2024 and 2025 marked the 150th anniversaries of Mennonite communities in Manitoba and in this season of Still Speaking, host Conrad Stoesz from the Mennonite Heritage Archives is sharing true historical stories around this theme.
Enjoy the story below of how Mennonite fire insurance regulations from 1620' Prussia evolved into modern day Red River Mutual Insurance on Episode 7 of Still Speaking:
“Insurance dues changed each year depending on the losses of that year. In addition, community members also helped in the physical rebuilding. As Mennonites moved west to the Red River and on to Saskatchewan and Minnesota, they continued to work together in the fire insurance program. Each region has its own organization, but joined together as an association of organizations to provide a Co-insurance plan.
Each home had to maintain their chimneys, have a long ladder, a 15 foot pole with a hook at the end and pails. There was an inspection once a year in Manitoba. The regulations changed as new circumstances arose, such as plowing, fire breaks around buildings to ward off stubble and grass fires. There were also rules about how close steam engines could operate to a building.
As the Mennonite community developed, new challenges were dealt with, such as losses due to storms. Should Mennonites living in towns or who owned business also be insured? The Brendt Ordinance System of Mutual Aid came to end in 1940 as governments pressured incorporation. Which meant they were subject to new laws, such as the establishment of large reserves. The new body became known as Manitoba Mennonite Mutual insurance and in 1997, became known as Red River Mutual Insurance.”
Listen to the rest of the story on Episode 6 of Sill Speaking, season three:
Still Speaking airs every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:15am during the Morning Show, and every Saturday afternoon at 12:15pm.
