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1956 Hungarian Memorial Oral History Project

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: Hungarian interview - George Faludy; George Faludy explains why he left his home in Hungary, and shares his memories of the 1956 Revolution. At different points in his life, Mr. Faludy lived in Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, Malta, and Canada. . Mr. Faludy explains why he chose to make his home in Canada. He also talks about how he has earned his living, as a poet, writer, and translator. When he moved to Canada he was offered a professorship at the University of Toronto, and wrote a book on Erasmus. He worked as a free lance writer and lecturer at different universities. The first contacts Mr. Faludy made in the Canadian literary world were through George Jonas, another Hungarian-Canadian, who also translated his first poems. Mr. Faludy chose to make Toronto his home because it offered freedom, security, and for political and financial reasons. He compares education and work in both Canada and Hungary., M. Faludy explique pourquoi il a quitté son pays natal, la Hongrie, et partage ses souvenirs de la révolution de 1956. À différents moments de sa vie, M. Faludy a vécu en Europe, au Royaume-Uni, aux États-Unis, à Malte et au Canada. M. Faludy explique pourquoi il a choisi de s’établir au Canada. Il raconte aussi comment il a fait pour gagner sa vie en tant que poète, écrivain et traducteur. Quand il a déménagé au Canada, l’université de Toronto lui a offert un poste de professeur. Il a écrit un livre sur Érasme et il a travaillé comme écrivain et chargé de cours indépendant dans différentes universités. Il a eu ses premiers contacts avec le monde littéraire canadien à travers un autre Canadien d’origine hongroise, George Jonas, qui a aussi traduit ses premiers poèmes. Il a choisi de s’établir au Canada parce que c’est un pays qui lui offrait la liberté, la sécurité et aussi pour des raisons politiques et financières. Il parle de l’éducation et du travail au Canada et en Hongrie et établit des comparaisons entre les deux pays.

: 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 - Eve Gabori; Eve Gabori is originally from Budapest, Hungary. She and her husband left in 1956 because of the Hungarian Revolution. She describes their escape from Hungary to Austria as 'adventurous.' From Austria they were able to emigrate to Canada, with the assistance of the Viennese Consulate. After arriving in Halifax, Mrs. Gabori and her husband took the train to Toronto. She describes her first impressions of the city, how she found her first job in Canada, and their first home. Mrs. Gabori was successful in finding a job as a librarian, and also went back to university, where she studied Greek philosophy. She talks about the various homes that she and her family lived in around the city. After a little while she divorced her first husband, and later remarried. Mrs. Gabori talks about their standard of living in Toronto. She says that the only thing she does not like about Canada is that there is not the same appreciation of culture, as there is in Europe. She herself works to try and change this attitude. The interview ends with Mrs. Gabori talking about her daughter., Eve Gabori est originaire de Budapest en Hongrie. Elle est partie avec son mari en 1956 à cause de la révolution hongroise. Elle raconte leur fuite ‘aventureuse’ de la Hongrie vers l’Autriche. Avec l’aide du consulat à Vienne, ils ont quitté l’Autriche pour émigrer au Canada. Arrivés à Halifax, Mme Gabori et son mari ont pris le train pour Toronto. Elle raconte ses premières impressions sur la ville, comment elle a trouvé son premier emploi au Canada, et leur première maison. Mme Gabori a réussi à trouver un travail de libraire et elle est aussi retournée à l’université où elle a étudié la philosophie grecque. Elle parle des nombreuses maisons à travers la ville où elle a vécu avec sa famille. Elle a ensuite divorcé de son premier mari et s’est remariée. Mme Gabori parle de leur niveau de vie à Toronto. Elle regrette toutefois qu’au Canada la culture ne soit pas aussi appréciée qu’en Europe et elle espère changer l’attitude des gens à travers le travail qu’elle accomplit. Mme Gabori termine l’entrevue en nous parlant de sa fille.

: Hungarian interview - Marta Hidy; Marta Hidy began playing the violin at the age of 4, in her native Hungary. She describes Russian activity during World War II. She had a husband and two children in Debrecen at time of revolution. She recalls the starvation and plight of Hungarians during and after World War II. She also talks about seeing Russian tanks passing through Debrecen. During the war there was no food and no light in Budapest. With the outbreak of the Revolution in 1956 Ms. Hidy and her family fled Hungary into Austria and then took a boat to Canada, arriving in Halifax. Her first perspectives of Canada where that it had clean air, and felt free. At first they lived in Winnipeg, and then moved to Hamilton, Ontario where she taught at McMaster University and has had a prolific career as a performer and instructor. Ms. Hidy says that Canada gave her a new life, but she is Hungarian, proud to be Canadian.

