Waldheim, today Vladovka, became the largest village in Molotschna.
The Begim-Tschokrak River flows through the village, separating the full landowners from
the others. The village was founded in 1836 by a group that had roots in Przechowka,
Prussia, but came to Molotschna from Volhynia. Great-great grandfather
Peter Ratzlaff lived in Waldheim, and although we have no direct evidence, we believe
that he was born in Volhynia.
The broad Landowners Street can be seen at the left. In the 19th
century, the unpaid ministers were often full landowners since others could not afford to
spend the time as ministers. One can consequently speculate that Peter and his
family lived in this part of the village. |