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1956 Hungarian Memorial Oral History Project

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: Hungarian interview - Pal Orosz; Paul Orosz gives details of the events of the 1956 Revolution, including : the 'de-kulakization' of villages, inflation, Rákosi era, Csepel factory activity, revolution account (blood), etc. Mr. Orosz was born in Szabolcs Szatmár megye. He talks about World War II, starvation, bombs, a bread crisis, the gradual take over by Soviets, inflation, and radio. His family was black-listed for owning land. He talks about communist activity and collectivization, and Josef Stalin's death in 1953. He highlights the differences between Hungarian, Polish, and Slovak communism from 1946-1956. Mr. Orosz then talks about the build up to the 1956 Hungarian revolt, including the Csepel gyár (inner city activity), the interwar period in Hungary and the changes that occured. Between 1930 and1956 Hungary became socialist. He talks about a factory meeting of 45,000 workers, communist propaganda. Mr. went to Budapest to take part in revolt, and he gives an account of the revolution and the deaths. He describes his escape via Sopron, a 80 km walk in the cold, in December 1956. He arrived at the refugee camp in Austria, and then fled to Canada, landing in Newfoundland. Mr. Orosz did not receive much help when he arrived. He married a German Hungarian woman and worked in a steel factory for 30 years. The interview concludes with Mr. Orosz talking about the destruction of Hungary and the lack of general awareness of the 1956 revolt. He thinks Canada is the best country in the world.

: Hungarian interview - Mrs. Csok; Mrs. Csók was born in 1905, in Tiszaszàlka, Bereg County, Hungary. Her father had previously been to the U.S. three times. Her family had been hurt by Hungary's losses following World War I. Mrs. Csók and her husband (then fiancé) came to Canada in part because their families did not approve of their proposed marriage, as she was Roman Catholic and he was Presbyterian. . Mr. Csók came to Canada (Winnipeg) first and was joined by Mrs. Csók in 1928. They then moved to Toronto in 1937, and opened one of the first Hungarian restaurants in the city—the Beverly Restaurant. They later sold restaurant, and Mr. Csók went to work for the TTC and later a paint factory. Mrs. Csók worked in a chocolate factory and also a seamstress. She talks about the beginnings of the Hungarian Roman Catholic congregation, and the Hungarian House. Mrs. Csók also mentions problems between Hungarians from different regions of Hungary, and her impressions of Post WWII Hungarian immigrants. The interview ends with her memories of the anti-Hungarian attitude in Canada during World War II— they were labeled 'Nazis,' and found it difficult to get jobs., Mme Csók est née en 1905, à Tiszaszàlka, dans le comté de Bereg, en Hongrie. Son père avait déjà été aux États-Unis trois fois. Sa famille a souffert des pertes encourues durant la Première Guerre mondiale. Mme Csók et son mari (ils étaient alors fiancés) sont venus au Canada en partie parce que leurs familles s’opposaient à leur mariage, elle était catholique romaine et il était presbytérien. M. Csók est parti au Canada (Winnipeg) avant Mme Csók qui est venue le rejoindre en 1928. Ils ont ensuite déménagé à Toronto en 1937 et ils ont ouvert le premier restaurant hongrois de la ville – le Restaurant Beverly. Ils ont ensuite vendu le restaurant et M. Csók a trouvé du travail à la CTT et ensuite dans une usine de peinture. Mme Csók a travaillé dans une usine de chocolat et aussi comme couturière. Elle raconte les débuts de la congrégation de l’église catholique romaine hongroise et de la Hungarian House. Mme Csók parle des problèmes entre les Hongrois venant de différentes régions de la Hongrie et aussi des immigrants hongrois qui sont arrivés après la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Elle termine l’entrevue en se remémorant le climat anti-hongrois qui régnait au Canada durant la Seconde Guerre mondiale – on les traitait de ‘Nazis’ et ils n’arrivaient pas à trouver du travail.

: Hungarian interview - Alfred Kaman; Alfred Kaman was born in Hungary, and as an adult there worked there as an agronomist. The Communist government, which took over the country following World War II, forced Mr. Kaman to lie about his work. He left Hungary after the 1956 Revolution, arriving in Canada in 1957. Mr. Kaman gives a detailed account of his first impressions of Canada. In Canada, Mr. Kaman entered the tobacco share growing industry, along with many other Hungarian immigrants, in south-western Ontario. He talks about the Hungarian Hall in Delhi, Ontario. Mr. Kaman shares his hopes for his children's future.