: 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 - Madge Axford; Madge Axford (née Fazekas), talks about her family background in Hungary and what her parents' lives were like in their homeland. Ms. Axford's mother had previously immigrated to America. Ms. Axford explains what her life was like growing up in Welland, Ontario, in a Hungarian neighbourhood. She talks about her education, and also the attitudes of teachers towards immigrant children. After finishing school, Ms. Axford entered the workforce and she lists her different jobs. She has also been involved in community activities, including the Church and the Onkepzokor. She talks about her family life, and the attitudes of the community towards girls who left home to work elsewhere. She describes her experiences of World War II. Ms. Axford talks about what knowledge of Hungarian exists in her own family., Madge Axford (née Fazekas) parle de son milieu familial en Hongrie et décrit la vie de ses parents dans leur pays natal. La mère de Mme Axford avait d’abord immigré aux États-Unis. Mme Axford raconte comment elle a grandi à Welland en Ontario dans la communauté hongroise. Elle parle de son éducation et de l’attitude des enseignants envers les enfants d’immigrants. Après ses études, Mme Axford est entrée sur le marché du travail et elle parle de ses différents emplois. Elle a aussi participé à des activités communautaires incluant celles de l’Église et l’Onkepzokor. Elle parle de sa vie familiale et des attitudes de la communauté envers les filles qui quittaient la maison pour aller travailler ailleurs. Elle décrit ses expériences de la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Mme Axford parle de la connaissance qu’ils ont encore du hongrois dans sa famille.

: 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 - George Fulop; George Fulop describes his early years in Hungary as a very difficult time. His family often did not have enough food to eat. Mr. Fulop's father had left Hungary for Canada when Mr. Fulop was only six months old. Eventually he sent for the rest of the family to join him, and Mr. Fulop describes the trip they took across the Atlantic to Canada. The family settled in Tillsonburg, Ontario, where they farmed tobacco. He describes how tobacco was 'worked' at that time. Mr. Fulop's father died when he was 15, so he and his brother, then 17, took over management of the farm. Mr. Fulop married, and he talks about his early years of marriage and how they continued to build up the farms. At one point he decided to venture into motel operations, but gave that up and returned to tobacco farming. He talks about the present state of farming and his concerns for future. Mrs. Fulop describes the responsibilities she has on the farm, such as preparing meals and washing clothes for the workers. Mr. and Mrs. Fulop express their opinions on welfare, stating their belief that it encourages inactivity., George Fulop décrit ses années de jeunesse en Hongrie comme une période difficile. Souvent sa famille manquait de nourriture. M. Fulop n’avait que six mois quand son père a quitté la Hongrie pour le Canada. Par la suite, le père de M. Fulop a fait venir le reste de sa famille et M. Fulop décrit la traversée de l’Atlantique vers le Canada. La famille s’est installée à Tillsonburg en Ontario, où ils cultivaient du tabac. Il raconte comment le tabac était «travaillé» à cette époque. À la mort de son père, M. Fulop, alors âgé de15 ans, et son frère de 17 ans se sont retrouvés à la direction de la ferme. M. Fulop s’est marié et il parle de ses premières années de mariage, comment ils ont continué à développer leurs fermes. À une certaine époque, il s’est même aventuré dans un projet de motels qu’il a abandonné pour reprendre la culture du tabac. Il parle de l’état actuel de l’agriculture et de ses préoccupations pour l’avenir. Mme Fulop décrit ses responsabilités à la ferme, elle s’occupe de la préparation des repas et de la lessive pour les travailleurs. M. et Mme Fulop expriment leur opinion sur le système d’aide sociale qui, selon eux, encourage l’inactivité.

