The captivating history of a long-ago Manitoba village has found its way into the pages of a new book to be released this month.
‘Hochstadt Village – Kleinstadt School District: Histories and Memories’ delves into the lives of intriguing individuals who once inhabited this vibrant community where farming and faith intertwined.
Joe and Lois Braun of Altona spearheaded this labour of love.
Deeply involved in Mennonite history organizations, he received encouragement from historians like Adolf Ens and Lawrence Klippenstein in the early 2000s to document the history of his home community. Back in 2007, he and his brother Ken interviewed Kleinstadt residents, laying the groundwork for this project.
Lois, who is a teacher, author and experienced book editor, shares Joe’s passion for history, so countless hours were spent gathering information and photos, resulting in a comprehensive work that spans generations.
“It’s been a work in progress for a very long time,” Lois explained.
The Kleinstadt history project committee includes Joe, Lois and Stan Funk, Wallace Hamm and Ray Friesen.
The book sheds light on Mennonite settlement, tracing the origins and evolution of Hochstadt village and the Kleinstadt school district. Detailed maps and diagrams reveal land ownership over a 90-year period, while profiles of more than 90 families and individuals provide a glimpse into their lives from 1880 to the present day.
The book also weaves together captivating stories from past and present residents, teachers and vignettes that vividly depict life in the community.
One historical tidbit:
“The community was at one time referred to as ‘the tower district’ because a wooden tower had been built there for surveying purposes back in the 1920s. It was a bit of a sightseeing destination, and kids used to climb it for adventure.”
Lois noted Hochstadt was the original name of the village settled in 1880, later becoming the Kleinstadt school district three miles northeast of Altona. By the mid-20th century, four families – the Brauns, Kehlers, Hamms and Kruegers – dominated the village. Today, only a few second-generation Kleinstadters remain.
Years of archival research, old maps, ancestry websites, interviews and photographs culminated in this book.
Lois said it’s not the ultimate Hochstadt/Kleinstadt history but an essential addition to the growing archives, and she hopes others with ancestral information will contribute to the Altona archives, ensuring the collection continues to expand for future generations and historians.
The 250-page book spans from Hochstadt’s founding in 1880 to 1967 – the last year the school operated. It features profiles of original village families, photos and insights into 20th-century community life.
Local historians and Mennonite scholars including William Kehler have contributed articles alongside memoirs penned by past residents. Readers will also discover intriguing articles on historical figures like the Funk brothers, the Hochstadt Quartet and musician Ben Kehler.
The book promises to be a cherished addition to Manitoba’s historical legacy, preserving the memories and spirit of a community that once thrived on the prairie.
The committee is planning a book launch June 23 at 2:30 p.m. at the Neubergthal Commons Barn. The program will include a few ballads by Paul Bergman.
Kleinstadt native Ben Kehler was a well-known classical guitarist and teacher, and his granddaughter will be performing. There will be a special presentation featuring three former Kleinstadt schoolteachers.
Books will be $50 each, cash or cheque only. RSVP if you plan to come. To acquire a book, come to the launch or phone 204-324-6259 or email owltree76@gmail.com.
