Covered Wagon Campground
The Covered Wagon Campground is a local business located at the south edge of town, but if you ever visit, you should check out their collection of historical artifacts housed in their main pavillion. You can find more information at their website: http://www.coveredwagon.ca/location.html
Music to our Ears
Remember the Dow Rythmers? We do too! And we now have a recording of their old records on display. Come listen to the music you love and take a nice little jaunt down memory lane. It's probably better than that Justin Bieber guy anyways, right? At least he finally got a haircut.
Sandlot Anyone?
"He did. He had kissed a woman. And he had kissed her long and good. We got banned from the pool forever that day. But every time we walked by after that, the lifeguard looked down from her tower, right over at Squints, and smiled." - Sandlot
Now this picture isn't directly from the movie, these boys are from our very own town of Magrath right outside of the pool, but I think they'd fit right in with those folded arms and classic looks. Can you name these young men? Who are, well we'll politely say not as young now?
Now this picture isn't directly from the movie, these boys are from our very own town of Magrath right outside of the pool, but I think they'd fit right in with those folded arms and classic looks. Can you name these young men? Who are, well we'll politely say not as young now?
I scream, you scream , we all scream for ice cream!
This post could be titled wishful thinking. The weather has been a bit, well, shall we say drab? But we're always thankful for rain. Anyways, if it were warmer we'd all be out eating ice cream like they did in the good ole days in warm weather. Today's blast from the past is right from Dennies Own Ice Cream Parlour. Little known fact, he invented the very first Slurpee machine. So next time you are enjoying that snow bob goodness, be sure to give a nod of thanks. In 1937 when Denny first opened the shop, he sold cones for 5 cents, banana splits for 25 cents, and something called "idiot's ecstasy" for $1.25. That got you 18 scoops of ice cream. If you ate all 18 you could get a second "idiot's ecstasy" for free. Only one man ever accomplished this feat--hats off to David Brandley! Another fun fact about Denny's was he offered a variety of flavors, some normal, some not so normal. Horseradish was a good example.
Tomorrow
This blast from the past consists of someone from the past's thoughts on the future. I find it fascinating, and hopefully we can live up to his expectations.
(From a newspaper clipping article with Arthur Critchfield)
"I believe we won't have cities as we know them today. Architects will devise cities in the sky- housing, shopping centers, apartments will all be developed up there, leaving the crowded ground level free for agriculture, transportation and so on. I firmly believe that man can overcome the threat of population explosion, pollution and all the other problems we are facing. I only wish I were going to be around because we’re moving into a very interesting and advanced age."
(From a newspaper clipping article with Arthur Critchfield)
"I believe we won't have cities as we know them today. Architects will devise cities in the sky- housing, shopping centers, apartments will all be developed up there, leaving the crowded ground level free for agriculture, transportation and so on. I firmly believe that man can overcome the threat of population explosion, pollution and all the other problems we are facing. I only wish I were going to be around because we’re moving into a very interesting and advanced age."
Laundry
Have you ever stopped to think about the simple tasks you do everyday, such as throwing in a load of laundry? Today, with an easy press of a button we can wash, and dry our clothes within an hours time! Laundry has not always been this simple! The picture on the left shows an old Washing Machine, and above is a contraption used to ring out the water in clothing. Back then they did not have the luxuries we have today, and washing clothes was no simple task! If we stop to think about it, we have no reason to complain about doing laundry! Let's be honest there, we all know doing laundry is a mundane task, and considered to be quite dull! However, I think we need to remember just how well-off and fortunate we are to have machines that make life so easy!
Storms
Storms. Anyone who was in Magrath may have noticed the huge lightning storms that can occur. Several families have had some close calls with this lightning, which is often coupled with severe power outages. I thought to myself.... how often do we see these kinds of storms? It brought me back to past interviews.
Does the great hailstorm ring a bell for anyone?
