Classification scheme: 
Hist. Mss. 1.151

Title: Lorna Shantz Bergey fonds
Note: No further accruals are expected. Formerly known as the David Dalton Bergey and Lorna Lucille (Shantz) Bergey fonds

Dates of creation: 1837-2011 ; 1970-2000 predominant

Physical description: 1.33 m of textual records; 1 object

Biographical sketch: Lorna Lucille Shantz was born 29 May 1921 in Wilmot Township, the daughter of Walter and Selina Shantz. She was the oldest of eight children. At age 12, she passed her high school entrance exams but left school to help at home. On 29 May 1940 she married David Dalton Bergey (1916-1980). They had two children, Edward and Robert.

The family lived in New Dundee, Ontario, where David and Lorna operated a cheese purveying business. After a 1954 farm accident that affected David's long-term health, Lorna developed Bergey's Cheese as a business. David served as a public trustee on the Wilmot Township School Area Board No.1 for eight years and in 1965 received an appointment to the Waterloo County Public School Consultative Committee. He also served on the Conrad Grebel College Board of Governors. In later years they lived in Haysville, Ontario. After David died, Lorna operated the business herself until she retired ca.1990. She later lived in the Eastwood Mennonite Community in Kitchener.

Due to her interest in local and Mennonite history, Lorna played key roles in the Waterloo Historical Society, the Pennsylvania German Folklore Society of Ontario and was a founding member of the Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario. She served as volunteer archivist for the Mennonite Archives of Ontario for seven years. She collected many of the artifacts for the Brubacher House and worked to preserve the Detweiler Meetinghouse in Roseville. She also served on the Mennonite Historical Society of Canada, Mennonite Bicentennial Commission and the Historical Committee of the Mennonite Church. She was historian for the Mennonite Conference of Ontario and served on the Historical Committee of Mennonite Church Eastern Canada. She was also active with Doon Pioneer Village.

Lorna's lack of formal education never hindered her from preserving and telling the story of Mennonites in Ontario. She was much in demand as a speaker and writer on Mennonite history, particularly the Pennsylvania-German story in Waterloo Region. In 2007, she was awarded the Mennonite Historical Society of Canada Award of Excellence, and in 2011 she was inducted posthumously into the Waterloo Region Hall of Fame. In 2011 a book of her selected writings, Lorna (Shantz) Bergey : her literary legacy, was published by the Pennsylvania German Folklore Society of Ontario.

Further biographical details for both Lorna and David Bergey can be found in the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online.

Custodial history: A small (10 cm) donation of news clippings and essays was received from Lorna Bergey during her lifetime. Her sons donated the remaining records ca. 2009. The original fonds was processed by Sam Steiner, and the complete fonds processed in 2012 by Laureen Harder-Gissing and Craig Capacchione.

Scope and content: Contains research files, writings, texts of presentations and historical tours, tour maps, correspondence and personal and family records. Also includes a limited number of personal files kept by Lorna on projects and organizations; most organizational records (such as minutes) were not retained as part of the Lorna Shantz Bergey fonds, but filed with the fonds of the various organizations. Lorna was often seen with a handbag in which she would carry historical materials for distribution; one of her handbags was retained.

Note: Related fonds at the Mennonite Archives of Ontario are David and Louisa (Bowman) Family Fonds, Hist.Mss. 1.16; Shantz Family Fonds, Hist.Mss. 1.93; and Moses Bowman Fonds, Hist.Mss. 1.11. Related photographs can be fond in the Mennonite Archival Image Database.

Archival description created 2012 by Laureen Harder-Gissing with notes from Sam Steiner.

File list: The fonds is organized into seven series: 1) Research files; 2) Writings and presentations; 3) Maps and tours; 4) Projects and organizations; 5) Correspondence; 6) Personal and family; and 7) Realia.

