The Canadian Northern Society is preserving prairie heritage through its collection of heritage railway station sties at Big Valley, Meeting Creek and Camrose, the Meeting Creek grain elevator site, and unique interpretive activities and events. The society’s efforts provide both community and economic benefits. Operated by volunteers, the society is a registered charity. We appreciate your support.

Miles Made: Recollections of a Prairie Railroader

Over the last five years, volunteers from the Canadian Northern Society have been busy collecting the hand-written memories of Walter Kittler and placing them into a simple bound volume of recollections. The result is an interesting collection in Walter’s own words of stories and memories from his childhood, his days as a conductor on the CNR from 1948 to the 1980s, and his stories of “short-lining” with the Alberta Prairie Railway for the last twenty years.

Entertaining and enlightening, Walter’s memories are a must for anyone interested in the life and times of a true prairie railroader, and that of a fine gentleman who is respected and loved by all who know him.

Limited copies of Walter’s recollectiosn are available for a price of $25 per copy by contacting Janine Carroll of our society at canadiannorthern@telus.net, or by Royal Mail at the society’s Camrose address. Orders to be shipped please include $3 for postage.

Perhaps if there is enough interest, Walter’s memories may form the basis for a future Canadian Northern Society publication. Maybe a good start for Along These Lines Volume 2. Anyone interested in leading that project?

Seeking Leaders, New Members, Supporters and Big Valley Station Job Jar

The Canadian Northern Society is always seeking new leaders, new members, and new volunteers. The society’s efforts in preserving heritage railway depots at Camrose, Meeting Creek, and Big Valley, as well as supporting other related projects have been successful only due to the quality and dedication of its core group of volunteers, and its long-time supporters who have donated cash and supported by way of membership each and every year.

However to keep the society’s efforts moving forward in the future, new visions, ideas, and members are needed. Please, consider getting involved.

One of the society’s projects that can use assistance year round is the maintenance of the railway station and roundhouse at Big Valley, Alberta, and the depot and grain elevator at Meeting Creek.

At Big Valley, we are seeking volunteers to help our dedicated leader (Ms. Kathy Evans) in the following:

• The two storage buildings north of the bunkhouse need painting.
• We need a long-term solution for the preservation of the wooden caboose.
• We always welcome help in maintaining and developing the interpretive signage at the Big Valley roundhouse.
• We welcome those who might like to get involved with carpentry skills repairing windows, doors, and maintenance items that are needed at the station such as repairs to the storm windows (upstairs work needed!) and basic interior repairs and upgrades.

Interested? In this or any other role with the Society. Call us: Janine at 780 672 3099. We’d love to hear from you.

Join the Canadian Northern Society for a Centennial Celebration!

Friday April 23, 2010

Camrose Railway Park, 4407 47 Avenue, Camrose, Alberta

Open house begins at 2 p.m., program at 3 p.m.

Friday April 23, 2010, marks the 100th anniversary of the very day that the Canadian Northern Railway’s track laying gangs entered the community of Camrose, pushing its Vegreville-to-Drumheller branch south towards the fertile grain country of central Alberta and the coal reserves of the Drumheller region.

You are invited to join the Canadian Northern Society for an open house and program at the Camrose Railway Park where we will celebrate this significant anniversary. It is your chance to learn about the heritage of this pioneer railway, its continuing legacy, and the ongoing community development work of the Canadian Northern Society.

14:00: Open house at the Camrose Railway Park.

15:00:

• “O Canada”
• Remarks from the Canadian Northern Society, speaker to be determined
• Presentation of 100th Anniversary Plaque to the City of Camrose
• Remarks from the City of Camrose
• Remarks from elected representatives
• “God Save The Queen”

Complimentary cake, coffee, tea, and refreshments following the program.

Updated 2010-01-30.

Along These Lines book and DVD for sale

Celebrating the Canadian Northern Society’s preservation efforts is a book entitled Along These Lines. This wonderfully illustrated publication tells the story of the Canadian Northern Society and its success in rural heritage preservation.

The DVD is a 18-minute production that celebrates 100 years of history in the communities of Camrose, Meeting Creek, Stettler, and Big Valley, Alberta. It focuses on the heritage preservation activities of the Canadian Northern Society in the area.

• Book $19.95 + $2.50 for postage and handling.
• DVD $12.95

To order, please send a cheque or money order to:

Along These Lines
c/o Canadian Northern Society
PO Box 1174 Stn Main
Camrose AB T4V 1X2
Dominion of Canada

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