Windsor Ukrainian Pioneer Sophia Lysy

Vera Seychuk

When the Ukrainian National Federation (UNF) building on Ottawa Street was planned, Michael Lysy (Sohia's husband Ed) was chosen to be on the first UNF Building Committee. Michael and Mr Stanley Kisil were assigned to be on site to receive the lumber the afternoon before the construction was to commence. The delivery was made and Michael was starting up his "Model T" to go back to his store when he heard Mr Kisil shouting. Someone was stealing the lumber in broad daylight. Needless to say, the crooks were apprehended, but Michael and Mr Kisil ended up guarding the material all night. Such vigils were undertaken by many other members over the years.

Once when Sophia was closing the store and Harry Lysy came by, they decided to go to the UNF hall to see why Michael was detained. Upon arrival they found a group of men (Sophia remembers seeing Mr A Hashchyn, Mr Joseph Woytowich, amongst others), braiding something that first looked like wool. Well, it was horsehair; the braids were to be installed under the hall floor during construction. It was explained to her by Mr Bohdan Zeleney, that the horse-hair cushioning would ensure a perfect dance floor. And there were thousands of dances on that floor!

Along with many of the UNF members, the Lysys helped with the fund raising and they were always there when payments had to be met, whether it was for the building or for the "New Pathway", the UNF newspaper. Some loans were made, first as promissory notes and then given as donations. In fact, before Michael’s passing in 1970, he and Sophia excused a loan and the Executive stipulated that this donation would be entered into the UNF Archives. Members contributed as they were able; many hours in labour were given.

Vera Seychuk, who lives in Toronto,

is the daughter of Sophia Lysy.

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