North End Girls: Anna Thiessen and the Mary Martha Home

Tales from the Mennonite Heritage Archives: Episode 39

Anna Thiessen is at the centre with glasses, standing with residents of 437 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg. MHA 625-2.0. The original is held at the Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies.
Three unidentified women dressed in their uniforms as domestic servents. The photo is believed to be from the 1940's. MHA 625-3.0. The original is held at the Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies.
Anna Thiessen (thrid row, centre) with a group of women connected to Mary Martha Home. MHA 625-4.0. The original is held at the Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies.

Host Dan Dyck presents the life story of Anna Thiessen (1892-1977). While Anna had dreamt of working in India, her life would lead her to Winnipeg. Here she provided support to young women entering the workforce as matron of Mary Martha Home. This was a place for Mennonite girls to live and build community while they supported their far-flung families through work as domestic help.

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Podcast Series: Tales from the Mennonite Heritage Archives
Episode 39: North End Girls: Anna Thiessen and the Mary Martha Home
Date: July 28, 2025
Host: Dan Dyck
Published by The Mennonite Heritage Archives

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