The story of Georg and Sofie Nissen
They weren't spring chickens and they didn't really want to go.
Georg Nissen was 48 and his wife Dorothea (Sofie) was 52––late in life to be starting over. But their children's futures were at stake. Danish-Canadian visitors and their friend Hans Hansen said Canada offered better opportunities.
Finally it was decided. They'd take all eight children to Dickson, Alberta, where Hans lived.
Off to Canada
The Nissen family sailed in February 1928. After a difficult voyage, (LINK to Anecdotes: To Canada by Ship) they were relieved to arrive at Pier 21 in Halifax (LINK to Anecdotes: Pier 21). Afterwards, little George recalled waiting at the train station with boxes and boxes and boxes.
At the end of the train trip, (LINK to Anecdotes: By Train Across Canada) Hans Hansen and other men were waiting. People and boxes were loaded onto a truck and horse-drawn wagons.
The Nissens nearly froze on the 20-mile drive from Innisfail to Dickson; despite the extra clothing the men had brought them. Who ever imagined such cold March winds? In Dickson, warm beds were found for all. Next morning, the family met their new neighbours.
Hans arranged for Georg to rent land. Eventually the Nissens bought land of their own. Sofie found life in her new country difficult and died within a few years. But Georg farmed for nearly 40 years and most of their children settled nearby.
His Brother's Keeper
Georg was deeply respected for the way he helped other new immigrants. He knew how difficult it was and he knew they'd never ask for help. So he didn't wait. He visited them to provide moral support, advice and money to help them get established.
Georg and Sofie's motto was Others first, self second. They lived it to the end of their days.
Adapted from the 2009 Heritage Book,with permission from the Federation of Danish Associations in Canada
More Immigrant Stories:
• Plan your tour of Innisfail area museums
• Will Ingeman Sorensen make big bucks selling "spring chickens"?
