Scope and content: This collection consists of individual visual art pieces held by the Mennonite Archives of Ontario separately from other collections. These are not the only pieces of folk art owned by the Archives -- some are part of the Historical Library of published works like Bibles or hymnbooks; others remain part of manuscript collections.
1. Fraktur by Anna Weber (1814-1888) donated to the Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario. From the Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario collection. See E. Reginald Good, Anna's art : the fraktur art of Anna Weber, a Waterloo County Mennonite artist, 1814-1888 (1976) for biographical information.
2. Fragment of fraktur birth record for Christian Reesor (1804-1826) (ca. 1820). From the Reesor family collection (Hist.Mss. 1.9). See Michael S. Bird. Ontario Fraktur : a Pennsylvania-German folk tradition in early Canada (1977), p. 69.
3. Traditional motif (tulips, birds, heart) possibly by Abraham Latshaw (ca. 1820). From the Christian Eby collection (Hist.Mss. 1.21). See Michael S. Bird. Ontario Fraktur : a Pennsylvania-German folk tradition in early Canada (1977), p. 105.
4. Angels of wisdom motif possibly by Abraham Latshaw (ca. 1820). From the Christian Eby collection (Hist.Mss. 1.21). See Michael S. Bird. Ontario Fraktur : a Pennsylvania-German folk tradition in early Canada (1977), p. 105.
5. Parrot and tropical city by unknown Pennsylvania artist (ca. 1820). From the Christian Eby collection (Hist.Mss. 1.21). See Michael S. Bird. Ontario Fraktur : a Pennsylvania-German folk tradition in early Canada(1977), p. 100.
6. Tiger in the jungle by unknown Pennsylvania artist (ca. 1820). From the Christian Eby collection (Hist.Mss. 1.21). See Michael S. Bird. Ontario Fraktur : a Pennsylvania-German folk tradition in early Canada (1977), p. 100.
7. Partially completed bookplate, possibly by Abraham Latschaw (ca. 1810). From the Christian Eby collection (Hist.Mss. 1.21). See Michael S. Bird. Ontario Fraktur : a Pennsylvania-German folk tradition in early Canada(1977), p. 105.
8. Victorian paper cutting. Origin uncertain.
9. Needlework, 1855. Origin uncertain.
10. Four bookmarks created by Joseph S. Shantz (1851-1933). Two are painted; two are needlework.
11. "Autumn at the Schneider House" by Peter Etril Snyder. Print 50 of 500 signed by the artist. 17.5 x 23.0 cm (image size)
12. Geburt und Tauf-Schein [Birth and baptism certificate of Johannes Brubacher, 1793]. -- Libanon : Gedrucht bey Joseph Hartman.
Custodial history: Donated by Stuart Martin of Conestoga, Ont. and received from Glenn Brubacher on 21 Jun 2010.
Note: Johannes, also known as John E. Brubacher (1793-1875), became a deacon in the Mennonite Church.
13. Certificate of birth & baptism.--Harrisburg, Pa: G.S. Peters, [1841?].--Birth certificate for Solomon Gehman, son of Solomon and Catharine Gehman, born 21 Jul 1841 in Dumfries Township, Halton Country, Upper Canada.--forms part of the Solomon Gehman family fonds, Hist.Mss.1.169 (s.c.).
14. Geistlicher Irrgarten, 1784.--1 p. : col. ; 48 x 38 cm (sight).--Designed as a spiritual labyrinth or maze, the Geistlicher Irrgarten is a form of Pennsylvania German fraktur.
15. Geistlicher Irrgarten : mit vier Gnadenbrunnen.--Elkhart, Ind.: John F. Funk and Brother, [between 1867 and 1875].--1 p. : b&w ; 51 x 27 cm.--Designed as a spiritual labyrinth or maze, the Geistlicher Irrgarten is a form of Pennsylvania German fraktur.
16. Geistlicher Irrgarten : mit vier Gnadenbrunnen.--Elkhart, Ind.: Mennonite Publishing Company, [between 1875 and 1925].--1 p. : col. ; 52 x 24 cm.--Two handwritten names are inscribed in the margin, Solomon R. Leis and Mary Lichti. Designed as a spiritual labyrinth or maze, the Geistlicher Irrgarten is a form of Pennsylvania German fraktur.
17. Geburt-Schein with "nine hearts pattern", [ca. 1843].--1 p. : col. ; 39 x 31 cm.--Attributed to Simeon B. Risser (1829-1909) of York County, Ontario. Created for Christian Risser. Forms part of the Christian Reesor collection, Hist.Mss.1.9.
18. Familien Register, [after 1868].--1 p. : col. ; 39 x 31 cm (sight).--The family register of Jakob [Jacob] Bergey (1818-1904) and Elizabetha [Elizabeth] Eby Bergey (1824-1911) and their 10 children.--Likely donated to the archives by Lorna Bergey.
