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Tag: Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village

Aerial view of pioneer museum grounds with buildings and vehicles

Free admission to Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village Saturday

Written by Dave Lueneberg on . Posted in Community, Dave Lueneberg, History/Heritage, Stories. No Comments on Free admission to Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village Saturday

Although the actual day that Alberta joined confederation was Sept. 1, most communities around the province will celebrate the landmark occasion on Saturday.

In Pincher Creek, Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village is offering free admission, a barbecue and bunny bar, and a musical performance by Noel Burles.

“If all the stars align, we also have a display by the North West Mounted Police based out of High River,” says the museum’s Gord Tolton.

“They’re going to bring their display trailer and have storyboards set up and some of the firearms that were used back in the day. The members will also be wearing the same uniforms that were worn circa 1870.”

An unexpected bonus to the afternoon, Tolton says, will be the arrival of a wedding party and the taking of photos at around 2 p.m. of two RCMP members who are expected to be dressed in full uniform.

Alberta Day festivities will take place from 1 until 4 p.m.

Woman with short, dark hair and glasses speaks from a podium while pointing to a photo display

KBPV unveils Part II of Bert Riggall photo exhibit

Written by William Cockerell on . Posted in Community, History/Heritage, William Cockerell. No Comments on KBPV unveils Part II of Bert Riggall photo exhibit

 Part II of the photo exhibit Bert Riggall: An Intimate Visual of the Southwest Alberta Mountains is now on display in the front entrance of Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village in Pincher Creek. 

The two-part exhibit features photos taken by Bert Riggall, a highly respected mountain guide, outfitter and naturalist, whose photos from the first half of the 20th century perfectly encapsulate the natural beauty of the greater Waterton region.

Part I focused on photos taken by Bert during his early years in southeastern British Columbia and southwestern Alberta, operating a packtrain business out of Waterton and taking tourists on backcountry trips and fishing expeditions. 

Part II now features photos taken by Bert during backcountry trips through the upper Oldman Watershed, including notable landmarks such as Beehive Mountain, Little Bear Lake and Mount Lyell.

“Bert’s photos are visually stunning,” says Farley Wuth, curator at KBPV. “Many of those backcountry trails have not been photographed by other photographers, so it’s a good visual record of the history of that country.”

An avid photographer, Bert captured some of the region’s most stunning landscapes in his shots, while providing a bird’s-eye view of the local history of backpacking during the pioneer days.

While the photos are phenomenal visual representations, Bert took things one step forward by providing written details on the back of nearly every photo featured in the exhibit.

“On the reverse side of virtually every photograph, he’s written down when the photo was taken, the type of camera that was used, the details of the trip, where it was, who was in the party, things like that,” Farley says.

 

Orange t-shirt on grey background with Town of Pincher Creek logo on the sleeve, promoting Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 30.

 

“It’s great that he took the photos, but it’s equally great that he wrote down the details of what the images are all about. It’s great to have that history.”

This travelling exhibit was organized by Wendy Ryan, president of the Bert Riggall Environmental Foundation, a non-profit outdoors group based in Pincher Creek. 

Wendy has spent roughly six years working on the exhibit, but has studied Bert Riggall’s life and accomplishments for far longer. 

After moving to the area in 1980, Wendy married an outfitter and the pair would often ride horses together along various trails. She did not know they were Bert Riggall trails, nor did she know of their significance, until she met Bert’s grandchildren.

Thanks to the Russell family, she learned and developed an appreciation for the hard work that goes into running an outfitting business, and for Bert’s ability to take photos under difficult circumstances.

Wendy feels it is important not only to promote Bert as an important historical figure to the region, but also to promote the stunning and unique landscapes the region has to offer.

“We’d like to encourage people that would like to learn more about the area to just go out there and discover little hidden gems like the Old Man Falls,” she says. 

“I probably drove by the falls a couple of times without realizing they were there because you need to get out of your car and walk 100 metres, and there it is, and it’s very beautiful.”

Wendy will conduct a presentation of Part II of the Bert Riggall exhibit on Aug. 30 at KBPV, so those interested in learning more about Bert are encouraged to attend.

