Pitura / Petura Family

Christmas Message

2011-12-18T20:22:00.001-06:00

To the Pitura/Petura Clan,

It is indeed a special time this Christmas as Clara and I look back on the milestone events of the past year of our lives.

We feel it is a privilege and even a duty to be in touch with family members of the Pitura/Petura Families since our first family “Roots Gathering” in Winnipeg in 1995. It seems almost unbelievable that through our Pitura Family Web Site we can instantly be together. Thanks to this technology!

Firstly, we are both in good health. We give thanks for this and our extended family are well and busy ---- our first Great grand daughter is on the Big School Bus and is off to school already. Emma is 7 years old!

Secondly, Clara and I celebrated our 60th Wedding Anniversary in October. We enjoyed a reception dinner and fellowship with twenty five family and guests. Previous to this in September, we hosted a family dinner in Calgary for family members unable to attend in Winnipeg because of work schedules and travel costs.

Further, to the occasion, Carl and Clara received congratulations from the following; the Prime Minister of Canada, Hon Stephen Harper, the Governor General of Canada, David Johnston, the Lieutenant Governor , Hon Philip S. Lee, the Premier of Manitoba Greg Selinger and a number of other officials. This was not expected and indeed a surprise. We were honored and humbled to receive these presentations.

Also as a note of interest, Clara’s eldest sister Agnes Pitura celebrating 95 years and second oldest sister Helen Manness, 91 years, attended our celebration. What a Blessing!

We write this Christmas letter from Arizona, this is our winter escape and our second home in Fountain of the Sun Country Club in Mesa Arizona. Our first visit was in 1984 for a couple of weeks with brothers Frank and Doris, Stanley and Agnes, and Walter and Myrtle. We were all together in Holiday Village for a time visiting and enjoying Happy Hours!

Our Christmas Message - May you all enjoy the Best of Health and a beautiful and peaceful Holiday Season with Family and Friends and be thankful! We live in a Great Country - May God Bless…..Till we meet again.

Love,
Carl and Clara

Note: Carl F. Pitura is the last surviving family member and son of Paul and Sophie Pitura of Winnipeg, Manitoba who immigrated to Canada from Poland in 1901. He is not referred to as the Patriarch of the Pitura Family. We give thanks again!

Agnes Pitura Celebrates 95 Years!

2011-11-30T08:33:00.006-06:00

Agnes Pitura celebrated her 95th Birthday with family on November 27th at her new residence, The Rosewood, in Winnipeg.

Agnes Patricia Kosior was born Nov 30, 1916 to Albert & Caroline Kosior, and is the eldest sibling to four sisters, Helen, Elizabeth (Betty), Wanda (Mick), and Clara. On October 16, 1937 she married Stanley Pitura, son of Paul and Sophie Pitura, and raised 3 children, Patricia (Pat), Barry and Valerie, on their farm in Domain, later retiring to Winnipeg, where Agnes has lived since.

Agnes with her Children

Valerie & Pat with Agnes. Missing: Barry

Agnes with her Grandchildren
Agnes has 5 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren; with more on the way!


Back: Jaime Pitura, Keith Pitura holding Brayden Pitura, Darrell Reschke, Mitchell Reschke, Adam Legault holding Ryder Legault, Hayley Legault holding Peyton Legault, Eric Gallo. Front: Debbie Reschke, Alison Zulyniak, Kyler Zulyniak, Dianne Reschke, Agnes Pitura, Erin Enns, Daneille Enns. Missing: Christine & Danny Enns, Laura Enns, Jason Zulyniak, Abrielle Zulyniak.

Agnes with a few Nieces and Nephews

Calvin & Barb Pitura, Corie, Caelyn & Don Shearer, Carolynne Pitura, with Agnes.

Sisters

Helen Manness with Agnes.

Your loving family wishes you happiness, health and much love on your birthday. Happy Birthday Agnes!

Carl & Clara Pitura - A Love Story

2011-10-27T12:07:00.004-05:00

Prepared by Carolynne Pitura for Carl & Clara's 60th Wedding Anniversary

Once upon a time, there was a young girl named Clara and a young man named Carl who on October 13th, 1951 (60 years ago) began a beautiful journey together.

Clara was the youngest of 5 daughters born to Caroline and Albert Kozier of Osborne, Manitoba. Carl was the youngest of 5 sons (4 surviving sons) born to Sophie and Paul Pitura of Domain, Manitoba. Carl had a twin brother who unfortunately did not thrive after birth and passed away at the age of 8 months.

Originally Sophie and Paul and their family had lived in Winnipeg, but there came a time when Grandpa Paul wanted a better life for his sons and they moved to the original farm land when the boys were small. This is the land that is still farmed by Calvin today.

Dad and Mom grew up together in the Domain/Osborne community. Dad attended Shanawan School which was located next to the Dobrowolski farm stead and Mom attended the Osborne School. Now being 6 years apart in age and at different schools, Dad and Mom really did not interact much with each other until Dad moved to Osborne School for high school. In fact, Dad spent more time with Mom’s older sisters Wanda and Betty than he did with Mom initially. And as Dad reflected one day…. “ at 16 - 17, every girl looked attractive - there was Alice Linkquist, Viola Poersch, and others”. It was also rumored that Mom had her eye on a Eddie Guertin from Ste. Agathe. Things could have turned out so much differently.

As time went on, Mom’s older sisters married and/or moved away from home to work, Agnes, Helen, Betty and Wanda. Mom remained on the farm and worked with Grandpa and Grandma Kozier, helping driving equipment, working in the yard, and doing the multi jobs that are involved in running a family farm.

Dad worked along side his parents and brothers, Walter, Frank and Stanley. Walter, Frank and Stanley eventually set up their own farms and Dad continued to farm with Grandma and Grandpa Pitura until he was 22; at which time Grandma and Grandpa moved back to the city and opened up a small store on College Avenue until their move to Seymour.

