In 1889, the first Slavic settlers arrived at this site in what is now the Municipality of Harrison Park from the railhead at Strathclair. During the first pioneer decade, families lived in “buddas” made of tree trunks, branches, sod, and native hay while their homesteads were being identified. In 1978, two authentic buddas at this site were reconstructed by Michael Swistun with assistance of the Parkland Ukrainian Pioneer Association. The Association also erected a stone monument commemorating the history of the area.
Swistun Buddas (June 2012)
Source: Gordon Goldsborough
Interior of a Swistun Budda (August 2020)
Source: Rose Kuzina
Commemorative monument at the site (August 2020)
Source: Rose KuzinaSite Coordinates (lat/long): N50.66083, W100.52146
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Abandoned Manitoba
The Strongest Man in the World by Norm Fear
Manitoba History, Number 3, 1982Memorable Manitobans: Michael “Mike” Swistun (1901-1980)
We thank Rose Kuzina for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 8 November 2020
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