Accession 2017.014
Title and Physical Description
Coaldale Altenfest collection. – 1930s-1969. – 1 album (9 photographs).
Administrative/Biographical History
It was, for many years, the practice that Mennonite men and women at Coaldale, Alberta, who were over the age of 65 met annually for an Altenfest (Seniors’ Festival). Members of both the Mennonite Brethren and General Conference Mennonite churches participated. All, or almost all, had migrated from the Soviet Union to Canada in the 1920s. There was much visiting, some singing, a devotional, and a light lunch at which the shared Russian Mennonite religious and cultural heritage took precedence over denominational differences. It was customary to take a group photo at these celebrations.
Custodial History
Received from Lynnette Toews Neufeldt as part of a large collection of miscellaneous books, hymnals, photographs and other archival items.
Scope and Content
The 9 photographs are approximately 24 cm x 20 cm in size and held in a special photograph album. The earliest of these photos in marked as being in the 1930’s. followed by one marked 1949, others marked 1949 or 1950, 1951 or 1953, 1953, 1954, next two undated, and 1969. They are arranged chronologically.
Source of Acquisition
Donated by Lynnette Toews Neufeldt.
Notes
See also Alfred Klassen fonds, 2016.003 for comparable Altenfest photographs with identification of some of those pictured.
Filed with other larger photograph albums.