“What am I supposed to do all by myself?” Dad remembers commenting when Grandma and Grandpa left, so he invited Aunt Agnes and Uncle Stanley to live with him on the homestead for the next 4 years as their family was growing. At the time they moved in with Dad, they were living in a very small home that was no longer meeting the needs of their growing family. With this living arrangement, Dad would stay on the farm with Aunt Agnes, Uncle Stanley and the family until Christmas and then would move into the city and stay with Grandma and Grandpa Pitura until spring rolled around. While Dad was in Winnipeg, he took courses at the University.

So how did it all begin? So don’t know whether they wanted to be secretive, or just had a difficult time remembering because they had so much fun together. But upon much reflection by both Mom and Dad, it appears that their first date “just sort of happened”.

Every Sunday, all the girls would come back to the Kozier home for Sunday dinner. Aunt Betty, who Dad had been courting for awhile, needed a ride to the train station in Ste Agathe to go back into Winnipeg that evening. This particular day, Dad volunteered to drive Betty to the station but also asked Mom to come along for the ride. Well, we know what happened then. Dad saw the light and a new romance began.

Mom and Dad went out or courted for about two years. When asked what they did on dates, both Mom and Dad said that due to the war years (end of WWII and the beginning of the Korean war) with many family and friends overseas, dating was very low key. Dad who had taken violin and saxophone lessons in grades 9, 10 and 11, became a member of a band that played at many local dances and events. There were also whisk drives at the Sanford school which were usually followed by a dance or social, there were barn dances, family dinners…….and I remember seeing pictures of fun times up at Kenora!

So the big day came along. It was Christmas Eve and the family was gathered at the Kozier home. Dad drew Mom aside into a side room and on bended knee put a ring on her figure. As Mom commented…. “what could I do….. I had to say yes….. Dad just put it on my finger with out even asking……” (I don’t think she fought too hard.)

Now we all know that it was the “proper” thing to ask the father of the young lady in question for his daughter’s hand in marriage, however. in Dad‘s case, besides Grandpa Kozier, Dad also had to gain the approval of the potential brother in laws, Uncle Sid, Uncle Stanley and cousin Bill.

Plans moved forward for a June wedding. Unfortunately, things were put on hold when Grandma Carolina passed away in February. Mom made the decision to stay on the farm and help Grandpa Albert with the spring seeding, summer chores and fall harvest. The June wedding was moved back to October.

So the wedding date was set - Friday, October 13th
The church was booked - Holy Trinity Church on Donald
The bride‘s maids were chosen - sisters Betty and Wanda
The groom’s men picked - Bob Dryden and Ted Dobrowoski (Sadly, Uncle Bob ended up the hospital prior to the wedding so Uncle Walter stepped in to fill the gap).
Flower girl - Valerie (Only 3 years old at the time and cute as a button. It should be noted that Valerie is the only surviving member the wedding party.)

The girls wore pale green satin dresses and carried bouquets of white and yellow moms. Valerie was dressed in a pale pink satin dress. Mom’s bouquet was made up of gardenias and daisies.

The day was cool and slightly overcast, but as Mom and Dad were leaving the church the sun came out and shone upon them. A very good sign! Dad shared with me that the aisle walking out of the church was the longest aisle he ever walked down, especially since they were being hit with rice and confetti from all directions; and the fact that only a few days before he had stepped on a nail and was still limping slightly.

The ceremony was followed by a reception at the Pembina Lodge on Pembina Highway. A big old home that was converted into a reception hall. A turkey dinner with all of the trimmings was served to about 75 people.

The day after the wedding, there was a family dinner at the Kozier farm. All the sisters (Agnes, Helen, Wanda, Betty) and sister in laws (Doris, Myrtle) cooked up a small feast.

Dad remembers the sadness in Grandpa Albert’s eyes that day as Mom had become his right hand person, working with him on the farm, hauling grain, cooking, taking care of Grandpa and the yard. But despite this sadness, Grandpa did send Mom away with a dowry of a couple of cows, a heifer and a side of pork. Grandpa also bought Mom a set of pots and a set of knives from a traveling salesman. I mention these, because only a few days ago, Corie cooked potatoes in the very same pot for our Thanksgiving dinner.

Dad also remembers that Grandpa Paul and Grandma Sophie gave him and Mom a wedding gift of $100.00, which was a lot of money in those days and totally unexpected. He couldn’t thank them enough for the money!

The honeymoon was a trip to Yellowstone Park and the Badlands. Now, Dad only had a pick up truck at the time they were married, so Grandpa Albert or Pappy as he was fondly called, felt that was not suitable for his little girl for her honeymoon, so lent Dad his red, bullet nose Studebaker. Now they were traveling in style. And all that Pappy wanted in return was that they come home safe and sound with a full tank of gas and fresh Quaker State Oil in the car.

When the honeymoon was over, Mom and Dad returned to the family home which meant that Aunt Agnes, Uncle Stanley and the kids moved back to their small home while their new larger home was being built.

Dad’s first line of business even prior to the wedding was to be a seed breeder and marketer. The challenge he always wanted to overcome was the missing link between the breeder and the farmer, which resulted in him become a pedigree seed grower for over 50 years. He started with 10 pounds of seed, a little yellow tractor and Mom by his side, planting plots of grain … and we all know things developed from there.

On the side, Mom and Dad also raised turkeys for a few years. Turkeys were considered mortgage lifters and were only around until the mortgage was paid. There were also a few head of cattle for a few years, chickens during the summer, and I do remember two pigs in the back barn. But growing grain was Dad’s passion and became the foundation of the farm.

Besides planting pedigree seeds, Mom and Dad also began to plant another form of seed and 2 years after their wedding, they were blessed with a beautiful baby girl…… me (Carolynne). Now, I must admit, I was Mom and Dad’s little princess, especially Dad’s, and I can remember sitting on his knee in the evening and having him read me stories. I remember standing on a chair and helping Mom wash dishes and bake cookies.

Two years later, Mom was pregnant again. however, things did not turn out well. Mom slipped on the stairs while cleaning turkeys and baby Michael was born prematurely. His lungs were not developed enough and he did not survive.

Now at age 4, I am feeling really special, until that fateful day in November, when a little brother entered my life. Calvin was born. First son… so much for my position of importance on Dad’s lap. A fall from stardom. And then a year and a half later in May, another sibling. Sister Cheryl was born. I must admit, I was not a very nice big sister. Who would have thought that a 5/6 year old could be so jealous. Anyways, I did get better when Corie came along 4 years after that.

