In 1875, 18 villages were established by the first wave of Mennonite immigrants who settled in the West Reserve.
One of those villages is Reinland in the RM of Stanley, where still today, one can see an enduring symbol of early Mennonite settlers: the Ens Heritage Housebarn.
A special new fund
The housebarn, which is generations old — it was built between 1900 and 1910 — now has the opportunity to remain for generations to come thanks to a new fund through the Winkler Community Foundation.
“We're excited about the Ens Heritage Homestead in Reinland and the endowment fund that was created,” says Myra Peters, the executive director of the Winkler Community Foundation. “This fund supports the ongoing operations and upkeep of the heritage homestead.”
Peters says that money invested in the fund will earn interest, which will be granted back to the municipally designated historic building to ensure that it remains a site of Mennonite history.
The value of preserving history
For Peters, the new fund for the site is worthwhile.
“I love these heritage opportunities because I think as we get older, we realize the value of our heritage, and so to be able to preserve some of that history in the early immigration to our area and what it was like on the farm — I think there's so much value in that,” she says.
The fund also aligns with the Winkler Community Foundation’s objective.
“Our foundation’s vision is to grow community for all and to make it better, and so, when we can preserve history, we can teach our younger generations ... and help them learn and understand who we are,” says Peters.
“It helps us to grow and be better as individuals because we understand where we come from and ... we can take it to new levels.”
Who is behind the new fund?
Peters says that the designated fund for the housebarn heritage site was set up by Mr. Abe Ens and the community centre of Reinland.
“It's really exciting because it means that there's always going to be money to support the heritage farm,” she says.
For Peters, the added support for the housebarn also opens a new avenue for those who are passionate about the site to get involved in its long-term preservation.
It’s one route that ensures the Pembina Valley will hold onto its history for years to come.
“There's ongoing impact year after year after year [with an endowment fund], so long past my lifetime, there's going to be support for the Ens Heritage Farm,” says Peters.
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With files from Connie Bailey