 

 

Header for Frontier Canadian Recollections Column with Kootenai Brown's cabin and man in bowler hat

Life and times of frontiersman Daniel Cassidy and family

Written by Shannon Peace on . Posted in Community, Farley Wuth, History/Heritage. No Comments on Life and times of frontiersman Daniel Cassidy and family

The history of the Pincher Creek area is interwoven with the tales of frontiersmen who shaped the community we have today. Such was the case with Daniel Cassidy and his family, whose rural chronicles made them well known through southwestern Alberta.

Early adventures

Daniel Cassidy was born in 1864 in what was to become Port Elgin, Ont. As his birth took place three years before Confederation, this harbour along the eastern shores of Lake Huron was still part of the British colony of “the Canadas.” His parents were Neil and Catherine (Cummins) Cassidy, and he had five siblings — four brothers and one sister.

Folklore indicates that, as a young man, the junior Cassidy led a life of adventure in parts of Canada and the United States. He always was interested in animals, and first spent time pursuing studies to be a veterinarian. Later, he raised thoroughbred race horses, and also was a jockey.

Cassidy also worked as a businessman prior to his arrival in the Pincher Creek area. It is claimed that he once owned and operated a hotel in Castlewood, S.D. He also worked as a dock foreman on the American side of Lake Superior, having secured employment with Iron King Bennett, the famous Minnesota-based shipping magnate.

It was in early November 1887 that Cassidy married his bride, a member of the Smith family who also hailed from Port Elgin. The wedding took place in the American settlement of Duluth, Minn.

 

Beige and green trailer on announcement reminding Pincher Creek residents to have trailers off the street by Oct. 21.

 

Popular Mountain Mill couple

Twenty-six years later, in 1913, Mr. and Mrs. Cassidy arrived in southwestern Alberta. They established a farm a few miles west of Pincher Creek, and both husband and wife became active in the old timber-harvesting and agricultural community of Mountain Mill. This rural area had a settlement history almost as old as Pincher Creek’s, dating back to 1879 with the first sawmill in this area.

Over the years, they became fast friends with such Mountain Mill, Beaver Mines and Beauvais Lake pioneers as the Wilbur, Clifford and Ray Langs; Jack Ledingham; the McDowells; and William Boyden. They also knew Marie Rose Smith, known locally as the Fifty Dollar Bride, and her numerous children.

Three of Mrs. Cassidy’s younger brothers — Tom, Johnny and Jim Smith — also resided with the couple and their daughter Elsie, and this made for an interesting mix of Smiths in the area, although the two clans were not related. The three Smith brothers were well liked for their fiddle playing at the many dances hosted by the rural community and, like the Cassidys, were highly respected by their peers.

The Cassidys were enthusiastic about their opinions and never hesitated to comment on current affairs. It is said that the couple led many an intriguing discussion on a wide variety of topics.

The Cassidys’ farm was a thriving operation. For nearly 35 years, they resided in a large two-storey house on the property.

One of the highlights for the couple likely came shortly after their 1913 arrival in the Pincher Creek area when they ordered a large coal-burning Home Comfort cookstove. A faded old photo, now housed at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village, shows the arrival of this coveted item, brought in on a wagon pulled by a team of horses.

 

 

This steel appliance was noted for its large warming oven on top and its ornate chrome finish. Like other farming families, the Cassidys appreciated the convenience of this stove, which made cooking home meals as well as heating their home much more efficient.

For such a family located close to the Christie Coal Mine, more often than not it would have burned this local fuel, but often the pioneer stoves were adaptable to wood as well. It all depended upon which combustible resource was available locally.

The couple’s golden wedding anniversary, in 1937, was celebrated with a large afternoon community gathering. In 1945, the Cassidys retired to Pincher Creek, acquiring a house on the south side of Main Street. Mrs. Cassidy passed away the following year at the age of 89. Dan Cassidy lived another dozen years, passing away at the age of 94.

One of the many intriguing aspects of the Cassidys’ history is the varied research sources utilized to put it together. Everything from old newspaper articles from the local and regional press, archival photographs housed at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village and local folklore can be accessed to compose a historical article from the local past.

These sources underscore the importance of preserving and documenting the district’s chronicles, thereby ensuring that they can be accessed and appreciated by future generations.

Events poster for Pincher Creek Pro Rodeo

Giddy-up, there’s fun to be found all over town!

