A sincere note of appreciation goes out to Ken Grove, long-time resident of our area, who responded to the request in December asking if the fresno (owned by he and his brother Alfred and stored out at their family farm in Castor) would be useful to the Chestermere Historical Foundation (CHF). Needless to say the answer was a resounding yes! CHF appreciates the generosity of the Grove Family who have contributed a lot to Chestermere community activities. In the early days of the Country Fair Ken brought his replica threshing machine for the parade and Louise, who has since passed away, did the beautiful artwork for the booklet covers. Everyone looks forward to Ken’s son Wayne bringing the threshing machine back to the Fair!
A fresno is a type of dirt scraper pulled by a team of horses. Fresnos were used by the CPR Department of Natural Resources to build the Chestermere Lake dam and dig out many of the canals. Pictured is a fresno owned by Miss Barbara Moody, and used by her father in the building of the dam back in the early 1900s. (for more on this story check out Chestermere A Home for All Seasons, $48, or at Chestermere Public Library).
CHF was also pleased to receive $500 from the Chestermere United Way for helping at the recent United Way Fundraiser, Octoberfest 2012. This money purchased historical items which have been, or will be used in displays and presentations to school students in the coming years. With the installation of the new Senior’s Space area of the Chestermere Public Library (thanks to a provincial New Horizons Grant in 2012) some of these items will be on display in special cabinets.
Memberships in CHF for 2013 are now due, a bargain at $5.00 (old fashioned price, eh?) and you can get yours by going to www.chestermerehistory.org and downloading the membership form. The next meeting will be held January 22nd, 6:30pm at the Chestermere Public Library. As well, work continues on restoration of the 1952 fire-truck, check the website for pictorial updates. If you would like to help call Chef de Restoration Vince at 403 819-4117 to volunteer.