Life on the farm was always busy for the 6 of us. There was always lots to do no matter what season. I do remember that no matter how busy things were, as a family we were always together for meals. Especially dinners where conversations were lively and animated. Mom’s special fried chicken on Sunday and broiled steak on Saturday night. When Dad was away at meetings, there was always chili for us kids to eat.

Over the years, there were several family trips across the country to seed grower conventions, warm Sunday afternoons at St Malo beach with family and friends, family dinners and get togethers with both sides of the family, a trip to Expo 67 in Montreal, and one very memorable camping trip with a pop up camper. Road trips were always very interesting with 4 children. Who would have the window seat, who would have to sit in the front with Mom and Dad, who got the hump in the middle.

Anyways, there are many many stories to tell, but I need to stop. Today is a true celebration of love between two very special people. Two people who built a life together, who raised a family together, and who cherish every day together through sickness and health, in good times and in bad, during sunny days and stormy ones. Two very special people who have shared their special love with everyone around them over the years and continue to be role models for their children and grand children.

Albert Schweitzer said “ At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person… Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”

Mom and Dad, you are the light that brightens our lives every day. Your love for each other and your family over the last 60 years has been the flame that has inspired us and guided us.

We are so honored to be able to celebrate this your 60th Wedding anniversary today. Now let us toast our bride and groom.

Sophie's Magic Hermits

2011-07-04T21:13:00.002-05:00

I pulled out the old recipe cards again. And by old, I mean from my Great Grandma Sophie Pitura's recipe box. I just LOVE these old time cookie recipes. Hermits are spiced cookies and there is rumor they were named "Hermits" because they resemble a hermit or monk's brown robe when dropped on the baking sheet. Another explanation is that Moravians, who were known for spicy cookies, were called "herrnhutter" in German or Dutch, and "herrnhutter" might have sounded like "hermits" to an English-speaking cook. Regardless, they are an old time cookie with a fun name, and taste great!

1/2 cup butter (I used margarine)

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

2 eggs

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 cup raisins

1 cup chopped walnuts

1 cup chopped, pitted dates
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

- Cream together butter/margarine and brown sugar.
- Beat in eggs, milk, vanilla and nutmeg.
- Stir in raisins, walnuts and dates.
- Fold in remaining dry ingredients until completely combined.
- Dropped dough on cookie sheet, and slightly flatten.
- Bake @ 350 for 15 minutes.

To take your taste buds for a walk down memory lane, click to see more Sophie's Recipes or visit my Prairie Story.

Ancient City of Pitura

2011-03-06T17:55:00.002-06:00

The city of Pitura is referenced in cuniform inscriptions in various forms across the bas-reliefs of Ashurnasirpal II's Palace of Kalhu (in modern day Iraq). Ashurnasirpal II was king of Assyria who reigned from 883-859BC. These inscriptions, referred to as the Annals of Assur-natsir-pal, provide an invaluable picture of Western Asia in the ninth century before our era, and before Assyrian conquest had changed the political map of the country. They also detail the brutal battles of the vast program of expansion, first conquering the peoples to the north as far as Nairi, then conquering the Aramaeans between the Khabur and the Euphrates Rivers.

Here is the translated inscription that mentions the city of Pitura from the Annals of Assur-nastir-pal, Column II, lines 104-110. (Source: RECORDS OF THE PAST New Series):

104. I crossed the TIGRIS. All night I pursued (my way). To the city of PITURA the stronghold of the DIRRANS I approached. The city was very difficult (of access).

105. Two walls surrounded (it). Its citadel was situated like the peak of a mountain. Through the hands supreme of ASSUR my lord, (and) with the might of my armies and my vehement battle,

106. I fought with them. After two days, towards midday I roared upon them like RIMMON the inundator of the plain. I rained destruction upon them. With violence

107. and power my fighting-men flew upon them like the vulture. I captured the city; 800 of their fighting-men I slew with weapons; their heads

108. I cut off. Many soldiers I took alive with the hand; the rest of them I burned with fire. Their heavy spoil I carried away. A pyramid of the living (and) of heads

109. I built up at the entrance to its chief gate. I impaled 700 men upon stakes at the approach to their great gate. The city I overthrew, dug up (and) reduced to a mound and ruin. Their young men

110. (and) their maidens I burned as a holocaust.

And then can you believe I found a map of Northwestern Mesopotamia according to Assyrian Inscriptions. You can see the city of Pitura on the far right.

This map and the following excerpt description of the area called Alzi is from "Researches in Assyrian and Babylonian geography" published 1908 by University of Chicago Press in Chicago.

That king had again to recapture the land of Alzi, and he reaches
it, coming from the city of Pitura, through the mountain pass of
Alzi, and from this land he proceeds to the lands of Suhni and
Daiaeni. The city of Pitura was only a night's march from
Tusba, which was located on the southern shore of the Tigris,
opposite the mouth of the river Kallama, and the city of Pitura
was most probably located on the western shore of this river, a
little north of the city of Arbaki. The land of Subni or
Subme was situated on the northern shore of the Euphrates,
opposite Enzite, Kireki and Alzi. All the inscriptions of
Shalmaneser II agree, that this king did not cross the Tigris on
his march from Pitura to Suhme and Daiaeni, and that Alzi
must consequently lie east of the Tigris.

Based on this map, and using the Euphrates and Tigris River as reference, this would put the city of Pitura in what we know today as Turkey - which starts to correlate with further references of a city of Pitura in Kizzuwantna, which was an ancient Anatolian kingdom in the second millennium BC. There is also speculation derived from a 1440BC document that the city of Pitura is around the Yumuktepe (burial mounds) close to modern-day Mersin, Turkey. There has been much archeaology work done in this area and I look forward learning more about Kizzuwanta.

Understandably, translation plays a big part in if there actually was an ancient city of Pitura thousands of years ago, and then of course if it has anything to do with our Pitura surname. Regardless, it's now a story to share.