: Hungarian interview - Dezso Kadar; Dr. Deszo Kadar was born in Transylvania in 1933. He was a pharmacology student in 1956 in Szeged, Hungary. He talks about his life in Transylvania, and in Hungary after the family moved to Hungary from Romania in 1944. Events in Szeged before the revolution. Talks about the pharmacology students organizing MEFEZ, which was the organization asking for more freedom of press and freedom of speech in Szeged. Dr. Kadar believes that the students at Szeged were the ones who laid the foundation for the seeds of revolution through their request for more freedom, in particular, the students of the pharmacology department. He took an active part in the Revolution. Talks about going to Budapest, Koszeg, escaping in December of 1956 to Austria. Emigration to Canada. He already had 2 brothers living in Canada since 1948. He describes starting university again in Toronto and becoming a pharmacist, researcher and later a professor at the University of Toronto's School of Pharmacology.

: Hungarian interview - Maria Sauerwald; Marika Sauerwald begins by sharing her memories of the events in Budapest, Hungary during the 1956 Revolution. She describes the entire three weeks of the revolt with exceptional chronological accuracy. Ms. Sauerwald came to Canada on an army plane. She loved Montreal, Quebec. She worked in hard physical labor her whole life. Ms. Sauerwald has no regrets about leaving Hungary, as the communists destroyed everything. She talks about the social-political climate in Budapest during the 1956 uprising. Ms. Sauerwald then talks about her early life, she was born Kajcsányi Mária. Her entire family had been black-listed as 'kulak.' She talks about 'the terror,' and how they lived amongst many communist families. Ms. Sauerwald had four siblings, two parents, and the mass suffering during World War II. She describes her experiences of WWII in great detail. Ms. Sauerwald was not allowed to study what she wanted to at school, and was forced into another stream. At this time they lived in fear of Russians. She describes the moments leading to revolt in September and October of 1956. Ms. Sauerwald talks about Budapest radio, the situation with the banks, Pest, Buda, ammunition, strategies, social, political, and economic facts. She also talks about Geró Ernó's speech, movement throughout the city during the night, ammunition Molotov cocktails, the Suez Canal, and other topics. During the Revolution there was a crisis within the hospitals because they could not get any international supplies. Ms. describes the events of November 4th with great accuracy- the bombs, bloodshed, AVO murder, stealing, theft, terror. She and her husband escape Hungary and go to Austria where they end up in a refugee camp. They looked at a map and decided that they wanted to go Montreal so that her husband could continue his education. She talks about crossing the border, and the camp in Austria. Ms. Sauerwald talks about their arrival in Montreal, Quebec, and they learned English and French, and found work in factories. Her husband was unable to get into university in Canada. With the October Crisis in Quebec in 1970, the family moved to Hamilton, Ontario. Marika began teaching Hungarian, raised a daughter, and became active in Scouting, language studies, poetry reading, and folk dancing.

: Hungarian interview - John Somjen; John Somjen was born in Hungary and emigrated to Canada as an adult. He explains why he chose not to continue to practice law after moving to Canada. He discusses when and why he left Hungary, and also why he chose Canada as his new home. Dr. Somjen talks about the expectations that he had for his family's new life in Canada. He then explains his first job upon arriving, his salary, and their living accommodations. When asked what differences he has noticed between Hungarian and Canadian society, Dr. Somjen replies that they seem fairly similar to him. He talks about some parallels between the legal professions in both countries, but also the differences that exist between the European and Canadian judicial systems. Dr. Somjen then responds to questions about how he identifies himself, ethnically, and also what the word "multiculturalism" means to him. He offers opinions on the subject of integration of different groups, based on his experiences working as a notary public dealing with newcomers from different parts of the world. The interview ends with Dr. Somjen discussing which Hungarian customs he has retained, and which Canadian ones he has acquired. He also offers his thoughts on the issue of bilingualism.