Series 1: Research files

  1. Eli and Magdalena (Wenger) Schrock
  2. Fraktur
  3. Fraktur / E. Reginald Good, 1977
  4. Role of the Church Historian, 1972
  5. Mennonite Costume
  6. Cemeteries Act revised, 1992
  7. Historic Houses and Notes
    Note: Includes newspaper clippings, photographs, information sheets, furnishing and costume information, and promotional material for a variety of historic homes.
  8. Joseph Witmer
  9. Aylmer Amish Historical Library content guides
  10. Collections on Ontario Mennonites in the Archives of the Mennonite Church, Goshen, Ind.
  11. German Company Tract 1 Lots
  12. Nith Valley Creamery, 1901
  13. News Clippings
  14. Local History (New Dundee)
  15. The Layout of the Pennsylvania-German farmstead in Ontario / Russell L. Cooper, 1972
  16. Early burial plots in South Waterloo / Ivan Groh
  17. Kitchener First Mennonite Church (Hispanic) / Alice Kehl, 1993
  18. Becoming Canadian : the Ontario Mennonite experience / T.D. Regehr, 2000
  19. The role of the Mennonite culture in the Russian Mennonite migration to Canada in the 1920s / Sue Bergey, 1997
  20. Doon Pioneer Village
  21. The Stauffers : true to their tradition of compassion / Dr. Frank Epp, 1977
  22. Exodus to Canada : excerpts from the Moyer Family History
  23. David Bergey diary
    Note: Transcriptions and annotations. 1866 diary transcribed and annotated by Lorna Bergey, 1994. Explanations and comments form the 1924 diary of David Bergey by Anne Millar.
  24. Pilgrim’s trial : my life / Ruth Bean Kiereta. --Lombard, Ill. : R.B. Kiereta, [200-?]
    Note: Inscription to Lorna Bergey
  25. Eternal friendship / as told by William Bachert and recorded by Ida Bergey Miller
  26. Burkhart family story / Wilma Fern Shantz
  27. Alson and Malinda Clemmer writings
  28. Erb ancestry of Lorna Bergey and Elizabeth Malone Bowman
  29. Ancestors and descendants of Lester and Alice Koch, 1989
  30. Data of Peter Shirk family, 1997
  31. Shuh and Heckendorn notes and correspondence
  32. Moyer Reunion, 1999
  33. Bomberger Reunion Bus Tour Guide
    Note: Includes transcript copy of the will of Christian Bomberger (1736-1815)
  34. Bean family cairn, 1995
  35. The bonnet question : excerpts from Susannah Cressman diaries
  36. Copy of deeds for the Bean Mennonite Church, 1870, and Burial Grounds, 1908 (in oversize box)
  37. John Bomberger Nissley and Anna (Nissly) Nissley family
  38. Genealogical resources from J, Lemar and Lois Ann Mast, 1985
  39. List of German Company Tract shareholders
  40. Data regarding early settlers in Waterloo
  41. Translations of Peter Shirk letters and John Bear letter
    Note: Translations done by Isaac Horst
  42. George Holst and Louise Hartung family
    Note: Copies of Berczy Settlers Gazette transferred to Milton Good Library
  43. Bricker family
  44. Jacob Y. Shantz
  45. Two Mennonite cultures meet / J. Winfield Fretz, 1974
  46. Diary of John B. Gehman (1851-1861), (transcription)
  47. Elias Eby diary and old letters and Philip Wismer Record Book
    Note: Elias Eby diary and old letters form the L.J. Burkholder collection. All documents are copies of originals.
  48. Family histories (Reesor, Smith, Wideman)
  49. Fairview Mennonite Home
  50. New Mennonite [Mennonite Brethren in Christ] semi-annual conference minutes, Blair, Ont., ca. 1869-1881 (photocopy)
  51. Mennonite Conference of Ontario resolutions
  52. Obituaries, [196-] - [198-], 1996-2003
  53. Maple Grove School, [ca. 1986]
  54. Lands and peoples of Wilmot / Lorraine Roth
  55. Excerpts (possibly from Blenheim Mennonite Church Literary Society publication), 1930-1942
  56. Images of Imperial Russia
    Note: Includes:
    Through the eye of a needle: wealth and the Mennonite experience in Russia / James Urry; Reflections on Soviet Mennonite historiography / Walter Sawatsky; Russian servitor and Mennonite hero : light and shadow images of Johann Cornies / Harvey L. Dyck; Aftermath of revolution: Russian Mennonites respond to crisis and opportunity, 1905-07 / Len Friesen
  57. Germantown Mennonite Church, [197-]
  58. Greetings from Waterloo County postcards
    Note: West Montrose covered bridge, 1881 (2); Pioneer Memorial Tower, Doon
  59. Living With death seminar, 1976, 1982
  60. Leadership addresses by Ralph Lebold, 1978
  61. Christian moral decision making
    Note: Steinmann's’s Mennonite Church Winter Bible School Course, 1977
  62. Anabaptism, 450th anniversary
  63. Bechtel family
    Note: Contains list of titleholders of land originally purchased by George Bechtel ("Bechtel Tract") from Richard Beasley in 1800; Bechtels in transition / by John C. Wenger, 2002; Notes written by Nelson Bechtel regarding the Samuel Bechtel family / George Bechtel, ed., 1988
  64. Mennonite responses to the pacifist mandate : the Russian experience : a research report / Lawrence Klippenstein, [198-?]
  65. History of Cedar Glen Farm / Howard Bean, Feb 1972
    Note: This Wilmot Township farm was purchased by Jacob Hallman (1803-1878) in 1836.
  66. Mystery and miracle of the Bible / Clarence Bauman
  67. The Mennonite Church / Leonard Gross, 3 Feb 1978 (unpublished paper)
    Note: The following published papers were withdrawn from this file. Copies are located in the Milton Good Library: Menno speaks to me / James E. Metzler. --Gospel Herald, 26 Mar 1974; Coming to terms with our Mennonite faith / Don Blosser. --Gospel Herald, 16 Oct 1973; The hermeneutics of the Anabaptists / John H. Yoder. --Mennonite Quarterly Review (v.41,n.4), Oct 1967; Menno Simons encounter with the Bible / Henry Poettcker.--Mennonite Quarterly Review (v.40n.2), Apr 1966
  68. Memorial of sale to Henry Martin, 350 acres in Lot 6, Woolwich Township, 1834
  69. Notes found in Lorna Bergey's copy of A biographical history of Waterloo Township[...] / Ezra Eby
  70. A registration of the Honderichs : as far as I can trace them / Abram Honderich, 1953
  71. Historic Mennonite sites and events in Pennsylvania, [197-?]
    Note: Includes pamphlets for the Germantown meetinghouse and Hans Herr House; program for the Inter-Mennonite Reunion, 30-31 May 1975; pamphlet entitled "The first protest against slavery"; schedules of events for the Mennonite Historians of Eastern Pennsylvania (1976) and Mennonite Historical Associates (1975).
  72. Freeport United Church
    Note: Contains centennial service program, 11 Jun 1961
  73. History at the grass roots / Blodwen Davies, 1956
    1. Upper Canada
      Note: Contains two items: a brochure for Upper Canada Village and Old Fort Henry, [19--]; My dear Elias : [letter from Ansel B. Randall to his wife during his first week of Normal School in Toronto] / Elizabeth Sommerville. --[Toronto] : The Globe and Mail, 1967

