Search through the journals of the men who served militarily in the 1885 North West Rebellion just north of Lloydminster and one fact becomes abundantly clear. Nearly all of them joined up because they believed it was their last chance for a “great adventure.”
This summer’s vacation could be your “great adventure” too, exploring our past and discovering the extent of our unique heritage that makes Canada such a great country. Your experience searching out the story can even be done in segments, on a few weekends. Or it could be achieved in a single trip in an economical vacation without involving extensive travel since it nearly all occurs within a day’s drive, here in west-central Saskatchewan.
Beginning with the July 1 weekend, the Frenchman Butte Heritage Centre opens every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to welcome summer visitors to their complex of about eight exhibit buildings, crammed full of displays from the early West. The centre also has a 10-site RV park. It features level, pull-through sites with water and electrical services and provides a convenient place to stay in a central location while exploring the nearby historic sites of “The Pursuit of Big Bear Campaign,” Frog Lake, Fort Pitt and the Frenchman Butte National Historic Battle Site, as well as the Steele Narrows Provincial Historic Park Battle site to the north.
There has been a huge effort made in renovating buildings and displays at the heritage centre. The Log Cabin Tea-house is open daily for snacks and refreshments as well as acting as a gathering spot over coffee for lively history discussions.
Significant enhancements were also completed at many of the nearby historic sites with Frog Lake receiving an interpretive walking trail and Fort Pitt an extensive upgrading with the two fort buildings outlined with identifying timbers and storyboards summarizing the features. At the Battle of Frenchman Butte there still exist the original “foxhole” style rifle pits, dug by Cree warriors in their successful defence against the Alberta Field Force under General T.B. Strange on the morning of May 28, 1885.
The different features of these sites form the basis for the many stories that relate to each of these historical events. Many of these details you unveil will be enthralling and heartwarming, while others feature the macabre. Most tales though are jam-filled with suspense, intrigue and, of course, action, and all true. Our early west was not dull!
You’ll discover men like General T.B. “Jingo” Strange, Sam Steele NWMP, William Fury NWMP; names exemplifying their very character. How about a real self-proclaimed “gun-fighting preacher” William McKay or a teenage “Annie Oakley” style sharpshooting frontierswoman, Amelia McLean? All were involved in those turbulent days, right here just north of Lloydminster.
The Frenchman Butte Heritage Centre enthusiastically welcomes new members and volunteers to the museum’s daily summertime operation. There is no need for experience. Part of the fun is learning what the way of life was like in the “olden days” and I am continually amazed at the people who visit our facility. They come from all over the world, many with amazing backgrounds or motives for their own “great adventure,” and all are a pleasure to associate with.
One never knows just who will walk in the door of the tea house next. Come join us. It’s great fun and the expectations are you only need do what you feel comfortable doing. We demand nothing.
July 1 is the beginning of the summer season at the Frenchman Butte Heritage Centre and this special day will celebrate the 1 p.m. opening of the completely new mini golf course with complimentary free rounds for everyone. A number of new displays are being unveiled as well, including one of early frontier buckskin dress of the first explorers like Henry Kelsey, a newly constructed horse-drawn wagon and early farm machinery sprinkled about the fresh landscaping. Food and drink is available at a hot dog stand and the exhibit buildings are open for a free inspection. We welcome you. Admission is by donation in aid of our continuing improvement program.
Websites for further information: www.frenchmanbuttemuseum.ca, www.stwalburg.ca, and www.trailsof1885.ca or call Frenchman Butte Museum, 1-306-344 4478. To order Circle Northwest call 1-306-248 3232. Circle the Northwest can also be accessed in pdf format at www.newsoptimist.ca.