1916 Canada Census of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta

2011-02-21T20:40:00.014-06:00

I have found 36 entries with the name Pitura / Petura in the 1916 Canada Census of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. This census details the number of family in household, name of each person in family, military service, place of habitation, relation to head of household, sex, marital status, age, country or place of birth, religion, year of immigration to Canada, year of naturalization, nationality, race, language, can read and write, occupation and employment.

The families listed on the first 5 documents are accounted for in our family tree. The remaining are not. Please leave a comment if you have any information.

1) Manitoba, Winnipeg North - 24 - 8:

Listed: Paul Petura (head), Sofia Petura (wife), Frank Petura (son), Stanislaw Petura (son), Wladyk Petura (son), Josef Petura (roomer).

This is my grandfather, Stanley Pitura's family whom we have always known as Pitura, rather than Petura. Interesting, but I assume it's just an error. My great-grandfather, Paul Pitura, is listed as a merchant/owner (grocery store business), and as we know, shortly after this census moved to southern Manitoba to farm with his sons in the Domain area.

2) Manitoba, Dauphin - 16 - 15:

Listed: John Pitura (head), Maria Pitura (wife), Polly Pitura (daughter), Josefa Pitura (daughter), Aneila Pitura (daughter), Franek Pitura (son).

John Petura and family settled in Ethelbert, Manitoba area on land that was donated by Mary's mother, Pauline Bihun. They had a total of 10 children. This is also another example of the Pitura / Petura name game!

3) Manitoba, Dauphin - 19 - 13:

Listed: Michael Pitura (head), Marria Pitura (wife).

Michael came to Canada and spent time in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. In 1914 he visited his uncle John Petura in Mink Creek (Ethelbert, Manitoba area) where he settled as well as married Mary.

4) Saskatchewan, Prince Albert - 02 - 1:

Listed: Albert Pitura (boarder).

Albert came to Canada in early 1900s and most of the earlier years were spent working in Alberta and according to this census in a saw mill in Saskatchewan. After he was injured he moved to Manitoba and remained there until his death in Ethelbert. I assume he must be related to the other Ethelbert Pituras (John Peter Family and Michael Pitura Family), however I'm not sure how.

5) Manitoba, Winnipeg North - 21- 34:

Listed: Pawlo Pitura (head), Barbara Pitura (wife), Mike Pitura (son).

Son of Tomasz Pitura, Paul and Barbara had four sons of their own Peter, Walter, Michael and Joseph in McMunn, Manitoba.

6) Manitoba, Winnipeg North - 21 - 58:

Listed: Eudokia Petura (head, widow), Maria Petura (daughter), Anna Petura (daughter), Frank Petura (son), Aneila Petura (daughter).

7) Manitoba, Winnipeg North - 15 - 9:

Listed: John Pitura (head), Marie Pitura (wife), Jesophine Pitura (daughter).

8) Manitoba, Springfield - 10 - 33:

Listed: Robert Petura (head), Ledca Petura (wife), Paul Petura (son), Peter Petura (son), Carrow Petura (son), Joe Petura (son), Laura Petura (daughter), Annie Petura (daughter), John Petura (brother).

9) Alberta, Calgary West - 14c- 16:

Listed: Jacob Pitura (lodger).

It's hard to read, but the location is Castle Internment Camp, where Jacob Pitura was interned (a prisoner).

Established July 13, 1915, the Castle Mountain Internment Camp was by far the largest internment facility in the Canadian Rockies, housing several hundred prisoners at any one time. A total of 660 enemy aliens were interned at the facility during its entire operation. Designated enemy aliens under Canada’s War Measures Act (1914), some 8,579 enemy aliens were interned during the Great War as prisoners of war. Ostensibly nationals of countries at war with Canada, the vast majority however were settler immigrants, primarily of Ukrainian ethnic origin. Despite their civilian status, a great many were sent to prisoner of war camps located in the Canadian hinterland, to be used as military conscript labour on government work projects. Of particular note was the use of forced labour in Canada’s national parks, where they were introduced there as a matter of policy to improve existing facilities and increase accessibility by developing the park system’s infrastructure. By 1915 several internment camps in and around the Rocky Mountains were in full swing, including a camp at the foot of Castle Mountain, the terminal point of the then uncompleted Banff-Laggan (Lake Louise) road.

August 1917 when the camp was finally closed, the internees were conditionally released to industry to meet the growing labour shortage. The Castle Mountain camp was a difficult facility to administer. Abuse was widespread, and although duly noted by the Directorate of Internment Operations in Ottawa, never corrected. Escapes were frequent while conditions at the camp were roundly condemned by neutral observers and the Central Powers, charging Canada with violations of international norms governing the internment of enemy aliens. Understandably, the conditions at the camp would become of interest to the War Office in London and a point of discussion between the British Government and Ottawa.

The Ukrainian Canadian internment was part of the confinement of "enemy aliens" in Canada during and for two years after the end of the First World War, lasting from 1914 to 1920, under the terms of the War Measures Act that would be used again, in the Second World War, against Japanese Canadians; and in 1970, against some Québécois (during the "October Crisis"). About 4,000 Ukrainian men and some women and children of Austro-Hungarian citizenship were kept in twenty-four internment camps and related work sites – also known, at the time, as concentration camps. Many were released in 1916 to help with the mounting labour shortage. Another 80,000 were registered as "enemy aliens" and obliged to regularly report to the police. Those interned had whatever little wealth they owned confiscated and were forced to work for the profit of their gaolers.

They were interned not because of anything they had done but only because of who they were – where they had come from.

Sophie's Peanut Butter Cookies

2011-01-30T14:15:00.000-06:00

Here is another treat from my Great Grandma Sophie Pitura's recipe box. I knew I would love this old fashioned recipe as soon as I saw it called for vinegar. These are my favorite peanut butter cookies and must be eaten with a big glass of cold milk!

1/2 cup shortening (Crisco Gold)
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon vinegar
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda

- Cream together shortening, peanut butter and brown sugar.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla. Then stir in vinegar.
- Mix in flour, salt and baking soda.
- Roll into 1 inch balls and place on baking sheets. Press down with fork to make crossed pattern.
- Bake @ 375° for 7-8 minutes, until edges turn brown.
- Make 36 cookies.

