History of Seedrioru

The idea of establishing Seedrioru came to its founders in 1951. The Estonians belonging to the Southern Ontario Estonian Societies in Hamilton, Kitchener, London and St. Catharines, being newcomers to Canada after WW2 began to sense the loss of the Estonian language, traditions and cultural identity in their new Canadian environment. This situation drove the executives of the Societies to start organizing summer camps at the request of the parents.

Earlier Camps…before the property purchase

Hamilton Estonian Society

A two-week summer camp was organized in 1952 at the Bridgeman farm property near Watertown. Twenty-five children took part with Linda Pallop as the Camp Director and Varju Reio and Alice Kullango assisting. In 1953 there was a 4-week camp in the same location with the first two weeks organized by the Hamilton Society and the last two organized by the Estonian Lutheran Church of Hamilton. Society Camp Director was Alice Kullango assisted by Heino Liblik, Raja Himmist and Anne Orunukk. There were 30-35 participants. The immediately following two weeks was run by the Estonian Lutheran church congregation with Camp Director Linda Pallop assisted by Varju Reio and Maret Müller. The number of campers was 35. In 1954 a two-week camp was run jointly by the Society and the congregation. A. Kullango was the Camp Director and there were 35 attendees.

Kitchener Estonian Society

A summer camp was organized in the summer of 1951 in New Hamburg that lasted three days. The Camp Director and head of boys’activities was Elmar Kägu while Klaudia Parrest was in charge of the girls. Seventeen children attended. In 1952 they were fortunate to get the free use of a first-class camp with its buildings and facilities thanks to the Waterloo businessman and music patron Charles F. Thiele. It was located in Bamberg, 12 miles from Waterloo. The organizer was Arnold Voltre and there were 26 children in attendance. The activities and food was organized by mothers in the community. The camp lasted one week and was a success. The children named the camp “Tiigiääre” (By the Pond). A camp newspaper was published called “Kaani Piuks” (Leecher Squeak) in honour of the pond’s leeches. The editor was teenager Ive Patrason receiving an early start in news editing. In the 1980s she eventually became staff at Voice of America in Washington D.C. At this camp Arnold Voltre hit his leg with an ax for the first time while building a dock for the swimming pond. (He later had an accident with a lawnmower at Seedrioru where he lost two toes.) In 1953 another camp took place in the same location with equal success. The camp director was Lydia Aadre from New York assisted by Klaudia Parrest and Tammi Ruutopõld. There were 12 girls and 15 boys. In 1954 they were not able to use the camp since Charle F. Thiele had died and his heirs had other plans. Several outings to lake Puslinch near Preston were organized for the children. Klarissa Pajo and Aksel Nagla were in charge.

St Catharines and London Societies

The St. Catherines Estonian Society did not run a summer camp but cooperated with the Hamilton Estonian Society with their children attending the Hamilton camp in 1953. The London Estonian Society did not organize summer camps. 

Coordination of the Southern Ontario Estonian Societies

The minutes of the societies’ and executives’ meetings in 1954-55 clearly indicate that the Estonian Societies in southern Ontario came to realize that they could not achieve their goal of a summer camp separately either financially or organizationally. A camp with few children was relatively expensive to run and without a permanent site it was difficult if not impossible to acquire, transport and store equipment over the winter.

Hamilton and Kitchener Estonian Societies had already put aside funds to acquire a property and collected pledges from the St. Catherines Society however it was not enough for what was required. The first coordinating meeting for renting a joint campsite was held on March 14, 1954. Gathered together were representatives from Hamilton, Kitchener and St. Catherines Societies. They came to realize that it was not possible to acquire a suitable permanent spot by renting. At the next meeting in April 1954 they concluded that the South-Ontario Societies should jointly purchase a suitable piece of land. The search began for a property to purchase.

The search for a property

The coordinators, after their last meeting in April 1954, did not meet again until the 22 of January, 1955 in Hamilton. Present were H. Kullango (Hamilton), A. Voltre (Kitchener) and A. Tohver (St. Catharines) It was decided to actively pursue the establishment of a children’s camp. In order to accomplish this they formed a Summer Camp Committee, where each Estonian Society was to be represented by two members. The London Estonian Society was also invited to participate in this committee. The committee members made several trips in early spring looking for a suitable property. The search was, to put it figuratively, a game of orienteering. When they spotted a property that appeared suitable, they asked the owner if he wanted to sell. Occasionally there was a positive response. However there wasn’t serious negotiation with any of them even though they did consider three places.

