New Historical Photos in Library Gallery

There are some new photos of historic Chestermere for your viewing next time you are at the Chestermere Public Library. Thanks to Jack McDonald and his magic stick that helps get all the photos hung in a nice straight line, you can see a photo of the Weno Gas Station , a framed calendar that was donated by Marion Boutin advertising the station, photos of the Willis Spare barn on Highway #1A, and pictures of the little 1952 fire truck when it was used back in the 60s.
Weno Services Limited was located approximately 1.5 kilometers east of the Hubalta railroad station, later Hub Oil Refinery, on highway #1A heading toward Chestermere Lake from Calgary. Frank Gowan purchased the service station in 1939 from Mr. Webb of Conrich. Frank provided many services over the 38 years he operated the station. He supplied automotive services and bulk farm fuels, oils, and heating fuels to the Chestermere farming communities. Anyone looking for sporting goods could also find ‘Fibreform’ boats and Polaris snowmobiles for recreation on Chestermere Lake as well as fishing licenses.
The station was named for a district that was planned for that area. Much like the Hub Oil Refinery, the station was a landmark sentry post for city residents travelling east to Chestermere Lake for an outing.
The barn at SW1/4 16 24 28 W4 ( along Highway #1a just west of Chestermere) was built by Mr and Mrs Willis C Spare in about 1910. They came from Missouri. They sold the farm in 1949 to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dahl. Bessie and Alf Indergard and family built there and later Ester and Vern Skibstead lived on the property. One of the photos (the more artistic of the two) was taken by Dustin Hoffert in 2010 . Dustin is grandson to Joyce Hodgson who lived and farmed just across the highway south of the Spare farmstead.
If you would like to read more about these two historical features in and around Chestermere, get a copy of “Chestermere A Home for All Seasons” from www.chestermerehistory.org ( Contact Us) or call Audrey 272-9280 or Jen 403 272-3764. The Historical Foundation AGM and Regular meeting will be Tuesday April 16th starting at 6:30pm in the Library.