This letter of public commendation for Joyce Smith, manager of the Western Development Museum, and her team, is long overdue. Last summer, while I was touring the buildings and grounds during the Those Were the Days celebrations, it struck me that it took extraordinary administrative skill to organize this special day for our communities. Steam and gas powered tractors, horse drawn wagons, vintage cars, original commercial and residential buildings, heavy and light horse demonstrations, old time music and much more, easily brought the visitor back in time to the early 19th century. A pancake breakfast, petting zoo for the children, classic car show, local entertainment, hymn sing and concessions contributed to a great day.
The WDM has wonderfully accomplished documenting our province’s and the Battlefords’ turn-of-the-century through the 1920s history, and beyond. To properly laud the WDM’s remarkable achievements is beyond the scope of this brief letter (since there is so much to see and experience at the WDM). Instead, I will highlight some of the museum’s prominent displays that should underscore the scope and uniqueness of this remarkable institution.
For an old history teacher, and I dare say the average citizen, the pictorial time line of our province’s past from 1905 (when Saskatchewan was given provincial status) to 2005 (a centennial project which was initiated 20 years ago by the WDM) that is located in the main building holds a special appeal. What an amazing piece of work. One muses – how many thousands of hours were invested in this project? How did they locate and gather all the historical material.
The main building showcases our province’s rural 1920s history. The visitor is brought back in time to a typical farm from this era (currently undergoing an upgrade). How did farmers till the land, seed and harvest (the visitor is drawn to the long line of farm tractors and steam engines outside – southeast of the main building). What was it like in the kitchen for the average farm woman? What was the technology like? What did people wear back then? What kind of vehicles – cars and trucks – did people drive (Model Ts and Model As)? The Métis display holds special appeal as well.
So there we have it – history alive and its interpretation evolving at the WDM. I would be remiss if I did not mention the many volunteers who provide skill and expertise to keep the machines and technology working. Indeed, volunteers are integral to the WDM’s success.
Richard W. Hiebert,
President, Battlefords Heritage Society
