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Durksen, David D. (1891–1982)

Proper Title

David D. Durksen fonds

Dates of Creation

1972–1973

Physical Description

1 folder of textual records and one audio cassette (60 minutes)

Biographical Sketch

David D. Durksen was born on December 3, 1891 in the village of Alexanderthal, south Russia. He was the son of David Durksen and Anna Reimer. He was baptised and joined the Mennonite Brethren Church. He married Sarah Pauls (1897–1969), daughter of David F. Pauls (1871–1953) and Sara Dueckmann (1877–1946), on May 25, 1918. In 1925, the family immigrated to Canada and settled at Arnaud, Manitoba. In 1947, the family moved to St. Catharines, Ontario where they lived and worked on a fruit farm and were very involved in the Mennonite Brethren church. In 1955, he retired and gave up farming. He died on April 26, 1982.

Custodial History

Harold Jantz, who was the editor of the MB Herald at the time, interviewed Durksen as a part of a larger project to preserve information and experiences of older people. When it was donated to the Centre in unknown.

Scope and Content

This collection contains one item. It is a transcript of an interview done by Harold Jantz with David D. Durksen. Durksen’s experience in Russia with education, and the forestry service, as well as early years in Canada are recorded. The material is all in German, and the transcript is typed.

Notes

  •  Location: Volume 922, Audio Tape Collection NA-15-7.
  •  Language: English and German.
  •  Described by Conrad Stoesz November 29, 1999. Updated by Conrad Stoesz September 24, 2007.
  •  Finding aid consists of a file list.
  •  No restrictions on access.

File List

Volume 922
1. Transcript of interview with D.D. Durksen, St. Catharines, Ont., by Harold Jantz. In German. -- 1972–1973.
2. Obituaries for David D. Durksen. -- 1982.

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