the children for always hanging onto him, he replied: “Leave them. I want them. They're not bothering me”.

He was like a second mother to them. He told them that he liked them when they were good. He gave them things then. But his word stood. If they didn't behave, they didn't get anything. He would show them a stick if they were misbehaving. There is no indication he ever used it. They lived in poverty, but they were happy. Grandmother never recovered from her illness. Dad remembers that a small tree was planted at her grave.

Peter Krar was much respected in Mor and many people came to him for advice and counsel. This same advice and counsel has remained an influence in Dad's life. Dad says, “Grandfather made my heart soft. He was the best Krar of all”.

Dad's older brother, Steve, went into the Army, and made it a career. His oldest sister Mary, and his brother Joe had emigrated to Hartford, Connecticut. Dad knew most of the family affairs, so he stayed behind. His father gave him many words wisdom during this time. He said, “These words will serve when times get tough”.

Dad's mother died at 41 years of age. Father married her sister, a widow. She had already bankrupt her own farm, her home and vineyards. She nearly ruined her new family. There was no peace. He was solid in his faith and wanted the children raised well. The strife brought him to his early grave. He died in 1920.

CHURCH

Mom and Dad belonged to the German church in Mor – the Capuchin Cloister. It was three times as large as the Hungarian church because only about 2500 out of the 16000 citizens were Hungarian. The German church was larger than St. Kevin’s in Welland, with choirs above. The men sat on the right and the women on the left. People stood to left or at the back. The church had marble floors; but there was no heat.  There weren’t many people who didn’t go to church – “People will talk”.

On arrival in Canada, Mom and Dad took part immediately at Our Lady of Hungary Church. Mom was an active member of the Altar Society, and Dad became president of the Holy Name Society. Dad's first experience in Church organization, though, was back in Hungary. Father Anastasius interested him and Tony Krar in the Heart of Jesus Society. There were monthly prayers and other activities. Dad still feels that he belongs to it to this day.

Our Lady of Hungary was in serious financial difficulty in the ear1y days of the Depression. The Hungarian peop1e were thought to be unwilling to pay to the Church, and at one point the Church was locked up and put up for sale because of overdue mortgage payments and back taxes.

Dad and Mr. Hegedus were the lay leaders. Dad said, “We’re the leaders. We'll go door-to-door and raise money. If we don't do it, no one will”.

They asked for a list of parishioners from the priest. They asked people to write down how much they were prepared to give and then sign. Archbishop McGuigan couldn't believe how much they had raised. They had enough to paint the Church and paid the overdue mortgage payments and the back taxes. They had $1000 in cash to repay the Archbishop.

This money was presented to the Archbishop at Confirmation. He wanted to speak to Dad afterwards. He was aware that Dad and the pastor had disagreed strongly on how to raise money. Dad had said to the pastor, “You want to raise money by force by standing

in peoples way when they come into Church and forcing a collection basket at them. These people are poor and I won't do that. You do it if you want, but I won't take part in that. I don't come to Church to argue, and that's all we do. I have enough bad thoughts as it is; I don't want more. I'm leaving”. The pastor insisted that he was boss. Dad replied, “I'll tell you what. Who pays is boss. The people pay, they're boss. Goodbye”.

The Archbishop told Dad, “I want you to come back. You're fighting for the Church's right”. He told him that he couldn't tell him how or when, but he assured him that the situation would be changed. Shortly thereafter, the pastor was moved and a young Hungarian priest, Father Stephen Horvath was appointed.

Things changed immediately. The other priest had wanted total control of the money, but debts weren't being paid off. Father Horvath said that he would announce the weekly collections and what debts had been paid off. Within three years, the total debt was paid off.

There were some tensions connected with Dad's leadership role. Some of the Hungarians were upset that it should have been a Magyar in this leadership role. Archbishop McGuigan’s successor, Bishop Webster, accused Dad of creating disunity in the Parish.