Series 2: Writing and presentations

  1. Articles compiled by Lorna Bergey
  2. Waterloo county’s heritage: grade two, 1976
  3. Papers discussing the customs and folklore of Pennsylvania Germans in Ontario
    Note: Papers include:
    Customs of the Pennsylvania Germans in Waterloo County [prepared for a meeting of the Canadian Federation of University Women Kitchener-Waterloo], 1985; The folklife & folklore of Pennsylvania Germans in the District of Waterloo [prepared for the Ontario Folklore Conference at Black Creek Pioneer Village], 1987; Customs and folklore of the Pennsylvania German Mennonites in Ontario [presented at the Lexington Women's Institute], 1985; [Folklife & folklore of my people, the Pennsylvania German Mennonites] prepared for a presentation at the Trinity United Church Couples Club]; Cultural traditions of the Pennsylvania German Mennonites in Ontario [prepared for presentation at the Peterborough Historical Society], 1985; The Pennsylvania Dutch : who are they? [prepared and presented to the Christian Women’s Club at Bingeman Park], 1975
  4. Abraham Erb : founder of Waterloo
    Note: Prepared for presentation at the Terrace on the Square, 2002
  5. Wilmot Township Hall at Black Creek Pioneer Village
    Note: Addresses included: Saving our yesterdays today, for tomorrow / Lorna Bergey, 2000; Notes for remarks to opening of town hall at Black Creek Pioneer Village / Hon. Darcy McKeough, 1970
  6. Frontier community to urban congregation
    Note: Presented at LACAC tour stop at Kitchener First Mennonite Church, 1992
  7. A story of Peter Shirk the fifth generation of immigrant Ulrich Shirk E and Peter’s youngest daughter Selina
    Note: Prepared for 1997 Heritage Sunday program at Schneider House, 16 Feb 1997
  8. Growing up female: perspectives on a Mennonite life
    Note: Requested by Maggie Goldsmith, Schneider House Education Coordinator, 19 Feb 2001
  9. Easter traditions
    Note: Prepared for presentation at the Schneider House, 30 Mar 1991
  10. Family business : honouring the founding generation
    Note: Includes biological sketch of David Bergey 1845-1932. Paper presented at a Centre for Family Business event, 1998
  11. Samuel Bricker 1776-1868 (in oversize box)
    Note: Includes photocopy of original memorial of bargain and sale of 189 acres of land from Samuel Betzner Jr. to Samuel Bricker, 1801
  12. Faith stories of Anabaptist/Mennonite women
    Note: This is part 4 in a 6 part worship series at First Mennonite entitled “Being God’s people as Mennonites.” Presented at Kitchener First Mennonite upon request of the Worship Committee, 25 Jan 1997
  13. Reflections
  14. Celebrating our Bricker heritage
    Note: Bricker Reunion Address at Doon Heritage Crossroads, 8 Jul 1995
  15. The heritage of Waterloo County
    Note: Presented at Eastwood Community, 17 Feb 1992
  16. Historical resume of First Mennonite Church
    Note: Prepared for Hispanic Group and their visitors from Toronto, 25 Apr 1999
  17. Highlights of First Mennonite Church
    Note: Prepared for Patty Henderson, possibly for the Toronto Star, [1998?]
  18. An introduction to Pennsylvania German Mennonites in Ontario, 1998
    Note: Article requested by Isbrand Hiebert for “Der Bote” English Issue. Issue is included in file.
  19. Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario
    Note: Resume of MHSO to the Waterloo Historical Society at Haysville Community Centre, 2 May 1999
  20. Len Friesen’s history class
    Note: Papers included: Role of women in Pennsylvania German Mennonite community, 20 Oct 1992; What instigated the organization of Mennonite Disaster Service in Ontario?
  21. Religion and customs : Pennsylvania German Mennonite community
    Note: Prepared upon request of Elizabeth Malone for presentation at the Moyer Family Reunion at Schoolhouse in Jordan Museum Complex, 2 Jul 1999
  22. Heritage Sunday at Preston Mennonite Church
    Note: Dialogue completed by Lorna Bergey and Richard Schiedel, 20 Oct 1996
  23. Stauffer and Shirk reunion addresses
    Note: Addresses include Our legacy of freedom [for the Stauffer Reunion held at Doon Pioneer Village], 1 Jul 1972; Program pf historical seminars for the Shirk Reunion, 2 Jul 1988; Celebrating our Stauffer heritage [at the Stauffer Reunion], 1992; Celebrating our heritage [prepared for the Sherk/Shirk Reunion held at Stevensville], 4 Jul 1992
  24. History of Ontario WMSA, 1967
    Note: Supplemental information and research included in file.
  25. Our book learning tradition
    Note: Prepared for the heritage program of the Waterloo Chapter Pennsylvania German Folklore Society of Ontario at Bingeman Park, 10 Apr 1995
  26. The Huron Road
    Note: Excerpts of an address presented at the program for unveiling of the Huron Road plaque., 4 Oct 1969
  27. Shantz and Hallman reunions
    Note: Papers included: Appreciating our Shantz heritage [presented at a Jacob E. Shantz family dinner], 21 Sept 1997; Reunions and family history [prepared for Hallman Reunion], 1991.
  28. Tributes
