A century later, Hennels still work the land
Deane and Irene Kebes
Stettler, Alberta
A milestone was celebrated last year by the ancestors of one of the many Estonian families who settled in the Linda Hall area, south of Stettler, Alberta. In August, 2004, the Rudolph Hennel family, who farm southeast of Linda Hall, was given the distinction of being a Century Farm, a farming operation that has stayed in the same family for a monumental 100 years. "Family farms are starting to go by the wayside and to have lived and farmed the same land for a century is a big deal," said David Hennel, Rudolph's grandson.
The Hennel farm had its beginning when Rudolph's grandfather, Kristian, who was born in Estonia, emigrated from Russia to Canada. Kristian came with his wife and oldest son in 1903. They stayed with friends until Kristian obtained his homestead in 1904. By 1908 Kristian had broken 15 acres of land and had 22 cows and four pigs.
Six generations of Hennels have lived on the homestead. Four of the generations were born in Canada and are alive today.
William Hennel, Rudoloh's father, joined his brother Joseph and father Kristian in 1909. He and his wife, Ida, and their seven children made the journey from Russia via Ireland. '"They had nothing at the time," said Rudolph Hennel "so my father took care of the, livestock on board to pay for passage". William and his wife had three more children in Canada. Rudolph, the youngest, was born in 1916. His father died when Rudolph was only nine months old, leaving Ida in charge of the farm. Even though he was the youngest of the siblings, Rudolph took over the farm. "By the time it came to taking over the farm, everyone else had moved on or away," said Rudolph.
Shortly after William and his family arrived, Kristian sold his homestead to William and left for Australia, only to return a few years later.
Rudolph married Doris Mulbach in Novemebr, 1945. They lived in an 'old shack; of a place until they moved into their current home in 1953, which is a short distance away from the original homestead. Ida Hennel lived with Rudolph and Doris during the winters, but moved back to her house on the original homestead for the rest of the year. When Ida passed away, the house was used as a granary. It was demolished in the mid 1970s when Rudolph's son, Allan, moved to the original homestead. 100 years after this homestead was established, the family continues to experience the odd reminder from the past. For example, Allan and his wife Rita have discovered old wire baskets and beer jugs on their property. "And rocks! Everything was made of rocks," said Rita. "We were breaking up land for a garden and had to get rid of an old rock sauna made by Rudolph and his brother John".
The Hennels are very proud of their Estonian heritage. Rudolph can speak the language fluently, and still has an Estonian song book of his mother's. The pride in their origins and profession is part of what has kept the Hennels on their land for over 100 years despite the trials and tribulations the have befallen farmers in the last century. This spirit has survived into the third and fourth generations of Canadian-born Hennels. Rudolph's grandson is named after the Estonian capital - 'Tallinn'.
"I have seen a lot of changes," said Rudolph. "Farming is now a lot different. We started with horses - all they needed was oats to make them happy. It also didn't take as much land to make a living". David says he worries about his son being able to continue farming because of the state agriculture is in. Though he helps his father, David also has to work outside of the farm to supplement the family's income.
Even with doubt as to the future of agriculture, on phrase sums up the family's feelings about making it 100 years - "we're proud!"
Rudolph and Doris, along with their family, have been very active in the Linda Hall community. Rudolph has held many positions within the Linda Hall Men's Society, "Eesti Pdlumeeste Selts", and is still an honorary member today. Sons, Ron and Allen, also held positions within the men's club. Their wives, Jo and Rita, are actively involved with the Linda Ladies Group. Doris is an honorary member of the same group, and was instrumental in forming the English side of the club. Rudolph and Doris' grandson David, and his wife Leslie follow in the same footsteps. Rudolph was always available when work or renovation was needed at the hall of the cemetery. He spent many hours working alone on various projects. Sons, Allan and Ron, and grandson David are also readily available for such tasks. They helped to prepare the hall and its ground for the first celebration of the Alberta Estonian Heritage Society in June, 2005.
True to their Estonian heritage, the Hennels were very strong in their belief of the cooperative movement. Doris was secretary of the association for many years.
The Hennel family also served their community in government. Rudolph was a County Councillor from 1965-67. Ron followed this tradition and served as Councillor from 1986- 1995, being Reeve from 1992-95.
Rudolph and Doris say, "It makes our family happy to be able to help with any project for the good of the people and for the benefit of Linda Hall". When called upon, the families of Rudolph and Doris Hennel are reliable and competent in their efforts for the Estonian community and the community at large. The Hennel family are proud of their Estonian heritage and continue to support and work for the benefit of Linda Hall and the Alberta Estonian Heritage Society.
Note: Sadly, since this article was written, Rudolph Hennel passed away at Stettler, Alberta on October 2, 2005. Alberta's Estonian community extends their deepest condolences and their gratitude to the Hennel family for their extraordinary support through the years.
