As of right now, you may not exist. In 50 years, you may have never lived in Carlyle and District. You may have never had children that went to Carlyle Elementary School. You may have never played on a sports team and your business may have never been part of Carlyle and area.
Because if you were born after 1982, according to Carlyle's last history book, you truly don't exist, at least to the people that will live here in the hundreds of years to come. Have you ever flipped through the history book at your parent's house or grandparent's house and thought, "I'm not in here" or "My family is not in here."
Well now, is your chance to do something about it. The Carlyle History Group has been working hard to gather histories from local residents, families, organizations and service groups. To date, they have received more than 100 family histories but they are still looking for more.
The original history book is called the Prairie Trails to Blacktop: Carlyle and District 1882-1982 and was published back in 1982. The 1067 page book is chalked full of memories that will last a lifetime, now that they are in print that is.
At this point, the group has obtained more than 100 histories. Lynn Brady, who is the chair for the volunteer group, is hoping that they group will be able to add a few more histories to that number. But Brady is not alone in her efforts. Also included in the group are Nedra Clark, Beth Corrigan, Irene Doty, Alyce Stockton, Barb Haddow, Don Shirley, Audrey Brady and Todd Gervais.
The new book will not only include the new histories that have developed over the past 30 years, but it will also provide a summary of parts of the first book. Work began on the new book in the fall of 2010, and individuals have been working on it ever since. Assistance from Doty and Stockton, who were part of the first history book, has been invaluable in the process thus far.
Unfortunately for the group, it seems as though people's schedules have gotten in the way of summarizing their own personal history. The few minutes that it takes to write your history will not only contribute to the history of this community, but will ensure your place in it.
The information you need to include is quite simple really. You can start with your parents, siblings and then when and where you were born. You should include where you went to school, where you worked and who you married. And don't forget to add your children!
From that point on, it is really up to you. Include as many or as few pertinent details as you want, just make sure that you submit something! Feel free to add a family picture if you want.
Histories are welcome from anyone and everyone with the group accepting histories until the end of 2011. The group is hopeful that people who currently live in Carlyle and district or those that have lived here in the past sill submit a history. Those that have had a business here throughout the years or those who were part of a group or organization in the Carlyle district are encouraged to take a few minutes to jot down their life stories. Stories and pictures are welcome from all.
For those with a creative side to them, the history group is also looking for suggestions for not only a name for the history book, but a cover design as well with the winner receiving a free history book.
Additionally, the group is open to any new members wishing to help out in the production of the book. Once all of the entries have been received, the process of putting the book together with start.
The company to print the book has been selected by the organization. The organization is now at the stage where they need to fundraise to offset the initial costs of printing. Anyone wishing to order a history book are encouraged to pre-order in order to contribute to this fundraising effort. The book is expected to finalized, printed and available to the general public for Christmas of 2012.
Pamphlets containing information on the new history book can be found at Pharmasave, the Post Office, the Carlyle Bakery, Moose Mountain Lodge and the Town Office. Histories can be emailed to carlylehistory@hotmail.com or to Carlyle and District History Book, Box 2013, Carlyle, SK, S0C 0R0. Or if you happen to be in town, feel free to drop it off at the Town Office.
For more information, feel free to call 453-2249.
