Summary information
| Repository: | South Peace Regional Archives |
| Title: | Horseshoe of the Peace Historical Society fonds |
| Reference code: | 0495 |
| Date: | 1955-1991 (date of creation) |
| Physical description: | 16 cm textual records
5 photographs 1 sound recording |
| Dates of creation, revision and deletion: | Processed by Karen Burgess – August 2012 Added to new database November 2024 – TD |
Administrative history / Biographical sketch
The Horseshoe of the Peace Historical Society was created July 6, 1985, at an informal potluck supper. The name “Horseshoe of the Peace” was suggested by Jim Hindmarch, as the Peace River makes a horseshoe-like bend through their area, with the communities of Cotillion, Silver Valley, and Fourth Creek situated along it. The first executive of the Society consisted of Claude Fox, Jim Hindmarch, Brian Fjeseth, Lana Fjeseth, and Debra Stone. Later, Laura Hessler, Peggy Gano, and Bill Vanden Dungen also held executive positions. It was the hope of the society that their projects would celebrate the wonderful community they were part of, showcase their unique history, and preserve as much of their heritage as possible. The society would include all families who lived in the Savanna School attendance area.
The group decided on three main projects: a homecoming, a detailed history book, and the formation and maintenance of a local museum. The society had a dedicated and enthusiastic membership and was able to complete these projects. The club hosted a Homecoming on August 1-2, 1987 with over 300 families participating in many activities. This community effort saw hundreds of volunteers from Silver Valley, Fourth Creek, and Cotillion giving up hours of their time over the two days and many more on the months preceding the event.
In January 1987, the group went ahead with plans for the community history book. Members again donated huge amounts of time to the project and Karen Fimrite proofread and edited every submission. Other members acknowledged for their outstanding diligence while working on the book include Audrey Hindmarch, Evelyn Fox, Linda Milner, Cheryl Hessler, Carol Stoby, Laura Hessler, and Leslie Bouck. The winner of the book title contest was Jeanie Bouck with her entry “Tales, Trails, and Gumbo” and the winner of the cover design was Melda Issac.
In 1986 the Society purchased a building from the Spirit River School Division for $1.00. The building had served as a horse barn, a classroom, and a teacherage at various times. This was to become the first museum building and was moved to a site on the grounds belonging to the Agricultural Society. Claude Fox, Dick Fox, Tim Stone, Bob Paul, Marvin Petersen, Stan Stoby, Brian Fjeseth, Bob Agrey, Robbie Bouck, Troy Bouck, Jim Hindmarch, Gordon Brietzke, Trent Hingley, Art Fald, Barry Nelson, Charlie Cornock, and others donated many hours to the landscaping, fencing, and cement work required. Many ladies have been responsible for the painting and upkeep of the building and serve as caretakers during public events. Community members have donated antiques and artefacts.
Custodial history
The records were kept by a member of the History Book Committee and donated to the South Peace Regional Archives by Leslie Bouck in 2009.
Scope and content
The fonds consists of files created for the production of “Tales, Trails and Gumbo”, the history book for the Cotilion, Silver Valley, and Fourth Creek districts of the South Peace River Country of Alberta. Files include the history of the society; township maps showing original land owners, old trails and roads, and community buildings; and 416 individual family stories or historical submissions for “Tales, Trails and Gumbo.” Many of the stories are hand-written by family members. Also included are anecdotes, poetry, art work, five photographs, and one sound recording. A list of the stories is roughly equivalent to the index of the book.
Notes
Title notes
- Source of title proper: Title of fonds based on contents.
Access points
- Textual record (documentary form)
- Graphic material – photograph (documentary form)
- Sound recording (documentary form)
- Family and personal life (subject)
- Settlement and Immigration (subject)
- Agriculture (subject)
Series descriptions
| Reference code | Title | Dates | Physical description |
| 2009.134.01 | Item – Bear Looking in the Window | 1975 | 1 photograph : colour ; 3 x 5 in. |
| Scope and content:
A bear is looking in the window of Walter and Wendy Vaughan’s home. |
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| 2009.134.02 | Item – First Crop in Fourth Creek | 1966 | 1 photograph : colour ; 3 x 3 in. |
| Scope and content:
Inez and Gwen standing in the center of a field. The caption on the back of the photograph reads “Taken by Rudy’s house. It’s thicker in the centre of the field (rye). First crop in Fourth Creek. Inez & Gwen. Fall 1966. A. Fald.” |
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| 2009.134.03 | Item – Alma Dalen and Phyllis Hessler with Children | n.d. | 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6 in. |
| Scope and content:
Copy of a photograph showing Alma Dalen and Phyllis Hessler in a sports field next to two children, one of whom is eating an ice cream cone. Back of photograph signed by Don Seekins. |
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| 2009.134.04 | Item – Halloween Costumes | n.d. | 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.5 x 2.5 in. |
| Scope and content:
A group of children dressed in Halloween costumes. The giirl in the striped hat is Margo Hindmarch. The caption on the photograph reads “Halloween picture. Vicki Sorgen picture. Flossie Haugland.” |
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| 2009.134.05 | Item – Ben and Ralph Frank’s First Shack | ca. 1955 | 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.5 x 2.5 in. |
| Scope and content:
Image shows a man standing in front of a wooden shack. The caption on the back of the photograph reads “Ben & Ralph’s 1st shack on Ben’s land. Evelyn Frank.” |
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| 2009.134.06 | Item – Bill and Audrey Rehaume’s History | ca. 1990 | 1 cassette |
| Scope and content:
Bill and Audrey Rehaume’s history tape. Their story, transcribed from this tape, appears on pp. 508-510 of “Tales, Trails and Gumbo”. |
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