Enns, Olga (1917–2004)
Proper Title
Olga Enns fonds
Dates of Creation
1900–1970
Physical Description
0.5 cm. of textural records, 106 photographs, and 1 cd
Biographical Sketch
Olga Enns was born in Tiegenhof, Ukraine May 13, 1917, to Gerhard and Lena (Dyck) Enns. In 1924 her family emigrated to Canada, but Olga, age seven, was held back due to health issues. She arrived in Canada with another family, in September of that year.
Olga worked in business professionally, but was a committed and faithful church member at Kitchener Mennonite Brethren Church, donating much time and energy to Women’s Missionary Service, the library, Sunday School and many church committees.
Beyond her congregation, she organized the Women’s Missionary Service of the Ontario Mennonite Brethren Conference in 1960, serving on the council for many years. She also had a passion for Camp Crossroads, and was on the council of Christian Women After 5 for many years.
Olga served with MCC in Uruguay, South America for three years.
Custodial History
This collection of material was donated to the CMBS by Leone Sherk, Kitchener MB archives committee chair. The photos were found in the church building after the death of Olga Enns. Her extended family members agreed that the photos should be donated.
Scope and Content
The Olga Enns Photo Collection is extensive, covering the time period of 1900 to 1970, with the majority being from Kazakhstan. The primary focus is groups of people, many of whom are family members. There is detailed identification on most of the photos.
Ten of these photos were scanned at the Mennonite Archives of Ontario, as part of the Molotschna Bicentennial Photo Project, with three sets being sent to Melitopal, Zaporizhia and Molotschna.
Notes
- Volume 1346.
- NP164-03.
- Language: German.
- Described by Yvonne Snider-Nighswander, April 4, 2012.
- Accession No. 2010-025.
- No restrictions on access.
- Related materials: NP194-01:-07, 09, 19, 41, 43, 44, 45.
- CD of project photos: “Molochna 2004 Photos.”
File List
Volume 1346
1. Various documents related to the photo collection:
- Obituary for Olga Enns.
- Letter of thanks from Linda Hecht for her photos being made available for the Molotschna Bicentennial Photo Project, including an explanation of the project.
- Looking for Windows on the Mennonite and Ukrainian Past, by Paul Toews