The move to Northcote brought membership in the new St. Kevin’s Parish. Dad was a member of the Holy Name Society and Mom became an indispensable member of the Catholic Women's League. She could always be counted on to help in the kitchen and was always the last one there for the cleanup. Through the Catholic Women's League, she became involved with the Sunset Haven Auxiliary. She assisted with Bingo for the elderly, helped on excursions, with the Strawberry Festival and many other events. She was most valued because she could be called on at short notice and would always help until all the work was done. Doug Rapelje, now Supervisor for all the Homes For the Aged in Regional Niagara, to this day still comments on Mom's tremendous contribution.

I can remember Mom, well into her 70's saying, “I'm going to Sunset Haven to help the old people". Many of these "old people” were considerably younger than she was.

Mom always complained that her Eng1ish wasn't good and that maybe people couldn't understand her. Her communication was a universal one - selfless dedication. It was valued and recognized by everyone.

On retirement, Dad took on another “career”, fixing things at each of the boys' houses. His repeated question was: “Is there anything to fix?” We were afraid that he might not have enough to do at retirement. If anything, he was busier. Mom often couldn't get him to stop for supper. The Notre Dame Sisters often called on "Grandpa” to fix things at their large house on Aqueduct Street. He still gets letters from them.

Retirement also brought time for long vacations. Winters were spent in Florida. Two trips to Europe were other highlights.

FRIENDS

Friendships begun in Mor were maintained in Canada. The large “families” of friends and relatives included:

* Joe & Mary Hornich, farmers

* Frank & Teresa Hornich, farmers

* Frank & Annie Apolcer, farmers;

* Joe & Rose Apolcer, Carbide

* Frank & Mary Willmek, farmers

* John & Annie Schlett, farmers

* Frank & Julie Karch, brewery

* Ignacz & Barbara Manners, tobacco farm

* Steve & Elizabeth Pfiffer, Carbide

* John & Mary Steger, Carbide

* Steve & Mary Singer, Carbide

IMPORTANT MEN IN DAD'S LIFE

First, must be mentioned Grandfather Peter. Dad speaks of him in a special way and he comes into almost every session we have had together. His wisdom, his love, his words are as alive today as they were to that little six year old boy in Hungary.

His father, George Krar, a man who was heavily burdened, trusted Dad with the care of the family. Dad willingly accepted many responsibilities at an early age out of a sense of dedication to his father.

Captain Aurel Klein, his superior officer at the Russian Front. This man trusted Dad implicitly. He did everything for Dad, and Dad accepted heavy responsibilities. He was a strict man, but just. He saw good in everyone, and was willing to give them another chance when they failed. In 1920, when Dad was called back into the Army, he met Captain Klein in Budapest. He couldn't talk from emotion, but he shook Dad’s hand and hugged him. They never met again. He believed in Dad, and said that Dad did things as well as he did.

Ted Fox was another man who believed in Dad, helped him, and trusted him.

Lou Whitaker was a very special person in Dad’s life. Lou had been very active in the Lion’s Club for over 30 years. Yet, in his later years of illness, he often said that Dad was the only friend who had remained true to him. He gave Dad enormous trust, responsibility, and recognition. He helped with buying cars, designing houses. They were two remarkable men who were fortunate to have come to know each other and to share such a close friendship over so many years.

Dad was never in awe of people in responsible positions. Be they Priests, Bishops, Superintendents, or Plant Managers. His neighbour and close friend, Bill Dawson was Manager at John Deere. They kept in contact for many years after the Dawsons moved to Hamilton.

MOM

The story to now has been largely the story as told by Dad. Unfortunately, we did not start this story when Mom was still alive. Let Dad tell about her now:

“I got to know her through my sister Elizabeth. They were girlfriends. When I went to the war, she used to come to work for the family; she worked for other families as well. I got to know her first when I was 17. I went into the army at 19.

She lost her father at a young age. He was one of the first casualties of the war. Her father was a kind and gentle man. My father and sister looked out for her. She helped out more than she was paid for because father was sick.

When I came back on leave in 1916, we were often together as Mom was working at our place. Father said she was a good girl, well behaved and dedicated. When saying goodbye to her, I asked her, “Do you think of me as a friend?” She couldn’t speak so asked her to give me a sign. She nodded.