: Hungarian interview - Joseph Cselenyi; Joseph Cselenyi explains how, when and why he immigrated to Canada from Hungary. Mr. Cselenyi escaped Hungary by going through Beureuth (Austria.) He shares his first impressions of Toronto, and explains how he reacted to the much freer atmosphere in Canada. The first job that he had in Toronto was working in interior design. He describes how he got back to his original chosen profession—theatre. Mr. Cselenyi decided to combine interests and works in both fields. At the time of this interview he was teaching theatre art at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute (now Ryerson University), in Toronto. Mr. Cselenyi talks about how he has coped with learning English. He then describes where he lives in the city and how he was able to buy his house. Mr. Cselenyi's wife owns her own restaurant downtown, and his son is a student of architecture. When asked about his hopes for the future, Mr. Cselenyi says that he has none, because he has already gotten everything from this country that he ever hopes to get., Joseph Cselenyi explique comment, quand et pourquoi il a quitté la Hongrie pour immigrer au Canada. M. Cselenyi s’est enfui de la Hongrie en passant par Beureuth (Autriche). Il partage ses premières impressions sur la ville de Toronto et explique ce qu’il a ressenti quand il s’est retrouvé dans une atmosphère beaucoup plus libre au Canada. Son premier emploi à Toronto était dans le design d’intérieur. Il raconte comment il a pu reprendre sa profession originale, celle qu’il avait choisie et qui était le théâtre. M. Cselenyi décide alors de combiner ses intérêts et de travailler dans les deux domaines. Au moment de l’entrevue, il enseignait l’art du théâtre à l’Institut polytechnique de Ryerson (aujourd’hui l’Université Ryerson), à Toronto. M. Cselenyi raconte comment il s’est débrouillé pour apprendre l’anglais. Il décrit le quartier où il habite et comment il a pu acheter sa maison. L’épouse de M. Cselenyi a ouvert un restaurant au centre-ville et son fils étudie l’architecture. Lorsqu’on lui demande quels sont ses espoirs pour le futur, M. Cselenyi répond qu’il n’en a aucun car ce pays lui a déjà offert tout qu’il osait espérer.

: Hungarian interview - George Nagy; George Nagy talks about his childhood growing up on a farm in Hercegfalva, Hungary. He describes the unrest that followed the First World War. Dr. Nagy attended high school in Budapest, and then went on to law school, earning a Ph.D. in Law in 1933. Dr. Nagy talks about his time studying in Paris and also about the fear of Hitler at that time in France. He recalls his impressions of the international situation at that time from his position in Paris. After Paris, Dr. Nagy returned to Hungary and took a civil service examination. Dr. Nagy worked in the diplomatic service during regency of Miklós Horthy, during the interwar years, and gives an analysis of that regime. He talks about the political parties, elections, economic imbalance, the problems of migrant workers and the Russian dumping of wheat. Dr. Nagy transferred to the Hungarian consulate in Bratislava (Czechoslovakia). He recalls the revolution of the Slovaks against the Czechs in that city Dr. Nagy also shares his memories of Hitler's invasion of Poland. Dr. Nagy speaks in great detail about his experiences in war-time Europe, including the Second Vienna Conference, his transfer to Romania, the Hungarian reclamation of Transylvania, another transfer to Sweden, the German occupation of Hungary, deposition of Horthy, and finally the defeat of Germany and the end of war in Europe. After the war, the Russians occupied Hungary and Dr. Nagy moved back home from Sweden and rejoined the Hungarian diplomatic service. He talks about what the living conditions were like in Budapest after the war, in particular the gradual infiltration and penetration of Communist rule. Dr. Nagy eventually decided to leave Hungary with his family in 1947, and they moved to England and Paris before embarking for Canada. Dr. Nagy and his family arrived in Halifax in 1951, living for a while in Montreal before transferring to Toronto. Dr. Nagy provides information about the Hungarian community in Toronto. He also recalls the reaction to the 1956 Revolution, and the subsequent influx of Hungarian refugees. He talks about his personal life—his occupation, his homes, and his family life. Dr. Nagy recalls the visit of the exiled Cardinal Mindszenty to Toronto and the impact that it had on the Hungarian community in Canada. Dr. Nagy speaks about his involvement in the Canadian Hungarian Federation, the struggle for rights of the Hungarian minority in Transylvania, and the return of the Holy Crown of St. Stephen from the U.S. to Hungary. Dr. Nagy talks about some of the present problems of Hungarian community in Toronto, and compares the Hungarian immigrants who arrived post-WWI with those who arrived in 1956.

