It started as just another day...

It was one of those days that I would wish away.
The relative humidity in Ovenstown was sky high because of water in the basement. So the morning and part of the afternoon was spent moving artifacts to the MAC. Recruited volunteers from the coffee shop to help move them. Lloyd set up heater in display area to try and dry it out.
Not fun.
Now to try and figure out a permanent fix.

Wildlife in the Park

This year we have had a variety of wildlife in the park. Some were welcome, some were not.

There have been the usual geese and ducks. They are wonderful to watch - especially the young ones. They tend to leave their deposits on the path, but that washed off regularly in the rain this year. The foxes first made their unwelcome presence felt when the water fowl began to disappear one by one.
Then the familiar odor of skunk brought out the traps. Visitors don't seem to like the smell!
Weasels have been spotted but they are tolerated because they like the 'Wee, sleekit, cowrin, tim'rous beastie(s)'.
Yes, the mice have invaded again. The old buildings have numerous entry points for the destructive little creatures. A trap line was set up and Orval has been checking it regularly. Thanks, Orval. Not my favorite job. :(
And now a beaver has decided that the trees that border the pond would make a good lodge. Sorry, Mr. Beaver, you have to move on to another place. 

Old School Has New Job

Wardenville School has sat in one place for over 50 years, but today it was moved to the Baldwinton district where it will take on a new job.
The building was a school from 1951 to 1958. The previous building was used from 1910 to 1951. In 1960 the community organized a community club to maintain the school and have a place to hold events. Over the years there have been Christmas concerts, wedding showers, birthday and anniversary parties, meetings, ball games, and snowmobile rallies held at Wardenville. The Wilbert 4-H Club used the building and grounds for many Achievement Days until several years ago.
The declining population and interest made the Community Club disband and sell the building to Bob Gregoire.
Another landmark is gone, leaving just memories. A sign will be erected to mark the site.
Many mice are now looking for a new home - or maybe they moved to Baldwinton too?

Great Group of Archaeology Buffs

A big bus rolled into the park on Sunday with the Sask Archaeological Society on board. They were touring in our area and we were very pleased that they chose our museum as one of their stops.
I met some very interesting people. One had memories of Clayton McLain and Poundmaker's Medicine Bundle which I found fascinating. One requested information about one of our artifacts that has ties to the Humboldt Telegraph Station. Others who obviously have knowledge that I would have loved to tap into more thoroughly. I contemplated locking the door so they couldn't leave so soon. ;)

Country Corner Store

 Wilbert Store is one of those places that one doesn't find very often any more. It is located at the corner of Highways 40 and 21 west of the town of Cut Knife.
The store was built in 1935 at the present location. It is a general store selling a bit of everything. Convenience store items, ice cream, gas, fireworks, a few antiques, subs and a coffee corner keep the customers coming through the door.

With living quarters attached and extensive operating hours, it has a lifestyle that not everyone could manage.
Over the years a lot of different people have stopped at the store, often with their own interesting stories to tell.
It's one of those places that one would miss if it was gone.