Several people can recall the mass amounts of damage done. Trees stripped of their bark, gardens ruined, animals killed, the grandstand demolished, and much more. It was a time of trial and trouble, but the town banded together and plowed through. This speaks volumes of the citizens then and now. Southern Alberta is a place where people can stop you on the street to say hello. It is a place that you can recognize your own facial features in others. Despite the storms that this town will face, both physically and mentally, it will come out strong. The museum has many more stories involving the great hailstorm. Come on in and see what you missed, and if you have any information or articles on such, please send them our way!
Does the great hailstorm ring a bell for anyone?
Several people can recall the mass amounts of damage done. Trees stripped of their bark, gardens ruined, animals killed, the grandstand demolished, and much more. It was a time of trial and trouble, but the town banded together and plowed through. This speaks volumes of the citizens then and now. Southern Alberta is a place where people can stop you on the street to say hello. It is a place that you can recognize your own facial features in others. Despite the storms that this town will face, both physically and mentally, it will come out strong. The museum has many more stories involving the great hailstorm. Come on in and see what you missed, and if you have any information or articles on such, please send them our way!
Maude
This picture shows Maude Ririe cutting the ribbon for the new bank. I have grown to love Maude Ririe. Thanks to the Baldersons, we have received home videos that have several clips of this wonderful woman. Also included in the videos is a man returning from the war and seeing his baby for the first time. Come find out who that man was and see the heartwarming memories come to life!
Movie Time
This blast from the past is in movie form. Click on the following link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIk50c5Q7uE and see Threshing from the 1940's and earlier. Enjoy, and let us know what you think!
Elevators
This photo simply says Magrath to me. The grain elevators at the front of town have stood for a long time. Any stories come to mind when you see them? We would love to hear. Email us at [email protected]
Miss Hall Hat Shop
An excerpt from the Irrigation Builders. There is plenty more of where this came from.
"...It later became the hat shop of Miss Hall, who operated it for many years to the delight of all the ladies in town into the time when hat shops were no longer found. But for years, the Hat Styles changed every year, generally getting smaller and less elaborately decorated. Many women remember the excitement of Miss Halls opening day as a highlight of the year. Most of her hats were made by herself and very well done.
Miss Rebecca Letitia Hall (Miss Letty Hall) was also in charge of the telephone office for a great many years.
Photo above: May Mercer, Susie Stacey, Ida Stacey, Ivy Harris and Christie Sabey model fantastic hats fresh from Miss Hall's shop opening day.
"...It later became the hat shop of Miss Hall, who operated it for many years to the delight of all the ladies in town into the time when hat shops were no longer found. But for years, the Hat Styles changed every year, generally getting smaller and less elaborately decorated. Many women remember the excitement of Miss Halls opening day as a highlight of the year. Most of her hats were made by herself and very well done.
Miss Rebecca Letitia Hall (Miss Letty Hall) was also in charge of the telephone office for a great many years.
Photo above: May Mercer, Susie Stacey, Ida Stacey, Ivy Harris and Christie Sabey model fantastic hats fresh from Miss Hall's shop opening day.
Dow Rythmers
Listening to the radio we are presented with many different things, country, pop, jazz, rap and so much more. However, nothing really beats a big band feel. With the saxes, pianos, drums and a good beat and melody there isn't anything like it.
The Dow Rythmers were just that. In the photo to the left we have Nadine, Kay, Elaine and Roy, Bert (Father in Back) and Zelpha (Harris) Dow playing the piano. The children had to practice everyday and perform on weekends but they loved it. It also provided them an opportunity to earn money and paid for their education. Most Dow rythmers actually became teachers and principals.
We are grateful to the Magrath citizens who are keeping live music living and for all of those who share their talents. We had a lot of talent shared at the town celebrations program and we were thrilled. Keep on sharing!
The Dow Rythmers were just that. In the photo to the left we have Nadine, Kay, Elaine and Roy, Bert (Father in Back) and Zelpha (Harris) Dow playing the piano. The children had to practice everyday and perform on weekends but they loved it. It also provided them an opportunity to earn money and paid for their education. Most Dow rythmers actually became teachers and principals.