To take your taste buds for a walk down memory lane, click to see more Sophie's Recipes or visit my Prairie Story.

Happy 80th Birthday Clara

2011-01-01T10:32:00.000-06:00

Wishing you all the very best as you celebrate your special day on January 13th, 2011. We wish you health, happiness and many more celebrations in the years ahead!

All of our love today and always,
Carl,
Carolynne and John
Calvin, Barb, Sheena and Tom, Connor
Cheryl, Craig, Katie, Mike and Emma, Jennifer,Victoria
Corie, Don, Brenden and Caelyn

New Year’s Greetings 2011

2010-12-26T21:47:00.005-06:00

To our Pitura/Petura Family

It is indeed a privilege to send Greetings to herald in the New Year – these greetings come from sunny Arizona – our winter escape for the past 24 years.

It is proper that we take a moment to give Gratitude for our Families and our Heritage. We are proud of our Polish roots and ever mindful of the hardships of our early Families as they immigrated to a new land and a new life in a country of freedom and opportunity. We give thanks!

Our family celebrated my 85th birthday on May 28th at the family farm in Domain. Our family tree has grown to 20 branches including 4th generation Emma, our first great grandchild. We are truly grateful and humble for such a Blessing!

These are changing and challenging times today! As we enter a New Year with Hope, let us keep in mind that people of “Faith” do endure.

Till we meet again, Best Wishes, Good Health, and may God Bless!

Carl F. and Clara Pitura

Sophie's Apple Sauce Cake

2010-11-14T04:46:00.000-06:00

I am beyond excited to be sharing this recipe as it comes from my Great Grandma Sophie Pitura's recipe box. She emigrated from Poland in the early 1900s and married my Great Grandfather, Paul Pitura, who actually is the one who wrote most of these recipes on the cards. My Great Grandma passed away the year I was born, so I never knew her, however, I am feeling a little more connected as I make some of her 100+ year old recipes!

1 1/2 cups apple sauce (Slow Cooker Apple Sauce)
1 cup sugar
1 cup raisins
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1 cup maraschino cherries, halved
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup melted margarine

- Combine apple sauce, sugar, raisins, nuts and cherries together and set aside.
- Sift together dry ingredients. Mix wet and dry together, and add in melted butter margarine while stirring.
- Place batter in a greased 9x9 pan. Bake @ 350° for 60 minutes, or until knife comes out clean.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee!

To take your taste buds for a walk down memory lane, click to see more Sophie's Recipes or visit my Prairie Story.

Sophie Pitura's Recipe Cards

2010-11-12T06:27:00.002-06:00

Polish emigrants, Paul Pitura and Sophie Parnega married on November 19, 1906. Five sons were born to them, Frank, Stanley, Walter, and twins Carl and Joseph. They purchased a grocery store business in Winnipeg’s north end and operated it for some eight years. It entailed long and hard hours so they decided with a family of three sons that a better place to raise the family was on a farm in Domain – approximately 25 miles south west of Winnipeg.

Family values were very important being an officer of the Polish army brought with it discipline and respect, love and understanding. Paul and Sophie left a legacy of faith and a rich heritage; and some recently rediscovered recipes cards.

As I sit here writing this in 2010, it is almost unimaginable to me what my Great Grandparents went through to provide their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren (and so on), a "better" life.

In honor of my Great Grandma Sophie Pitura, I am beyond honored and excited to be sharing some of her recipes. My Great Grandma passed away the year I was born, so I never knew her, however, I am feeling a little more connected as I make some of her 100+ year old recipes!

To take your taste buds for a walk down memory lane, click here to see Sophie's Recipes or visit my Prairie Story.

Alison (Pitura) Zulyniak

5 Generations

2010-06-17T11:24:00.002-05:00

Agnes Pitura is a Great Great Grandma with the arrival of the twins - Ryder & Peyton Legault.

Here are the generations:
1. Agnes Pitura > 2. Patricia (Pitura) Reschke > 3. Christine (Reschke) Enns > 4. Hayley (Enns) Legault > 5. Ryder & Peyton Legault.

Carl F. Pitura Family Slideshow

2010-05-30T11:06:00.002-05:00

Carl F. Pitura Celebrates 85 Years!!

2010-04-29T10:29:00.001-05:00

We would like all members of the Pitura/Petura clan to join us in celebrating our Dad, Carl F. Pitura's, 85th Birthday on May 28, 2010. Dad, with Mom's support and love, continues to be the foundation of our family and inspires all of us daily. We would like to acknowledge and share our Dad's milestone and wish him many more birthday celebrations in the years to come......

All of our love to day and always,
The Children and Grandchildren of Carl and Clara Pitura
- Carolynne and John
- Calvin, Barb, Sheena (Tom) and Connor
- Cheryl, Craig, Katie ( Mike), Jennifer, Victoria and great grand daughter Emma
- Corinne, Don, Brenden and Caelyn

Happy Holidays!

2009-11-27T18:52:00.006-06:00

Greetings to our Pitura / Petura Family Members,

It is indeed a privilege to write a few words of Welcome to our extended Family!

July 2010 would mark our sixth (6) year since our first Family Gathering in July 1995 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As you may recall, Carl was not a computer person and relied on rolls of paper to establish our early roots and Family Tree. However, since then we have created the “Pitura Family Gathering 2001 Recollections and Family Histories” that was first compiled by Ken and Barb Pitura Norton. It was a job well done!

New in 2007 was our website/blog/portal. The Pitura Portal is a separate, private, password protected site that will allow our family to stay in touch with each other and to build a lasting tribute to who we are and to honor the memory of those who came before us. For this we need to thank Alison Pitura Zulyniak and Valerie Pitura Harasym for their initiative and work on our family blog and a new means of communication. Again it was a job well done!

Take a moment to review past happenings:

1995 - First Pitura/Petura Family Gathering in Domain, Manitoba on the farm of Clara & Carl Pitura and Family.