19. Paper cutting found in book donated by the estate of Harvey Taves, 2012. File includes partial translation by Erica Jantzen.
20. Reproduction of an etching by Jan Luiken, published in Goeree, Mosaize historie der Hebreeuwse Kerke, 1700. Christian Light Publications, [19--]. - 40 x 38 cm. - Etching shows the arrangement of the camp of the Israelites during their journey through the desert.
21. Geistlicher Irrgarten : mit vier Gnadenbrunnen [...]. - Berlin, Upper Canada : H.B. Peterson and Co., 1838. - 1 p. (photocopy) : b&w ; 28 x 37 cm. - the original is in the Mennonite Historical Library at Goshen College. - Designed as a spiritual labyrinth or maze, the Geistlicher Irrgarten is a form of Pennsylvania German fraktur.
22. "Bridge at New Milford" by Woldemar Neufeld. Print 9 of 300 signed by the artist. 59 x43 cm
23. Quiet in the Land. - b&w ; 46 x 58 cm. - This is a poster for the Blyth Summer Festival production of "Quiet in the Land" by Anne Chislett at the Humanities Theatre, University of Waterloo, 21-25 Sept 1982. - purchased by the Archives at Thrift on Kent, Kitchener, 2014.
24. "The prince of peace is Jesus Christ." / Roma Ruth. - Historical Committee of the Mennonite Church, 1996. - col. print ; 38 x 45 cm. - Commissioned to recognize the 500th anniversary of Menno Simons, 1496-1561. - Archives has 2 copies: 1,128/4,000, 1,129/4,000.
25. Door towel (or show towel, display towel, door panel) attributed to Magdalena (Schultz) Wagler, 1886. - embroidery on linen ; 40 x 130 cm. - Text on towel "18 MW MW 86" refers to the initials of Magdalena Wagler and her husband Michael Wagler, who were married 26 Oct 1886 in Wellesley Township. - Towel received by the Archives from David Luthy in 2017. The towel was obtained by David Luthy from John Wagler in 1987. Note on custodial history included in Hist.Mss.23. - More information on the family in: The family history and genealogy of Jacob Wagler and Magdalena Gardner and Barbara Lebold / Bruce Jantzi, Lorraine Roth, Jacob Wagler Family Book Committee. Wellesley, Ont : [the Committee], 1989.
26. Door towel (or show towel, display towel, door panel) attributed to Susannah Bergey, [18-?]. - embroidery on linen ; 39 x 123 cm. - Susannah Bergey is believed to be a relative of David D. Bergey. - Towel received from Lorna Bergey by the Pennsylvania German Folklore Society of Ontario. The Society subsequently donated the towel to the Archives after Lorna's death in 2009. - Towel is missing the hanging loops which normally distinguish a door towel.
27. Door towel (or show towel, display towel, door panel) attributed to Magdalena Eby, [ca. 1833]. - embroidery on linen (in frame) ; 48 x 120 cm. - Magdalena Eby was born near Waterloo, Ontario in 1813 to David and Elizabeth (Bechtel) Eby. She married John B. Betzner in 1833; the couple had six children. Following David's death she married Abraham Histand, with whom she had one child. She died in 1886. - Towel was passed on to her son David Betzner, to his son Eliab Betzner, to his daughter Carol Betzner Lehman, to her daughter Marjorie Lehman O'Rorke. It was donated to Brubacher House in about 2000. - See additional information in the Lorna Bergey fonds (Hist.Mss.1.151) and Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario fonds (XV-30).
28. "Christlicher haus-Segen, Nebst der Zwolf Stunden-Gedachtnis zu finden in Augusburg," [ca. 1800]. - 33 x 38 cm (sight in frame) ; col., printed broadsheet. - Was owned by Ernest Smith's family in the Markham area. Donated to the Archives by Ernest Smith in 2016; received from George Reesor. - Consists of a Christian house blessing together with the twelve-hour meditiations printed in Augsburg, Germany. - Translation provided by George Reesor. See also Russel Earnest, God Bless this House: The Printed House Blessings (Haus-Segen) of the Pennsylvania Germans, p. 16.
29. "Mennonites in Tsarist Russia and the Soviet Union," 1999. - 46 x 61 cm ; col., poster. - . Poster is from a conference that took place in the former Soviet Union in 1999. Prominently features a reproduction of a painting of Frau H. Neufeld, Halbstadt, Molotschna, 1857. Artist unknown. - Donated to the Archives in 2017 by Linda Huebert Hecht who received it from Marlene Epp in 2002. Epp brought it back from the conference in 1999.
30. "Menno Simons 500" matchbook, [1996]. - Matchbook (matches removed) with a "Menno Simons 500" word mark printed on one side. The same logo was used on a postage stamp, commemorating the 500th anniversary of the birth of Menno Simons, issued by the Regional Mail Company North-East Friesland in 1996. - Donated to the Archives in 2018 by Marie Penner.
