Below is a rough translation of the above letter of March 25, 1947, sent by Emil Neumann (Waterford, Ontario) to Frieda Kaethler (nee Neumann), Emil’s niece, who was in a refugee camp in Germany with her three sons. It was received by Frieda in southern Germany on June 2, 1947, and it was found among her papers after she died. I knew about this letter, but had never seen it until on July 1, 2009, when it was shown and lent to me by her son, Bill Kaethler. With the help of her uncle, Emil Neumann, Frieda Kaethler and her three sons, Nicholas, Ernst and Wilhelm, came to Canada in late October 1948, and lived with the Neumanns for one year before moving to Kitchener.
Note: To see the above scanned copy of this letter more clearly, click on it and you will see it in larger form. It is copied in 3 images.
My Dear Niece, Frieda:
Your letter arrived yesterday. It was a great joy to hear from you! It is, however, very sad how you all were so widely scattered because of the war. I have received several letters from my sister, Emma, in Zaporozhe. I also heard from my sister, Ottilie Biebrich. She is in Kustanei, as are your mother and siblings. Your father died 2 or 3 years ago. Johann Biebrich is also dead. My brother, Gottlieb, and family are now in Tashkent. We, here in Canada, have so far been spared all the great tribulations, but here too life brings sorrows, because we all wander this world through a valley of tears and we have on this earth no permanent home, but we seek the everlasting home in the light where our loved ones who have gone before await us.
Last fall we moved from the city of Montreal to the country where I bought a farm (began a farming operation). Four of my children are in school – Arthur 16, Selma 15, Wilhelm 13, and Linda, 9 year s old. And we also have 2 little ones – David 5 and Elizabeth 4. As for a wholesome life in this earthly existence, Canada is the best place to be, and for you it would be best if you could come here; having said that, we don’t, at the moment, have the resources to help you reach this goal. However, God willing, in the future, we will do everything possible to help you. Write us as soon as you get this letter.
With heartfelt greetings,
E. & E. Neumann, and children.
Emil also said, I enclose the address for Ottilie Biebrich (which as far as I know, is also the address for your mother and siblings). Emma is at her old address.
My Dear Niece, Frieda:
Your letter arrived yesterday. It was a great joy to hear from you! It is, however, very sad how you all were so widely scattered because of the war. I have received several letters from my sister, Emma, in Zaporozhe. I also heard from my sister, Ottilie Biebrich. She is in Kustanei, as are your mother and siblings. Your father died 2 or 3 years ago. Johann Biebrich is also dead. My brother, Gottlieb, and family are now in Tashkent. We, here in Canada, have so far been spared all the great tribulations, but here too life brings sorrows, because we all wander this world through a valley of tears and we have on this earth no permanent home, but we seek the everlasting home in the light where our loved ones who have gone before await us.
Last fall we moved from the city of Montreal to the country where I bought a farm (began a farming operation). Four of my children are in school – Arthur 16, Selma 15, Wilhelm 13, and Linda, 9 year s old. And we also have 2 little ones – David 5 and Elizabeth 4. As for a wholesome life in this earthly existence, Canada is the best place to be, and for you it would be best if you could come here; having said that, we don’t, at the moment, have the resources to help you reach this goal. However, God willing, in the future, we will do everything possible to help you. Write us as soon as you get this letter.
With heartfelt greetings,
E. & E. Neumann, and children.
Emil also said, I enclose the address for Ottilie Biebrich (which as far as I know, is also the address for your mother and siblings). Emma is at her old address.
NOTE: Ottilie was Emil's oldest sister, and Emma was his younger sister.