    Note: Papers included: Mennonites [prepared for a presentation at Kitchener’s eighth Mayor’s Dinner in honour of Milton R. Good], 1 Apr 1995; Tribute to Milton R. Good [prepared upon request for presentation at the Appreciation Dinner in recognition of Milt’s involvement with developing and operating Eastwood Mennonite Homes Community since 1981], 21 Jun 2000; Tribute to Alson Weber, 2001; A Tribute to the Life of Aden Eby, 15 Dec 1994
  29. Freeman S. Gingrich
    Note: Presented at Inter-Literary Society re-visited programme held at St. Jacob’s Mennonite Church, 18 Jan 1991
  30. Canadian story 200 years old / Lorna Bergey and Douglas Miller
    Note: Appeared in Courier (v.1 n.2) 1998
  31. Elderhostel, 1992
    Note: Includes: Introduction to glimpses of Mennonite history : glimpse #1; Introduction to glimpse #2 of Mennonite history; Slides from ‘Faith of our fathers’ Jan Gleysteen collection
  32. Celebrating 200 years of settlement in Rainham
  33. Arnold Cressman
    Note: Presented at the celebration service of the 40th anniversary of Cressman's ordination to the Christian ministry, 22 Apr 1951, on 28 Apr 1991
  34. Canadian Mennonite Centennial Issue
    Note: Includes: Contribution of the Mennonites to the settlement and development of Waterloo County [special centennial issue of The Canadian Mennonite], Jun 1967. Also included in the file is correspondence and biographical sketches of David Bergey and Peter Shirk.
  35. Changes in cultural symbols for Ontario Mennonite women of the Swiss tradition during the 1950s & 60s : stories we need to hear
    Note: Appeared in Mennogesprach (v.8,n.2), Sept. 1990
  36. Building of Huron Road and Pennsylvania German Presence in Wilmot Township
    Note: Prepared for annual Pennsylvania German Folklore Society of Ontario meeting held at Haysville Community Centre, 1998
  37. The saga of Alder Creek Valley / Lorna Bergey, Alice Hallman, Ruth Shantz
    Note: Pageant performed for New Dundee Centennial Talent Night, 22 May 1967
  38. From Europe to Canada in Search of More Land and Freedom
    Note: Prepared for presentation at Pennsylvania German Folklore Society of Ontario Waterloo Chapter annual meeting, 18 Apr 2002
  39. Bygone days
    Note: Includes: Bygone days : effects of change on a small rural Mennonite Congregation, Apr 1981; The Blenheim Congregation story, Mar 1981; Bygone days : the Blenheim Congregation builds a meetinghouse, Sept 1980; Bygone days : looking westward, Aug 1980; Bygone days : mortgage problems way back then, Jul 1980; Bygone days : finding a new home, Jun 1980; Bygone days : caught in a revolution, Feb 1980; Bygone days : the American chapter begins [Nith Valley Newsletter], Jan 1980; Bygone days : a people ever on the move [Nith Valley Newsletter], Dec 1979 ; Bygone days : descendants or refugees? Part 1 [Nith Valley Newsletter] Nov 1979; Pamphlet for the closing celebrations of the Blenheim Mennonite Congregation, 22 Jun 1975
  40. The Pennsylvania Germans in Ontario
    Note: Presented at a meeting of the Historical Society of Mecklenburg, Upper Canada Inc. held in Toronto on 16 Dec 1980
  41. The Pennsylvania Germans come to Canada
    Note: Written and presented by Lorna L Bergey for the annual meeting of the Waterloo Chapter of the Pennsylvania German Folklore Society of Ontario, [1986]
  42. Pennsylvania German Mennonites in Ontario and their food traditions
    Note: Portion of a prepared article for Canadian Collector a journal of antiques and fine arts, Sept/Oct 1984
  43. Customs and folklore of the Pennsylvania Germans
    Note: Prepared for the Cultural Traditions and Folklore seminar held at Black Creek Pioneer Village, 5 Nov 1983. Flyers/outlines for the Ontario Folklore Conference, 6-8 Mar 1987, are also included
  44. Assembly ’79, Waterloo
    Note: Included: Introduction of Region 1 at Assembly ’79, Waterloo / Paul Burkholder, Doris Weber, Lorna Bergey, [1979], Memoranda and presentation notes
  45. Mennonite migrations from Pennsylvania and their settlement in Waterloo County
    Note: Prepared by Lorna L Bergey for presentation at Fairview Mennonite Home Bicentennial Series, 11 Jun 1984; also included is supplementary material including a translation by Lorraine Roth, 1982
  46. Before Fairview
    Note: Prepared and presented at the 40th anniversary service of Fairview Mennonite Home
  47. Mennonites in Canada, 1786-1986
    Note: Some correspondence included
  48. Services at Nith Valley
    Note: Sunday morning service, 21 Aug 1997; bicentennial service, 1 Jul 1984
  49. Stories
    Note: Prepared for Nithview program given by Nith Valley WMSC, 1 Mar 1983
  50. Notations : Waterloo County’s heritage
    Note: Included is some correspondence and a series of notations from Lorna Bergey regarding the booklet Waterloo County’s heritage, a resource for grade 2 teachers of the Waterloo County Board of Education, [1977]
  51. Articles and talks 1970-1998
