22
Icelandic log house exhibit28 November 2005
Gimli, New Iceland Heritage Museum
23
The first settlers used surplus canvas tents from the Hudson Bay Company for the first several weeks and quickly set about building log cabins such as the one depicted here. With few resources many families shared these small shelters and thus forged many community ties.24
Gimlungur newspaper published in Gimli by Gisli P. Magnusson1910
Gimli, Manitoba
25
The publishing of newspapers was also a key feature in this new settlement. A number of competing newspapers were distributed in the early years of settlement including the one pictured here.26
Ukrainian newspaper attached to the lid of a trunk used by an early settler.1889
Gimli, Manitoba
27
Settlement of the community continued to come almost entirely from Icelandic immigrants until 1895. In 1895 many other ethnic groups began arriving in and around Gimli. Among the first to arrive in the region were the Ukrainian settlers.These hardy and industrious people had endured centuries of oppression in their homeland. In 1895, Dr. Josef Oleskow lobbied the Canadian government for information on Canada to explore the possibility of directing a mass migration of Ukrainian farmers to Canada.
A publication entitled, About Free Lands, was put out by a Ukrainian educational society giving favourable accounts of Canada.
When the first Ukrainian settlers began arriving the head of the house would often have to leave his family behind when he came to Canada and work for many years to earn enough money to send for them.
28
Ukrainian Easter eggs27 January 2006
Gimli, Manitoba
29
Ukrainian cross stitch shirt27 January 2006
Gimli, Manitoba
30
The Ukrainian people brought with them a rich tapestry of art and culture and their influence in the culinary history of Gimli is still widespread.Each homestead had a baked-clay oven for baking and the art of pottery making, both functional and decorative, was brought with them from their homeland.
The Ukrainian women were skilled with looms and would weave their own cloth. Multi-coloured cross-stitched patterns were added to decorate blouses, scarves, aprons, tablecloths and numerous other articles.
31
Excerpts on 'The Old Potter of Gimli'1927
Gimli, Manitoba
32
Paul Krezanski water jug1920
Gimli, Manitoba
33
Ukrainian altar cloth1930
Gimli, Manitoba
34
Besides the tapestry of cultural features of food, design, clothing and customs another important aspect of the new settlers was a new set of religious traditions added to the existing mix.35
Ukrainian bible brought by the early settlers.1900
Gimli, Manitoba
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