Finally, they ended up at a place that Harras Kullango found in Kilbride near the Flamboro railroad station. There were 50 acres of middling woods, the foundation of an old house, and a price of $4000. The landscape was suitable more for scouting activities. It seems the buyers liked it enough that on April 16 they paid a deposit of $200. Later they learned from some neighbours that the stream which they hoped to dam next summer to create a pond was bone dry in the summer. The deposit was not returned, since, as the owners alleged, the claimants had arbitrarily dug into the ground with a shovel, that is, taken possession.

In May, one of the Kitchener committee members got in touch with a real estate agent. Many properties were available including the land where The African Lion Safari (a well known open air zoo in Ontario) is now located. A message arrived a few days later that something that might be suitable was for sale.

Seedrioru Property Located

It was Sunday, May 22 when Arnold Voltre and Jüri Juurand set foot on the land which is now known as Seedrioru. The land didn’t seem like anything special at first glance. Leaving Jüri to talk to the agent, Arnold went towards the woods to explore. When Voltre returned almost two hours later, he was wet to his hips as it had rained overnight and the grass was high. His chin shook a bit as he breathlessly said: “Jüri, this is the place!” From this point, things started to move fast. On June 5, the whole Summer Camp Committee was called to the property. Present were Harras Kullango, Albert Lepson, Kaspar Rebane, Jaak Viiklaid from Hamilton; Arnold Voltre, Jüri Juurand, Jakob Klaassen from Kitchener; Harry Pärkma from London. As well, anyone who wanted to come was invited to look, evaluate and give their opinion. Twenty-three people from Kitchener came by bus and two carloads came from Hamilton. The place charmed everyone and the decision was unanimous: totally suitable for developing a children’s summer camp. Voltre and Juurand were asked to clarify the conditions of sale and then convene the committee again.

On Sunday June 19 the committee met again in the same place. Voltre and Juurand had negotiated for two weeks and had bargained the asking price of $8,200 down to $7,900, which was the seller’s final price. Up to now, the committee had acted without a “head” so to speak (without an executive). Now they elected as temporary chairman A. Voltre, secretary H. Pärkma, vice-chair and treasurer to be appointed from Hamilton and a place was reserved for a representative from St. Catharines. A decision was made to purchase the 62 1/2 acre unoccupied farm, officially “Lot #3, Concession “C”, Township of Pilkington in the County of Wellington” for $7,900 and to authorize A.Voltre to conclude the deal as trustee of the planned foundation. The starting capital was set at $5,000, with $3000 from Hamilton, $1000 from Kitchener, London $600 and St. Catharines $400.

Plans for the first childrens camp

Optimistic decisions were promptly made to open the summer camp on August 1, 1955, to renovate the farmhouse, and to build two cabins for 12 children each. However when the temporary executive met for the next meeting on August 14, the purchase agreement was unsigned and the summer camp unopened. The seller demanded full and immediate payment of the purchase price. Since the existing funding was insufficient, a loan was necessary. In order to borrow in the name of the foundation, it was necessary to incorporate. Therefore no summer camp was held in 1955. Despite this state of affairs, they still put together a program for 1956 deciding to build a dining hall/ kitchen, two sleeping barracks and to explore the possibilities for staging a choral song festival. This last task was left to Arnold Voltre.

By the time the temporary executive and the representatives of the Societies met on October 23, a lot of serious work had been done by Arnold Voltre and Jüri Juurand who, because of his command of English and his employment position, was able to negotiate the deal.The purchase agreement was signed on October 3, 1955. A. Voltre, J. Juurand, J. Klaassen had signed as trustees of the Foundation. The contract was registered on October 11, 1955 at the real estate bureau and the land was now oficially ours. The purchase price of $7,900 was paid in cash. The loan was in the form of a $3000 mortgage from funeral home director Harry Zohr and from 18 Estonians in Kitchener who had formed and now had liquidated EMO (Eesti Majandus O/Ü – Estonian Financial Group) $1,950. The mortgages had been signed by the same three trustees.