In 1917, I had a two week leave. On Sunday morning, she came to Church with me and Elizabeth. My Dad went too. After Church, I asked her, “Mitzi, do you think of me as a good friend?” She said, “I’ve saved all the letters you sent me from the front. If you’re as good a man as your father, you'll be good'. Would you come to have your picture taken with me? It's OK if you don't; I won’t be angry. I have to ask my mother. She said yes. This is the picture that is on the mantle at Dad’s.

Dad came home from the war in November of 1918. They were married on February 5, 1919. Mom took over all of the home duties looking after the sick father and the younger sisters.

“It was not good. There was a great deal of pain suffering, but I learned many good lessons from my father. I was called back into the service, so I wasn't there when he died. But Mom was with him until the end.”

The war affected me a great deal. I developed a very quick temper. My nerves were bad; I did things in a hurry that I couldn’t take back. The cursing and swearing were part of everyday life. But they're gone now. My father told me that things would work out for me. He prayed for his friends and his enemies; he told me to do the same.

I’ve never needed to feel ashamed of anything my father told me. Father, forgive us …so we have to forgive others. If we have proper faith we have to believe. I’m thankful for my father’s last words. “Have faith in God and you will have a good family.”

We decided to find a peaceful land and came to a foreign land, leaving our home behind. God gave me the strength and grace to prosper in this land. Even teachers complimented me for learning English so quickly. I worked in the evening in my room rather than going out. When the family arrived, I could function without an interpreter. My knowledge of English was a big help in my work".

This is the story as told to me by Dad. I have done a minimum of editing. With the exception of the historical background, it is essentially his story, the story that he wanted to leave behind for future generations.

Joe

RECOLLECTIONS

John Jr.

1919-1929      Early Recollection

* playing with younger brother, with pots and pans in kitchen

* going to the forest with father to cut wood; Christmas tree

* early school, "OVODA"; Christmas concert and play

* Christmas at home (the KRISTBAUM), figs, oranges, harmonica; learned to play HARMONICA

* parties at home and neighbours, accordion music, singing, dancing

* the SCHLACHTFEST - with neighbours, friends helping; feast on ham,  bacon, sausages

* 1924- began formal education

* 1928- father left for new land - CANADA

* finished 4 years of school (HUNGARIAN & GERMAN)

* mother let me drive team from Mor to fields, vineyard

* trip to BUDAPEST to visit dad’s 4 sisters at CONVENT

* 1929 - FIRST COMMUNION in DEUTSCHE KIRCHE, MOR

* 1929 - took train through Austria, Switzerland, to CHERBOURG, FRANCE

* board S.S. CARINTHIA, CUNARD LINE, to HALIFAX, CANADA

1929    NEW IMMIGRANTS TO CANADA

* APRIL 4, 1929- land at IMMIGRATION DOCK, HALIFAX

* first ice cream cone, first bananas

* board train for trip to MERRITON, ONTARIO

* trolley ride to WELLAND trolley station

* first automobile ride (MODEL "T" FORD) with Frank Hornich

* meet the Frank Apolcer family, Ontario Road, Welland

* May 1, 1929, attended classes at STEELE STREET School, 2 rooms

* Summer - attended GERMAN LANGUAGE CLASSES

1929- 1939 The Great Depression (Years of hardship)

* many people unemployed

* became altar boy at new OUR LADY OF HUNGARY CHURCH

* joined 5th Welland scout troop - St. Mary’s Church

* SCOUT CAMPS at SILVER BAY; REEB’S BAY (Port Colborne)

* September 1933 to May 1937 - WELLAND HIGH and VOCATIONAL SCHOOL

* “EXCELUIT” Award; member of school band and orchestra (clarinet)

* May 1937–hired at Stokes Rubber Company as apprentice machinist

* member of August Hirtle German Band (Clarinet)

* played for various weddings and parties

* member of Welland Citizens Band – played various parades in Welland, Port Colborne, Dunnville; Sunday concerts in Merrit Park

