German Pioneers Day, 2011 in Ontario - on October 11

The Tuesday following Thanksgiving is German Pioneers Day in Ontario. This day was established by legislation that took effect in 2000.

In Toronto and Kitchener, there will be a special flag raising. Markham, Ontario has also proclaimed it as well but the Town has no special events planned.

On my mother's side, I have Germanic ancestors. In 1993, I made this discovery. Since 1994, I have been a member of the Markham Berczy Settlers Association. In 2009, I became President. Our membership is widespread and consists mostly of descendants of the German pioneers who came with William Berczy to the Markham area of Ontario in the late fall of 1794.

Johann Niclaus Stoeber (Stiver) and his family came to Canada as part of this group. I have written some blog articles on the family.

This year on October 11, the association will meet. At 3 p.m. we will have a tour of the new collections building and see some of the exhibits. Enter by the new glass doors. In the evening, we will meet at 7 p.m. at the Bethesda Lutheran Church, Unionville. Note: This is different to the original plans outlined in the August newsletter.


View Markham District Historical Museum in a larger map
The Association's website can be viewed to learn more about the group. The website includes an index of the newsletter. The Association is now also on Facebook.
© 2011 Janet Iles

German Pioneers' Day - the Tuesday after the Canadian Thanksgiving

 To mark German Pioneers' Day, the Markham Berczy Settlers Association will meet for its annual meeting at Bethesda Lutheran Church, in Unionville.

First, a small delegation will go to the Markham Civic Centre at 7 p.m (101 Town Centre Blvd.- Warden Avenue and Highway #7, Council Chambers) to celebrate German Pioneers Day at the Town of Markham Council Meeting

Lorne Smith will make a short presentation to Council recognizing the immense contribution the German pioneers made to the start of Markham and to the economic, cultural and social life of the community since their arrival. Lorne will introduce representatives of local German heritage organizations.

This will also be an excellent opportunity to visit the Bicentennial Plaque at the Civic Centre.

The meeting will follow at the Bethesda Lutheran Church. (8 p.m. start)

Annual meeting
Presentation by Bob Stiver about the restoration work of the Stiver Mill

Refreshments will be served.

You are welcome to attend if you are in the area and want to learn more about the Markham Berczy Settlers Association and the restoration plans for the Stiver Mill.
© 2009 Janet Iles