Historic Sites of Manitoba: Bergthaler Church Waisenamt (48 Main Street, Altona)

Built of locally-cast concrete blocks in the early 20th century along Main Street in Altona, this municipally designated historic building was the town’s home for the Bergthaler Waisenamt. This mutual aid association was introduced by Mennonites who settled in southern Manitoba in the 1870s, based on a centuries-old tradition of Mennonites in Prussia and Russia to administer estates and aid widows and orphans. The institution collapsed during the Great Depression of the 1930s. The building has accommodated various functions since then and is now a private residence.

Bergthaler Church Waisenamt (June 2012) Source: Gordon Goldsborough Site Location (lat/long): N49.10453, W97.55767 denoted by symbol on the map above

See also:

Manitoba Bricks and Blocks

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Municipally Designated Historic Sites

Sources:

Bergthaler Church Waisenamt, 48 Main Street, Altona, Manitoba Historic Resources Branch.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 2 September 2012

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