History kept alive at the Provost Museum

By Murray Green

Provost and District Museum Society has been keeping history of the area alive for many years.

The museum focuses on farm life of yesteryear and later the oil industry.

“It conserves the history of our forefathers, early settlers and the struggles they went through settling the West. It’s for people to enjoy, past and present,” said Carol Landmark.

“It takes many volunteers (and we don’t have nearly enough) to maintain a museum of this size and stature, it has been drawing international attention.”

The museum facility is situated at the southwest edge of Provost where the CP Railway leads into town.

It consists of an array of out-buildings and machinery, in addition to the main building. “These units hold a wealth of historic items and information from our past. As older generations pass on, details have been lost and forgotten. It is the mission of the Museum society to preserve the memories and artifacts and to educate the upcoming generations,” said Carol.

“Because of the struggles of our forefathers, we have so much to tell. And so much to be thankful for.”

Main Street was where the action was on Saturday nights.

It was an end of the week ritual when “country folk” from miles around would halt their farm for the evening and head in to Provost.

Coffee shops, grocery, hardware and machine repair shops were social gathering places. As supplies were being purchased, local news and gossip was exchanged.

The late show at the theatre was a treat for the children, while their parents were otherwise occupied.

Museum administrator (curator) is Linda Peereboom. From the time she unlocks the doors and starts greeting guests, her days are filled with a variety of tasks, ranging from receiving, cataloging and documenting, filing and researching to setting up, cleaning and maintenance.

There is always an interesting assortment and one never knows what unusual items will arrive.

“She gives most of the credit to the many volunteers who contribute an enormous amount of hours to make the museum what it is today,” added Carol.

Some of Linda’s favourite activities include hosting, teaching and socializing with various visiting groups such as school classes and Brownies as well as wedding parties, grads and funerals.

“Linda’s enthusiasm for her work at the museum is obvious and she is quick to say I absolutely love my job,” shared Carol.

The museum is open now until September 16 from Wednesday to Saturdays, 1 to 6 p.m. Watch for special days such as Harvest Fest on October 6, Remembrance Day on November 11 and launching Christmas season on November 25.

Photos were supplied by Carol Landmark. Linda Peereboom is pictured bottom right.

To Haul Your Grain

County adds more shoulder pulling miles

By Murray Green

Camrose County will be adding more shoulder pulling miles this year.

At the regular meeting of council on July 18, public works manager Zach Mazure asked for additional funding for shoulder pulling, which helps maintain the gravel roads longer.

Rosalind Community BBQ and Movie Night

By Lori Larsen

On August 18, join local team members of BASF Canada Agriculture Solutions at the annual Rosalind Community BBQ and Movie Night to be held at the Rosalind Recreation Association from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., and help celebrate the amazing achievement and continued community involvement of the RRA.

The Rosalind Recreation Association (RRA) was named the Alberta winner of the Growing Home with BASF commu- nity initiative this spring.

The RRA received $25,000 to further the great work it does in the community to enhance the lives of all residents, particularly youth.

Three winners were selected out of the 15 finalists through public vote, one each in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and Rosalind Recreation Association brought home the win for Alberta with the help of incredible support from the community and 2,192 votes.

“I move that Camrose County council approve an additional expenditure of $250,000 to complete contracted shoulder pulling on an additional eight miles of County roads with funding to come from MSI Capital Funding in the 2023 Budget,” said councillor Carlene Wetthuhn.

Working in line with the 2023 Capital Budget, the public works department issued a Request for Quotes (RFQ) for contract shoulder pulling rates in early May.

Road to Rail Construction Group were approved for a total of 14 miles of road across three projects. This was done with the intention that at a later date, a decision could be made on the remaining miles depending on how the shoulder pull program was proceeding.

“The contractor is providing an acceptable work product and the final eight miles of the original scope of work would appear to be a good value expendi- ture. The project pricing for Township Road 184 from Township Road 434 to Township Road 450 has already been provided from the original RFQ, but the inclusion of this expenditure brings the total costs for shoulder pulling over the original project budget,” said Mazure.

Additional miles of shoulder pull will get completed in 2023.

“The price may be more favourable now than next year,” added Mazure.

He reported that weather has been good todate, allowing for good construction and final product.

Clean Highways

Josiah Johnson

The Beaver County 4-H Multi Club participated in a Highway Cleanup on May 6. A group of energetic youth and parents worked hard to tidy up a stretch of highway north of Ryley. The most common type of litter found was coffee cups. The club was proud to serve in their community.