Here is a link to the Karl and Juli Koberstein database
Here is their biography.
Koberstein, Karl and Juli (by daughter Ruth Rolf)
It was indeed a very new and strange experience when Julianna Seidlitz and Karl Koberstein first came to Canada from their homeland in Chelm, Poland. Not being able to speak the language was especially hard.
Chelm is a small town built on chalk hills and surrounded by marshy lowlands quite close to the current border with Belarus. There has been a settlement here since neolithic times. Throughout its known history it has been the scene of battles. In the 14th and 15th centuries it was the seat of a bishop, and for a while it was even part of Hungary.
They came to Canada in the spring of 1927, on a large steam ship which took about two weeks. They landed in Halifax and continued across Canada by train, all the way to Edmonton where previous immigrant friends met and put them up.
They soon found employment. Karl first started working on various farms. Later he worked at Gainers where he stayed for the next ten years. Julianna found house keeping jobs to keep her busy and to earn a little money.
Karl and Julianna got married in Nov., 1928. They lived in a small house on the south side which still stands today. This was very close to work at Gainers, and also Trinity Lutheran Church, where they were members with their young family.
They were blessed with three daughters, Eleanor born in Oct. 1930, Evelyn in Oct. 1932, and Ruth in Dec. 1934. These young girls certainly kept mother busy, but she enjoyed her city life very much.
In late March of 1937 their first son, Herbert, appeared on the scene. It was a thrill to have their first little boy.
Father at this time got very restless and tired of working a Gainers, and finally talked Mother into going farming. Dad's brother, Gus Koberstein, was already farming in the Garden view district, so this made Dad want to go too. Finally Mother agreed and they moved to their little farm, NE 24-57-5-W5, with it's small four room log house, and a few other buildings.
There was not electricity, no water, and the roads were narrow dirt trails. Mother found it extreamely hard after coming from the city with it's conveniences, especially with four children.
The house was heated with a wood burning heater, and it had wooded floors. It also had a wood burning cooking range along with a few kitchen cubboards. It was no "Taj Mahal", but we coped just like our neighbors. Dad soon got a few cows, chickens, pigs, and horses,cleared some land, and carved out a beautiful farm. Although it was hard for everyone, we were happy.
Crafts School was nearly four miles away, so it was a hardship for us young children to walk so far. The first fall Eleanor started school Dad would many times carry her part way. She was soon joined by her sisters and brothers and other neighbor children. There was another road opened up straight east of Crafts school, which cut our mileage down some. In later years when the Haltiner children started, everybody that could, would pile on their buggy or sleigh which made a good time for all.
Our first experience with school started at Crafts for all of us, but in later years a centralized school was built, complete with electricity, indoor washrooms, and a gym. The children were then picked up by bus.
In Sept. of 1939, Arnold made an appearance on the scene, so Dad had another helper for his farming operation. Our parents certainly never had a dull moment with so many of us in the family; someone was always getting into something.
In the early yeras we would go to Saturday School at our Lutheran Church where we learned some German reading and writing. We also were taught our catechism, Bible stories, and songs.
Once we got home from school, there were many chores for everyone, such as hauling water, wood, oil for the lamps, gathering eggs, cleaning barns, milking cows, and many other chores. We really didn't have much time for play. Our summers were also spent herding cows. There weren't many fences at that time so we had to pack lunches, and spend the day keeping the cows in tow.
When we did have some time for play we enjoyed playing ball, hide and seek, cops and robbers, and making tree houses. In the winter we would sleigh ride and skate on the slough.
In the early 40's, Dad bought his first car which was and early 30's Chevrolet. It certainly was a treat to have our own vehicle. Soon after this Dad also got his first tracter - a John Deere - which was a real boon to the farming operation.
Then about 1943, our new two storey house was built. Was it ever nice to have all the extra space. Moving day was certainly exciting!
In July 1944 another baby, Edwin, made his appearance. We were all a fair bit older so this baby was very exciting and had many sisters and brothers to look after him. Mom and Dad certainly enjoyed having him around when the rest of the family left home.
Dad's farming operation got bigger and better all the time. With more machinery and more land, farming was a little easier, and later on we got running water in the house and power which came to the area about 1952. This was truly a blessing.
I remember the two highlights of the year. The big Christmas concert the teacher and pupils worked so hard to put on in the Meadow view Hall, then on Christmas eve we got all bundled up for the trip to our church for the children's Christmas program. What excitement this was! The tree looked awesome with it's tinsel and it's candles burning. In the early years we went to church by horse and sleigh, so it was a cold trip. Then in the summer there was the community picnic at the picnic grounds which was also a treat as that is where we tasted our first ice cream and watermelon.
Also the excitement in the early years was going to the music festivals and track meets which were held at Cherhill, Rochfort Bridge, and Mayerthorpe. It was a nice outing for us all. I also remember our first trip to the city in the back of a truck. Our teacher, Mrs. Allen, took us to many interesting places in the city.
It didn't take long and we grew up, married, and moved on to another phase of our lives.
Eleanor married Jim Wharton of Shoal Creek in Nov., 1948. They live in Edmonton where Jim works for Canada Cement. They have two children, Marlene and Duane, and also five grandchildren.
Evelyn married Art Klute in June, 1952. Art was from the Edson area, and they lived in Edson, Jasper, and now Edmonton, where Art works with the CNR. They have four children, Gayleen, Gary, Ken, and Wendy. They also have five grandchildren.
Ruth married Fred Rolof from south of the Pembina River in Aug. 1954. They lived many years in Sangudo where Fred was administrator of the county of Lac Ste. Anne, and now they live in Leduc where Fred is administrator of Leduc County. They have four children, Debbie, Rod, Dawn, and Linda, and they also have five grandchildren.
Herb married Lydia Dotzlof of Neerlandia in July 1962. He is on a farm near his home place. They have three children, Darcy, Bradley, and Tracy, who are all on their own now too.
Arnold married Dawn Wilson of Meadowview area in Sept., 1962. Thery are on the home farm, NE 24-57-5-W5, and Arnold is also administrator of the County of Lac Ste. Anne. They have three children, Brenda, Dianne, and Lindsey. They enjoy living in the country.
Edwin married Pryna Reinsberger of Lacombe in Aug., 1968. Ed is assistant administrator with the County of Lacombe. They have two children, Vance, and Denise, who are active in sports.
Dad certainly enjoyed his farming operation immensely until he became ill in 1967, and passed away in Sept. of that year.
He was quick witted and fun to be around. He really enjoyed the outdoors,fishing, and anything to do with sports, plus his love for God and fellowman.
Arnold and Dawn then took over the home farm and Mother moved to Edmonton. She still enjoys her good health, her church and her family.
The family gets together annually for a family picnic in the summer. We now number 54 in Jan. of 1988, so have certainly increased in size since 1928. Live has indeed been good to us, and we have been blessed with lovely families and good health.