: Hungarian interview - John Balthes; John Balthes is originally from Transylvania, a region that was historically part of the Kingdom of Hungary, but is now in present-day Romania. He emigrated from Transylvania to Canada and describes his early years in his new home. Mr. Balthes attended night school in Windsor. He talks about invention of a priming aid and also describes how they obtained one of the first irrigation systems in Ontario., John Balthes est originairement de Transylvanie, une région qui, historiquement, faisait partie du Royaume de Hongrie, mais qui se trouve maintenant dans la Roumanie actuelle. Il a émigré de Transylvanie au Canada et décrit ses débuts dans son nouveau pays. M. Balthes a suivi des cours du soir à Windsor. Il parle de l’invention d’un «priming aid» et décrit comment ils ont obtenu un des premiers systèmes d’irrigation en Ontario.

: Hungarian interview - Leslie Endes; Leslie Endes talks about her immigration to Canada, from Hungary. She provides information about the jobs that she had in Canada as well as some of the activities that she became involved with, in the Hungarian community of Ontario. Ms. Endes describes the purchase of a cultural centre, as well as the community support, but also difficulties they encountered. She speculates on the future of community centre. Ms. Endes evaluates the strengths and weakness of the Hungarian-Canadian community, and compares the different waves of Hungarian immigration to Canada., Leslie Endes parle de son immigration au Canada de la Hongrie. Elle parle de ses emplois au Canada et de ses activités au sein de la communauté hongroise en Ontario. Mme Endes parle de l’achat du centre culturel, du soutien de la communauté mais aussi des difficultés rencontrées. Elle parle de l’avenir du centre communautaire. M. Endes évalue les forces et faiblesses de la communauté canadienne-hongroise et compare les différentes vagues d’immigration hongroise au Canada.

: Hungarian interview - Julia Bayer; Julia Bayer was born in Debrecen, Hungary, in 1904. Her father owned a flourmill. He decided to leave Hungary because of the heavy taxation imposed after World War I. Her father came to Canada in 1925 with $4000 and bought a farm near Welland, Ontario. The rest of family followed in 1926. Mrs. Bayer left her family to enter domestic service in Hamilton. In 1931 she came to Toronto and worked as a seamstress for Eaton's until she was laid off in 1937. She then studied dress design for two years. Started a dressmaking business, first in her home, and later opening a salon on Avenue Road. She had five employees. In the 1960s, she married Mr. Bayer, who was a prominent member of the Hungarian Community, Roman Catholic congregation. Mrs. Bayer discusses the Hungarian congregation in the Church of All Nations (on Queen St.) and makes mention of Dr. Czako Ambro, a United Church Minister. In connection to her husband, she also discusses the purchase of the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Roman Catholic Church on Dundas and Spadina. She concludes by offering her insights on the relationship between earlier and later immigration groups., Julia Bayer est née à Debrecen en Hongrie en 1904. Son père était propriétaire d’un moulin à farine. Il décide de quitter la Hongrie en raison d’une hausse radicale des impôts après la Première Guerre mondiale. Son père est arrivé au Canada en 1925 avec 4000 $ et il a acheté une ferme dans la région de Welland en Ontario. Le reste de la famille est venu le rejoindre en 1926. Mme Bayer a quitté sa famille pour travailler comme employée de maison à Hamilton. Elle est venue à Toronto en 1931 et elle a travaillé comme couturière à Eaton’s jusqu’à sa mise à pied en 1937. Elle a ensuite étudié la couture pendant deux ans. Elle a d’abord créé sa propre entreprise à domicile et elle a ensuite ouvert un atelier sur la Rue Avenue. Elle avait cinq employés. Durant les années soixante, elle épouse M. Bayer, un membre proéminent de la congrégation catholique romaine dans la communauté hongroise. Mme Bayer parle de la congrégation hongroise à la Church of All Nations sur la rue Queen et mentionne le docteur Czako Ambro, un ministre de l’Église unie. À propos de son mari, elle mentionne aussi l’achat de l’église catholique romaine Sainte Elizabeth de Hongrie à Dundas et Spadina. Elle termine l’entrevue en parlant des relations entre les anciens et nouveaux groupes d’immigrants.

