Adi Loewen, SteinbachOnline, October 6, 2024
The Manitoba Mennonite Historical Society has just released its fifth printing of “Historical Atlas of the East Reserve“, and Ernest Braun, Mennonite historian, and co-editor of the book was at the Mennonite Heritage Village Museum on Tuesday, September 27th, to share the updated hardcover book with visitors.
Braun, together with Dr. Glenn Klassen, a retired biology professor from the University of Manitoba, along with five others, calling themselves the *Atlas Team, took what started as a project to simply update the existing East Reserve Atlas, eventually becoming a whole new entity.
Braun explained the motivation behind the book, saying, “In the late 1980s, John Rempel and William Harms did an Atlas of the East Reserve. It was a start, but we felt it needed an upgrade. So in 2006, we decided to take that on. It took us about nine years to finish it.”
The atlas aims to compile everything known about the East Reserve’s history up to around 1930.
Braun shared a personal connection to the project, recalling how his mother would use unique place names during his childhood.
“I grew up hearing these strange words—‘south of Shoensie’ or ‘out by Old Barkfield’—and I had no clue what they meant. After my teaching career, I thought it was time to find out.”
As he researched, Braun discovered that many of these names were actually on historical maps.
“Every existing map of the East Reserve is in here (in the book), as far as we know. I made it my mission to visit every disputed site, driving around daily to check them out. In some cases, we couldn’t confirm a location, so we noted that it was based on family legend. But most of the time, the evidence pointed to specific areas.”
Braun notes that the atlas has already gone through five printings due to popular demand. “We’ve just ordered another 350 books. I’m set for the rest of my life.” He smiled.
You can purchase the book at the Mennonite Heritage Village Museum or at CommonWord, a bookstore located at Canadian Mennonite University.
Braun believes the growing interest in the book reflects a wider trend.
“As baby boomers get older, we start to care more about our history. Places like Steinbach, Niverville, and Grunthal have people who’ve moved away, but many come back. They see this book and say, ‘This is great!’”
For anyone interested in Mennonite history or family roots, Braun encourages them to check it out. “This is for anyone curious about their heritage or local history.”
If you’re looking to dive into the rich history of the East Reserve, this atlas is definitely worth a look.