We are grateful to the Magrath citizens who are keeping live music living and for all of those who share their talents. We had a lot of talent shared at the town celebrations program and we were thrilled. Keep on sharing!
The boys
Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words, and this picture says plenty! Enjoy.
Who wears short shorts?
Who wears short shorts?
Magrath Days Now and Then
Magrath Days! What a great time to create memories that last a life time. The parade, the rodeo, the free food, the festivities, the town program, the softball/baseball games...it really is a magical time. What I love most about this now and then...is that they aren't too different.
Here at the museum, we have lots of stories regarding Magrath Days in the past. We have several movies celebrating them (we also have movies dating back to the 1930's that you won't want to miss! Now Playing!). It seems to be that Magrath Days has always been about celebrating our heritage surrounded by the people we love. There have always been places to gather such as a program, a rodeo... really any excuse to be with people is used.
It is wonderful to be reminded on a regular basis of how lucky we are to be part of such an amazing place. Cheers to the citizens of Magrath for making this town a place we are proud to call home!
Here at the museum, we have lots of stories regarding Magrath Days in the past. We have several movies celebrating them (we also have movies dating back to the 1930's that you won't want to miss! Now Playing!). It seems to be that Magrath Days has always been about celebrating our heritage surrounded by the people we love. There have always been places to gather such as a program, a rodeo... really any excuse to be with people is used.
It is wonderful to be reminded on a regular basis of how lucky we are to be part of such an amazing place. Cheers to the citizens of Magrath for making this town a place we are proud to call home!
Phoebe Bingham 1902. Magrath Celebrations Queen
Cameras
Here at the Museum, we have been working hard to set up our new Media Room! While doing so, I have had the opportunity to examine some of the artifacts, including cameras from the early 1900's. As I look at them, I am amazed at how far cameras have come since those days. Back then, the cameras were very large, and some even had a large light bulb on top for the flash. Having a camera was a huge deal, and not everyone was lucky enough to own one. As technology advanced cameras became more common, and you could even purchase "disposable cameras" at the store. Do you remember taking pictures on your camera and having to wait until the film was developed to see your pictures?
Today, cameras are absolutely different! They no longer need a big light bulb on top to produce a flash, and we carry around high-quality cameras small enough to fit in our pockets. We no longer have to test our patience and wait for the film to develop to see if the picture turned out the way you wanted--you can simply view the image on the digital screen, and if you don't like it, you can just take another picture. Cameras have become very commonplace, and it is not considered a big deal if you own one. Instead, it is considered a big deal if you don't!
Today, cameras are absolutely different! They no longer need a big light bulb on top to produce a flash, and we carry around high-quality cameras small enough to fit in our pockets. We no longer have to test our patience and wait for the film to develop to see if the picture turned out the way you wanted--you can simply view the image on the digital screen, and if you don't like it, you can just take another picture. Cameras have become very commonplace, and it is not considered a big deal if you own one. Instead, it is considered a big deal if you don't!
Query
We would love to know what you would like to see from Blast from The Past. Are you interested in pictures? Stories? Now and Then's, Businesses, or something new? Let us know by clicking on the "Contact Us" page above. Send us a message and we will be sure to take your suggestions.... after all, what is a museum without its patrons? Thank you in advance!
- The Staff
- The Staff
Celebrate
Canada Day: commonly known as Canada's Birthday and once known as Dominion Day. How was Canada born, you may ask? When the British North American colonies (namely Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Province of Canada) joined into a federation of Four provinces with the Province of Canada being divided, in the process, into Ontario and Quebec on July 1, 1867, a birthday was most certainly in order.
Common ways to celebrate through the years are outdoor events such as parades, carnivals, festivals, barbecues, air and maritime shows, fireworks, and free musical concerts, as well as citizenship ceremonies for new citizens.
Canada has really proven to be the True North Strong and Free. Here at the Magrath Museum, we are proud to know our town is part of such a beautiful country that has provided us with so many wonderful things. We encourage all to continue celebrating this wonderful country throughout the year and, of course, to come into the museum and learn more!