    Note: Included: Migration of the plain people to Ontario; Presentation regarding the Mennonite Church [presented to Blenheim Mennonite Church on 50th anniversary of MCC]; Becoming aware of distant places [prepared for WMSA meeting], 1970; Our legacy of freedom [Stauffer reunion], 1 Jul 1972; The Mennonites [presented to the Professional and Business Women’s Club, Galt], 20 Nov 1972; Old Order Mennonites : their beliefs & customs [presented to UCW of Westminster United Church, Orangeville], 12 Sept 1979; Freedom and Christian responsibility in business, 16 Jan 1978; Presentation regarding the Mennonite Bicentennial Commission [presented to Valley View Mennonite Church], 29 Jun 1986; A heritage worthy of preservation [prepared for a talk at WMSC annual meeting], 1986; The heritage of Waterloo County [presented at Eastwood Community], 10 Feb 1992; Mennonites [prepared for presentation at Kitchener’s Eighth Mayor’s Dinner in honour of Milton R. Good], 1 Apr 1995; Life is a journey [prepared for a talk at Avon Mennonite ladies meeting], 2 Apr 1998; Old order Mennonites; Celebrating our Bergey heritage [Bergey reunion, Mannheim, Ontario], 1993; Tour of early Mennonite settlement in Waterloo County; A message from the president / David D. Bergey [The Pennsylvania German Folklore Society of Ontario Newsletter], Oct 1973
  52. From Bern Switzerland to the Grand River Valley in Upper Canada
    Note: Prepared and presented at the unveiling ceremonies at Blair Cemetery, marking the first grave in the cemetery, 27 Sept 1970. Program from the event also included
  53. Research notebook
  54. Genealogy
    Note: Presented at meeting of Haysville Women’s Institute, 4 Feb [1987]
  55. Blenheim Mennonite Church
    Note: Included: Mennonite Church becomes conference retreat center, 7 Nov 1977; Profile of Blenheim Mennonite Congregation 1839-1974 [prepared at the request of Nith Valley Personnel Committee], 6 Jan 1977; The spirit of Blenheim [prepared at the request of John Miller], 4 Apr 1993; Presentation on the Blenheim Congregation [ prepared and presented when the Nith Valley Congregation worshipped and fellowshipped with the Riverdale Congregation in the summer of 1983; History of the Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery; Evidence of change in the Blenheim Mennonite Congregation [prepared for MHSO annual meeting held at the Blenheim Mennonite Retreat Centre], 1984; Highlights of the past [Nith Valley Mennonite Church tenth anniversary], 27 Jan 1985; Blenheim congregation celebrates 125th anniversary, 1964; A brief history of the Blenheim congregation, 19 July 1964; Rural congregation terminates program, [1975]
  56. Remembering Mary (Shantz 1923-1989) & Wallace Jutzi (1921-1989)
  57. Bergey farm history
    Note: Includes: Cheese making / David Bergey; Farm history of southern portion of lot 8, concession 3, block A, Wilmot Township / Mrs. David Bergey [presented at New Dundee Women's Institute meeting], 1996; Bygone days : Gilbert Bergey 1877-1950 [Nith Valley Mennonite Church Newsletter]
  58. The Mennonite cutting room at Kitchener : handmaiden to MCC relief clothing program / Alice Koch and Lorna Bergey
  59. Trail of the conestoga
    Note: Included: Visiting Pennsylvania ‘the good old land’ to show the film ‘The Trail of the Conestoga,’ 30 May – 5 Jun 1991; Presentation of ‘trail of the conestoga’ [Stouffville Missionary Church], 6 Jan 1993
  60. David and Louisa Bergey
    Note: Includes: David and Louisa (Bowman) Bergey Era; Biographical sketch of David Bergey 1845-1932; Notes and correspondence, [ca. 1982]
  61. The Pennsylvania German Mennonite settlement in North Dumfries Township
    Note: Prepared at the request of the Education Coordinator of Joseph Schneider House. Presented to visitors at the Detweiler Mennonite Meetinghouse, 2 Oct 2000
  62. Lorna L. Bergey 80th birthday
    Note: Includes: Eighty years of living, [3 Jun 2001]; also includes notes, invitations, and other material
  63. Early Mennonite migrations from Pennsylvania to Canada
    Note: manuscript for publication in Pennsylvania Mennonite Heritage, 1985; notes for talk given in Lancaster County, [198-?]
  64. Historical resume of the Mennonite Conference of Ontario 1820-1978
    Note: Prepared upon request of Glenn Brubacher, Dec 1978
  65. Biographical sketches for The Mennonite Encyclopedia, vol. V
    Note: Includes: Martin, Jesse Bauman, “J.B.” 1897-1974; Derstine, Clayton Freed, “C.F.” 1891-1967; Shantz, Elven 1893-1984
  66. Wilmot/Waterloo articles
    Note: Not known if all articles can be attributed to Lorna Bergey.
    Includes: Mennonite Church of Ontario [for centennial issue of Evangel], Jul 1967; The effects of Bill 54 in Wilmot Township; Philipsburg S.S. #17 [taken from a history prepared by Mrs. Molna E. Wettlaufer]; Rosebank S.S. #8 [excerpts from a history of Rosebank school, prepared by Alice Wallace]; Bartlett’s Corners S.S. #19 [from an interview with Astor Koehler]; St. James School S.S. #5; typed list of teachers at S.S.#5; Mannheim S.S. #9; Josephsburg S.S. #20; The Huron Road and some of the early settlements; Huron Road [read at plaque unveiling], 4 Oct 1969; Historical background of the Ontario Mennonite Conference, 1966; Our heritage [given at Bingeman Lodge], 24 Oct 1967
  67. Listing of photo subjects in database for costume – Ontario, 24 Mar 1998
  68. Christmas
    Note: Includes: Christmas Past [prepared for presentation at the Adult Fellowship Christmas Banquet at Listowel Mennonite Church], 5 Dec 1984; The spirit of Christmas, 1991
  69. History of Wilmot Methodist Church at Pinehill
  70. A heritage to remember
    Note: According to original folder, this was presented at the Pennsylvania German Folklore Society of Ontario annual meeting, 1990
