Climb Thru Time Museum

Open from May 1 to Aug. 30, a unique museum in the Village of Paradise Valley focuses on the progress of rural life.

When the last train left the station, it marked the end of an era except for one Alberta Pool grain elevator which had been standing since 1929.

This museum which opened in June 1995 is situated inside this repurposed grain elevator. There are more than 50 themed displays that effectively share stories of their history.

The founders, Ardis and Parke Dobson along with many community volunteers and donors had the vision, dedication and enthusiasm to bring this historical collection together.

The journey begins naturally with pre-settlement on the barren prairie land progressing to the ‘People of the Prairies’ with displays of arrowheads, handmade tools and the sound of Indigenous music playing.

Immigrants who settled in this area included English, Scottish, Irish, Scandinavian, and Ukrainian folks.

Improving wait times involves looking at the overall need for diagnostic imaging services and providing the right level of service based on community demand.

AHS has also committed to recruiting new staff to perform additional CT and MRI scans in AHS facilities.

In addition to staffing initiatives, AHS continues to use their CT and MRI Implementation Plan to determine where need is the greatest.

The plan takes data from previous years to more accurately estimate where demand pressures

From the sod house, early tools used to coax a living from the land, to the early horsedrawn machinery and transportation; this museum showcases not only the artifacts used but more importantly their homesteading stories. The darkened old barn exhibit is lit by a modern flickering bulb in a lantern which tells a story about what life was like before electricity. I also learned that the first telephone lines were made using barbed wire.

There are so many special touches including a mother cat and her kittens stretched out in front of a wood stove, a hopscotch game drawn on the floor outside the toy display, coffee warming atop a gas stove in the winter and a feisty rooster who suddenly crows out to each visitor as they approach the chicken coop.

Hearing soft hymns playing in the church, the lyrics from The Sound of Music movie in the theatre or viewing the parlour with a festively decorated Christmas tree with carols playing in the background show the community’s vision in creating these displays.

At the top of the grain elevator is a special spot, where you may occur and ensure appropriate use of imaging.

The CT and MRI Implementation Plan will help minimize wait times, decrease costs and better manage demand.

Budget 2023 secures

Alberta’s future by can look all the way down to show just how far you’ve gradually climbed. Until this not-so-brave columnist leaned over and looked through the clear cover, I hadn’t realized how far up I had gradually ascended. transforming the health care system to meet people’s needs, supporting Albertans with the high cost of living, keeping our communities safe and driving the economy with more jobs, quality education and continued diversification.

Displays also include a general store, a oneroom school, war artifacts, local businesses, natural disasters, Depression years, youth groups, sports, entertainment, agriculture, medical and so many more.

A unique display focusing on the year 2000 serves as a time capsule from this period.

Besides climbing inside a grain elevator with its wheelchairaccessible ramp and grain-polished wood, what really sets this museum apart is the extra touches.

There is vast textual information, ambient lighting and sounds triggered by motion sensors as you walk by.

Together they help connect visitors to this area’s rural history and engage your senses to step back through time. The journey isn’t complete without a visit to the Tea Room and train station.

It truly is a Climb Thru Time and well worth a visit this summer.