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The “Gem of The West” is a name borrowed from Coaldale’s early days. The
Coaldale area was so named by a visitor when its richness was observed, soon after irrigation came to the region. In 1995, when the Museum Society was formed, it was decided to use that familiar name for the museum.
The site selected was very appropriate since it holds such an important place in the history of Coaldale. To the Mennonite Brethren Congregation it was their place of worship from 1939, when its members constructed the building by volunteer labour. The near by Mennonite High School also used the church as an
auditorium. In 1970, when a new structure replaced it as a church, the building
was sold to a local businessman. For the next 25 years, it was mainly a warehouse. A large hole was cut out in the middle of the floor to accommodate the needs of the business.
Today the building reflects both of the building’s former uses. The visible
features of a church are its overall shape, and broad stepped entry with two doorways on opposing sides. The windows throughout remain arched. The former choir loft is now used for cultural performances that help link the museum to
the community. A feature that reminds us of its use by industry, and that has also been preserved, is the large hole in the floor. This portion of cut away floor allows visitors to preview the exhibit areas on the lower floor. It also serves to connect the two floors in a way that creates a kind of flow from one
to the other.
In 1994, a group of visionary Coaldale and District residents envisioned the
project and set into motion all the events that would follow by forming a museum society.
The mandate of the Society is to “preserve and portray the history of Coaldale and District from its earliest time to present”. The first president, Erna Goertzen, a motivated and energetic senior citizen, has been one of the
driving forces of the museum’s development and has remained president to this day.
A number of dedicated volunteers began the arduous task of cleaning up the
building and site. Over a period of seven years, the restoration and upgrading took place. Although major upgrades were contracted, much of the work has been done by almost 20,000 hours of volunteer labor.
Visitors have been welcomed from the beginning. Approximately 6802 visitors
signed our guest book during the seven-year renovation phase that ended at the
conclusion of the 2002 season. These visitors came from Coaldale, other parts of
Canada and ten other countries.
The overall theme adopted by the Gem of The West Museum Society is “Climb Through Time”. During the previous two years and again in 2003, ethnic exhibits that represent various groups are being featured. In 2004, local
inventions and the contributions of the farming community will be highlighted.
For 2005, a portrayal of early Coaldale is planned in addition to a celebration
of the museum’s 10th anniversary.
One of the legacies that are now enjoyed by the community is the good
acoustics that this former church has. This fact has made it possible for
cultural fundraisers to be hosted at the museum. Christmas Choirs and musical
ensembles have performed there. The Choir Festival can be enjoyed each year on
the first Friday of December.
A Hobby Fair has become an annual event and the 2003 version will take place
in Oct.
A special event fun-raiser in 2003, will be a Bridal Parade and Tea to be
held on May 31st. Wedding gowns from the last century will be featured.
The Museum Society also rents the facility to family groupings that wish to
host events in this unique setting.
The Museum is located on Highway #845 at 1306, 20th St. It is only two blocks
north of another one of Coaldale’s tourist attractions, “The Birds of Prey” bird
sanctuary.
$10.00 memberships can be purchased by writing to Box 343, Coaldale AB, T1M
1M4. They may also be purchased from board members. Donations may also be
forwarded to the same address.
For 2003, summer hours will be 1:30 to 4:30 on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
and Sunday beginning May 24th and ending Aug. 30th. You can also visit anytime
by appointment. ().
The museum is wheelchair accessible and has a washroom for the handicapped on
the main floor.
A gift shop became a reality in late 2002. Many Coaldale and area arts and
crafts can be purchased there.
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