A Voyage
to Freedom ~ 1948
TERE
TULEMAST !
Unfortunately,
only Internet Explorer users are able to hear the music.
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It is now 60 years since the S.S. Walnut sailed from
Sweden toward Canada
's Halifax
harbor with her human cargo to make a bid for freedom in a new land.
The
700-ton ship was originally built as a Royal Navy minesweeper and had
living quarters for a crew of 18. The
Walnut was purchased and co-operatively owned by refugees, mostly of Estonian
descent. Fully aware of the
rough winter seas she would face in her journey, the little Walnut left Gothenburg
(Göteborg),
Sweden on the 13th of November, 1948.
That the Walnut was even able to begin her journey was
questionable. Could the 347
individuals wanting to reach Canada
even fit on such a small ship? Would
they reach their destination safely? Why
did they risk their lives for freedom?
This is the story of the rusty, little mine sweeper -- the Walnut -- a
ship filled with anxious and hopeful hearts -- all looking for a new life.
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"They
are standing everywhere at the railings without moving, pale and looking towards
the land, in order to find faces to whom to say farewell, for whom to
smile. The older ones lifted the children to the edges of the railings,
sitting themselves on the life rafts and bags of potatoes which had been piled
on the deck... Others looked nervously to those who were taking pictures of
them from the pier. Someone onboard said they did not know which route
they were taking or when or where they would arrive, afraid that they would be
followed and the boat seized.... The ropes were released and the difficult
journey towards an unknown future began. The passengers sang
"Du gamla du fria" and "Mu isamaa mu õnn ja rõõm".
Many cried openly, the faces of others betrayed their fear and
distress.... As the Walnut sailed out into the fog, all those onboard
began to sing -- their voices could be heard over the quickly expanding
distance."
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Hello
and welcome.
This
website is the result of a 60th reunion held by the passengers of the S.S.
Walnut in December of 2008. The passengers and their families requested a
central location where memories of their journey could be stored online.
Pier 21 museum also offers much information on the Walnut's journey. There
may also be a book published soon, since the Walnut's journey is currently the
subject of a Toronto, York University PhD Thesis.
Although
I was born in Canada, both my parents were passengers aboard the ship.
Their memories of the journey are very dear to me.
May
this site offer for passengers, their families and all visitors, an insight into
the perilous journey taken by 347 individuals in 1948.
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God
bless!
Tiiu
Roiser-Chorowiec |
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Into
God's Hands
A
stormy sea
the water looms endless
cold and frigid
leaving behind forever
those we have loved
things we have known
all my possessions
in one small suitcase
memories are easy to pack
what fate awaits us?
together we came
with dread
yet filled with hope
into God's hands
we placed our dreams
and our lives
deliver us all
from evil
Your kingdom come
we thank You
for this second chance
our lives anew
Tiiu Roiser -Chorowiec
Dec. 2008
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Read
the story of the voyage.
This
website has been created and is maintained by tiiu-roiser@rogers.com
Copyright
© 2009, 2010 Tiiu Roiser-Chorowiec. All rights reserved.
All images and text on this page are used with permission and are Copyrighted
by the image providers. All rights reserved.
I thank all the individuals who have graciously allowed us to post their images
and stories on this website.
A list of contributors appears on the links page.
Microsoft
© images are from the Microsoft Clip Art Collection and are being used under
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All Rights Reserved by the licensor. The images are for viewing purposes
only; no permission is given to download or save the images for any reason.
The music featured on this page is by Bruce DeBoer.
The Midi "April Rain" currently playing is used with permission and
is Copyright © 2007 Bruce DeBoer.
Animations from 
© 2000-2007 Animation Library. All rights reserved.
Distribution, transmission or republication of any material from www.walnut1948.cwahi.net
in whole or in part or in any medium or form is prohibited without the prior
written permission of copyright holders.
For information please email webmaster.
This
page was last updated 12/08/2010 01:47 PM
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