  71. Comments on Mennonite settlers
    Note: Includes: Observations made by non-Pennsylvania German Mennonite historians about the P.G. settlement in the Region of Waterloo [presented at Elderhostel as a conclusion to lecture #2], 10 Aug 1993; Conclusion to lecture #2 [Elderhostel], 10 Aug 1993, 9 Aug 1994; Comments on settlers from England, Scotland, and Ireland
  72. Contributions of Pennsylvania German settlers to the development of the Region of Waterloo : their folkways & folklore
    Note: Presented to Manufacturer’s Life Retiree Club, 21 Feb 1991
  73. The Sunday School movement
  74. Address to Mennonite World Conference tour group, 1978 at Doon Pioneer Village
  75. The pioneering spirit of our Mennonite people
    Note: prepared for the Kiwanis Club, Kitchener Seniors Centre, 30 Jan 1992
  76. Over 400 years of practical Christianity
    Note: Elderhostel presentation, 13 Aug 1993
  77. The Mennonite story
    Note: Prepared for an Adult Sunday School class upon request of Ray Schlegel, 17 Nov 1991
  78. Those enterprising Pennsylvania Germans
    Note: Presented at Kitchener-Waterloo Kiwanis Club meeting, 25 Jul 2000
  79. Ontario Mennonite history
    Note: Presented at Altona Meetinghouse, 12 Sept 1999
  80. My Swiss Mennonite heritage
    Note: Believed to be presented at Nithview, 16 Jun 1997
  81. Historical background of Mennonite migration to Canada
    Note: according to original folder, this paper was prepared for the Vineland memorial dedication, 1 Jul 1986
  82. Contributions of the Pennsylvania German Mennonite settlers to the development of the Region of Waterloo
    Note: Presented to St. Andrews Presbyterian Seniors Club, 14 Apr 1993 and to seniors at Conestoga Towers, 9 Feb 1994
  83. Anabaptism
    Note: Prepared for presentation at New Dundee United Brethren Christian Endeavour, 29 May 1990
  84. Experiences of Mennonite women
    Note: Includes: Experiences as a woman in the Mennonite Church [presented to Lucille Marr’s history class at Conrad Grebel College], [11 Mar 1986]; Role of women in the Pennsylvania German Mennonite community [Len Friesen’s history class at Conrad Grebel], 20 Oct 1992; A typical Pennsylvania German story, [19--]
  85. Tid-bits of local history : Conestoga Towers, 1995
  86. Four Mennonite migrations
    Note: Discusses the major periods of migration for Mennonites.
  87. Pennsylvania German folkways and folklore
    Note: Presented at Joseph E. Schneider House. Also included in the file is a newspaper article discussing the growth of the city of Berlin, 6 Aug 1990
  88. Pennsylvania Germans tell their story on the printed page, [19--]
    Note: A copy of Der Reggeboge (v.2,n.2-3) Jul 1968 was withdrawn. A copy can be found in the Milton Good Library.
  89. Ontario Mennonite Bible School
    Note: Included: Ontario Mennonite Bible School 1907-1969; OMBS at First Mennonite, 3 Jul 1994; Commencement program for the Ontario Mennonite Bible School, 23 Mar 1939
  90. Barbara (Bowman) Shuh, 1904-1920
    Note: May have been part of a larger manuscript.
  91. Elderhostel, 1993, 1994
    Note: Includes: Elderhostel 1993, 1994 : reflections on Ontario Mennonite History; Slides from ‘Faith of our fathers’ Jan Gleysteen collection; Over four hundred years of practical Christianity; Introduction to Lorraine Roth; Introduction to glimpse #2 Ontario Mennonite History, 9 Aug 1994; 1994 Elderhostel tour from Conrad Grebel College to Brubacher House via Abraham Erb House and Pioneer Schoolhouse in Waterloo Park; Comments on settlers from England, Scotland & Ireland; Introduction to presentation of slides from Gleysteen collection "faith of our fathers", 9 Aug 1994; Illustrations from a comparative study on Pennsylvania German homesteads transplanted in three Ontario settlements: Lincoln County, Waterloo County and York County. By Russell Cooper in 1972. Presentation slides included in file.; Introduction to Thursday afternoon presentation, 1994.
  92. Miscellaneous essays and writings
    Note: Includes: A historical resume for MCOQ prepared upon request of conference, 1985 or 1986; My faith pilgrimage shared in a small group of members at Nith Valley Mennonite Church during the ministry of Amzie Brubacher; Sharing my pilgrimage through grief prepared for presentation at new Hamburg meeting of Theos group, 21 Feb 1983; Developing a faith for the changing years prepared for presentation at the Sunday evening session of the 1981 sessions of Mennonite Conference of Ontario, 8 Mar 1981; My understanding of Christian stewardship prepared for a Sunday School class at Nith Valley Mennonite Church, [197-]; 1974 prepared and presented at George St. United Mennonite Church, Waterloo at the 50th anniversary service commemorating the 1924 arrival of the Mennonites from Russia to Canada, 21 Jul 1974; What can a local historian do?
  93. Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, 1985
    Note: Contains research notes for the Ontario Genealogical Society transcription of the Blenheim Mennonite Cemetery, Con. 14 Lot 9, Township of Blenheim. Published copy is located in Hist.Mss.5B9a. Also contains draft of cemetery by-laws and photocopies of early records.