: Hungarian interview - Andy Balasz; Andy Balasz talks about his family and early life in the region of Transylvania (present-day Romania). He provides information about his father's occupation, and the decision to immigrate to Canada. Mr. Balasz describes how they came to Canada and their arrival. His family settled in south-western Ontario, and he describes what life was like for them in that area. He provides information on his business connections and enterprises. Mr. Balasz then offers his view on Canadian 'ethnic culture.' Mr. Balasz served as Mayor of Tillsonburg, Ontario, and Chairman of an Industrial Commission. He shares his thoughts on Quebec and bilingualism in Canada., Andy Balasz parle de sa famille qui, autrefois, vivait dans la région de Transylvanie (aujourd’hui la Roumanie), du travail que faisait son père et de la décision d’immigrer au Canada. M. Balasz décrit comment ils sont venus au Canada et leur arrivée ici. Sa famille s’est installée dans le sud-ouest de l’Ontario et il décrit comment ils vivaient alors dans cette région. Il parle de ses contacts dans le milieu des affaires et des entreprises. Ensuite il offre ses vues sur la ‘culture ethnique’ canadienne. M. Balasz a servi comme maire de Tillsonburg, Ontario et il était le président de la Commission industrielle. Il livre ses pensées sur le Québec et le bilinguisme au Canada.

: Hungarian interview - Joe and Elizabeth Czerlau; Joe Czerlau describes family life in Transylvania and why his father decided that their family should move to Canada for a new start. Mr. Czerlau tells about the journey and also their first few years prior to moving to the tobacco farming area of south-western Ontario. Mr. Czerlau moved to Tillsonburg and started to farm tobacco, where he met the future Mrs. Elizabeth Czerlau, whose family also farmed in that area. Mrs. Czerlau talks about why her family immigrated to that area and chose to farm tobacco. They discuss their marriage and their life in the Hungarian community around Tillsonburg, Ontario., John Czerlau décrit sa vie de famille en Transylvanie et ce qui a motivé la décision de son père de déménager toute sa famille au Canada afin de commencer une nouvelle vie. M. Czerlau raconte la traversée et les premières années avant leur installation dans le sud-ouest de l’Ontario où se trouvent les terres de culture du tabac. Mme Czerlau explique pourquoi sa famille a immigré dans cette région et a choisi la culture du tabac. Ils parlent de leur mariage et de la communauté hongroise dans la région de Tillsonburg en Ontario.

: Hungarian interview - Maria De Nagay; Maria De Nagay explains how she came to Canada from Hungary, via Vienna and Paris. She talks about how she found her first job, and how she established her career as an artist and designer. Ms. De Nagay talks about her first accommodations, and her first studio. At first she worked in interior design, but later switched back to her original area, sculpture. Ms. De Nagay shares what it means to her to be an artist of Hungarian origin., Maria de Nagay parle de son voyage de la Hongrie au Canada, en passant par Vienne et Paris. Elle raconte comment elle a trouvé son premier emploi et comment elle a pu s’établir en tant qu’artiste et designer. Mme de Nagay parle de ses premiers logements et de son premier studio. Au début elle a travaillé dans le design d’intérieur mais par la suite elle est retournée à la sculpture qui a toujours été son domaine d’intérêt. Mme de Nagay explique comment elle se définit en tant qu’artiste d’origine hongroise.

: 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 - Laszlo Szoke; Laszlo Szoke discusses what life was like in post-World War II Hungary. His father had been a soldier. Mr. Szoke has fond memories of Budapest in the 1930s, but the situation changed between 1945-1956. He talks about the activities of 1956, and working in Buda office was next to the Bem Szobor. Mr. Szoke attended political meetings, rallies and underground activities from September to Novemeber 1956. He describes Technical University, Kálvintér, Katonaközpont. Kossuth Lajos tér, speeches, youth activity, Magyar Rádio. On November 18 1956, he and his wife escaped Austria. After two weeks in the refugee camp, they flew to Canada. Mr. Szoke talks about their arrival in Vancouver, British Columbic, and the fears they had at that time. They travelled east and settled in Hamilton where they were taking in by a Catholic family. Mr. Szoke talks about Polish-Hungarian relations, Polish escape to Hungary 1945-46. Mr. Szoke later went to school, and received his MBA. In 1971 and 1989 he went back to Hungary saw a changed world. Mr. Szoke talks about the significance of the 1956 Revolution to the history of Hungary. In his new home in Canada, Mr. Szoke is actively involved with the Hungarian church, school, Scouts, and folk dancing.