1939 – 1949       SECOND WORLD WAR BEGINS

* September 1939 - SECOND WORLD WAR BEGINS

* May 1941- completed APPRENTICESHIP - MACHINIST

* May 1941 - began APPRENTICESHIP - TOOL & DIE MAKER

* May 1945- completed APPRENTICESHIP - TOOL & DIE MAKER

* May 20, 1942- marriage to Rose Margaret VEGH – honeymoon at

Ho11ywood Lodge, MUSKOKA

* April 28, 1943 first child, Gary John, born at Welland County

General Hospital, Welland

* 1944- purchased first house, 23 Raymond Street, $3,450.00

* May 1945 - second child, baby Rose born; died one week later

* September 5, 1946 - third child, Larry James, born at Welland

County General Hospital

1949- 1959     NEW HORIZONS

* August 1949- First camping trip; to Allegany State Park

* January 1950- drive to Florida for first time with Rose & Gary

* June 1950 - hired by CORONET T.V. CORP; salesman

* CONTRACT - salesman, store manager - WELLAND

* May 1954- Moved to Hamilton - 10 WISE CRESCENT

* September 1954 - enrolled at ONTARIO COLLEGE OF EDUCATION – University of Toronto – boarded with brother Steve

* May 1955- graduated from ONTARIO COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

* July,1955- fourth child, Victoria Anne

* July,1955 – SIGNED CONTRACT with HAMILTON BOARD OF EDUCATION,

HILL PARK SECONDARY SCHOOL

* September 1955- began teaching at HILL PARK SECONDARY SCHOOL, ERNIE HUTTON - Principal

* September 1955- enrolled at McMASTER UNIVERSITY, Adult Evening Class in PSYCHOLOGY

* Associate Teacher, Ontario College of Education, U. of Toronto

* staff adviser for - DANCE CLUB & SOCIAL COMMITTEE

1959 – 1969    RETURN TO WELLAND AREA – FONTHILL

*January 1962 – signed contract with Pelham District School Board

*Consultant and Tech Director of new E.L. Crossley S.S.

Principal, Al Bridgeman

* accepted as member of SOCIETY OF MANUFACTURING ENGINEERS

* served for 15 years as chairman of Education Committee, S.M.E.

* attended conferences of ONTARIO TECHNICAL DIRECTORS

* September 1963- openin9 of E.L. CROSSLEY S.S.

* Counsellor of Student-Initiated Discipline Committee

* March 1964 - initiated comprehensive On The Job

Program

* September 1968 - one year STUDY

HISTORY, SOCIOLOGY, PSYCHOLOGY

1969 – 1979    YEARS OF GROWTH AND SERVICE

* February 1969 - Parents' Golden Wedding Anniversary

* June 1969 - CONTRACT - Niagara South Board of Education

* September 1969- began work as teacher - Technical Director at Welland   Centennial Secondary School   Principal - Joe Krar

* September 1969 - course in Technical Math., University Buffalo

* October 1969- Carolyn and Larry married at Lively, Ontario

* December 1969- helped Home Room class (9G) to organize and execute their Annual Centennial Christmas Basket Drive

* helped set up Evaluation Plan for Technical Department

* planned department Safety Program through I.A.P.A.

* served on Staff Social Committee

* served on Student/Staff Relations Committee

* taught Adult classes in Conversational German

* July - August 1971 - traveled to Europe with Rose& visited relatives

* 1971 - 1973 Associate Teacher, Althouse

* 1972 - 1973 taught courses at Niagara College for GM apprentices

* 1973 March Break - Trip to Hawaii, with Rose and Vicki

* 1973- Vicki and Bill Warring married, at St. Alexanders

* 1973- Course in Guidance at Althouse College, U.W.O.

* 1974 - taught Basics of the Metric System to Apprentices

  Niagara College, St. Catharines

* 1974 March Break - Trip to Guatemala with Rose & Petruzellas

* 1974 – joined Advisory Committee, Manufacturing Engineers program

* 1978-79 - Taught Ballroom Dancing with Rose

* 1979 – mom and dad’s 60^th wedding anniversary

1979 – 1985  The Golden Years

* 1980- 1982 Taught program in Continuing Studies, Industrial Arts,

College of Education, Brock University

* 1982 March Break - Trip to Cuba with Rose

* January 2, 1983 - mother died at Welland Hospital

* 1984- final year on Advisory Committee, Manufacturing Engineers, Niagara College