1998 - Second Gathering in Okotokes, Alberta with our hosts Ed & Elizabeth Pitura and Family

2001 - Third Gathering in Cobble Hill, British Columbia and our hosts were Ken & Barb Pitura Norton and Family and Franklin & Evelyn Pitura of Winnipeg

2004 - Fourth Gathering in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and our hosts were the Descendants of Paul Vincent Petura – Carol Petura Maudie & Mary Maudie Dean and Families

2007 - Fifth Gathering in Winnipeg, Manitoba and our hosts were Carolynne Pitura and the Pitura Family Cousins

2010 - Sixth Gathering by website/blog/portal

What a journey! Full circle! A Great Blessing!

Also in February 1995, Clara and Carl were invited to a Family Gathering at Priscilla & Wilbur Ahrens, family of Frank & Bess Pitura, to get acquainted and do some promotional work re: the upcoming Family Gathering in Winnipeg that July. Other members of the family are Dorothy & Happy Berry, Audrey & Ken MacMillan and Mary & Al Edwards. Priscilla set a dinner table for 25 family members and more were added. Just a great visit!

In summary, Clara and Carl are happy to have been a small part of the first idea to generate a Family Gathering. Brother Walter, who helped with seed money, thought the odds were against us in bringing people together. However, he did wish us well in our efforts. During the First Family Gathering we were very thoughtful of the support of our family members who encouraged each other and worked diligently before and during the event.

And really - all of the other Pitura/Petura Clan Families who contributed and hosted Family Gatherings in their respective provinces or states over the years have done an amazing job. Without your support and enthusiasm we would not have had the success we did.

We are very proud of our Polish Heritage and look forward to our family histories and continuing to discover our “roots” into the next generation!

Till we meet again... Season Greetings and Best Wishes and May God Bless!

Sincerely,
Carl and Clara

Season's Greetings!!

2007-12-28T17:02:00.000-06:00

English: Season's Greetings!!
Polish: Wesokych Swiat zokazjie Bozego Narodzenia!!
Czech: Veselý Vánoce!!

Clara and I have a tremendous privilege to communicate in this high tech environment and wish the Pitura and Petura Clan a very Merry Christmas.

The Pitura/Petura Family blog was a portal created by the efforts of Alison Pitura Zulyniak and Valerie Pitura Harasym at the 5th Family Gathering in Winnipeg in 2007. Once again, this year we had an energetic committee under Carolynne Pitura, our eldest daughter, and her volunteers - to host us in Family tradition and special activities. Our 1995 pilot project with brother Walter and seed ideas have brought forth a growing, healthy Family Tree and we are appreciative of every ones efforts to this end.

Also - comes to mind - the Family members that have supported the Family Gatherings since 1995 and have contributed to the History and Recollections and now the web site. A big thank you!!!

Often we reminisce of our parents immigrating to the new country in the early 1950's and 1900's; working hard to learn the language and provide for their families. Let us not forget our roots and be thankful.

About our Family - Clara and I have 4 children and seven grandchildren ages 13-26 and a great grand daughter Emma, age 3 in November, daughter of Katie and Mike Klassen of Calgary.

Also, my sister in law, Agnes, Clara's oldest sister, celebrated her 91st in November and Clara and I celebrated 56 years of Togetherness - just a Great Blessing.

As some of you may know, Carl is a 12 year survivor of cancer. In appreciation of Dr. Ian Maxwell and the Oncology department of the Victoria General Hospital in Winnipeg, we have created a "Pitura Family Foundation" with an Endowment Fund to assist oncology patient care with services provincial health does not cover. The Fund will generate income to assist patient needs for years into the future. Donations by family members will be gratefully accepted.

When November arrived, Clara and I migrated like the Canada Geese to Mesa, Arizona. This has been our habit since 1987; it is our second home and winter escape and we enjoy our fiends of many years from across the Mod West and different parts of Canada.

Once again, we have a great legacy with in our Families. Let us be thankful for this great land and its Blessings and enjoy our new "Pitura Family Portal".

Christmas Greetings and a Healthy New Year. May God Bless.

With Love,
Clara & Carl F. Pitura

Thank you....

2007-12-28T16:54:00.000-06:00

A very special thank you goes out to all of the Pitura/Petura Family members who traveled to Winnipeg in july this summer to participate and celebrate in our 5th Family Gathering.

For those of you who were able to join us, we thank you for your support and hope you had a great time reconnecting with family who you may not have seen for 3 years since our last Gathering or even longer. We appreciate you brining your pictures, stories, and enthusiasm. For those of you anable to attend, we know that you were with us in spirit.

I encourage everyone to continue to use our family wesite/blog to stay connected. Please post the most recent family news, stories, pictures and updates. Our Manitoba committee hope that this web site will continue to grow and develop over time and be a legacy of this Gathering. If you require assistance, please contact Alison Zulyniak.

I wish everone all the very best during the Holiday Season and health and happiness in the New Year. I hope that our paths cross again in the near future and that we all take time to stay connected in some way.

Season's Greetings!
Carolynne Pitura

Family Touch

2007-10-14T11:01:00.001-05:00

To Touch the Past, Touch a Rock
To Touch the Present, Touch a Rose
To Touch the Future, Touch a Life

2007 Reunion Slideshow

2007-07-15T10:12:00.003-05:00

Reminder - Things to Bring!!

2007-07-15T10:07:00.001-05:00

Please remember to bring the following to the Family Gathering:

1) A Family Bio (or update of your previously printed bio). One half or full page of infomration about your family.

2) Information on your "Family Tree". Any genealogical data which would help linking the branches of the family. You can download the Pitura Family Info Document to help!

3) Family Photos of present family, new additions and of those no longer with us.

4) Any anecdotes/stories of memorable and/or interesting family events.

5) A unique gift (one per family) of approximately $15 to be used as a prize at our Saturday banquet.

6) Your favourite Family Recipes!!

Lastly, your copy of the Pitura Family 2001 Recollections and Family Histories Book (if you have room in your suitcase!).

2007 Reunion Information

2007-07-01T20:32:00.000-05:00

Pitura /Petura Family Gathering 2007
July 20, 21 & 22 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Friday, July 20, 2007
Registration, Meet and Greet
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: 27 Portsmouth Avenue, Winnipeg (Pat (Pitura) Reschke's Home)
Spend a relaxing evening reconnecting with family members and meeting new ones. At this time you will receive information concerning Saturday activities. Hot and cold appetizers and refreshments will be served. A time for sharing and story telling!!

