Rudolf Karl was born in 1898 in a small village near
Karlsbad in what is known today as the Czech Republic. He became a coal
miner at an early age, and married Anna Franta. Rudolf and Anna had
eight children - a perfect balance of four boys and four girls - Emma,
Marie, Karl, Gisela, Elizabeth, Fred, Rudy and Joseph.
Rudolf Karl, a political opponent to Nazism, and his
family were forced to flee their home in Czechoslovakia in 1938 when the
Sudentenland was handed over to Hitler. That night, the Karl family left
on a midnight train bound for inner Czechoslovakia with only the bedding
and clothes they could carry.
Over the next six months, the Karls stayed in camps,
slept in barns and schools, and at times became separated from one
another in an effort to escape the Nazis. In March of 1939, Hitler was
once again making plans to move into Czechoslovakia. Rudolf Karl knew
his family was in danger and they boarded a train with other refugees as
they continued their escape.
Partly sponsored by the National Union of Mineworkers, refugees such as
the Karl family were provided with room and board in local hotels by
Welsh families before setting sail for Canada. Canada offered Rudolf
Karl and his family a chance for a new start. To Rudolf Karl, Canada
represented fairness, democracy and concern towards neighbours. These
were values he strongly instilled in his children.
The Karl family began their new start in Flat Valley,
Northern Saskatchewan where Rudolf Karl quickly learned how to be a
farmer. After few years, the Karl family moved to southern Ontario where
they settled on a farm in Streetsville. The Karls owned this farm from
1945 to 1960. With its dairy cattle, chickens, pigs, and mixed grains,
it was a place of hard work as well as fun. The farm house was often
used for many family gatherings, events and celebrations.
Rudolf Karl was well known in Streetsville for his
daily walks to town and for his tractor which he always kept ready, for
anyone in need.
In 1947 and 1948, with the aid of his sons and grandson, Rudolf Karl
planted 1,000 hardwood, softwood and evergreen trees as part of a
reforestation project sponsored by the Streetsville High School. Rudolf
Karl will always be remembered for his strong values and environmental
awareness. His environmental commitment in Sugar Maple Woods will
continue to be enjoyed by future generations of Mississauga residents.
Ward
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