Skip to content

‘Odd and unusual things’ comprise ‘marvelous’ show

Big Valley’s annual “Live Steam Show” took place on July 21 and 22 in conjunction with the arrival of the regular tourist trains.

Big Valley’s annual “Live Steam Show” took place on July 21 and 22 in conjunction with the arrival of the regular tourist trains. There were some marvelous model steamers in action on the Railway Avenue grass area, across from the McAllister Museum.

Walking among the exhibits, our little corner of the world was filled with the sights, sounds and smells of yesteryear, as exhibitors demonstrated their handiwork.

On display were restored engines, antique vehicles and oodles of “odd and unusual things” for everyone to enjoy.

Thanks to the many exhibitors and volunteers who helped to make this event a success.

The Elks Inter-Lodge Golf Tournament was held on Saturday, July 14, with 23 golfers attending, including three from Hanna, one from Castor and nine from Stettler.

After the dust settled, a chip-off determined the winners. Congratulations to Lloyd and Ron Duncan, Kent Butterfield, and Jim Paul Sr.

Many thanks to all those who brought or loaned their carts. Our visitors and members greatly appreciated your generosity.

Kudus to Bill for the superb roast-beef meal. It was enjoyed by all.

Len Currie, once again, did a marvelous job organizing the tournament and looking after the prizes. The tournament was a great success and we hope to see you all again next year.

The Big Valley Historical Society recently received a very generous private donation toward the building of their new tool museum. Herb Knowles donated $10,000 toward the goal of erecting a new building to house a unique collection of more than 10,000 antique tools the society has acquired.

His generous gift has given the society a tremendous boost and helps move the group closer to realizing its dream of a new facility.

The antique tool collection, a fraction of which is now on display in one of the society’s railcars, has been collected over a lifetime by longtime resident Rod Miller.

Miller, a member of the historical society and a longtime supporter of its work to preserve Big Valley’s history, has generously given his entire collection to the historical society and it now needs a larger home.

Plans have been approved and the society has been actively raising funds for the new facility, which will be conveniently located just down the street from the McAllister Museum.

Visitors from all over the world regularly tour the society’s various venues, including the existing tool display. Through the preservation of archival collections and historical objects, the historical society aims to give residents and visitors a sense of the rich history of the Big Valley area and an appreciation of its diverse past. It’s anticipated that the new facility will help to further those goals and greatly improve the enjoyment of this very unique tool collection.

With the hard work of so many volunteers and supporters, we look forward to the ground-breaking of this ambitious project.

The Big Valley Historical Society is thrilled and honoured to receive this donation and applaud Mr. Knowles for his generous bequest.