Land Usage Agreement

Now that they were full-fledged owners, the meeting established the basic priorities of the use of the land. These were to be:

1. the children’s summer camp,
2. guides’ and scouts’ summer camps,
3. summer outings for the Estonian Societies
4. family outings
5. rental lots on the periphery of the camp.

Encouraged by the response to the preliminary discussions, it was decided that a song festival would be held on June 23, 1956.

The temporary executive met for the first time in 1956 on January 15. The structure of the organization was established. It was to be a non-profit corporation without shares (osakapitalita), created by the Estonian Societies of four cities (Hamilton, Kitchener, London and St. Catharines) represented at general meetings by their members in proportion to their dollar contributions (one voting member for each $250 contribution). The foundation’s official name became The Estonian Summer Camp Society. As the original founders, Arnold Voltre (Kitchener), Harry Pärkma (London), and Dr. Voldemar Tammemägi (St. Catherines) were authorized to sign the charter.

Legal Incorporation and Constitution

A. Kerson, a lawyer from Toronto, was asked to carry out the legal incorporation and to work out the constitution (Bylaw#1) based on the principles of the organization’s structure as determined by the executive. At the same meeting they decided to form a five-member coordinating comimttee for the Song Festival. A. Voltre was named chairman, the chief conductor was to be Roman Toi and committee members were Endel Arro, Eduard Rebane and Voldlemar Tammemägi. A final decision regarding the manner of construction and size of the dining hall and kitchen was made at the executive meeting on April 14 according to Harras Kullango’s plans. The coordinator of the project was to be Arnold Voltre, who also was to organize the building of the multi-tiered stage for the choirs. Eduard Rebane and Kaspar Rebane took on the job of setting up the electric system.

The charter of Sihtasutuse Lõuna-Ontario Eestlaste Suvekodu, known in English as The “Estonian Summer Camp Society, Inc.” dated April 18, 1956 was registered with the Ontario Provincial Secretary on June 18, 1956 and lawyer A. Kerson developed the constitution based on it . On October 21, 1956 the Foundation’s first general meeting was held in the Hamilton Estonian Society’s rooms. Sixteen voting members ( of a possible 20) were present. The meeting ratified the constitution articles:

• By-law #1 -aims, members, committees
• By-law #2 -debentures.

The work of the temporary executive and the financial reports were ratified. A regular executive was elected whose positions were assigned as follows:

• Chairman- V. Tammemāgi,
• Vice-chair – A. Voltre,
• Secretary – H. Pārkma,
• Treasurer – E. Arro.

The Audit committee consisted of J. Juurand, H. Karu and A. Vurma.

Seedrioru was established!!!.

Naming of the property we now know as “Seedrioru”(Cedar Valley)

While the property was still unnamed, it was simply called Eestimaa -“Estonian Land”. That’s how it was extensively referred to by kitcheners estonian school-aged children during the summer of 1955. Now it was time to find it a name. On the 22nd of April 1956 the temporary executive announced a contest to find a name. The jury was made up of the executive plus a representative from each city. An historic meeting of the jury was held on May 20, 1956 in the old farmhouse. There were 17 submissions in sealed envelopes. They were all of Estonian origin but the right name was not found among them. Thus the jury set out to find a name themselves and came to a decision, the rationale of which was recorded in the minutes as follows: “Those present take as a fundamental requirement that the chosen name should characterize the natural setting of the camp. An observer standing by the main hall presently under construction who, gazes toward the river will see a valley dominated by cedars which encircle the song festival grounds. Taking this into account, the name “Seedrioru” (Cedar Valley) is thoroughly discussed, resulting in a unanimous decision to name the summer camp and the property “Seedrioru”

The June 17, 1956 general meeting of the representatives of the different societies was therefore held at the place now officially called Seedrioru. They added to the temporary executive which had been elected on June 19, 1955. Arnold Voltre remained the chairman, Jaak Viiklaid (Hamilton) was named the vice-chair, Harry Pärkma stayed as secretary, Endel Arro, (Hamilton) treasurer, and member-at-large was Voldemar Tammemägi ( St. Catherines.) Also elected was the auditing committee consisting of Alfred Vurma (Hamilton), Jüri Juurand (Kitchener) and Heinrich Karu (London). The work of the temporary executive was ratified.