* March 1984 - students of Technical Department receive honours of 15^th  consecutive Annual Safety Award (IAPA)

* May 1984 - Award of Honorary Life Membership Technical Directors' Association

* June 1984- Retired: 30 years in Education

* September 1984- enrol at Brock University – part-time studies

* February 1985 - Award of “Excellence in Education” from Ontario

Secondary School Teachers' Federation

* February 1985- Trip to CARNIVAL, Trinidad and Tobago as member

of Twinning Association (Port of Spain and St. Catharines)

* September 1985- Visitors from Augsburg, Germany (Hedi & Franz Pollman)

RECOLLECTIONS

  Steve

1924-34

- Born July 20, 1924, Mor, Hungary.

- 1929 - Emigrated to Canada

- Came through a very big storm with everyone on boat very sick.

- Lived on Fifth Street with parents.

- Moved to Park Street.

- Started Public School at First Street School.

- Moved to 169 Garner Ave where Dad had an old moved house to the lot.

1935- 1954

1937  Started High School, Welland High and Vocational School.

1939  Helped father build the house at 167 Garner Avenue.

1940  Graduated from Welland High and Vocational School course with specialization in Machine Shop Practice

1940-45  Worked at Welland Machine and Tool as a machinist. The owners were Ben, Noel and Pop Whatmough

1945-50  Worked as a Die Sinker at Thermoid Mould and Tool (now General Tire)

1948  Married Elsie Helen Demko of Niagara Falls on June 26, 1948.

1951  Our first child, Judith Anne, was born at 7:30 a.m. December 31, at the Welland Hospital.

1951-54  Worked as a Tool and Diemaker at El-Mech Tools in Welland

1952  Built our first home at 16 Maplewood Crescent in Welland.

1954  Our second child, Allan, was born at 10:30 p.m. on May 11 at the Welland Hospital.

1954  Enrolled at the College of Education, Toronto in the Technical Teacher Training Course. John, Joe and I were enrolled at the same time.

1955 – 1964

1955  Received Type B Vocational Teaching Certificate

1955-56 Taught Machine Shop and Electricity at Niagara Falls C.V.I. under the guidance of Ron Pierce and Joe Broderick.

1956-62 Taught Machine Shop at John F. Ross CVI Guelph, Ontario. E.L. Fox was Principal.

1957 Built a house at 43 Ottawa Crescent, Guelph, Ontario.

1959-60 Chairman of the Machine Shop Roundtable of the Ontario Educational Association

1959 Started writing the first book “Machine Shop Training” with Joe St. Amand of Kitchener

1960 Completed all courses and received a Type A Vocational Specialist Certificate

1959-62  Educational Committee Chairman of the American Society of Tool and Manufacturing Engineers, Grand River Valley Chapter No.81.

1961  Set up and attended the 4 week (160 hours) course at Cincinnati Milling Machine Company, Cincinnati, Ohio. Course covered new machine techniques such as "Numerical Control, E.D.M. , E.C.M. , E.L.G.

1962  Purchased our house at 420 Fitch Street, Welland for $17,900.

1962-75  Taught Machine Shop and acted as Technical Director at Eastdale Secondary School in Welland.

1963-64  President of the Ontario Vocational Education Association

1962-66 Taught on the summer staff of the Ontario College of Education, University of Toronto, training potential teachers for the Type B Certificate.

1962  Text “Machine Shop Training” published by McGraw-Hill, Toronto

1965 - 1974

1967-71 Head of the Supervision Summer Course for Type A Vocational teachers at the College of Education~ University of Toronto.

1967 “Machine Shop Training”, 2nd EDITION, published by McGraw-­Hill

1968 “Machine Tools” – Transparency Book #1 Published by McGraw-Hill

1969 “Technical Drawing and Design–Book #1”,published Technifax Educational Division, Holyoke, Mass.

1970  “Technical Drawing & Design – Book #2”, published by Technifax Education Division, Holyoke, Mass.

1970  Measurement & Layout – Transparency Book #2, published by McGraw-Hill, Toronto.

1971  “Turning Technology” (U.S.), published by Delmar Publishers, Albany, New York.

