Nordegg: A German
Entrepreneur's Bold Dream and Heartbreak-page 3
Martin Nordegg's hard
work, honesty and diplomacy in Canada secured him the respect and admiration of
people in all walks of life. In 1914, he moved into the townsite, settling into
the general manager's designated home. His broad connections were always his
best investment. With war clouds looming, he needed all the friends he could
get.
When Great Britain entered the First World War on August 4, 1914,
Martin Nordegg was suddenly an enemy alien. Although he loved
Canada, he refused to give up his German citizenship. It was a
decision that changed the course of his life. Over the next few
months, Nordegg felt uneasy in his town. He became reclusive.
Hostilities towards the German entrepreneur grew as war casualties
mounted.
When Italy entered the war alongside the Allies, the local Italian
community held a parade. They even flew the Italian flag outside
Nordegg's house, where the town's highest flag pole stood. But
twice it was stolen. Nordegg was convinced these incidents led to
his personal downfall. Ten months later Ottawa called. He was
ordered to the capital. And on June 4, 1915, Nordegg-his grand
plans and dreams suddenly shattered-boarded a train to Ottawa.
His empire had collapsed.
During the war, the Canadian government took control of
stock held by the German Development Bank. As an enemy alien,
Nordegg was removed from Brazeau's Board of Directors. He had no
voting rights. However, his close associations with high-ranking
Ottawa officials saved him from wartime internment camps. Instead,
he was given permission to leave Canada and take up residence in
the United States.
When the war ended, company officials changed the name of the
town from Nordegg to Brazeau. Nordegg and loyal miners fought the
change but in 1919 the railway station was renamed Brazeau. Even
today, despite what is marked on modern highway signs and maps,
the correct legal name of the site is still Brazeau.
Nordegg made his last visit to the town in 1922. He still held
hope for a miracle to get his empire back. Nordegg even became a
British subject. But it was no use. A new management team at
Brazeau Collieries wanted all German interests out. The only
management duty left for Nordegg was to sell shares held by German
interests for the best price. Ironically, the following year, the
Nordegg mine had its best production year ever.
Martin Nordegg spent his final years in Canada writing a book on
his coal mining experiences. He also used his connections in
Ottawa to secure a job helping political refugees. His people
talents shined in his adopted country to the very end. Nordegg
died in New York in 1948 at the age of 80, his life punctuated
with triumph and tragedy. But he left his mark in Alberta and
Canadian coal mining history. After his last visit to Nordegg in
1922, the mine became the largest in Alberta.
Heritage Community Foundation Presents
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