They were ready for the first major event at Seedrioru, which was the Estonian Song Festival in Canada June 30–1 July 1956.

The first summer camp at Seedrioru opened on July 8, lasting seven weeks.

Monuments, Mälestussambad

White Monument

Vello Hubel designed the 40-ton, 30 ft high and 30 ft long monument in the shape of a sail with a cross and alterstone for a ceremonial flame. The monument has Marie Under’s words from her poem “Mälestus ja tõotus”, (Remembrance and Pledge):”Mis võet’ meilt, meenutagem, ja mis meile jäi…” (“Remember what was taken from us and what was left…”)

The monument was erected to honor and remember estonian men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for Estonia’s independence, whether on the battlefield, during air raids, in siberian prison camps, the stormy baltic sea, or elsewhere. The opening ceremony was on July 4 1959.

Swords Monument

The two swords represents the Estonian’s fight against the Eastern Soviets.

The monument has the battle names: Wolhov, Leningrad, Tserkassi, Karelian-heel, Narva, Sinimäed, Tartu, Oppeln.

Suvihari Festival

Suvihari is an annual fundraising festival usually around the 3rd weekend in June to celebrate the important Estonian holiday of Jaanipäev. Traditionally the Suvihari features several aspects of Estonian culture that includes a large bonfire (Jaanituli), music, sports, food, entertainment as well as speeches by notable people from within the Estonian community. Historically it has also been the venue for elaborate open air theatre productions.

Suvihari 60, 2015

• Tanel Padar and “The Sun”
• Gita Kalmet, Estonian Ambassador to Canada,
• Anne Veesaar Theatre

Suvihari 56, 2011

• Tõnis Mägi and Kärt Johanson
• “Fifty-Fifty” featuring Peeter Kopvillem, Rosemarie Lindau, Eric Soostar and Tõnis Tõllasepp with Leiki and Keila Kopvillem

Suvihari 53/ VI Laulupäev 2008

• Kukerpillid
• Urve Palo, Estonian Minister of Population and Ethnic Affairs

Suvihari 50, 2005

• Meie Mees 2005

Notable Suvihari speakers

• Gita Kalmet, Estonian Ambassador to Canada, 2015
• Urve Palo, Estonian Minister of Population and Ethnic Affairs, 2008
• Hon.Mitchell Sharp, 1972

Laulupäev – Seedrioru Song Festivals

The long history of hosting song festivals at Seedrioru started in 1956 and features choral music and traditional folk dancing from numerous participants from around the world. Currently they are held every 5 years and alternating years with the Estonian Song Festival in Estonia. It is an important cultural component in Estonia’s history to sing songs with deep nationalistic meaning in order to keep the community together. A good reference movie to bring context would be The Singing Revolution produced in 2006.

VIII Laulupäev 2018

Details coming soon

VII Laulupäev 2013

Choir Directors

Kalev Lindal, Norman Reintamm, Mati Tammaru, Ingrid Silm, Charles Kipper,Heli Tenno,Rosemarie Lindau, Jaan Medri

Choirs

• Euroopa Eestlaste Koorist – European Estonian Choir (Kalev Lindal)
• Hamiltoni Eesti Seltsi Segakoor (koorijuht Norman Reintamm),
• Baltimore-Washingtoni Eesti Segakoor (Mati Tammaru), lauljad Detroit Michiganist,
• Estonia Koor (Ingrid Silm),
• Noortekoor (Heli Tenno), Euroopa Eestlaste Koor
• T.E.A.S. Ööbik (Rosemarie Lindau) ja Toronto Eesti Meeskoor (Charles Kipper).
• Üksikuid lauljaid esines ka Jaaniku regilaulu ansamblist, Toronto Peetri kiriku naisansamblist Helin,
• Toronto Eesti Baptisti Koguduse Noortekoorist ja Toronto Eesti Koolide Koorist.

