Submitted by Margaret Klassen-Neufeld

I have felt many times that I wish I could ask my mother or my dad some questions now. I have one letter which Anganetha Bergen-Klassen (1889 – 1918), usually referred to by my siblings as "our first mother", wrote to her sister from the homestead in Tiefengrund. The letter is in the German language in Gothic Script. It was written on Feb 2, 1917 and addressed to her sister "Miss Tina Bergen, P.O. Waldheim, Sask," who was quite possibly ill at that time.

Here is a translation of the letter: (words in parenthesis are my explanations)

Dear Sister,

I must write you a letter for a change to help you pass the time for a few minutes.

We are all well except for Netty (Erna's mom) who has been lethargic for several days. Why don't you write and tell me how you are feeling some time, and whether Lena is still well. I have had the hiccups frequently during the last while, and have often wondered whether someone is possibly ill. Since Tuesday we have had 3 German woodchoppers, so I can do hardly any work except make meals and bake. Today I baked 9 'Bulchke' (large loaves of white bread) and tomorrow I will bake again so that at least I have some for Sunday.

Would you send me the brown cookies recipe. The children always want brown cookies. Well, Lena (perhaps my mother Helena) what are you doing these days? Are you being a big help to Grandma? What is Greta (my Aunt Margaret Friesen) doing? Are she and her family well by now? We know that they are at home, but nothing else.

Best wishes to all of you from us.
Anganetha Klassen

I write letters so seldom that my ability to form the lettering is getting quite poor. I cannot yet write about coming to visit you, it is too cold right now.

Goodbye, I will wait for a reply.