Written by Mia Parker on . Posted in Community, Entertainment, Mia Parker. No Comments on Giddy-up, there’s fun to be found all over town!

Rodeo weekend is jam-packed with activities that appeal to a wide range of interests and offer families and friends the chance to kick back, relax and have fun — and you don’t have to be a cowhand to enjoy it.

Pincher Creek’s volunteer organizations and businesses are coming together to offer delicious meals, one-of-a-kind buys and buzzing social events.

Love Local

This weekend provides the perfect opportunity to support local businesses, organizations and events.

We encourage our readers to take time to mosey around town to shop, eat and enjoy Pincher Creek’s small-town hospitality whether they are locals or visitors. 

In our Rodeo Week special feature you’ll find great deals on goods from steaks to western wear. Your support of the advertisers in this feature section is appreciated!

Pancake breakfasts and parade

Early risers can join Napi Friendship Association for a pancake breakfast from 9 to 11 on Friday and enjoy the warm summer sun from the picnic tables on the organization’s adjacent lawn. The breakfast, which includes pancakes, sausages, eggs, coffee and orange juice, is free of charge.

Breakfasting continues on Saturday, with a morning meal from 8 to 10 a.m. hosted by the Cowley Lions in the parking lot of the Pincher Creek Provincial Building. Attendees can enjoy $5 plates of pancakes and sausages, and meet Pincher Creek councillors, who plan to make an appearance at the event.

Proceeds go toward helping community members in need and supporting scholarships for students in the Lundbreck and Cowley area.

Sunday you can get your pancakes at the rodeo grounds from 8 to 11 a.m., hosted by the Pincher Creek SPCA. Breakfast is $5 and proceeds go toward veterinary care for the animals in the local shelter.

The Pincher Creek parade starts winding its way down Main Street at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Come wave at the colourful festive floats full of local businesspeople, volunteers, municipal leaders and cultural groups. For more information on this event, see the full story on page 17.

All the eats!

In keeping with tradition, Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village is hosting its annual Lunch With the Pioneers on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hungry parade-goers can enjoy a $15 meal of lasagna, Caesar salad and dessert, with additional treats like ice cream available to purchase. 

Museum admission is free all day.

The Pincher Creek Legion is selling burgers Saturday after the parade until 3 p.m., then again from 5 to 8, along with hosting special events. Friday evening at 5, you can grab a bite from the chuckwagon supper at the family-friendly Legion.

Stop by Fox Theatre on Saturday for breakfast sandwiches and coffee, footlong hotdogs and many other tasty treats on Parade day..

Youth lemonade stands

To cool down after the parade, visitors can quench their thirst by supporting a local stand this Lemonade Day. The town’s most ambitious youth entrepreneurs are whipping up their own inventive takes on this classic summer drink and serving them from hand-decorated booths around town.

Floral festival

An array of colourful and fragrant floral arrangements are on public display Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Den on Main Street. The Oldman Rose Society of Southern Alberta is organizing the event to showcase some of Pincher Creek’s best gardening talent and to provide useful planting tips.

Western Market 

Cowboys and gals can find everything to match their lifestyles at the Pincher Creek Western Market. Seventy-two vendors are setting up shop at Community Hall from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, displaying a variety of goods including ceramics, art, jewelry, food, clothing and horse rack. 

The market is hosting musicians Lani Folkard and Lyndsay Butler on Saturday, and Boots and the Hoots, and Justin Sutton on Sunday. You can also find food, beverages and more at market vendors Celestial Sweets, Sun & Sip, and SGB Fitbodies.

Don’t miss the Ranchland Mall pop-up market, running from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and specials in local retail businesses.

Kids Rodeo

The kids rodeo starts at 10 a.m. Friday with entertainment and activities galore, as well as treats for purchase from Fox Theatre. Read more about the kids rodeo on page 6. 

Thanks to sponsorship from the Pincher Creek Legion, the calf scramble is back and four bikes are up for grabs at the weekend Pro Rodeo performances.

Mutton bustin’ is a delight for the youngest riders, who will take to the arena before the Sunday-afternoon rodeo. The wild pony races are great fun to watch and feature local kids who aren’t afraid to land in the dirt.

