Dear editor;
It was in the early 1970s that the provincial government made an effort to erect heritage signs through out the province acknowledging the pioneers who toiled to build this great province of ours.
The Norden Vasa Lodge # 513 lobbied the provincial government to erect a sign dedicated to the Swedish immigrants who settled and developed these areas This sign was erected on Highway 56 south east of Meeting Creek It was a proud day Sept 8 1978 when the sign was unveiled and dedicated. The sign read as follows:
From 1872-1920 the dream of being independent landowners attracted hundreds of Swedish families to central Alberta, both from the Old country and from the northern United States. These pioneers homesteaded the new land and mixed farming settlements grew and prospered at Thorsby, Calmar, Malmo, Falun, and Edensville (Meeting Creek). Sound farming and dedication to church and family have perpetualated these Swedish communities.
Last fall, many signs were removed including the one at Meeting Creek not to be replaced; WHAT A SHAME! Surely there must be funds available to protect our heritage for all generations to come, these signs should be replaced and preserved.
“There is no future if there is no past:”
Vasa Lodge Norden # 513
Lodge historian
Ken Johanson
Camrose, AB