VI Laulupäev 2008

Choir Directors

Kalev Lindal,Norman Reintamm,Rosemarie Lindau, Charles Kipper

Choirs

• Euroopa Eestlaste Koorist – European Estonian Choir
• Estonia Segakoor
• Cantate Domino Segakoor
• Hamiltoni Eesti Seltsi Segakoor
• T.E.A.S. Ööbik
• Toronto Eesti Meeskoor
• ESTuudio Kammerkoor
• TES Täienduskoolikoor

V Laulupäev 2003

Choir Directors

Charles Kipper, Margit Viia-Maiste ja Reet Lindau-Voksepp ning ansambleid Ingrid Silm, Valve Tali ja Marika Wilbiks.

Choirs

• EELK Peetri Koguduse Segakoor “Candate Domino” ja ansambel “Helin”,
• Estonia Koor,
• Hamiltoni Eesti Seltsi Naisansambel,
• Vanemgaidide–juhtide Lõkkering “Leek”,
• Toronto Eesti Akadeemiline Segakoor “Ööbik”,
• Toronto Eesti Baptisti Koguduse Ansambel,
• Toronto Eesti Meeskoor,
• Vana-Andrese Koguduse Segakoor,
• Toronto Eesti Seltsi Täienduskoolide Koor ning Toronto Eesti Gaid- ja Skautmalevate Orkester.

IV Eesti Laulupäev Kanadas 1966

• 14 Choirs, 500 participants
• 5000 spectators

Choirs

• Albany-Schenectady Ühingu Segakoor (Hanns Sukk)
• Boston Eesti Seltsi Segakoor, (Leo Virkhaus)
• Buffalo Eesti Segakoor (Peeter-Paul Lüdig)
• Cantante Domino (Leida Pilt)
• Chicago Eesti Segakoor (Heinz Loop)
• Cleveland Eesti Segakoor (Erich Allik)
• EELK Connecticut Koguduse Segakoor, (Ants Laan)
• Hamilton Eesti Seltsi Segakoor, (Oskar Aser)
• Lakewood Eesti Ühingu Segakoor, (Valdeko Loidu)
• Philadelphia Eesti Segakoor, (Victor Mandvere)
• põhja-Illinois Eestate Koondise Segakoor,(Marga Tammark)
• Port Arthur Eesti Segakoor, (Kaja Kent)
• Toronto Eesti Segakoor, (Roman Toi)
• Montreal Eesti Naiskoor, (Olaf Kopvillem)

III Eesti Laulupäev Kanadas 1962

• 13 Choirs
• 400 participants

Conductor

Roman Toi

Choir Directors

Peeter-Paul Lüdig, Eerik Purje, Heintz Koop, Arvi Sinka, Oskar Aser, Eva Kokla, Valdeko Loigu, Paul Rohunurm, Meta Tahk, Elmar Saage, Marga Tammark, Evald Abner, Roman Toi

Choirs

• Buffalo Eesti Segakoor
• Cantante Domino (Toronto)
• Chicago Eesti Segakoor
• Cleveland Eesti Segakoor
• Hamilton Eesti Seltsi Segakoor
• Kitchener Eesti Seltsi Segakoor
• Lakewood Ühingu Segakoor
• London Eesti Seltsi Segakoor
• Minnesota Eesti Seltsi Segakoor
• Port Arthur Eesti Segakoor
• St Chatherines Eesti Seltsi Segakoor
• põhja-Illinois Eestate Koondise Segakoor
• Toronto Eesti Segakoor

II Eesti Laulupäev Kanadas 1958

Conductor

Roman Toi

Choir Directors

Toivo Kaldma, Erich Allik, Oskar Aser, Jakob Klaassen, Ailli Susi, Evald Abner, Roman Toi

7 Choirs, 240 participants

• Buffalo Eesti Segakoor
• Cleveland Eesti Segakoor
• Hamilton Eesti Seltsi Segakoor
• Kitchener Eesti Seltsi Segakoor
• London Eesti Seltsi Segakoor
• St Chatherines Eesti Seltsi Segakoor
• Toronto Eesti Segakoor

