Zophia Resak
born: 1879 in Slovak Republic
died: 1955 in Canmore, Ab.
Joseph Shellian
born: 1874 in Slovak Republic
died: 1942 in Canmore, Ab.
Joseph and Zophia were both children when their familes immigrated to Juliet, Illinois, USA, around 1887. In 1899 the two were married. Their children were son Lud (1900-1978), followed by Emma (1903-1973), and Zophia (1905-?). In 1906, Joseph moved his family to Canmore, Alberta. His brother, John, moved to Canmore as well. The two men began their careers in the coal mine at this time. In addition to this, they started up a dairy farm and delivered milk. During the Depression those families who couldn’t afford to pay for the milk were not charged. The cows were sold to J. Kernick in the mid 40’s.
Shortly after settling in Canmore, Zophia gave birth to their daughter Margaret (1907-1978), followed by son Elois in 1910, Joe (1910-1978), Charlie (1919-?), and Andy (1920-1990).
The Shellians built two houses on 5th Street. The tenants were Eric Fowers family and the Flynn family. In later years these houses became the homes of Lud Shellian with his wife, Sophia, and Joe Shellian with his wife, Jenny.
In addition to these two houses, the Shellians built Shorty’s Confectionary as well as four cabins near their own home on Mine Side. For many years, these cabins were occupied by miners John Rak, George Slumski, Andy Jancovic and Bert Czeck. Bert drowned in Spray Lakes as a result of a boating accident.
Zophia Shellian, Andy’s mother
Joe Shellian, Andy’s father
In Canmore Seniors at the Summit, ed. Canmore Seniors Association, 2000, p. 263-264.
