News clipping from the March 10th, 1943 issue of the Chilliwack Progress.

Since they practiced pacifism, Mennonites were conscientious objectors. “Conscientious objectors” was commonly shortened to “conchies”, which was a derogatory term. This was cause for tension because the surrounding population did not agree with the fact that the Mennonites were not participating militantly in the War. This tension only continued to grow as the federal government continued to let Mennonites avoid fighting.1

It was a common feeling throughout the Fraser Valley that Mennonites were taking away the land of the men who went to fight. In Chilliwack specifically, this was seen as a major threat. In March of 1943, the Chilliwack Board of Trade voted to suspend farmland sales until after World War II ended, which was supported and backed by the Chilliwack Canadian Legion branch. However, an outright ban never happened because demands on the province were unsuccessful.2

This fear was so rampant that it did not end at barring property sales. There was also a push to completely ban Mennonites and other “conchies” from voting in upcoming government elections. The reasoning behind this was the belief that Mennonites would upset the balance of power in all levels of government and that they were not good people to have as neighbors.3

“These people are not desirable neighbors and will never be desirable citizens.”

H.H. Weeden, March 10, 1943.4

On the other hand, Mennonites had fears of their own. Just like how non-conscientious objectors feared that Mennonites were stealing their land, Mennonites living in Chilliwack and surrounding areas feared that their land was going to be taken away. They believed that individuals and organizations such as the Chilliwack Board of Trade, Associated Boards, the Canadian Legion, and several women’s organizations were going to take away the land that they bought.5

  1. “Board of Trade Annual Meeting Back Move Barring “Conchie” Land Sales,” Chilliwack Progress, Mar. 10, 1943 ↩︎
  2. “Board of Trade Annual Meeting Back Move Barring “Conchie” Land Sales.” ↩︎
  3. “Board of Trade Annual Meeting Back Move Barring “Conchie” Land Sales.” ↩︎
  4. “Board of Trade Annual Meeting Back Move Barring “Conchie” Land Sales.” ↩︎
  5.  “Yarrow and The Victory Loan,” Chilliwack Progress, May 12, 1943. ↩︎