: Hungarian interview - John Girhiny; Rev. John Girhiny talks about his parents' origins in Hungary, and his own childhood in Welland, Ontario. He describes decision to become a Greek Catholic priest. Rev. Girhiny also talks about Monsignor George Papp and his work among the Canadian-Hungarian Greek Catholic community. He provides information on the history of St. Michael's Greek Catholic Church and also its present situation. Rev. Girhiny explains the language difficulties and problem of maintaining the use of the Hungarian language within community in Canada. Rev. Girhiny's congregation comprises parishioners of various backgrounds. Rev. Girhiny talks about various church activities including the Hungarian culture club, the building of a new church, and the future of the congregation. In the second part of the interview, Rev. Girhiny discusses the financial concerns of the church, and its interaction with other Hungarian Greek Catholic parishes in southern Ontario. He talks about vacations he has taken, contacts with the homeland, the visit of a Bishop Timko, and his experiences during a visit to Hungary.

: Hungarian interview - Mrs. Blasko; Mrs. Blasko describes her childhood in Hungary. Her family had relatives in Canada, which influenced their decision to emigrate from Hungary to Canada. Mrs. Blasko talks about her initial disappointments upon arriving in Canada. Her first job in Toronto was working as a dressmaker for Buchanan & Sinclair, on Spadina Avenue. She eventually made the decision to work from home, because she was unable to find suitable care for son. Mrs. Blasko talks about the Independent Mutual Benefit Federation theatre group. Mrs. Blasko's husband was the General Secretary of the IMBF, although she was unwilling to discuss his involvement with the Federation. Mrs. Blasko also talks about the Hungarian immigrants who arrived following the 1956 Revolution., Mme Blasko décrit son enfance en Hongrie. Comme ses parents avaient de la famille au Canada, ils ont décidé de quitter la Hongrie pour émigrer au Canada. Mme Blasko parle de ses premières déceptions à son arrivée au Canada. À Toronto, elle a eu son premier emploi en tant que couturière avec Buchanan & Sinclair sur l’Avenue Spadina. Ensuite elle a dû travailler de la maison car elle n’arrivait pas à trouver de l’aide pour s’occuper de son fils. Mme Blasko parle de la troupe de théâtre Independent Mutual Benefit Federation. Le mari de Mme Blasko était le secrétaire général de IMBF mais elle n’a pas voulu discuter de ses liens avec la Fédération. Mme Blasko parle aussi des immigrants hongrois qui sont arrivés après la révolution de 1956.

: Hungarian interview - Nicholas Korponay; Nicholas (Miklos) Korponay gives information about what his life was like living in Hungary. He also recalls partisan activities during World War II: ""Kopjasok."" Mr. Jager left Hungary in 1945 and moved to Austria. Mr. Korponay also mentions a Hungarian Veterans Association. He immigrated to Canada in 1951, and talks about the first jobs that he had in Toronto. He also describes Hungarian community activities in Toronto, and the establishment of Rákoczi. Mr. Korponay talks about the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and the resulting immigration of refugees to Canada. He describes the community's reaction at the time, and compares the postwar immigrants with those who came in 1956. Mr. Korponay also discusses the issue of language retention. Mr. Korponay talks about his work at the Metro Toronto Emergency Measures organization. He goes into more detail about the activities of Rákoczi: the Association, Historical Society, Memorial Society and the Foundation. The interview concludes with Mr. Korponay speculating on the future of Hungarian community in Canada.

: Hungarian interview - Miklos Lente; Miklos Lente explains why he decided to leave his native Hungary, and why he chose to immigrate to Canada. He also talks about what he had to leave behind when he moved. Mr. Lente talks about his studies and his first memories of film art. It took ten months for Mr. Lente to be able to leave Austria and arrive in Canada. He describes his first impressions of Canada, his first jobs, first savings, and first purchases. Mr. Lente explains how he got back to the film business, and got a job as a news cameraman. He also explains how he and his wife lived in Canada during those early years. Mr. Lente shares the story of how he went from an unknown cameraman to one of Canada's best. He talks about the standard of living he enjoys in Canada and compares it with life in Hungary. Mr. Lente tells what he likes the most about Canada, and also some things that he has not been able to get used to. He then talks about his professional plans for the future.

