The fire at Fort McMurray makes one think about loss and as a Chestermere Historical society we think in terms of historical loss in this area.
There were residents in the Chestermere area for much longer than Chestermere Lake has been here. One of the earliest residents was Jesse Barker and his sons Will and Mark. These folks filed homestead papers for land in Township 24 (and for those of you who do not know, all of the City of Chestermere is in Township 24) in March of 1900. This family has been a big part of the area’s history, participating in many ways, politically and socially in the community. Members of the family still live in this area 116 years later.
Will Barker married Mabel Belyea in 1912 and built a home that was rather special for his bride. It featured running water, a parlour with glass doors, central heating (coal), acetylene lights and soon after a 32 volt electric system. This home was located on what is now called 100th Street and was between Highway 1A and Township road 240.
Their five children were born at the home and later went to the Janet School. Will was on the School Board for 21 years and was involved with the M.D. of Shepard. Sons Don and Gordon have been involved over the years with the Chestermere community association in several capacities.
Three Barker children are in the school photo taken about 1932 in front of the Janet School, Gordon to the right of Mr. Groom the teacher, Allan 2nd from the right in the middle row and Don the 2nd boy from the left in the front row.
In the 1930’s an epidemic of cholera in their purebred Poland China hogs and drastically reduced crops caused considerable financial hardship and the family lost this part of the farm.
In 1935, it was purchased by Arthur and Mildred Gillespie who along with their daughter Lorraine farmed there until Art died in 1959. Lorraine later moved to the Prince of Peace and the house was left vacant for several years.
This wonderful home which meant so much to its residents over the years came to an end 4 years ago when a grass fire swept across the field and burned it down. This is a tragedy to all the community as another piece of history of this community was lost and we do not have much history to lose.