1971  “Emtrenamiento En El Taller Mecanico” (Spanish Edition of Machine Shop Training), published by McGraw-Hill, Mexico.

1972 “L’Ajustage Mecanique” (French Edition of Technology of Machine Tools), published by McGraw-Hill, Montreal

1972 “Threads & Testing Instruments – Transparency Book #3”, published by McGraw-Hill, Toronto.

1973 “Grinding Technology” (U.S.), published by Delmar Publishers, Albany, New York

1973 “Cutting Tools, Transparency Book #4” pub1ished by McGraw­Hill, Toronto.

1974 “Metallurgy – Transparency Book”, published by Kostel Enterprises Ltd. (Steve Krar, Bill Oswald, Joe Amand).

1974 “Machine Shop Operations – Visutext Series”, published by McGraw-Hill, Toronto.

1974-75  Took a one year leave of absence from complete seven books I was working on.

1974- 1985

1975 Started Niagara Publishers (from our home) with Bill Oswald and Joe St. Amand .

1975 “Your Car”(S. Vajda, Co-author), published by McGraw-Hill, Toronto.

1976 “Math Modules (Core); Math Modules (Machine Shop)”; and Math Modules (Drafting); all published by General Publishing Co., Toronto

1977 “Technology of Machine Tools”, 2^nd edition (Cdn), published by McGraw-Hill, Toronto.

1977 “Drilling Technology” (U.S.), published by Delmar Publishers, Albany, New York.

1977  “Machine Shop Training 3rd Edition(Cdn.)”,published by McGraw-Hill, Toronto.

1978 “Math Modules – Consumer Ed”, published, by Genera1 Publishing Co.  Toronto.

1978 Niagara Publishers purchased and moved into the building at Church Street and Webber Road, Fenwick, Ontario.

1979 “Technology of Machine Tools”, Taiwan Edition, published by the Southeast Book Co.

1980- “Le Travail a L’atelier(Fr. Ed. of Visutext)”, published by McGraw-Hill, Montreal.

1983- “Machine Tools Operations” (U.S.), published by McGraw-Hill, N.Y.

1983- “Machine Tools Operations - Visutext(U.S.)”, published by McGraw-Hill, New York .

1983 October 8^th; Allan married Maureen Daley of Fonthill.

1984 – “Technology of Machine Tools, 3rd Ed.” (U.S.), published

by McGraw-Hill, New York

1984 “Technology of Machine Tools, 3rd Ed.” Published by McGraw-Hill, Toronto.

1985 “Machine Shop Training, 4th Ed.(Cdn)”, published by McGraw-Hill, Toronto.

1985 “Operacion de Maquinas Herramientas” (Spanish Ed. Of Machine Tools Operations), published by McGraw Hill, Mexico.

* Updated information (October, 2002)- in "Steve and Alices" section

RECOLLECTIONS - Joe

Early Years

* Getting in the Communion line when I was 5, and before I made my First Communion; feeling very guilty all the way home; never did tell anyone.

* Reciting a poem for a PTA meeting when I was in Grade 1.

* Serving Mass at the Carmelite Sisters' Convent. I was very young, and little. The Missal had a cloth on it that made it very slippery. When I reached up to lift the Missal it flew over my head and landed at Mother Dorothy's feet.

* My first recollection of a very nasty temper was when I threw the stove agitator at Frank because he was teasing me. The bathroom door got in the way. The boys spent a long time patching the door before Mom and Dad got home. When Doris and I moved in, the scar was still there.

* Eating “sauchiss" with Vito, Mooch, and Danny D'Andrea.

* Backing cars across the street at the Jewish Synagogue across from the D'Andrea's, when the owners forgot to take out the keys.

* Being asked to light the candles on the High Holy Days at the Synagogue. They blamed those "Italian boys” for fooling with their cars. I looked so innocent, they were, sure I wouldn't do it. I felt guilty.

* Making up my mind, at 7 years old that I wanted to become a teacher

* Not being strapped by Miss Ashley; a bunch of us were teasing Tony Papparoni when he was working at the blackboard; my innocent face allowed me to escape again.

