The Helmer Story

First --- let me begin by saying thank you for the invitation to
take part in this great history book project!

1, Mary Gunderson, would like to introduce you to the Helmer
and Gunderson families and tell you a little bit about our
corner of the world.

My Dad, Godfred Helmer was born in Saratov, Russia (of
Getman descent) and came to the United States with his
family in the late 1800's. I'm not sure how much time the
crossing took but that ocean voyage may have seemed
endless as some sea sickness had to be endured as the
days slowly passed. Quite a contrast to today's travel with
all it's discoveries as preventatives.

They arrived on American soil in 1902 in the State of
Missouri and began pioneering with the help of my Uncle
George.

My Mother --to be-- Susan Rau was also of German descent
and came from Saratov as well, but was living in Idaho.
Eventually my Father moved to Idaho and wouldn't you know
-- "Cupid" soon arrived on the scene and did his little trick.
On Dec. 4, 1906 wedding bells rang that united Susan and
Godfred and thus began their journey of life.

Ten children were born to this union, six boys and four girls.
The pioneer years, at times were pretty unsettled and it was
necessary to move several times. In 1920 our family moved
to Burstall, Sask. but only farmed there for five years.

Our next move was to Alberta into the Lethbridge area and
Coalhurst was our town. School days were always fun and
there were about 30 pupils in my class all in the same grade.

Once again a move was planned, this time taking us to south
side Lethbridge, and there we attended "White School". I'm
not quite sure why it was necessary to make changes in the
'Division' as to school attendance, but our family ended up
being driven by horse van to Coaldale for some time. I
remember the driver was Rick Murfin. There was no rapid
transit in existence then!

Once more we were on the move. This time back to Coalhurst,
settling in the 'Park Lake' area. My school then was "Rolling
Hill'. We did have a great time here enjoying the lake with a
very active community life, thus making many friends. We
had to go through the depression years which most folk
will never forget but I really never felt deprived of anything.
Our home was filled with love and we all got along very
well together. We each had our chores and little jobs to do
and we knew exactly what was expected of us. My Father
was the authority and head of our home and as I recall he
was very strict. However we also appreciated that when
we realized his fairness in all things. He lived by the
'Book' and the 'Scriptures'were faithfully read and taught
by example in all of our growing up years. We had our
definite times of quiet reverence and I can honestly say
harmony prevailed in the Helmer household!

When I say harmony I mean that in every sense of the word.
Ours was a home where music played a large part in our
entertainment and our energies. We had lots of lively
sing songs and I remember several different instruments
being played and we all took part. What an enjoyable
past time.

It did seem that I was usually found in the kitchen much
of the time (away back then). There I learned many
worthwhile tips, short cuts and little tricks while cooking
along with Mother. In these years we often had to improvise
in the 'culinary department' and even extend our expertise
for the unexpected. Many, many times there were more than
our own family around the table. The welcome mat was
always out and hospitality greeted every hungry wayfarer.
I thought at one time I would like to be a nurse, however
that did not materialize and little did I realize I was being
well schooled for the role I was to fill in order to care for
my own little family in the years to follow.

Well it is with surety -- time marches on which meant our
family started to leave the nest.

Fred (Emma) went first to Stony Plain but eventually came
back to the Lethbridge area taking a position with A.G.T.
working there until his retirement. They had two
children but Emma was taken early in life and Fred
remarried 'Linda' and two children were born to this
union. Fred passed away in 1976.

Henry (Katie) took up farming for awhile. Six children
came along having a set of twins among them. He moved
his family to Burly, Idaho and as far as I know most of the
family live there at this time.

George (Doris) had four children. George was a real
handyman in mechanics and in helping out neighbors with
trucking etc. George passed away Dec. 1991.

Dave (Esther) had two boys but he moved to the States
to work with our Uncle. This was in Sacramento, California.
He drove 'bus' most of life and retired in approximately 1987.

Next came Mary. I always took pleasure in being able to help
out family, friends or neighbors whenever I could and this is
what I ventured out to do when I went to Spring Bank, outside
Calgary, to help in the Gunderson home. Wouldn't you know
'Cupid' was there too and this fellow Oris (with Cupid's help
of course) won "Mary's" heart and we were married in 1939.

Oris who came from North Dakota in the late 1800's seemed
to settle in southern Alberta but lived in various districts
around the area. Oris had three children from a former marriage.
Oris passed away in Oct. 1976.

To go back to the Helmer folk, my sister Ester (Roy) separated
- no children, and Martha (Pete) 4 children --- 3 by a previous
marriage. M o I I y -- deceased as a child - 1928.

Down through the years we have tried to keep in touch by
having had several family re-unions. Our winter gatherings,
quite often at Christmas time have been held at 'Bate's Lodge'
in the Cochrane area.

It takes time to build a strong family foundation but once that
is accomplished the inner strength should last a lifetime.
The sounds and smells of "HOME" are printed indelibly on
all our minds. The aroma of freshly baked bread --- the
hum of the sewing machine --- the clicking of the knitting
needles fun and games --- and bed time prayers. A home
divided cannot stand and we all need togetherness!
The family is the foundation of society and the children-
are the building blocks.

These will be ---- the citizens of tomorrow ----

To all ---- may I say "Keep looking UP" and "Keep
Smiling! "

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