The Chestermere Historical Foundation’s mandate is to preserve the history of the Chestermere area. This includes the places and people. There have been huge changes in this area over the hundred and twenty or so years since the first settlers came to Chestermere.
We have started a project to preserve the memories of the long-time residents of Chestermere and area through discussion and a video recording. Some Chestermere residents have family members who were very early farm people and others who chose to live in Chestermere as adults.
It is our hope through these interviews to document some of the early recollections of what life was like when they were growing up. We will be asking about family members, play and chore activities, school memories and any other memories including life at the lake. We would love to see any photos that those folks would care to share.
One of those residents who was recently interviewed is Joyce Hodgson. Joyce was born in the area, the third daughter of Dave and Emma Gowdy. Her parents were very active in the Chestermere community at the time she was growing up. She went to a one room rural school near Indus until grade nine and then went to Western Canada High school. High School at that time was optional and attending meant that students boarded with families in Calgary. She married Everett Hodgson whose family were also very involved in the Chestermere community. The former Hodgson homestead is a familiar sight to all who drive into Chestermere from the west along Chestermere Boulevard. The big red barn is still standing at the southeast corner of Range Road 284. Joyce had many stories of growing up and living in the area and had photographs to help tell her story.
All of your stories are valuable to the history of this area. If anyone reading this has a suggestion of someone that we can contact please let Kay Clarke 403-279-1036 or Jen Peddlesden 403-272-3764 know.