Speaking of dirt, the sand pile to the west of the stands is a handy way to keep the little ones busy when the rodeo action tires them out.

Fun around town

If you’re looking for a family night out before the rodeo kicks off, plan to catch Fred Penner’s show on Wednesday, Aug. 16.

This outdoor show is free for everyone. Sing along with Fred and listen to him spin tales that will delight all ages.

In preparation for rodeo weekend, businesses will be judged on their rodeo decor Thursday at 1 p.m. Be sure to take in the rodeo spirit of Pincher Creek these next few days!

If you’re at Ranchland Mall, check out the Co-op’s photo booth and get into the spirit of the West.

Meat draws start at 12:30 p.m. at the Legion. Not sure what a meat draw is? Stop in, enjoy the air conditioning and check it out!

Saturday night’s cabaret with live music by Brandon Lorenzo will be entertaining for the 18-plus crowd. Be sure to plan for a safe ride home.

Fuelling up on the grounds

One doesn’t need to leave the rodeo grounds to get cold treats and drinks, or a bite to eat!

The Rocky Mountain Gut Truck is providing barbecue fare during Thursday night’s team roping competition and will also be ready for a hungry crowd at the cabaret on Saturday night.

The 4-H concession is open from Friday to Sunday. Club members are happy to help cure the growl in your belly, offering community service with a smile.

Beer gardens on the ag grounds are open Thursday to Sunday. Hours vary, so check the header of each day’s rodeo page for specifics.

If sweet treats are what you desire on a hot day, don’t miss the Moose Lick truck, which will be on-site to keep things cool.

Foothills 4-H Beef Club members are also offering a special dinner on Saturday at 5:30. Tickets for a steak sandwich with two sides are $20 and sold on a first come, first served basis.

Remember to have cash on hand for your purchases!

Movie night

Spend a night under the stars with friends and family Friday at the Town of Pincher Creek’s latest outdoor movie night. Starting at 9:30 p.m., Madagascar is showing at the spray park field behind the pool on Main Street. This is a free event. 

Fox Theatre’s concession opens at 8 and it is recommended that viewers bring their own lawn chairs and blankets, and wear warm layers.

 

See full Rodeo Week feature section here!

Cowboy riding saddle bronc on cover page of Pincher Creek Pro Rodeo feature section in Shootin' the Breeze

 

Old fashioned log cabin with wooden bench in front – heading for Frontier Canadian Recollections

Documents shed new light on early Pincher Creek ranches

Written by Submission on . Posted in Community, Farley Wuth, History/Heritage. No Comments on Documents shed new light on early Pincher Creek ranches

Many locals are keenly aware of the varied and rich agricultural heritage that has blessed the Pincher Creek area for nearly a century and a half. Yet our historical research here at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village has uncovered old promotional materials from the late 1880s that shed some new light on the nature of some of the early family ranches.

Let’s have a look at a few of those early ranching operations.

 

Orange and blue flames on SGB Fitbodies ad promoting Fire and Ice classes

 

Excellent stock-raising area

The promotional literature made note of the excellent stock-raising attributes of the Pincher Creek area. Initial concerns that this district was too close to the mountains, thereby endangering ranching operations through a lack of open rangeland accompanied by heavy winter snowfalls, proved to be largely erroneous.

Early experiences established, with a few exceptions such as the harsh blizzards of 1886-87, that the local winters were not plagued with large snow accumulations. The large grazing areas indeed were a blessing for the early ranchers.

Promotional campaigns made note of the abundance of the local rivers and creeks, which provided adequate water for stock raising. The ranching potential along the South, Middle and North forks of the Oldman River, including those tributaries such as Todd and Ross creeks, was emphasized.

Pincher, Mill and Halifax creeks also were heralded as excellent year-round water sources for those looking for early endeavours raising cattle and horses. The southwest was a ranching paradise second to none.

 

 

Butte Ranch partnership

One of the earliest cattle operations established in the Pincher Creek vicinity was the Butte Ranch, originally connected with pioneer Frederick W. Godsal.

This ranching giant later went into partnership with a Mr. Allfrey (of whom we now know little; he seems to have disappeared into the pages of history) and Lionel Brooke, our area’s most infamous remittance man. Brooke later bought out most of the ranch from Allfrey and Godsal.

