Kleskun Hill Museum
41060 TWP RD 724 T0H0G0 Grande Prairie, AB, Canada

Another little but very important artifact found in the teacherage; maybe under the bed. Especially came in handy on those cold, dark winter nights!

Another very special artifact in the school

These artifacts are in a little nook in the teacherage called the "pantry". This is where the teacher would keep her dry goods, canned foods, dishes, pots and pans and other little knick-knacks.

After the school, the teacherage was moved up to the museum. This building was home to many teachers who taught at East Kleskun School over the years

Another very special artifact in the school

Here is one of the many artifacts in the school. Can you guess what it is? Watch next week for the answer.

Did you know? The Kleskun Hill Museum Village began when Ray Boyer had a dream to restore the East Kleskun School which he attended. Rays dream was acheived through the formation of the Kleskun Hill Museum Society in 1993 and the completion of the School Restoration in 1994, 75 years after it first opened.

Circa 1918 a family of German-Russian immigrants made this their home- Mother, Father and 4 children. Imagine a day like this, mid January, inside this home. No... insulation, thin single paned windows, and a wood fire to heat the home and cook their food. An outhouse stood a short distance form the house, which undoubtedly seemed like a mile away in mid winter. The well, with a hand pump, was also outdoors. This family in 1918, farmed a half section of land (320 acres) with teams of horses. Times were good, and the history book will tell us that eggs sold for 10-12 cents/dozen. A 5 gallon cream can would fetch $1.98, and a 14 hour work day would earn you about $1.50. The nearest schoolhouse was less than a mile away. Fast forward fifteen or so years to the 1930s, and envision the endless clouds of dust rolling across those barren and parched prairie fields. Mounds of russian thistles piled high against fences and houses. There was no rain, no crops, no hay, and NO money. Many families were unable to make ends meet, and consequently moved on to seek employment and make another new start. These were tough, resourceful, and tenacious human beings, who persevered through hardships on a level most of us in this country and generation cannot begin to understand. To say they worked hard is an understatement. Everything was done by hand. No electricity or modern convinces for them. Children were happy to walk a mile or more school to receive an education. They were happy to have hand-me-down shoes on they feet. They came home after school and pitched in with chores. Times were simple. They didnt have much, and they made do with what they had. They made time for visiting and helping neighbours, church on Sundays, barn dances and card playing. Todays world has gotten busy, and in turn, so have we. In time, these places and these stories will be gone too. See more

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Kleskun Hill Museum Society Photo courtesy: Paul Chapman Collection

Naming of Boyer Hill County Council will send a letter to the Honourable Leela Aheer, Minister of Culture, Multiculturism and Status of Women, in support of the proposed name Boyer Hill for a hill located in Kleskun Hill Natural Area. The name honours Raymond Boyer, a veteran of the Second World War who lived and worked in the County until his retirement. Boyer, who passed away in 2012, was instrumental in establishing Kleskun Hill Museum.

This Barn Swallow nest in the entry of the 100 year old East Kleskun School, has been a preferred site for the birds on the endangered species list. Photograph by Jim Robertson. Learn more about the Barn Swallow, visit the Canadian Wildlife Federation www.hww.ca/en/wildlife/birds/barn-swallow.html

Bring a picnic lunch and a blanket. Theres lots of green grass and fresh air

Be a part of the first annual Kleskun Museum Day Camp. Pre-registration is $20 (limited spaces). A fun way to explore and learn about local history.