Saturday, July 21, 2007
Afternoon Activity – Fun in Sunny Manitoba
Evening Dinner
Time: 6:30 pm – refreshments, 7:00 pm – buffet dinner
Location: Kingswood Golf and Country Club, La Salle, Manitoba
Come prepared for an evening of good food, sharing of stories and tales, games, and lots of fun. Bring a unique gift of approximately $15.00 as a prize for a game, raffle.

Sunday, July 22, 2007
Church Service & Brunch
Time: tbd
Location: Avonlea United Church & Domain Hall, Domain, Manitoba
Following church, we will travel down the road to the Domain Community Hall for a wonderful brunch cooked up in good style by our Manitoba Men. A time to say our farewells for this Gathering and look toward the future.

Things to Bring (or post on our family website/blog)
- Your copy of the Pitura Family 2001 Gathering Recollections and Family Histories book. (if you have room in your suitcase)
- A unique gift (one per family) of approximately $15 to be used as a prize at our Saturday banquet ( a great idea from 2001 and 2004).
- Family photos – of present family, new additions and of those no longer with us.
- Information on your “family tree”. Any genealogical data which would help linking branches of the Family.
- Any anecdotes/stories of memorable and/or interesting family events.
- A family bio ( or update of your previously printed bio) – one half to a full page of information about your family.

5th Family Gathering

2007-05-15T19:44:00.000-05:00

Our 5th Family Gathering is fast approaching and our Manitoba committee is busy planning what we hope will be a fun and exciting event. We are very much looking forward to our family and friends joining us in Winnipeg July 20, 21 and 22, 2007 and hope that you will be able to attend.

As we have done every Gathering since we first came together in Winnipeg in 1995, we would like to collect information concerning our family history and roots. We hope that you will send us updated information about your branch of the family tree that we can add to the Pitura Family Gathering 2001 Recollections and Family Histories that was first compiled for us by Ken and Barbara (Pitura) Norton. Updates will be made and distributed during the Gathering. For members who did not order a memory book last time, we will be reprinting this document and making it available to any interested family for $20.00.

New this year is our website/blog/portal. The Pitura Portal is a separate, private, password protected area that is packed with interactive features that will allow our family to stay in touch with each other, to work together to build a lasting tribute to who we are, from where we came, and to honor the memory of those who came before us. On the portal you can share photos, news and stories, exchange messages, and work together to update our online Family Tree. There is an Event Calendar that will populate birthdays, plus Photo Galleries to which we can all upload photos. You can review and print historical reports, or simply enjoy your visit. We would like to thank Alison Pitura Zulyniak and Valerie (Pitura) Harasym for their initiative and work on our family blog and this new means of communication.

We have a variety of activities planned that will enable us to re-connect since our last Gathering in Wisconsin; a time to visit with old family friends and to meet and greet new members. We also hope to give you a “Taste of Manitoba” in the activities which we hope you will enjoy. Since we realize that our group has a variety of interests and physical abilities, we have decided to offer several events from which to choose on Saturday, July 21st. These activities also include different cost amounts that we hope will accommodate all our family members.

Please complete the mailed registration package and return by July 1, 2007 and/or visit our website and register online via our Pitura blog. If we have missed a family member in this mail out, please share this information.

We look forward to seeing you in July.

Sincerely,
Carolynne Pitura

Greetings

2007-04-07T07:50:00.001-05:00

Greetings to our Pitura/Petura Relations and Friends!

It is indeed a privilege to write this letter of “Welcome”.

Since our first (pilot project) of trying to discover our Roots and Family Tree in July 1995 in Winnipeg, we have come a fair distance. Our second Gathering was in 1998 in Okotokes, Alberta, our third in 2001 in Cobble Hill, British Columbia and in 2004 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Gatherings have been great for meeting and greeting old and new Family members, the opportunity to tour the city and area and of course to enjoy the hospitality of the host families. We usually explore and add another branch to the Family Tree.

Our common heritage began in Poland – some immigrated in the 1850’s and early 1900’s to establish a new way of life. The pioneer families had to work hard to survive in a new land and learn the language, etc. There was little or no time left for what we are enjoying today.

Each Gathering has carried with it a special uniqueness, character, and fellowship. We are truly blessed to have made the scan across the great country and return to home base in Winnipeg. As I review some of my files of our family Gatherings of past years, it is proper that we take a moment to remember those who have died… our thoughts are with the respective families.

One great accomplishment over the years, was the efforts of Barb (Pitura) and Ken Norton from Cobble Hill, BC in creating and printing a binder called “Recollections & Family Histories” in 2001. Hopefully as time goes on, we can add new “roots” and photos and happenings of our family to this binder.

We now look forward to our Family Gathering in Winnipeg, Manitoba in July 2007 and once again it is my pleasure to Welcome you to come and enjoy this Pitura/Petura party. With this letter, I would like to introduce, Carolynne Pitura, our eldest daughter, who has volunteered along with other family members to bring forth a committee to organize this special event. A comment from a recent TV credit card commercial… “There are things money can buy, and there are things credit cards can buy… but visiting with Family members and reminiscing your heritage and connecting… You cannot buy...it is priceless!!”

Best Wishes and may your planning for your July Holidays lead you to Winnipeg. More information to follow.