Situated adjacent to the South Fork, the ranch was enhanced by many improvements over the years. By February 1888, it was “well provided with good stables and sheds” as well as two fresh-water wells. Much of the ranch was fenced, and Brooke had built up the cattle herd to include 200 head of stock, bred by polled Angus bulls.

In spite of Brooke’s lack of hands-on ranching experience, the Butte Ranch did flourish during those early years.

 

 

South Fork Ranch envied by many

By the late 1880s, F.W. Godsal also was connected with his nearby South Fork Ranch. It was publicly touted as being “one of the best-improved in the country.”

Godsal, considered one of the premier ranchers attached to the southwestern corner of the Canadian Prairies, had painstakingly changed the system by which he had ranched. After a few years of practical experience, he had come to the conclusion that there was more financial profit in ranching with smaller numbers of cattle, well cared for, than having a large herd that had to be left to the uncertainties of the open range.

His cattle on the South Fork Ranch numbered an annual average of 400, which Godsal maintained provided easy access to those animals that were weak and needed veterinary attention. Feed, primarily alfalfa and timothy (which too were raised on the ranch) was readily available during the cold, snow-filled weeks of winter.

The ranch numbered over 5,000 acres in size, most of which was unfenced pastureland.

 

Notice of operational days for Crowsnest/Pincher Creek Landfill

 

The modern South Fork Ranch buildings were the envy of many a non-local rancher. The well-constructed main ranch house utilized local logs, and was designed to withstand the massive weather fluctuations so common to the area. Inside, the structure consisted of a parlour, a kitchen, a pantry and two bedrooms.

Surrounding the house was a fenced yard, a portion of which was cultivated for a garden. Nearby was a second house, measuring 18 by 20 feet, which was for the ranch hands.

The outbuildings included a large barn, half of which was used for the horses and a harness room. The second half of this 30-by-40-foot log structure was for the calves.

An extensive system of corrals and sheds complemented the ranch operation. The arrangements well suited the ever-particular Godsal.

 

 

Clear Water Ranche and French Flats

The Clear Water Ranche was located at French Flats, near the present village of Cowley, close to a mile and a half from the South Fork. French Flats derived its name early in our settlement history as a result of the large number of French Canadian and Métis families who settled there in order to take up ranching.

The Clear Water was operated under a partnership of Jones and Sharpe, two pioneers in their own right. The ranch was well known locally for its extensive cattle and horse breeding operations. The horse stock was being improved with two Clydesdale stallions named Atlas and Prince.

On the ranch, nearly 320 acres was fenced, most of which was utilized as pasture. Also grown was an annual allotment of 1,100 bushels of grain and smaller amounts of timothy.

 

 

The ranch buildings were extensive and well utilized. Featured was a log stable measuring 30 by 40 feet and complete with a loft. Farther down the yard were several outbuildings highlighted by a solid granary, a cow stable measuring 160 feet in length, and several sheds.

A solidly constructed 50-by-18-foot house, expanded during the summer of 1888, complemented the ranch buildings.

The Jones and Sharpe partnership worked well: the Clear Water Ranche was a flourishing success.

Each of these agricultural entities was well known for its cattle and horses.

Man and woman with their dog in ad for Vision Credit Union profit sharing

 

Vision Credit Union drought campaign ad. Rear view of man and woman walking into field

 

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Old fashioned log cabin with wooden bench in front – heading for Frontier Canadian Recollections

Pioneer rancher and hotelkeeper Cole Sedgewick

Written by Shannon Peace on . Posted in Community, Farley Wuth, History/Heritage.

One of the less chronicled but very interesting pioneers from the long-ago pages of our local history was Cole F. Sedgewick (circa 1878 -1931). Although he had hard luck in terms of his ranching and family background, his perseverance won him accolades from friends and neighbours.

Ranching and business ventures

Cole Sedgewick was born in rural Montana. There is some disagreement as to his birth year. The Dominion of Canada Census for 1911 lists it as 1878, while his obituary from 1931 indicates that he was only 48 years of age when he passed away. That would have made his year of birth 1883.

Such discrepancies are commonplace in old-time data and are challenges for both the local historian and the genealogist.

