Civilization.ca - Christian Bennedsen - Scrapbook of a Life in Letters

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Settlement

Leaving Home

The years following the Second World War were difficult in Denmark. It had been devastated by German occupation, and many Danes left the country.

Starting tomorrow we can buy coffee without coupons so now it is only sugar that we need coupons for. We can also buy raisins and oranges and bananas sometimes but it is so expensive and it's not for married people.

Anna Bennedsen to Chris Bennedsen, October 1, 1952.
(CMC, Christian Bennedsen Collection, Correspondence series, Box P-29, 14th group, translated from Danish by Chris Bennedsen)

Between 1919 and 1930, more than 19,000 Danes emigrated to Canada. An additional 42,000 arrived between 1945 and 1957. Emigrants sought to improve their economic well-being and to fulfill a desire for adventure.

In Canada, the post-war years brought unprecedented economic and industrial growth. Labour-intensive industries began lobbying Ottawa to relax its restrictive immigration policies. Would-be immigrants to Canada had been limited mostly to those of northern-European descent, but during the 1950s and 1960s, this changed significantly. Between 1941 and 1962, Canada's population soared to 18.5 million people from 11.5 million.

Leaving Home

Chris Bennedsen thought about leaving home in 1948. His friend Jens Skov had already set his sights on Canada.

Your letter didn't reach me until October 4th. I hope that you have not left, when you receive the reply. You will not see me in Toronto, but there will come a man and call your name or else it is Mr Pym you have to talk to. Ask if you can get a work near Brumton, then write to me the minute you have received your new address then I will get in touch before long or at least we will meet. I have a damn good salary, I work at a sawmill, it is well paid and it is possible to work overtime, but don't tell the farmer or Pym that you know people here. Keep courage, Kedde, I will help you as much as I can. Regards your friend Jens.

Jens Skov to Chris Bennedsen, October 4, 1951.
(CMC, Christian Bennedsen Collection, Correspondence series, Box P-29, 12th group, translated from Danish)

Jens Skov, Drumheller, Alberta, 1953. Jens moved out West shortly after coming to Canada.
(CMC, Christian Bennedsen Collection, P38-1.M1-2.001, E2007-00198)

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