Common ways to celebrate through the years are outdoor events such as parades, carnivals, festivals, barbecues, air and maritime shows, fireworks, and free musical concerts, as well as citizenship ceremonies for new citizens.
Canada has really proven to be the True North Strong and Free. Here at the Magrath Museum, we are proud to know our town is part of such a beautiful country that has provided us with so many wonderful things. We encourage all to continue celebrating this wonderful country throughout the year and, of course, to come into the museum and learn more!
Summers Then and Now
Some of the greatest perks that come with working at the museum are the interviews we get to do with citizens of Magrath. Often they recall summer memories of making homemade ice cream and fresh, hot buns. They recall swimming at the creek and spill gates. Most remember riding horses and, of course, working at the farms. They remember going to dances and getting ice cream from Denny's. There were parades and town celebrations. There wasn't much these people didn't try and do.
During summers now, the younger generation is often found out playing night games. If it is raining, they are indoors playing cards or video games. People enjoy heading to the Blue Goose or Winks for a Slurpee, ice cream, or other sweet treat. Softball, soccer, baseball, and other sports keep the community active, and kids can be found having a blast at one of the various playgrounds around town. There are always boats coming and going from the nearby lakes, and there are friendly faces everywhere you go. And there are still parades and town celebrations happening!
It is nice to see that summer is still a time to be social, and to get out and go have fun. The only damper that every generation has had to deal with are the mosquitoes. No one cares for them.
Here's to enjoying summer the good ol' fashioned way. While we may be getting our ice cream from different places now, the idea to get out and enjoy the sunshine and socialize hasn't changed. It is nice when the things that make life sweet last.
During summers now, the younger generation is often found out playing night games. If it is raining, they are indoors playing cards or video games. People enjoy heading to the Blue Goose or Winks for a Slurpee, ice cream, or other sweet treat. Softball, soccer, baseball, and other sports keep the community active, and kids can be found having a blast at one of the various playgrounds around town. There are always boats coming and going from the nearby lakes, and there are friendly faces everywhere you go. And there are still parades and town celebrations happening!
It is nice to see that summer is still a time to be social, and to get out and go have fun. The only damper that every generation has had to deal with are the mosquitoes. No one cares for them.
Here's to enjoying summer the good ol' fashioned way. While we may be getting our ice cream from different places now, the idea to get out and enjoy the sunshine and socialize hasn't changed. It is nice when the things that make life sweet last.
Dentists Then and Now
If you look to your very far right, you will see what looks like a wheel that has a metal stick pointing out of it. It took me awhile to realize what this thing of beauty functioned as...when the answer came to me it was magical. I have since learned that it is a dentist drill.
There is a foot pedal that would spin the wheel and allow a tiny drill at the end to come in and out and work on your teeth. Imagine if the dentists foot got tired half way through drilling!
As someone who does not handle pain well, I was not a fan of a man drilling into my teeth and possibly being stopped halfway through due to exhaustion. This led me to think of how blessed we are today. For those who don't do dentists well, there is lots of different relaxing techniques, medication, and even televisions in the ceilings as distractions that are available.
At the museum we have lots of old dentist tools, and even the original seat of the first Dentist in Magrath. Come on by and see what has and has not changed. It is a whole new world in here.
There is a foot pedal that would spin the wheel and allow a tiny drill at the end to come in and out and work on your teeth. Imagine if the dentists foot got tired half way through drilling!
As someone who does not handle pain well, I was not a fan of a man drilling into my teeth and possibly being stopped halfway through due to exhaustion. This led me to think of how blessed we are today. For those who don't do dentists well, there is lots of different relaxing techniques, medication, and even televisions in the ceilings as distractions that are available.
At the museum we have lots of old dentist tools, and even the original seat of the first Dentist in Magrath. Come on by and see what has and has not changed. It is a whole new world in here.
Store news
The Store News. This is honestly one of my favorite parts of the museum.
As I log on to facebook, twitter, email and even this website, I had to ask myself.........What on earth did people do before social networks?