Sedgewick’s family ancestry was English, and he had two brothers. His parents were involved in the ranching industry and hotel business south of the line. They operated three hotels in different Montana centres during the frontier era.

Building upon those life experiences, Sedgewick came north to the Lundbreck area in 1899. According to the 1911 Dominion of Canada Census he became a British subject three years later. He established a ranch just a short distance from this agricultural and coal mining settlement.

 

Town of Pincher Creek council and committee of the whole schedule advertisement

 

This was in the year following completion of the Crowsnest line of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Within a few short years, he had built up a large cattle herd and the ranch flourished.

However, a severe snowstorm during the winter of 1910 spelled disaster, as most of his cattle were wiped out. The resulting financial setback forced Sedgewick to give up his ranching venture.

Disappointed but not prepared to give up on southern Alberta, our ever-resourceful pioneer headed to Lethbridge for a short period, where he pursued business options. He soon ventured west, however, settling in the coal mining town of Blairmore, the heart of the Crowsnest Pass. There he purchased a hotel, which he operated until 1923.

Building upon his business experiences at his Lundbreck ranch, Sedgewick secured a thriving trade for the hotel. The mines often were busy and the hotel was located close to the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks, which saw near continuous passenger and freight traffic.

 

 

B.C. commercial activities

After more than a decade in the midst of the Pass, Sedgewick took on another business venture, this time adjacent to Kootenay Lake in southern British Columbia.

Building upon the business contacts he had made many years earlier in Lethbridge, he attempted to organize an oil company for these entrepreneurs. In spite of their best efforts, the venture did not get off the ground, but within two years Sedgewick had secured a short-lived position with the Canadian Oil Co.

This position was successful due to Sedgewick’s organizational skills. He secured new capital and combined it with the monies of the Canadian Oil Co. to establish the Kootenay Oil Co. His efforts resulted in his being appointed its general manager, a job he held until 1928.

That year Shell Oil bought out the smaller corporation, but Sedgewick continued his work for another 12 months, resigning in 1929.

 

 

Not content to retire from business life, Cole Sedgewick acquired the Pitner’s Café in early 1931, renaming it the Plaza. His wife, Lois, took on active management of the business. However, disaster struck just a few weeks later, in March, when Cole passed away unexpectedly. He had been ill for only a short time.

The former Lois Porter, whom he married in July 1925, was Sedgewick’s second wife. Little is known of his first wife, other than she was born in 1878. Official records list her only by her first initial of “W.” She passed away while the couple resided on their Lundbreck area ranch, following several years of poor health.

Socially, Sedgewick was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He also was active in the Independent Order of Oddfellows when he resided in Blairmore, and later in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks when working in Nelson, B.C.

 

 

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Old fashioned log cabin with wooden bench in front – heading for Frontier Canadian Recollections

Pincher Creek winter weather extremes

Written by Submission on . Posted in Community, Farley Wuth, History/Heritage, Weather. No Comments on Pincher Creek winter weather extremes

The cold snaps experienced early this winter offer us a glimpse into those changeable winter weather patterns of the past. A look back to the winter of 1917-18 provides a few local illustrations of the volatile weather conditions to which we begrudgingly have become accustomed.

Winter weather for Christmas 1917

According to the old records, Christmas 1917 dawned cold and was accompanied by fairly high snowfalls. The coldest was the morning of Christmas Eve, when the temperature dipped down to 26 degrees below 0 Fahrenheit. Overnight temperatures remained almost that cold for the next four nights, and daytime readings fluctuated between –11 and 20 degrees on the old scale.

Meteorological notes indicate that seven inches of snow fell during those five days, and local press reports indicate that the snowfall was widespread throughout southwestern Alberta.

 

 

A chinook rolled into town one day

In typical local fashion, everything changed virtually overnight.

On Saturday, Dec. 29, 1917, one of Pincher Creek’s infamous and most welcome chinooks blew fiercely into town. The temperature rose dramatically. Registering a cold 0 as the day’s low, it rose a tremendous 52 degrees by 8 p.m. that evening.

The editor of the pioneer press reported that water was running down Main Street by early Saturday morning and that locals, concerned about a possible flood, were clearing obstructions away from the street drains. By evening, most of the snow had melted but everything was one massive mud hole.