Series 3: Maps and tours

  1. Township of Wilmot, Blenheim, North Dumfries, and Blandford tour map, [1984] (in oversize box)
  2. Map of historical sites on Huron Road in Southwest Wilmot (in oversize box)
    Note: Prepared for Ward 1, Wilmot Township bicentennial celebrations at Haysville Community Centre, 2 Jul 1984
  3. Wilmot Township maps
  4. Maps of Waterloo County
    Note: Includes: Block no. 3, 1972; Upper Grand River Mennonite & Amish settlements; Mennonite settlements in Ontario; Block no. 2, 1971; Lands purchased by Pennsylvania German Mennonites in the Region of Waterloo by 1830
  5. Bicentennial Mennonite tour map
    Note: Includes tour notes and historical information
  6. Bicentennial Mennonite tour maps
    Note: Includes area maps
  7. York Region map, 1995
  8. Tour of historical landmarks in the Rainham Mennonite Community, 1993
    Note: Includes Hoover settlement
  9. Tour commentary : three Mennonite communities in the Region of Waterloo, 1995
    Note: Includes Waterloo Township, Woolwich Township, and Wilmot Township
  10. Tours : Waterloo County (in oversize box)
    Note: Includes scenic/historic sites from Eastwood Community to New Hamburg, 8 May 1998; Ontario Historical Society, 1972; Tour of Mennonite historic sites in Waterloo County [prepared for Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society], 5 Jul 1986; Tour of early Waterloo historical sites for Ontario Genealogical Society members, 1989; Waterloo Historical Society historical tour of New Dundee; Bus tour to Pioneer Tower, 2001; Tour from Brubacher House to Detweiler Meetinghouse for Faith Missionary Church seniors, 2002.
  11. Tour of Pennsylvania German settlement at the Twenty, 1993
  12. Tour of early Mennonite settlement in Waterloo County for Assembly ’79, 1979
  13. Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario tour to Vineland, Jordan, and Fenwick, 1992
  14. Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario tour of Amish Mennonite community in the Milverton area, 1993
  15. Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario bus trip to Chesley, 1982 Note: Commentary by Tobias Brubacher and Alice Koch
  16. Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario bus trip to Mount Forest and tour of Old Order Mennonite Community, 1991
  17. Conestogo River bus tour by Waterloo Historical Society, 1994
  18. Grand River Valley tours
    Note: Includes tour of northern Grand River Valley by Waterloo Historical Society, 1991; Tour of central Grand River Valley, 1989
  19. Tour for St. Jacobs Seniors, 29 May 2002
  20. Waterloo and New Hamburg tour, Elderhostel 1992
  21. German Block and Huron Road Settlement tour
    Note: Prepared for Dominion Life Senior Citizens, 1984
  22. Mennonite Disaster Service tour of Mennonite historical sites in Waterloo district, 1992
  23. Mennonite Historians of Eastern Pennsylvania tour of Mennonite historic sites in Waterloo County, 1986
  24. Bauman Family heritage bus tour, 1998
  25. Garden spot tour [of Lancaster County Mennonite sites] for Pennsylvania [German] Folklore Society of Ontario, 29 Jun 1974
  26. Photo album
    Note: Includes Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario tours, African Lion Safari; Royal Botanical Gardens, Hamilton; Webster Falls, Dundas; Kortright Waterfowl Park
  27. Ontario Mennonite tours (maps only) of Vineland area, Waterloo district, Waterloo district (north), Toronto area, Wilmot, Wellesley, Mornington and East Zorra, Aylmer area, Essex-Kent area
  28. Tour of Mennonite churches and other landmarks in Stratford, Tavistock, Waterloo Region, [199-]

