More on Mennonites
| Tuesday, Nov 03 2009 08:12 PM
Last Updated Tuesday, Nov 03 2009 08:13 PM
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I enjoy reading "Kern's Past." I noticed the blurb about 300 Mennonites arriving in Kern County on Oct.19, 1909.
There is a history that goes way beyond that blurb. My grandfather, J.P. Nord, was one of the many families that came in this group. When he arrived with the others, none knew that they had been swindled by one of their own Mennonite "brothers." The land did not belong to Mr. Martens -- the man who "sold" them the property. He vanished and ended up dying in a flophouse somewhere in the Midwest.
My grandfather lost his money in that swindle, but eventually was able to buy land out in Rosedale. Nord Road is named after him.
Thanks for making my day!
ROSALYN MALAMMA
Bakersfield