: Hungarian interview - Peter Forbath; Peter Forbath introduces himself and explains when and how he came to Canada from Hungary. While studying in Hungary in 1948, Dr. Forbath made the decision to emigrate. Finally in 1956, he was able to escape from Budapest to Vienna. From Austria, Dr. Forbath went to France. Initially wanting to immigrate to the United States, Mr. Forbath ended up in Canada, and he explains how this happened. Dr. Forbath arrived in Halifax, and made his way west, via Montreal, to Toronto. His first job in Toronto was working at the I.O.D. Hospital for Children. Dr. Forbath explains how he had to take examinations in order to have his qualifications certified in Canada. Around this point, he decided to give up on his plans to move to the United States and began to settle in Canada. Dr. Forbath compares the Hungarian and Canadian medical systems, in particular the hospitals in both countries, and also a typical work day in a Budapest hospital versus one at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto. Dr. Forbath went back to Hungary on a trip with a team of Canadian doctors. At St. Michael's Hospital, Dr. Forbath works as a pediatrician, but also spends some time working in cardiology., Peter Forbath se présente et explique quand et comment il est arrivé au Canada de la Hongrie. Le docteur Forbath prit la décision d’émigrer en 1948 alors qu’il était étudiant en Hongrie. Finalement en 1956, il a pu fuir Budapest pour se rendre à Vienne. Il a quitté l’Autriche pour aller en France. Au départ, il voulait émigrer aux États-Unis et M. Forbath explique comme il s’est retrouvé au Canada. Le docteur Forbath est arrivé à Halifax et s’est déplacé à l’ouest vers Toronto en passant par Montréal. Son premier emploi à Toronto était à l’Hôpital pour enfants I.O.D. Le docteur Forbath explique comment il a dû repasser des examens pour faire reconnaître ses qualifications au Canada. Arrivé à ce stade, il abandonna l’idée de déménager aux États-Unis et décida de s’installer au Canada. Le docteur Forbath compare les systèmes médicaux au Canada et en Hongrie, en particulier les hôpitaux dans ces deux pays. Il compare aussi une journée de travail typique dans un hôpital à Budapest à une journée de travail à l’hôpital St. Michael à Toronto. Le docteur Forbath est retourné en Hongrie lors d’un voyage avec une équipe de médecins canadiens. Le docteur Forbath est un pédiatre à l’hôpital St. Michael mais il travaille aussi quelques heures dans le service de cardiologie.

: Hungarian interview - Ivan DeBeky; Ivan De Beky begins by explaining his position at the University of Toronto. He then tells how and why he left Hungary for Canada. Dr. De Beky describes the route he took from his home in Hungary to Canada. He recalls his first accommodations and jobs in Canada before he decided to go to university. He describes his present job and social activities. Dr. De Beky offers his opinions on the attitudes of Canadians, and how to make friendships. He talks about the Hungarian community in Canada, and the relations between immigrants and their children who were born in Canada. Dr. De Beky talks about his own family- his children and wife. He also explains how he feels towards his homeland., Ivan De Beky commence par expliquer sa situation à l’Université de Toronto. Il continue en nous expliquant comment et pourquoi il a quitté la Hongrie pour le Canada. Il se souvient de ses premiers logements et emplois au Canada avant d’aller à l’université. Il décrit le travail qu’il fait actuellement et ses activités sociales. Il offre ses opinions sur les attitudes des Canadiens et comment se faire des amis. Il parle de la communauté hongroise au Canada et des relations entre les immigrants et leurs enfants nés au Canada. Il parle de sa famille - sa femme et ses enfants, et aussi de ses sentiments envers son pays natal.