 

 

The warm weather continued until January 1918, and within 24 hours of the initial warming trend, the streets in town had virtually dried out. Our pioneers knew they could never underestimate the power of those westerly winds.

Even in the country, the conditions were thawing out. As early as noon on that changeable Saturday, motorists were able to come into town from points as far south as Twin Butte. This was no mean feat, given motor vehicle technology as well as the road conditions of the time, aided and abetted by the heavy snow that had built up the previous month.

A March storm blew in

Local temperatures made the usual winter fluctuations during the rest of January and February. Late in February, another storm blew into the Pincher Creek area, and, although temperatures still hovered in the 10 to 20 F range, this weather change was noted more for its snowfalls and gusty winds.

 

 

On Feb. 24, just under a foot of snow fell in town and, according to local folklore, up to eight additional inches fell in the foothills and mountains. The following two days the winds picked up to gale force, and the press reported that at times it was nearly impossible to see across any street in town due to the blowing snow.

By 9 p.m. on the 26th, the winds had died down and the snow-covered landscape had changed significantly in typical Pincher Creek fashion: there were wide areas where the ground was swept bare of snow, yet in the sheltered areas there were high, deeply crusted drifts.

Located in great numbers throughout the countryside, these drifts made travel difficult. Bus connections with the trails at Pincher Station had great difficulty in travelling back and forth, and reportedly got stuck on a regular basis.

 

 

Conditions to the west and south of town told similar stories. Large drifts that accumulated along Lang’s Coulee as well as at Mountain Mill made it very difficult to reach Beaver Mines for several days, and blizzard conditions at Waterton Lakes virtually closed down activity there.

The only saving grace was that the storm did not block rail traffic along the Canadian Pacific Railway’s Crowsnest line: the trains had enough power to get through the drifting snow.

As we now watch the current winter weather unfold, we are reminded that Pincher Creek’s very changeable weather patterns truly have not changed all that much over the years.

 

 

 

 

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Male youth pins poppy to Remembrance Day cross held by female youth, while another male youth stands at attention, on the front page of Shootin' the Breeze. Alberta news from Pincher Creek area and Crowsnest Pass.

Nov. 9, 2022

Written by Shannon Peace on . Posted in Current Issue.

We will remember them

Peter Van Bussel and Abigail Rigaux receive a poppy from Walker Anderson at the MHHS Remembrance Day assembly in Pincher Creek.

Kids trick or treating in lion costumes – one roaring and one smiling on the front page of Shootin' the Breeze. Alberta news from Pincher Creek area and Crowsnest Pass.

Nov. 2, 2022

Written by Shannon Peace on . Posted in Current Issue.

Lion’s share of fun

Ames and Miles were spotted enjoying Spooky Town and the great weather Saturday at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village in Pincher Creek.

Women dressed in costumes representing the four seasons

Spooky Town delights families

Written by Shannon Peace on . Posted in Children/Youth, Community, Special Days/Holidays. No Comments on Spooky Town delights families

Spooky Town delights families every Halloween.

The event takes place at the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village in Pincher Creek and welcomes children of all ages to trick-or-treat on the museum grounds. Local businesses and non-profit groups, as well as the town and MD, are invited to participate and man the different stations.

Those adventuresome enough could also test their mettle by touring the BooBerry House and the Haunted Barn, both expertly prepared by KBPV staff.

 

 

Vision Credit Union

Vision Credit Union

Everett to the resuce

Everett to the resuce

Ames and Miles

Ames and Miles

Delilah and Brianna

Delilah and Brianna

Four Seasons from the Pincher Creek Family Centre – Leason, Amanda, Jacqui and Colette

Four Seasons from the Pincher Creek Family Centre – Leason, Amanda, Jacqui and Colette

Vlad

Vlad

Meghan, Mae And Claire

Meghan, Mae And Claire

 

 

 

 

Canada Day events galore!

Written by Shannon Peace on . Posted in Community, Entertainment, Events, Special Days/Holidays.

Canada Day events in Pincher Creek

In Pincher Creek, Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village will host a day of family activities starting at 10 a.m. There will be a bouncy castle and traditional picnic activities, including a three-legged race, a sack race and an egg race.