Eesti Laulupäev Kanadas 1956

• 6 Choirs
• 180 participants

Conductor

Roman Toi

Choir Directors

• Toivo Kaldma, Oskar Aser, Jakob Klaassen, Illmar Suurorg, Evald Abner, Eduard Tombreluts

Choirs

• Buffalo Eesti Segakoor
• Hamilton Eesti Seltsi Segakoor
• Kitchener Eesti Seltsi Segakoor
• London Eesti Seltsi Segakoor
• St Chatherines Eesti Seltsi Segakoor
• Toronto Eesti Segakoor

Seedrioru Estonian National Theatre Canada Productions

Seedrioru completed work on an outdoor amphitheater in 1960 and produced many large and elaborate sets featuring hundreds of actors over the years.

Cultural Events

Poistekoor, June 2016

Estonia National Opera Boys Choir performed at Seerioru during one evening in the hall as they made their way from Roman Toi‘s 100th Birthday celebration during a tour of North America. The choir master was the highly respected, Hirvo Surva.

Estonian World Festival 1972

1972 marked the official opening of the first Estonian World Festival. The opening ceremonies were hosted at Seedrioru and was attended by the Hon.  Mitchell Sharp.

Leased Properties

There are 80 lots with over 38 cottages that surround the property on the north and south side roads located on Tallin, Tartu, Sindi and Parnu Streets. The intent of the leased parcels is to generate guaranteed annual income and allow for volunteers to commit their time and energy towards the sustainment of the property, camps and events while enjoying the natural and social setting. Several of the cottages where built around 1960 and are still occupied by the founding families that helped create Seedrioru.

Skautlus Seedrioru – Scouting and Guiding at Seedrioru

Recent Activities

• Toronto Skautid ja Gaidid Salgavõistlus, April 2016

Estonian Scout and Guide Jamborees

Seedrioru was host to several Estonian Scout and Guide camps with Troops coming from Hamilton, Kitchener, London, St.Catherines and Buffalo

Previous Camp Leaders

• Skaut – C. Aarlaht, A. Himma, E.Tutsu
• Gaid – I.Kink, E.Lindaja, R. Toomsalu

Camp Treasurer

• Maks Pertens

Seedrioru in Cinema – Legendi Loojad

A Canadian film “Legendi loojad” (Creators of the Legend), directed by Evald Mägi was about the Estonian Forest Brothers and filmed partially at Seedrioru and released in 1963. The film was funded by donations from Estonians in exile. It starred Arvo Vabamäe, Oudi Kalm, Heino Vellne, Endla Komi, Märt Liinvee, Eino Halling, Jaan Kivisild and August Tomband.

Seedrioru Literature

• Seedrioru Serenaad, Published 1991, 40 pages, by Aimla, Priit
• Seedrioru 1955–1980, Published 1980, 141 pages, Oma Press Ltd, Editorial board: Karl Aun, Harry Pärkma, Vello Hubel, Jüri Juurand, Voldemar Tammemägi.
• IV Eesti laulupäev Kanadas, Published 1966, 44 pages, published by Lõuna-Ontario Eestlaste Suvekodu Kirjastus.

Seedrioru in the News

• Estonian Life – Article – June 2016, Seedrioru Summer Camp Started 2016
• Estonian Life – Article, August 2015 – Seedrioru Camp ends with drums and fiddles
• Estonianworld News article -June 2015, Canadian-Estonian celebration suvihari turns 60
• Free Estonian Word – Article- June 2015, Seedrioru-60-Anniversary
• Estonian World Review – Article and photos- June 2008 -Seedrioru-laulupeolt

Significant Challenges

Seedrioru has over the years been faced with challenges generated by government projects and environmental policies.

• West Montrose Dam Project, 1971. The Grand River Valley Conservation Authority (GRCA) had announced a proposal to create a water control dam downstream of the Seedrioru property. It would have involved the flooding of over 4500 acres of valuable agricultural land, relocation of over 68 local families including the two thirds the entire Seedrioru property. Thankfully due to the lobbying efforts of the local population including representatives from Seedrioru, the dam project was rejected at the Ontario Municipal Board level, however it still restricts future building considerations within the proposed “top of dam” waterline that crosses the Seedrioru property.
• This photograph shows Miss Ene Rebane in 1976 pointing out on a map to Reeve Bowman what the devastating effects of creating a dam at a proposed site in West Montrose would be.