They communicated by visiting one another on the street. Who knew? Of course there were phones, etc, but it seems that socializing back in the day was much more face-to-face. When one could not see everyone, there was The Store News. Wedding announcement, the latest trends, sale prices, food, baby announcements, parties attended, jokes, lost and found, truly anything you would like to know was in that newspaper.
I suppose the -Now and Then- of this entry is The Trading Store News to Facebook. It is the same idea, just in a new way. The important thing is however, that we always stay connected. It has been part of the thriving "glue" that keeps us all together.
As I log on to facebook, twitter, email and even this website, I had to ask myself.........What on earth did people do before social networks?
They communicated by visiting one another on the street. Who knew? Of course there were phones, etc, but it seems that socializing back in the day was much more face-to-face. When one could not see everyone, there was The Store News. Wedding announcement, the latest trends, sale prices, food, baby announcements, parties attended, jokes, lost and found, truly anything you would like to know was in that newspaper.
I suppose the -Now and Then- of this entry is The Trading Store News to Facebook. It is the same idea, just in a new way. The important thing is however, that we always stay connected. It has been part of the thriving "glue" that keeps us all together.
Cougar Jack
Cougar Jack Rasmussen : The name almost seems self explanatory, but the story is still worth it.
Jack Rasmussen had a cougar ready to pounce on him from the top of a tree. Jack was trying to shoot it but his gun had jammed. With heart pumping and blood racing....as fast as he could, he tried to reload it.
Story has it that he loaded his gun and shot that cougar in the nick of time.
Needless to say the story travelled around town like wild fire. You still will find people refer to Jack Rasmussen as Cougar Jack.
Jack Rasmussen had a cougar ready to pounce on him from the top of a tree. Jack was trying to shoot it but his gun had jammed. With heart pumping and blood racing....as fast as he could, he tried to reload it.
Story has it that he loaded his gun and shot that cougar in the nick of time.
Needless to say the story travelled around town like wild fire. You still will find people refer to Jack Rasmussen as Cougar Jack.
Neighbours to the south
This blast from the past was a treat for me. These two pictures are from the party celebrating the border opening up At Cutbank, Montana about 1952.
The border between Montana and Alberta is well travelled. No matter what the reason, school, visiting, shopping, road trips, cheaper gas, there is no way around it. As a frequent border hopper myself, I love that there was a party celebrating the opening of it. I celebrate every time I cross into my favourite prairie land and wild rose province.
There is nothing like coming home, so here is to celebrating the past that made it easier to get home, no matter where we are.
The border between Montana and Alberta is well travelled. No matter what the reason, school, visiting, shopping, road trips, cheaper gas, there is no way around it. As a frequent border hopper myself, I love that there was a party celebrating the opening of it. I celebrate every time I cross into my favourite prairie land and wild rose province.
There is nothing like coming home, so here is to celebrating the past that made it easier to get home, no matter where we are.
Washing clothes
Then and Now
The museum needed a bit of sprucing after all of the muddy weather. As I was cleaning up, I walked into the room with an early washing machine. The first thought that came into my head was " Yuck, that would be an awful way to wash clothes." That thought still remains in my head.
No wonder the woman were so strong back then, their arm muscles would have to have been huge! Every once in awhile I find my self complaining that chores are a bit hard, after looking at what use to be..... I find I have a lot of new gadgets and gizmo's to make it easier and less complain worthy.
This machine was found by Joan Karren's farm. To work this machine you take the handle in front and move it back and forth, giving the clothes a good toss and tumble around that clean, soapy water. Once that was finished they would ring the clothes out (using the gadget that looks like a rolling pin) and hang them up to dry.After trying it out myself, I find that putting the clothes in and pushing a button does not seem so bad. As gadgets keep improving I think it is important to remember what use to be, or we might forget how good we have it now.
The museum needed a bit of sprucing after all of the muddy weather. As I was cleaning up, I walked into the room with an early washing machine. The first thought that came into my head was " Yuck, that would be an awful way to wash clothes." That thought still remains in my head.
