Article content
From the 1930’s to the late 20th century, Strathroy-Caradoc was home to a vibrant Hungarian community. Among the over 50 familiar family names were Kovacs, Tothfalusi, Varga, Hornyak and Dobrenty. Perhaps the best known was Louie Ur’s wife, Rose Marie, who was our MP for years.
Hungary lost a significant part of its population, territory and wealth after the First World War. So in the 1920’s Hungarian men emigrated, especially from rural areas. Some came to Canada, hoping to earn money and return home. But many, after the required two years in this country, sent for their families to join them. This was the case with my grandfathers, whose wives came to Canada with their young children. My mother’s family went to Winnipeg and my father’s to Welland.