* Remembering Mr. Ponting, the Principal, standing at the side entrance to the school, supervising our entrance to the school, eating peanuts from a bag he always carried.

* Starting at Notre Dame in Grade 6, traveling by bus; the bus stop was at "Nero's Grocery Store” on King Street. I remember the kegs of beer being unloaded from big Grocery trucks in the side entrance where, I later discovered, there was a big, illegal beer parlour.

* Being babied; I always was given the special treats, like bananas, because "I was the youngest". I never had to help because I was “too little”

* The bowling alley; bocce at the D'Andrea's.

* Confirmation Day, December 7, 1941. I remember going to Willmek's after Church, and hearing the announcement that Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbour. We then played Monopoly.

* Studying for the High School Entrance Exams on Saturday mornings with Sister Rosalia.

* The visits with the Morers; both Hornicks, Mergls and Apolcers on the farm; playing in the hay

* The different feasts and parties, when we kids could stay up late.

* I can still picture one of the wakes. The house was on Burgar Street and the body was laid out in the living room.

* Playing baseball in Minor Bantam. I was a pitcher, with nickname “Fadeaway”, because the ball traveled so slowly.

* Walking out to First Bush and Second Bush to skate in the winter (where the Wartime Housing is now located); weak ankles and frozen feet are the clearest recollection.

* Playing Church League Basketball; getting slaughtered in the playoffs in Hamilton. We scored 2 points.

* Somewhere along here, Dad felt I really should be starting to shoulder my share of the work. I remember him saying something like, "You know, you can't make a living playing games". The only time I ever proved him wrong was when I made Physical Education my main career in my early years of teaching .

* In Grade 8, I was playing in the 90 lb. and under Football League. Mom had forbidden me to play. My innocent face kept her unaware (or at least she never let on she knew); playing one Saturday, I broke my finger; it hurt so badly, I went to the show, so she wouldn't know. I don't think I ever did tell her.

* My first job was at Vaughan Seeds on Victoria Street. Louis Newmaster, the manager, gave me a great deal of responsibility.

* I had a brief, and unsuccessful, job at Welland Machine and Tool, where John and Steve worked. My job was to drill holes in metal parts. I soon tired of the routine and kept trying to figure out short cuts to get the job done quicker. It didn't work. I kept turning out scrap. I remember the foreman saying, "I can't believe you have the same mother as your brothers". I was very offended, and also fired.

* The coming of the Holy Cross Fathers to Notre Dame in my Grade 11 year; classes in  the Cooper House on Niagara Street; Father Fogarty entered us in the High School Football League, and we played our first game 11/2 weeks later. We were into the toughest Basketball section that year, and lost every game by 60 points or more, except for  the last game, when we stayed close to Stamford. We had six players. The  next year, in an easier league, we had a successful  season.  I scored 35 points in a game against Beamsville, a school record that stood for 10 years. Moving to the "new school” on Smith Street in March of my Grade 12 year .Valedictorian at Graduation.

* Entered the seminary with Holy Cross at New Bedford, Massachusetts.

* Three years at St. Joseph's University, New Brunswick. B.A., Summa Cum Laude.

* Played on the University Basketball Team; refereed Intermediate Basketball; coached the University Midget team. Sang in the University Choir. The summers were spent at Lac Vert, near Mont Tremblant, Quebec. Almost everyone there spoke only French; became canoe examiner; went on full-day canoe excursions.  Was exposed to very strong undercurrents which surfaced in later years in Quebec Separatism. I remember a surprise visit by Father Horvath and Father McKenna one summer.

* one year of Theology at St Laurent, Quebec. Built a complete outdoor Basketball court;  during construction, I drove a small bulldozer over a bank because I didn't know how to stop it. Innocent look saved me again.

* Enrolled at the Ontario College of Education in Toronto. I knew Steve was going, but was amazed when John walked into the opening assembly, too. Had a terrific year, although I spent the year recovering from a severe bout of jaundice from the previous winter. Spent two weeks supply teaching in Wallaceburg. Spent the weekend with Frank and Odette in Toledo.