31. "The Holstein Calf" by Peter Etril Snyder. - painted November 11, 1991 by Snyder as a demonstration for students at an Amish parochial school near Aylmer, Ontario. - Includes the painting (41 x 30 cm, acryllic on board), a photograph of the calf and a letter from David Luthy. - Donated to the Archives by David Luthy in 2019.
32. Cooperativa Colonizadora Multiactiva Fernheim calendar, 1999. - 38 x 53 cm ; col., 7 leaves. - Calendar features seven nature paintings by local Mennonite artists: Almut Neufeld, Liselotte Esau de Duck, Sylvia Voth de Durksen, Arnold Unrau, Margita Wohlgemuth de Friesen.
33. Fraktur by Rebecca Brubacher. - 8 x 12 cm ; col. - Recieved from Brubacher House in 2019. - Most likely Rebecca Brubacher (1892-1967), daughter of Henry M. and Magdalena (Allgeier) Brubacher. Accompanying note: "Made by Rebecca Brubacher, a hydrocephalic who lived to be over 70 yrs of age. She was not able to go to school but her sisters taught her to read & write. She spent her later years at Fairview Home."
34. "Mennonite Aid Plan of the U.S." commemorative plate, 1986. - 27.5 cm dia. (metal). - Donated to the Archives by Terrence Dooner in 2019. - Commemorates the Mennonite Aid Plan, a Mennonite mutual fire and storm property insurance association founded in Indiana in 1882. Plate manufactured by Wilton Armetale.
35. "Menno Simons" print from copper plate, Arend Hendriks, [1948 or 1949]. - 21 x 28 cm ; b&w. - This print is probably part of a run made available for sale through Mennonite Life in 1949. The image was published in Mennonite Life in July 1948 issue (p. 19). Donated to the Archives in about 2019 by Fred Neufeld.
36. Geistlicher Irrgarten : mit vier Gnadenbrunnen. - Elkhart, Ind. : Mennonite Publishing Company, [between 1875 and 1925]. - 37 x 51 cm ; b&w. - Written on back of frame (frame not kept): "Mrs. Sam Schultz, Wellesley, Ont., June 19, 1925." Former owners were probably Bishop Samuel Schultz and Annie (Leis) Schultz. Donated to the Archives about 2019. A translation of the text is included.
37. Das Goldene A B C fur Jedermann, der gern mit Ehre wollt bestahn.- Elkhart, Ind. : Mennonitischen Verlagshandlung. - 37 x 50 cm ; col. - Former owners John R. and Annie (Zehr) Bender. Donated to the Archives in about 2019 by Gwen and Dan Matthews.
38. Der Bauern-Stand, [Europe, 17--]. - 21 x 29 cm; b&w. - Printed anonymous poem about the plight of the peasant class throughout history as providers of food who are taken for granted and displaced by war. Laid out in three columns with printer's ornament. Translation and other notes provided by Leonard Gross with additional notes from Amos Hoover. - Transferred to the Mennonite Archives of Ontario from the Archives of the Mennonite Church (Goshen, Ind.) in 2021.
39. Bulletin covers commemorating the 450th anniversary of the conversion of Menno Simons to Anabaptism. - Jan Gleysteen (text and design) and Leonard Gross (text). Scottdale, Pa.: Mennonite Publishing House, 1986, 13 leaves.
40. [Teacher with Old Colony Mennonite girl], Tina Wall McLaughlin, 1999. - 60 x 45 cm (acrylic? on canvas). - Donated to the Archives in 2022 by Gloria Thomas. Additional notes provided by Gloria Thomas.
41. Stephen, Anita K. Willms. Rejoice and Remember. 1994. Pen and ink print 207/250. 59 x 36 cm (sight in frame). - Depicts the flight of Mennonite refugees from the Soviet Union during the "Great Trek" of the Second World War. Print is of a mural created for a commemorative event in June 1994 in Niagara-on-the-Lake. - Print in frame donated to the Archives in 2023 by W. Martin. Item was purchased by W. Martin at a thrift store. - File includes correspondence with artist, 2023. See also, "Immigrants from Russia Gather to Praise and Remember." Mennonite Reporter, June 27, 1994.
42. Geiger, Sem. Daniel Steiner (1746-1811) and Maria (Suter) Steiner family tree to six generations, 1906. Pen and ink. 64 x 70 cm (sight in frame). - Dalton, Ohio. - Donated to the Archives in about 1984 by a Kinzie family from Cambridge, Ontario, possibly the Eldon Kinzie family. Elton's grandmother was a Steiner from Wilmot Township.
43. Friesen, Kandis. Daut Dintj Daut Helt. 2018-2023. Limited edition flexographic-printed plastic bag. 55 x 36 x15 cm. - The print employs stylized images from nature, the Mennonite Low German language and a German corporate logo to reflect on the theme "the thing that holds." File includes artist statement. - Donated to the Archives by Kandis Friesen in 2023.
