Easter fell on April 21st of 1935. For many of the Minnesota families recently selected for the Matanuska Colony Project, ninety years ago today was a time of celebration and bittersweet farewells to extended family. In just five days they would be leaving for Alaska, not sure when they might ever see each other again.
Lawrence Sulo Vasanoja’s sister Sigrid and brother Ben had no children, and doted on their nieces and nephews. Sigrid wrote in her diary in 1935:
20 Sat. Lovely warm spring day. We left early for Sulos, where helping them to pack & I finished sewing. Oh, but my heart is braking to see Sulos go. Sulo felt bad & cried several times. I cry every time I think of them going so far away.
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24 Wed. Nice warm day. Ben, Art [Sigrid’s husband] & I went to Sulos to say good by – had coffee among the junk that was left after everything had been packed & gone. Kids all to school for their farewell party. Soon as they come home we left with our sad hearts. I am shedding tears every time I think of them leaving. Hope my wishes will be filled that they will make good in that far land & come home prosperous.
Sigrid, and Ben with the departing Vasanojas, April 24th, 1935