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Joseph and Stella Skwara Farming History fonds
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1911-2012 (inclusive); 1950-2012 (predominant). (Creation)
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40 cm of textual records.
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Name of creator
Biographical history
Joseph Zigman (“Joe”) Skwara, born in Krydor, Saskatchewan, on 6 January 1916; one of nine children born to Frank and Polly Skwara. Stella Florence Millich was born in the Orolow district on 7 August 1919; the youngest of seven children born to Mary and Frank Millich.
Joe and Stella married in 1945, and together they farmed in the Borden area from 1945 to 1983. They had two daughters. Joe and Stella retired to Borden in 1983, where Joe died in 2005. Stella died in 2012.
Their property included NW ¼ -16-41-9 W3rd – the homestead quarter, and the site of the family house and yard; SW ¼ -17-41-9 W3rd – quarter section purchased by Joe Skwara, likely at the same time as the homestead quarter, ca. 1944; and NE ¼ -5-44-8 W3rd – a quarter section located near Krydor, Saskatchewan, adjacent to land where Joe Skwara’s father homesteaded at the turn of the 20th century. Joe Skwara acquired this land from his mother [before 1944] and sold it, around 1960. He was then able to buy SE ¼ -17-41-9 W3rd, adjacent to his other property near Borden.
Custodial history
Donated to the University Archives & Special Collections by Theresa Skwara and Adeline Skwara in 2016.
Scope and content
The Skwara farm near Borden, Saskatchewan, has remained in the hands of a single family for over 70 years. The majority of that period – over 60 years – is documented in this fonds. In particular, as farmers such as the Skwaras are self-employed, details in income tax and Canadian Wheat Board permit books provide considerable insight into the changing nature of farming practices and the economic reality of farming over time. Blacksmithing costs; beekeeping; the nature of the crops being grown; diversification through livestock; cost (and availability) of transient help; and the number of acres under cultivation all combine to tell not only the personal story of one farm family, but also farming as a business. A plow, purchased in 1945 for $10.50, is replaced in 1950 by one costing $345.00; a tractor in 1967 cost more than a house in 1961.
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Some material is restricted. Please consult with an archivist.