1

Although the call of employment brought the majority of immigrants to Trail, there were a variety of experiences along the way. The following records will offer brief accounts of the journey to Trail from a select few interviewees.

2

Leda Creegan, neé Poli, immigrated to Canada at the onset of World War Two with her mother and siblings.

3

Leda Creegan, nee Poli, immigrated from Italy in 1940
13 January 2008
Trail Museum, Trail, British Columbia

Credits:
Rose Calderon

4

Her father had already arrived in Canada and he made several journeys back home to reconnect with his family.

5

Poli Family prior to departure for Canada
Circa 1938
Trail, British Columbia, Canada

6

Leda's mother was offered the home of her dying while on his deathbed to share with his wife, her aunt. The gift came with one stipulation: that they not abandon his wife or leave her side until the end of her days. She passed away in 1939 and Leda's mother immediately prepared for the voyage to Canada to join her husband.

7

Leda's Italian passport, authenticated by her mother, Laura Marroni-Poli
1940
Trail, British Columbia, Canada

8

Leda can recall first pulling into Trail after arriving in the Kootenays.

9

Leda Creegan on her first impression of Trail.
13 January 2008
Trail, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Leda Creegan
Rose Calderon

10

Because it was wartime, and the Italians were fighting alongside Germany in the war, Italian immigrants were often treated as enemies during this period.

11

Leda Creegan on immigrating to Canada during wartime.
13 January 2008
Trail, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Leda Creegan
Rose Calderon

12

Even on arrival in Trail, tension was still prevalent.

13

Leda Creegan on arriving in Trail during wartime.
13 January 2008
Trail, British Columbia, Canada

Credits:
Leda Creegan
Rose Calderon

14

Doreen Cusator, neé Horne, experienced a different set of circumstances that brought her to Trail.