No wonder the woman were so strong back then, their arm muscles would have to have been huge! Every once in awhile I find my self complaining that chores are a bit hard, after looking at what use to be..... I find I have a lot of new gadgets and gizmo's to make it easier and less complain worthy.
This machine was found by Joan Karren's farm. To work this machine you take the handle in front and move it back and forth, giving the clothes a good toss and tumble around that clean, soapy water. Once that was finished they would ring the clothes out (using the gadget that looks like a rolling pin) and hang them up to dry.After trying it out myself, I find that putting the clothes in and pushing a button does not seem so bad. As gadgets keep improving I think it is important to remember what use to be, or we might forget how good we have it now.
DownTown
Then and Now.
What you see to your left is a picture of the Magrath Trading Company. Oh the stories we have here! Dresses, home hardware, butcher, groceries, anything....you name it they had it. It employed many people and was a popular spot to run into your neighbor and friends.
Back in the day before credit cards, the cashier simply wrote down your store credit. Elizabeth Olsen recalls waiting in line for someone to gather the things on her shopping list. No grocery cart needed. Once it was your turn in line you would order how much flour you needed, meat, which groceries etc. They would gather it up, ring it up and you were on your way. Often times people had store credit or a running tab that they would pay of when crop season came round again.
Now The Trading Company has transferred into Roosters Country Fresh Market. It is still a popular place to run into your neighbors and friends and employs many people in the town. There you will always find a friendly face and the freshest produce around. The food found here is as local as you can get. With the convenience of a five minute walk from just about anywhere they have made great effort to providing the needs of the town. My personal favorite is lunch hour where great drinks, salads, chicken and potatoes can be found.
Today they have decor and keepsakes from the old Trading Company keeping the history alive while moving forward.
What you see to your left is a picture of the Magrath Trading Company. Oh the stories we have here! Dresses, home hardware, butcher, groceries, anything....you name it they had it. It employed many people and was a popular spot to run into your neighbor and friends.
Back in the day before credit cards, the cashier simply wrote down your store credit. Elizabeth Olsen recalls waiting in line for someone to gather the things on her shopping list. No grocery cart needed. Once it was your turn in line you would order how much flour you needed, meat, which groceries etc. They would gather it up, ring it up and you were on your way. Often times people had store credit or a running tab that they would pay of when crop season came round again.
Now The Trading Company has transferred into Roosters Country Fresh Market. It is still a popular place to run into your neighbors and friends and employs many people in the town. There you will always find a friendly face and the freshest produce around. The food found here is as local as you can get. With the convenience of a five minute walk from just about anywhere they have made great effort to providing the needs of the town. My personal favorite is lunch hour where great drinks, salads, chicken and potatoes can be found.
Today they have decor and keepsakes from the old Trading Company keeping the history alive while moving forward.
Radio
Classic Radio Set
The radio you see in this picture, was a very popular form of entertainment. Stories and sitcoms were told and you could find many families sitting around the radio tuned in. During the "dramitc" stories or episodes, they often advertised heavily for soap. These dramatic shows eventually got the nick name.....soap operas.
There is more fun facts where that came from. Come on in today!
The radio you see in this picture, was a very popular form of entertainment. Stories and sitcoms were told and you could find many families sitting around the radio tuned in. During the "dramitc" stories or episodes, they often advertised heavily for soap. These dramatic shows eventually got the nick name.....soap operas.
There is more fun facts where that came from. Come on in today!
Old Magrath School
The Old Magrath School
In honor of our 2011 graduates here is a blast from the past. Students of all ages are lined up around the old school. The bell on top would call these students to school everyday fifteen minutes to nine.
Here at the museum we have several yearbooks dating back earlier than the 1950's! Come on in and see for yourself.
In honor of our 2011 graduates here is a blast from the past. Students of all ages are lined up around the old school. The bell on top would call these students to school everyday fifteen minutes to nine.
Here at the museum we have several yearbooks dating back earlier than the 1950's! Come on in and see for yourself.
