Arrival at Pier 21 (Port of Halifax)
Pier 21 was the processing centre for Danish immigrants arriving by ship at the Port of Halifax between 1928 and 1971. Immigrants had to answer questions and undergo a medical examination. Because of the language barrier, communication difficulties arose. Once everything was sorted out and verified, Danish immigrants were classified as Landed Immigrants.
Nissen Family (1928)
"The family...arrived at Pier 21 on February 27, 1928. Their processing was then done at Pier 21. Their first language was Danish and at best their English probably consisted only of a few single basic words. This likely was the reason several spelling errors were made in recording their names and responses while questions were asked and their information was being processed.
Margaretha had an eye infection that threatened her entry to the country. Lydia remembers the family praying that the authorities would let her sister into the country. The prayers were answered as Margaretha was eventually allowed to enter Canada with rest of the family. Helen said she had the chickenpox on her arrival in Halifax but the authorities seemed unconcerned and only laughed at her spots. The Nissen family must have been among the first few thousand people to enter Canada through Pier 21, as they entered in the first 2 months of 1928, the year Pier 21 opened."
Sommers Family (1957)
"We docked in Halifax on April 25, 1957. Mom nervously waited in the holding area with the children while Dad and Tove took their immigration papers to the Canadian officials. It was a big accomplishment to get the passports stamped IMMIGRANT - LANDED!"
Husted Family (1957)
"On May 29th, we berthed in Halifax and came off the ship. The immigration people handed out cookies and drinks to us. I felt just like an orphan."
More Immigrant Stories:
- Else Andersen is terrified. Will her husband be left behind?
- More anecdotes: Crossing Canada by Train