* Had trouble finding a teaching job; remember the interview with the Dundas Board well; after some probing questions about my Religion and Nationality, the Board Chairman stated, "I thought I detected an accent.” What he was really telling me, was that they weren't hiring Catholics.

* Hired at Port Colborne High School on Good Friday, 1955, to teach Physical Education and Science. Worked that summer at the Ontario Athletic Leadership Camp, Lake Couchiching to do general maintenance. The influence of this camp, and its director, Eric Runacres, made a tremendous impact on me and shaped many of my leadership experiences in my teaching.

* Married Doris Schaefer, after proposing on April 1. Greg born a year later. Our next child, Peter David died after one week of a massive congenital heart problem. The priest who baptized the baby in the hospital didn't have time to call us about a name. Perhaps it was fitting that he chose the name Peter, in view of Dad's tremendous respect for his grandfather, Peter.

* For three years, ran the summer recreation program for the City of Port Colborne; began the Port Colborne Track Club; started a summer recreation program for the Retarded which turned turned out to be the first such program in Canada

* 1957, we built our first house and moved to Port Colborne, $12,500.

* 1959, was named Citizen of the Year for Port Colborne in recognition of the work with summer recreation and Retarded children

* Lack of success in coaching Basketball and Football and

success at winning Track and Field Championships, plus very

active student leadership programs.

* Assisted in design of new Physical Education facilities.

* 1960- Linda born, and move to new Eastdale Secondary School.

* Moved back to Welland, 30 Caithness Drive, $16,300. Dad put in curbs and patio with help from Joe Apolcer Sr. I watched.

* 1961 - Designed Football field and Track and Field layout at Eastdale.

* Developed Provincial Grade Team Gymnastic Championship team.

* Headed Physical Education Department, taught Junior Science, Chemistry and Guidance.

* 1963 - David born.

* 1965 – Headed public campaign to convince City Council to rescind motion that would have removed the auditorium from the Centennial Secondary School plans

* Critiqued plans for Physical Education facilities at Centennial which resulted in a 1/3 enlargement of the facilities* 1966 Appointed Vice Principal, Welland Centennial Secondary School * * Jolene born.

* 1967- moved into the “experience” at 100 Manor Road; $40,500.

* 1968- Appointed Principal, Centennial.

* 1968- 1970 Chaired Ontario Secondary Education Committee on Non Graded Schools; members traveled through Canada and United States to study innovative schools; gathered information from around the world on self-evaluation, which became basis for the Ministry of Education Evaluation Program.

* 1970- 1971 Served on Advisory Committee for the Reorganization of the Department of Education.

* Redesigned large portion of school for expanded library and English facilities.

* 1975 Resigned to start business.

* December 1975 Began teaching mathematics at Carmel Senior Elementary School, Niagara Falls. Developed individualized program to allow students to gain High School Math credits while still in Elementary School.

* Fire destroyed business; serious illness; year of recovery

* 1979  Greg and Cathy are married.

* 1980  Finally won a Basketball Championship, in fact, two -

"Niagara Falls Public School Championship” and “Welland

Separate School Championship” (Jolene helped).

* Stephie is born, our "miracle".

* 1983 - 1984 developed innovative program for bright students in

Grade 6,7,and 8 at Carmel. An opportunity to do all of those things I've felt have been needed in teaching.

*1984 - Appointed as teacher of Grade 5 and 6 Gifted Class at St Andrew’s in Welland. A fantastic opportunity for so late in my career.

CONCLUSION

The over-all recollections I have are of a family committed to serving others. The number of members of our overall family whose career, or voluntary work, is that of service to others, has always been a great source of pride to Mom and Dad. Brothers, wives, nieces, nephews, grandchildren - the list is endless.

In my own immediate family, Doris, Greg, Cathy, Linda, David and Jolene are a constant source of inspiration as they live ideals that meant so much to Mom and Dad.

It has been a tremendous honour to tell this story. It is not intended to be the definitive story - that will continue to be lived by all who read it.

The errors are all mine; it’s all right to correct any spelling mistakes and or other typos; I’m not much good at proof­reading.

Dad hopes that some part of this story will be of interest to grandchildren and their grandchildren.

Joe Krar

Welland, Ontario

December 23, 1985                                Click for home