The Cherwoniak / Zelichowski Story

Andrew Cherwoniak (1893-1987) and Theophilia (Phyllis) Zelichowski (1903-1986) wed October 31, 1929 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. 

 Text written by Shirley Watson in 1980s and modified by Nikki Reimer in 2010.   

 The Cherwoniak family emigrated from Austrian Empire in 1897. They brought five of their seven children (two had died prior to emigration.) The boat docked in Halifax, N.S. and by September 1897, they had settled on land at Gimli, Manitoba. Using branches and leaves, the family fashioned a tent-like structure to protect them from the elements. Eventually they would build a log cabin with a mud kiln for heat and cooking. They were the first farmers in the immediate vicinity, which was settled mostly by Icelandics, who were fishermen. Indian [sic] (Aboriginal) trails provided the only roads and often the Natives would come to the cabin. They were curious more than anything (Ed: more than what?) and there were never any incidents because of their visits.  

 During the first year in their new homeland, the family survived on black tea and Russian black bread. Once the Homestead Rights (Ed: Dominion Lands Act) had been taken care of, there was only 25 cents left. It was decided that the change be used to purchase the first pane of glass to provide a window in the cabin. Two years would pass before a cow would be purchased. Three more children were conceived, increasing their family to eight. The eldest son walked 48 miles to Winnipeg to find work. In 1924, we find Andy (who was unmarried) taking up farming on a homestead in the Landis area of Saskatchewan. (Those left in Gimli would all move to Landis in 1926.) One of his brothers died and left a large family that needed help. Eventually there would be a whole community of Cherwoniaks farming there. Descendants of the family continue to farm there. 

 Andy met/married (Ed: at the same time?) Theophilia (Phyllis) Zelichowski in 1929. Their first three children (Ed: the first of whom was my grandfather) were born in the Landis area, while the youngest entered the world in Saskatoon - after they moved in 1953.