Significant Financial Contributors

 Estonian Foundation of Canada – Eesti Sihtkapital Kanadas continues to contribute extensively annually towards the numerous cultural events held at Seedrioru including sponsoring $150 per child per week in order to make the camp affordable for everyone.

Over the years, many individuals have contributed financially towards Seedrioru.  These are only some of them.

• Arnold Pau, On March 6, 1966 Seedrioru received a bequest from a generous man whos heart was close to Estonian youth. He set up in his will a bequest for $24,750 that made Seedrioru overnight debt free. (debt was approximately $16,000) The remainder was spent on the sports field development and the development and building the third cabin of his namesake “Pautare” in 1967. He was born on 15 July 1911 in Viljandi, Estonia where he became a well-known businessman and sportsman (lühimaajooksud). He came to Canada after the second world war and was living and working in Niagara Falls, Ont. He was a modest but wealthy person who visited events at Seedrioru frequently. His last visit was July 3, 1965, the 10th anniversary celebration. His will expressed he had found Estonian brotherhood, service, well thought appreciation in the upbringing of children at Seedrioru. He passed away shortly thereafter.
• Henry and Linda Tark, On March 22, 2015 Seedrioru received a very special gift – a million dollar bequest from Henry Tark. Henry and his wife Linda, whom some may remember taught crafts at Seedrioru during camp in the 60’s and 70’s, resided in Burlington, Ontario. Linda was also a well-known weaver and made Estonian folk costumes. While they had no family of their own, children always held a special place in their hearts.

Associated organizations

• Estonian Foundation of Canada
• Eesti Võitlejate Ühing – Estonain Veterans Association
• Toronto Estonian Rifle and Pistol Club (TEPP)

Auliikmed – Honorary Members

Members of the Canadian Estonian community that were recognized as an integral part of the formation and sustainment of Seedrioru.

Name — Year

Arnold Voltre — 1965
Jüri Juurand — 1970
Heino Paluveer — 1970
Harry Parkma — 1970
Voldemar Tammemägi — 1970
Eduard Rebane — 1970
Edgar Kink — 1972
Leo Juhani — 1975
Vello Hubel — 1980
Juhan Jõesaar — 1980
Heinrich Karu — 1980
Maks Pertens — 1980
Roman Toi — 1980
Magda Mälberg — 1985
Armilde Tammer — 1985
Kalju Varangu — 1985
Lydia Vohu-Viksten — 1985
Raimond Vist — 1987
Ott Jürisson — 1987
Villiam Tammer — 1988
Edgar Tilen — 1988
August Jurs — 1990
Ferdinand Koger — 1990
Kalju Loone — 1990
Rein Voltre — 1990
Hugo Allisma — 1991
Merike Koger — 1994
Ilmar Heinsoo — 1998
Udo Petersoo — 1998
Ene Billings-Rebane — 1999
Bernhard Jostman — 1999
Allan Pertens — 1999
Mihkel Salusoo — 1999
Härnald Toomsalu — 1999
Valdur Aasa –2001
Tarmo Koger — 2001
Esko Luksepp — 2002
Endel Arro — 2002
Milvi Amolins — 2003
Valter Tera — 2005
Tammi Ruutopõld — 2005
Lembit Nieländer — 2005
Leonhard Saar — 2006
Laas Leivat — 2011
Jaan Eichenbaum — 2011
Linda Paluveer — 2012
Peeter Käärid — 2012
Kadri Nõmmik – Munro — 2016

External links

• Seedrioru 1955–1980, Editorial board: Karl Aun, Harry Pärkma, Vello Hubel, Jüri Juurand, Voldemar Tammemägi. Translation by Rutt Veskimets.
• Estonian National Library – 4. Eesti laulupäev Kanadas [Noot] : ühendatud segakooride laulud : Seedrioru 2. juulil 1966
• Free Estonian Word – Article, Marie Under
• Estonian Express, Article 2007
• Review of Planning of the Grand River Watershed