We’ll have a candle in the window! With love and warmest regards,

Clara and Carl

Frank Petura's Trip to Ukraine & Poland 2005

2006-02-21T21:48:00.000-06:00

Below is a brief description of the photos from our 2005 Trip to Ukraine & Poland:

- Our driver and translator on tour in the Ukraine – Volodymyr and Russlan.
- Farm land near ancestral homes.
- Site of my Dad’s original home which was replaced by house shown.
- Land that was farmed by my Dad’s family straight back from their house to trees beyond.
- The following graves and markers of deceased family members.
- Note marker indicating death in 1934 – this is my Dad’s sister.
- Picture of most of our family living in village of Peremiluv. The lady with vertical striped blouse in front row, is my cousin who traveled with us. She spoke Ukrainian.
- Picture of 7 of us with lake behind them came to see off on our last day at Ternopil where we stayed at Hotel.
- From this point on Pictures were taken in the Ottynia area where my mother was born 50 miles or so away. Mom and Dad did not know each other in Galacia but met in Canada by chance.
- Pictures of cemeteries in Ottynia area were so neglected as the trees and forest have encroached on it to prevent one from entering.
- My sister Mildred viewing the land near Ottynia, probably imaging how our family lived there and why they eventually immigrated to Canada.
- Eventually you will see the only Roman Catholic Church in the whole area. The Russians converted it to a granary during the war. You will see upon inspection of structure many bullet and shell damage. I imagine there was more as there was some indication of repairs. The plaque on the church in the following picture commemorates an important victory over the Austrians in an earlier war.
- Here are more Greek Orthodox churches which are predominant in all of Ukraine.
- Some pictures later you will see a stork nest on a pole. This is a common scene.
- Cows walking don one of their better roads.
- Myself (Frank), Lois (my wife), Mildred (my sister) and Stephie (my cousin on Pitura sides of family). Stephie only came along with us on the Village tours in the Ukraine.
- You will note pictures I took of President Vicktor Yushenko on a chance meeting in a flea market in Southern Ukraine in the Carpathian Mountains.

Frank Petura

'Sow the Seeds of Faith' - Pitura Family Window

2005-05-29T09:29:00.000-05:00

Pitura Family Window - Avonlea United Church
'Sow the Seeds of Faith'

Dedicated May 29, 2005

1950-51 - Following the move of the Avonlea United Church to Domain, the Pitura Family became active as new members in attending worship service and supporting the Church Community.

As our families grew, we became more a part and enjoyed the privilege of church fellowship.

We have fond memories of our children through Baptism, Sunday School, Confirmation and yes, Marriage to leave the nest and start their own.

Our daughters, Carolynne, Cheryl and Corie played the organ for a number of years, following Mrs. Haverstick and enjoyed many hours singing in the choir.

Today, we take time out. to pay tribute to the Church Community as recognition of past years.

The dedication of our family window is in some small way to appreciate the fruitful years of Fellowship. Our theme, 'Sow the Seed of Faith' is encompassing and challenging in today's world. Most are not farmers of the field, but the analogy is there, Plant a Seed of Faith today in your home, your place of work or your community about Faith in God to someone!

May those who enter this Sanctuary enjoy this art work in it's design and feel an inspiration in it's message. Only then will the 'Window' fulfill it's purpose and it's challenge to bring forth the message.

Our grateful thanks to our granddaughter, Katie Manness Klassen for exploring the theme and message from Ecclesiastes 11:6. It is also proper to recognize the artistic work of Mr. Ken Potter, Sperling, Man., in physically molding the window. The history composition is window glass from Sperling United Church, Brunkild St. Paul Church and a Jewel from Ireland.

In closing - our Family feels humble for the opportunity to express our thoughts along the Road of Life. May God Bless!

Carl F. Pitura

2004 Reunion Slideshow

2004-09-09T11:21:00.003-05:00

2001 Family Gathering Cobble Hill British Columbia

2001-07-01T09:47:00.011-05:00

Agenda for the Gathering:

Thursday, July 19th
Registration - 7:00-9:00 @ St. John's Anglican Church Hall
Pick up your Registration / Information package and make inquiries.

Friday, July 20th
Registration - 9:00-noon @ St. John's Anglican Church Hall

Morning and Afternoon - free time for visiting and getting to know the area. Group tours to local wineries or a round of golf can be arranged. This would be an excellent time to check out Chemainus, famous for its large outdoor murals and the many gift and antique stores there and surrounding communities. Take in Whippletree Junction for more souvenirs and interesting crafts.

5:30-6:00 - Reception to meet and greet before dinner.
6:00 pm - Catered dinner at St. John's Anglican church Hall. Come prepared for some fun and games. Bring a unique gift (one per family) of $10 or less as a prize for the evenings "shenanigans". Musicians, bring your instruments and voices for a sing song.

Saturday, July 21st
Morning and Afternoon - Free Time - An excellent time to take in the many interesting sights of beautiful Victoria - tour the world famous Butchart Gardens or spend a few hours on the ocean looking for whales.

6:00 pm - Barbecue at Ken and Barb's house. Bring your best smiles for family photos and your family write up - these will be compiled into a Pitura Gathering Memories 2001 souvenir booklet.

Sunday, July 22nd
10:00 - Join us for a church service at which members of the family will participate. Bring your best singing voice!

History of the Pitura Family Gatherings

2001-05-01T10:55:00.023-05:00

An invitation to discover our roots was held July 23-25, 1995 at Domain and Winnipeg Manitoba. Some 80 family members attended whether they spelled their name 'Pitura' or 'Petura'. Photos of pioneers and tracing roots of families that came to this county as early as 1857 and earl 1900s was very challenging.

The first day was a farm tour and/or city of Winnipeg. Dinner was at Domain Hall (ethnic food) and fireworks at the farm. The second day was afternoon at the Forks with a dinner cruise on the River Rouge - the lighted part of the cruise evening was most enjoyable! The third and last day - Sunday saw a church service at Avonlea - a first happening "Pitura Choir" was initiated with Carolynne at the organ and Ev the choir leader. Brunch was at the farm, provided and served by the men fold of the family.

Ocotoks, Alberta
1998 - Pitura Family Gathering in Okotoks, Alberta, organized by Ed and Elizabeth Pitura and family. A god number attended for a very enjoyable couple of days. The infamous Pitura choir sand at the Church service and was given and open invitation to come back again.

Cobble Hill, B.C.
2001 - Barbara and Ken Norton in Cobble Hill, B.C. hosted the gatherings. This was one way to visit your next of kin and also tour the country.

As survey of the group at our first family gathering showed a desire to continue every three years with locations to be rotated across the country. As we looked into the future we must agree it is indeed a privilege to attend and participate these Family Gatherings.

Nine years ago, brother Walter and myself felt the idea was good, and trust there will be the enthusiasm for them to continue.

We gave it our best in 1995, with active family support in organizing through a decision making committee and the weather cooperated!

Carl F. Pitura

1995 Reunion Slideshow

1995-09-01T11:12:00.005-05:00