: Hungarian interview - Gabor Kekko; Gabor Kekko explains when and why left his native Hungary to go to school in Switzerland. He talks about his studies and also his first job as an engineer in Zurich. Mr. Kekko explains how he started to collect paintings and drawings. He decided to move from Switzerland to Canada and talks about the process of applying for an immigration visa. He and his family moved to Canada, and Mr. Kekko describes how he found accommodations for his family and then for the art gallery that he opened. He established himself as an art dealer in Toronto and explains how that happened. Mr. Kekko speaks about his clients and his plans for the future of his business.

: 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 - Gyorgyi Mustonen; Gyorgyi Mustonen was an actress in her native country of Hungary. She explains why she decided to come to Canada and how she was able to immigrate. Ms. Mustonen describes her first jobs and accommodations in Canada, and also how she was able to improve on these with time. She talks about multiculturalism, amateur theatre, and dance companies.

: Hungarian interview - Columba Kish; Sister Columba Kish talks about her parents and the hardships that they faced living in Hungary. They decided to immigrate to Canada, and Sister Kish provides information about the trip. The family initially settled Saskatchewan, in a Hungarian farming community. She talks about the Hungarian churches in Saskatchewan, as well as her early education and career goals. Sister Kish entered the community of Sisters of Social Service. She then went to nursing school in Montreal before moving to Toronto. Sister Kish talks about a man named Friar Leo Austin, and the Hungarian community in Toronto. The Sisters moved to Toronto and into a community centre on Grange Rd. They had a campaign to buy a church at the corner of Dundas and Spadina. She talks about the community spirit and dedication of the parish. Sister Kish explains about how new waves of immigrants who arrived between 1948 and 1956 changed the character of the parish. Sister Kish speaks more about the work of the Sisters of Social Service, the parish organizations and activities, Hungarian Saturday school, and also the future of church.

: Hungarian interview - Sandor Kertesz; Sandor Kertesz explains the career that he had while living in his native country, Hungary. He talks about immigrating to Canada, and his first jobs in this country. Mr. Kertesz describes the start of Hungarian theatres in Toronto, the needs of immigrant actors, and support they received from the community. Sometimes they had guest performers from Hungary, one of the relationships that existed with the homeland. Mr. Kertesz talks about the problems of organizing theatre companies, his role as director, and the future of Hungarian theatre in Toronto.

: Hungarian interview - Paulina Kertesz; Paulina Kertesz describes how her father emigrated from Hungary to Pennsylvania, U.S., and then back to Hungary. Her husband, G. Kertesz first came to Canada in 1929 and worked in the textile mills. He also reemigrated, and the two of them met and married in Hungary. Then, together they immigrated to Canada. Ms. Kertesz describes the journey across the Atlantic. They settled in south-western Ontario and began farming tobacco. Ms. Kertesz describes their lives at tobacco farmers. She also compares their past life and their current one.

: Hungarian interview - Joseph Kohari; Joseph Kohari explains his reasons for leaving Hungary, his country of birth. He moved to England, and talks about his life there from 1948-1957. Dr. Kohari worked as a physician in both England and Canada. He gives his first impressions of the Hungarian community in Toronto, and notes the differences between various waves of immigrants. Dr. Kohari talks about the founding of the United Hungarian Fund (UHF), including its purposes, goals, and lottery. Dr. Kohari explains the joint work of UHF and Rákoczi Foundation. Some of the activities of these groups included a nursery school, retirement home, Hungarian schools, and Hungarian professional and business directories. He also talks about the youth chapter of United Hungarian Fund, the Canadian Committee for Hungarian Heritage, scholarships, and scholastic competitions. Dr. Kohari talks about his own contributions to these groups and also speculates on the future of such organizations and activities.

: Hungarian interview - John Hirsch; John Hirsch explains how he came to Canada from Hungary. Mr. Hirsch talks about his academic studies, and his work in theatre in Hungary. Mr. Hirsch continued this work in Canada, and was involved in organizing the first professional theatre in Winnipeg. He recalls what he knew about Canada prior to his immigration, and explains the amount of English that he knew then as well. Mr. Hirsch then describes his voyage from Hungary to Canada. He recalls his first impressions, and also the things that he expected from his new life. He talks about the aspects of life in a new country that he found the most difficult to accept, and also how he adjusted. Mr. Hirsch explains how he feels about life in Canada now, and whether or not he feels like an immigrant or a citizen of 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 - 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 - 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.

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