Blue Rock Entertainment will DJ the event and Noel Burles will perform live music. Admission is free, and burgers and ice cream will be sold. A beer garden will also be available.

 

Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village curator Farley Wuth grins widely as he shows off his sparkly Canada Day hat.
Farley Wuth, curator of Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village in Pincher Creek, and museum staff look forward to welcoming a big crowd on Canada Day.

 

The day will finish with DJ Stu broadcasting live from the agriculture grounds on 103.5 FM, starting at 9 p.m. Families can gather to enjoy the music and fun at the outdoor venue that will conclude with a fireworks display at 11.

Organizers request that dogs be left at home.

The duck race along Pincher Creek and the Legion’s afternoon market have both been cancelled.

 

 

Canada Day events in Cowley

Cowley hasn’t held a Canada Day celebration since the country’s 150th anniversary in 2017.

“It’s been a long time since people have had the opportunity to actually come to a public open event,” says Mayor Barbara Burnett. “I think it’s long overdue.”

A large turnout is expected, with some people coming from as far as Claresholm and Taber.

“There has been a lot of interest in the village,” says Mayor Burnett. “Recent house sales have gone immediately. Within two weeks they sold. One even sold for $30,000 over market price.”

“We’re just trying to make the village visible,” she says, adding that the desire to make Cowley more attractive to outsiders, and to give the community more of a regional spotlight, were primary motivators behind the decision to host the event.

 

 

The festivities will start with a pancake breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. at Cowley Community Hall, where MLA Roger Reid and MP John Barlow will make an appearance.

From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., car enthusiasts can display their classic cars at a show and shine by the railway tracks across from the post office.

They will also have an opportunity to take part in the parade that will begin at 11 a.m. at the corner of First Avenue and Highway 510 and circle around the northwest end of the village past the railway tracks. Parade preparation will begin around 10:15 a.m. and registration is not required.

Mayor Burnett says the event committee extended parade invitations to the Cowley Boat Club, to a provincewide gun group known as the Alberta Black Powder Association and to all Cowley residents aged 75 or older.

 

 

The community hall will be filled with a variety of activities, including a market that will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a heritage display with historic photos of the village. Locals will have the opportunity to play cards and Rene Desjardins will provide musical accompaniment, likely country and classic rock.

There will be plenty of family-friendly activities, including face-painting, soccer and equipment demonstrations from Cowley Fire Department. The fire crew will also be flipping hamburgers starting at noon.

Children are encouraged to set up their own lemonade stands, and Cowley resident Norm Walker has arranged for free ice cream.

 

 

Canada Day events in Crowsnest Pass

Pre-pandemic events are making a comeback in Crowsnest Pass and Canada Day will start with breakfast and a parade.

From 8 to 10 a.m., folks can head over to the Coleman Legion for pancakes — $8 for anyone 13 or older, $5 for children aged five to 12, and free for children under five.

The parade will depart from Flumerfelt Park at 11 a.m. and pass through downtown Coleman. Entry applications are still being accepted.

 

Coleman Community Society Canada Day parade float
The Coleman Community Society, which puts on Canada Day activities in Crowsnest Pass, with its float in a past Canada Day parade.

 

From noon to 4, Flumerfelt Park will be a hub of activity, complete with a bouncy house, a splash pad and inflatable bumper balls. Guitarist Kevin Smith will perform live music and Harvest Spoon and Snacknhand will sell burgers, pizza cones and fries.

Cake will be passed around at 1 p.m.from 8 to 10 a.m.

The mini heritage railway train will be making rounds near the Canadian Pacific Railway line junction off 133rd Street, and children can take a free ride any time in the afternoon.

 

 

Crowsnest Cando has arranged for live musical entertainment in front of Roxy Theatre, located on Coleman’s main thoroughfare.

The lineup includes Tynan Groves, Larry Whan, Lani Folkard, Sarah Lillian,the Big Beat and On the Rox, with music starting at 1 p.m.

Raffle tickets will be on sale for a chance to win Roxy merch and a Canada Day cake.

Everyone is invited to visit Crowsnest Pass Museum to check out the newly updated exhibits on the second floor, or to stop by the Alberta Provincial Police Barracks to take part in Escape the Barracks, its latest attraction, launching July 1.

 

 

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