: Hungarian interview - Agota Gabor; Agota Gabor begins by explaining why and when she left Hungary as a young woman, during the Revolution of 1956. She knew very little about Canada before arriving. She recalls her first impressions and also her first working experiences in Canada, as a waitress. Mrs. Gabor had an interest in theatre, and soon got a job on stage as a dancer. She then moved from Montreal to Toronto, where she got a job modeling. In the early 1960s, she became involved in journalism in Toronto and did a show for CFTO on how to dance. In 1965, Mrs. Gabor returned home for the first time since emigrating, to produce a TV show for the CBC on Hungary. Through her work in TV broadcasting, she met her husband, Bob Cunningham, who was a TV producer. Mrs. Gabor went back to school, to Ryerson, to complete studies in journalism while working at the same time as a production assistant. She and her husband spent several years living in Hong Kong, where he was working as a correspondent. She continued to produce shows while living in Asia, and after that in England. In 1972 Mrs. Gabor gave birth to her first and only child, and she talks about how this affected her life. In the 1970s Mrs. Gabor opened an acting school in Toronto. Mrs. Gabor says that although English has become her primary language, she still enjoys speaking in Hungarian once in a while., Agota Gabor explique d’abord quand et pourquoi elle a quitté la Hongrie, durant la révolution de 1956. Elle était alors une jeune fille et ne connaissait pas grand-chose du Canada avant son arrivée. Elle se souvient de ses premières impressions et aussi de ses premières expériences de travail au Canada, en tant que serveuse. Mme Gabor s’intéressait au théâtre, et ne tarda pas à décrocher un rôle en tant que danseuse. Ensuite elle a déménagé de Montréal à Toronto où elle a été engagée comme mannequin. Au début des années 1960, elle a commencé à s’intéresser au journalisme à Toronto et fit une émission pour la CFTO sur la danse. En 1965, Mme Gabor est retournée dans son pays natal pour la première fois depuis son émigration afin de produire une émission télé sur la Hongrie pour la CBC. C’est en travaillant à la télévision qu’elle a rencontré son mari Bob Cunnigham qui était un producteur à la télévision. Mme Gabor est retournée aux études, elle a pris des cours à Ryerson et elle a terminé ses études de journalisme tout en travaillant comme assistante de production. Son mari travaillait comme correspondant à Hong Kong où ils ont vécu plusieurs années. Elle a continué à produire des émissions durant son séjour en Asie et ensuite en Angleterre. En 1972, Mme Gabor a donné naissance à son premier et unique enfant et elle raconte comment cela a changé sa vie. Dans les années 70, Mme Gabor a ouvert une école de théâtre à Toronto. Mme Gabor aime bien parler hongrois de temps en temps même si aujourd’hui elle considère l’anglais comme sa première langue.

: Hungarian interview - George Egri; George Egri talks about his decision to leave Hungary following the 1956 Revolution. He escaped to Vienna and then applied for an immigration visa to come to Canada. When Mr. Egri and his family arrived in Canada by ship, they spoke no English. At first he took any job that he could find, but eventually was able to return to his original profession—journalism. Mr. Egri later became an editor of an ethnic newspaper in Toronto. He talks about putting out the first edition of his paper, and about his standard of living as a newspaper man. Although he works primarily with other Hungarians, he feels that now he is a 'Canadian.' When asked what he would change about Canada, he replies that even though he is not satisfied with everything about this country, he would still change nothing about it., George Ergi parle de sa décision de quitter la Hongrie suite à la révolution en 1956. Il s’est enfui à Vienne et a ensuite fait une demande de visa pour immigrer au Canada. Quand M. Ergi et sa famille sont arrivés au Canada par bateau, ils ne parlaient pas anglais. En ce qui concerne le travail, au début il prenait tout ce qu’on lui offrait mais éventuellement il a pu reprendre sa profession originale en tant que journaliste. M. Egri est maintenant éditeur d’un journal ethnique à Toronto. Il parle de la première édition de son journal et de son niveau de vie en tant que journaliste. Même s’il travaille dans un milieu où il y a une majorité de Hongrois, il se sent ‘Canadien’ maintenant. Lorsqu’on lui demande s’il y a quelque chose qu’il voudrait changer au Canada, il répond que même s’il n’est pas entièrement satisfait avec tout ce qui se passe ici, il n’y changerait rien.

: Hungarian interview - Veronica Gervers; Veronica Gervers begins by explaining how she came to work at the Royal Ontario Museum, as a curator and textile scholar. She talks about her academic background and her Ph.D. Dr. Gervers also talks about her marriage and husband. She explains where she learned English, and also the sorts of difficulties that she encountered when she arrived in Toronto from Hungary. She compares a typical working day in Canada with one in Hungary, and also the types of living accommodations in both countries. She provides information on her family background and her relationship with her family and her homeland. Dr. Gervers talks about the collecting that she has done for the ROM in Hungarian textile art. She contrasts her career with those of her Hungarian colleagues. Dr. Gervers responds to a question about whether she feels that she is at the beginning of her career, or whether she feels she has 'arrived.' Dr. Gervers talks about her current work and her interest in women's liberation in Hungary and Canada.