Series 4: Projects and organizations

  1. 1. Ontario Heritage Week 1991; Grand River Conservation Authority
  2. Mennonite Archives of Ontario
    Note: Includes letter from Sam Steiner and Peter C. Erb to Lorna Bergey, 1977 re conference records in the archives; listing of Bergey/Shantz collection of photos in the archives; memo on conference historian's role, 21 Nov 1967
  3. Waterloo County Historic Buildings Inventory, 1969
  4. Waterloo Township History Project
  5. Pennsylvania German Society, 1974, [ca. 1993]
  6. Pennsylvania German days at Doon Pioneer Village, 1974-1983
  7. Elizabeth Bloomfield Project, 1992
  8. Blenheim Retreat Centre, 1989-1999
  9. Wilmot Township centennial celebrations, 1967 (in oversize box)
  10. Detweiler Mennonite Meetinghouse, [ca. 1979-1988]
  11. Doon Pioneer Village
  12. Mennonite Conference of Ontario Historian, [ca. 1973-1979]
  13. Historical Committee for Mennonite Conference of Ontario
    Note: Proposal guidelines, 1978-1979
  14. Ontario Mennonite Conference (in oversize box)
  15. Mennonite Encyclopedia, [ca. 1982-1988]
  16. Waterloo County Historical Resume, 1972-1982
  17. Sherk Memorial Committee, 1997-1999
  18. Waterloo Historical Society, 1991-2002
  19. Peter Martin House, 1984-1988
  20. Genealogical Society of Ontario, 1960-1967
  21. Symposium 1975 ("Mennonites in the Victorian Era" banquet)
  22. Pennsylvania Dutch Dialect Course, 1975

Series 5: Correspondence

  1. Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society and Mennonite Historians of Eastern Pennsylvania (in oversize box)
    Note: Regarding articles written by Lorna Bergey
  2. Isaac Horst, 1982
    Note: Regarding German translations
  3. Genealogical inquiries, 1986-1999
  4. Correspondence and photographs regarding Magdalena Eby sampler, 1999
    Note: This is the show towel subsequently donated to Brubacher House
  5. James M. Nyce correspondence, 1978-1979
  6. Correspondence with Michael Bird, 1979
    Note: Regarding decorative arts in Ontario and Pennsylvania
  7. Jan Gleysteen correspondence and publicity for Ontario visit, 1979

Series 6: Personal and family

  1. Miscellaneous personal and family records, 1962-2008 (in oversize box)
    Note: A marriage certificate for Gilbert Bergey and Angelina Martin (m. 1902) too large for this file is located in the map case.
  2. Biography of Lorna Bergey
    Note: Be still and know that I am God : the story of a Swiss, Pennsylvania German, Mennonite woman [Lorna Bergey] / Lynda Manktelow, 1996
  3. My faith pilgrimage (autobiography), [1980?]
  4. Joseph Y. Shantz inscription
    Note: Provided by Bergey family
  5. Seniors of Distinction award, 1999
  6. Lorna Bergey and family news clippings (in oversize box)
  7. The alternate route God took in answering my prayer : or facing the possibility of a shortened life span / Fern Shantz (1921-1979), 1978
  8. Ontario Mennonite Bible School photo album
  9. Lorna Bergey autograph and birthday books
  10. Quotes and sayings
  11. Book of Remembrance and memorial service for Selina Shirk Shantz (1898-1979)
    Note: Mother to Lorna Bergey
  12. Book of Remembrance and obituary for Judith Weber Shirk (1855-1942)
    Note: Maternal grandmother to Lorna Bergey
  13. Business cards
  14. David Bergey writings
    Note: Includes lecture on cheese making
  15. David Bergey (1916-1980) news clippings
  16. David Bergey (1916-1980) involvement with public schools
  17. David Bergey (1916-1980) funeral
  18. David Bergey (1845-1932)
  19. School records
    Note: Includes report cards and certificates for Lorna Bergey
  20. 70th birthday
  21. 80th birthday
  22. Scrapbook, 1930s (filed in Hist. Mss. 4 Scrapbooks)
  23. Waterloo Region Hall of Fame induction (posthumous), 2011
  24. Bergey family deeds, 1837-1965

Series 7: Realia

1. Handbag used by Lorna Bergey

2. Zehrs Markets grocery bag (in oversize box)

Hours

Generally 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday to Friday. An appointment in advance is recommended.

Contact

Mennonite Archives of Ontario
Conrad Grebel University College
140 Westmount Road North
Waterloo, ON N2L 3G6

Phone: 519-885-0220 x24238