On July 31 to August 2, four generations of Folwark family members from across Canada gathered at the Sturgis Community Hall for a weekend of celebration uniting family members and strengthening family bonds. It was the fourth family re-union in recent decades to mark the arrival of their ancestors from Ukraine.
Nicolas (Mykola) im-migrated to Canada from Cemakivtsi, Horodenka, Ukraine in 1906 and established the homestead in 1910. The Folwark Family farm is located several miles southwest of Endeavour.
In 1911, Tatiana followed from Daleszowa, Horodenka, Ukraine with her parents Pe-ter and Maria. Nicolas and Tatiana were married later that year. A total of 15 children were born to this union between 1913 and 1939, with 13 surviving. At the reunion, four of the surviving six off-spring were present – Petrina German, Rose Flanagan, Mike Folwark and Sylvia Carpenter.
More than 100 descendents registered Friday afternoon for the weekend of activities. The hall was transformed into a gathering place with an atmosphere of family warmth through the efforts of many volunteers.
A ‘kolach,’ candles and flowers adorned a memo-rial table with photographs of beloved deceased members. Several tables showcased a host of family photograph boards and albums portraying the rich Folwark family history. Copies of previous family history books were displayed along with a new updated 2015 edition depicting the ever-growing Folwark family tree branches.
Donated silent auction items were displayed, featuring many family members’ talents of arts and crafts, cooking, and preserving food. Manifests from the ships Nicolas and Tatiana came over on were also auctioned.
Entertainment followed Friday evening’s meal. Family members, aged three years to 90 years, participated in a talent show and variety night featuring singing, dancing and playing musical instruments, with Ukrainian dances and songs a highlight.
Saturday’s activities began with lunch at the hall. Family members then journeyed to two cemeteries where loved ones were buried – first to Spring Valley, northeast of Lady Lake, and then to St. Mary’s southwest of Endeavour. Descendants of Nicholas and Tatiana gathered in prayerful reverence to honour them at their graves. Summer sunshine allowed everyone the opportunity to visit the graves of many other relatives.
The group then visited the nearby Folwark family homestead now owned by Trevor Folwark. Time was spent wandering around the original buildings, farmyard and nearby fields. Childhood memories of Ukrainian customs and traditions surfaced, stories were told, tears and laughter were shared and many photographs were taken.
In the evening a delicious catered meal from Backwoods Catering, with traditional Ukrainian food, was enjoyed. Family photo-graphs were taken. Family members were introduced and a memorial candle dis-play was lit by each participating family branch.
The Zayshley band provided a wide range of lively music including the Kolymayka. Visiting and dancing continued late into the night. Very successful silent and live auctions were also held, with family members bid-ding on and receiving many cherished treasures. Mike Folwark also sponsored a special table where he sold his wood handicrafts with all proceeds going towards building a commemorative cairn on the family farm now owned by his son Trevor.
On Sunday morning, a celebration prayer service was held with representatives of each family spanning four generations participating in hymns, readings and prayers. Thanksgiving was offered for the many blessings enjoyed through the cherished legacy of Nicholas and Tatiana.
A catered lunch was served and following that, reluctant farewells and departures began. Plans and hopes for another reunion in 2020 were already being discussed!