: Hungarian interview - Charles Ficzere; Charles Ficzere was born in a village in Hungary. He left his native country in 1929, and travelled for sixteen days across the ocean to St. John's, Newfoundland. From there he went to Montreal and on to Woodstock, Ontario. He offers his first impressions of Canada. In south-western Ontario, Mr. Ficzere became a tobacco farmer, growing his first crop in 1932. He shares his thoughts on the community of Delhi, Ontario., Charles Ficzere est né dans un village en Hongrie. Il a quitté son pays natal en 1929 et pendant seize jours a voyagé à travers l’océan jusqu’à St. John’s, en Terre-Neuve. De là il est allé à Montréal et ensuite à Woodstock en Ontario. Il décrit ses premières impressions sur le Canada. M. Ficzere s’est installé dans le sud-ouest de l’Ontario où il est devenu cultivateur de tabac, il a fait sa première récolte en 1932. Il partage ses réflexions sur la communauté de Delhi en Ontario.

: Hungarian interview - John Ehl; John Ehl describes, in detail, his personal history beginning with his emigration from Hungary to Canada, up to the time of the interview. He first settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and worked on the railroad for thirty cents per hour. Mr. Ehl moved to Ontario and was able to buy his first farm (50 acres) in 1943 for $2,800. He converted it to a tobacco farm. He had never done any share growing or worked with tobacco before this time. Mr. Henry Gehring sponsored Mr. Ehl's wife's immigration to Canada around 1938. To immigrate at this time, you needed either $1,000 in the bank or a sponsor. Mr. Ehl speaks very lucidly in this interview and has an excellent memory for dates, names, and places., John Ehl raconte en détail son histoire personnelle qui commence au moment où il quitte la Hongrie pour émigrer au Canada et se poursuit jusqu’au moment de l’entrevue. Il s’est d’abord installé à Winnipeg (Manitoba) et a travaillé sur le chemin de fer pour 30 sous de l’heure. M. Ehl a ensuite déménagé en Ontario où il a pu acheter sa première ferme (50 acres/23 hectares) en 1943 à 2 800$. Il l’a convertie en une ferme à tabac. Il n’avait alors aucune expérience du métayage ou de la culture du tabac. M. Henry Gehring a parrainé l’immigration de l’épouse de M. Ehl au Canada vers 1938. À cette époque, il fallait avoir 1 000 $ en banque ou un parrain pour pouvoir immigrer. M. Ehl parle très lucidement durant cette entrevue et il a une très bonne mémoire des dates, des noms et des lieux.

: Hungarian interview - Peter Karolyi; Peter Karolyi was born in Gyor. He was a young student in grade 4, when the uprising happened in 1956. Interesting opinion about Hungarians, not necessarily positive. Came by boat to Canada. Arrived in Montreal with 2 sisters and parents. He had a relatively good life in Hungary before 1956. Came to Canada with one of the first ships that arrived in December 1956 (Arosa Sun or Arosa Star). The family was interviewed by television journalists. Does not have a lot of Hungarian friends, he finds them too different. He always tried to become very Canadian. He thinks it is very important to tell his story with his life experiences because other people might learn from his mistakes. He is a businessman and runs engineering firm in Toronto.

: Hungarian interview - Sam Teleki; Sam Teleki talks about his childhood growing up in the region of Transylvania (present-day Romania). He describes what life was like in his native country, and why his family decided to emigrate to North America. His family came to Canada from Europe by ship. He talks about the expectations they had for their new life, and how these compared with the reality of life in Canada. Mr. Teleki describes his first jobs upon arriving in Canada, and his first professional job as a technician in a laboratory. He later went back to school, and talks about his experiences as a university student. Mr. Teleki responds to questions about how he has become 'more Canadian.' He also shares his opinions on the social and political issues in his homeland, and the feelings of his other family members towards Hungary. He shares the moment when he first felt like a 'Canadian.' Mr. Teleki ends by talking about how he has raised his own sons in Canada.

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