The Wickberg family's story reflects the challenges that many families faced during and after World War II. Their journey took them from their home near Kiev in Ukraine to a labour camp in Germany-occupied Poland during the early years of the war. They spent this time in the labour camp, washing railroad engines amidst poor working conditions and little food.  

After the war, Mrs. Wickberg and her daughters moved to Munich and worked for the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA), where they served as teachers and office clerks. The family's journey eventually led them to Brantford, Ontario, where they arrived in December 1948. In November 1949, Mrs. Wickberg and her daughters received certificates for completing one year of domestic service, where they were working in several households as domestic help. Mrs. Wickberg reflected and described housework in Canada as being easier than in Europe.