Maciejewski, Stanley, Sophia

Refugee: Stanislaw Maciejewski
Ship: USS General S.D. Sturgis
Country, Hanover, Germany
Country of Origin: Poland
Date of Entry: February 14, 1948
Author: Jennie Humbert, daughter

Stanislaw Maciejewski, my father was born on a farm close to Poznan, Poland in a village called Komorowo. He was one of six children of Jan Maciejewski and Victoria Tomczak. Stan fought with the Polish army in early September 1939 when Poland was attacked by the Germany. On September 30, 1939, Stan's troop of Polish soldiers was captured by the Germans. At that time, he was allowed to return to his family farm.

Then, in June 1940, all his family was expelled from the family farm. Stan, his brothers and sister were taken to Germany to work. Stan was enlisted into forced labor on a farm. Germans from Russia, Latvia and Estonia were brought to the Poznan area of Poland in order to occupy the land.

On May 12, 1945, the war over, displaced persons from the war were brought to Matchow, Germany. Those from concentration camps were very malnourished and initially ate very little but others ate too much and died. After the war, Stan worked as an apprentice in a barber shop from 1975-48. At this time he met Sophia Mrozewska his future wife.

Although, Stan's brothers and sister returned to Poland, he was advised by one of his brothers to immigrate to another country and not return to Poland because of the Russian occupation, devastation and poverty. In the fall of 1948, his sister Mariana and her newborn child died one week of after birth.

Stan and Sophia were given an opportunity to immigrate to Canada since miners were needed in northern Quebec. Stan left Hanover January 28, 1948 on the ship General S.D. Sturgis and arrived in Halifax February 14, 1948. Sophia stayed behind due to the needs for surgery for appendicitis and arrived by plane in Montreal in July 1948.

The trip to Canada by ship was rough and most were seasick. Stan provided barber service to other passengers during the trip to Canada. Other Polish men were also on the ship.

Stan settled in Noranda, Quebec establishing his own barbershop where he worked until his retirement. Polish and other Slavic immigrants created a supportive community in Noranda, and many of them became Stan's customers. Polish customs were maintained and celebrations were plentiful.

Stan was always grateful for the opportunity to build his life, home and family in Canada. At his death April 17, 1991, he requested that his following words be read:

"I arrived in Canada February 14, 1948 in Halifax. I began to work in the copper mine in Noranda PQ on February 17, 1948 for 19 months until I completed my contract. After completing an examination, I received a permit to practice as a barber in Canada and then opened my own barber shop. The business was successful.

My daughter Jennie was born in June, 1949. Then in 1950, I started to build our house with a neighbour and we moved into the house just before our second daughter Elizabeth was born the beginning of February. Jimmy was born in November 1955. I tried with my wife Sophia to give our children an education so that life would be easier for them. My wish, my dear children is that you will continue to contribute to your country, Canada.

I have lived as a loyal Canadian citizen. I love Canada as a man loves his wife, and I love Poland as my mother. Jennie, Elizabeth and Jimmy love this country, we live here as in heaven."