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.

Camrose Station events

May 29–June 4 Plant sale and swap, regular hours (see below)

Donations welcome―plants, pots, magazines/books Purchase or swap some of the many plants that grow so abundantly within our Station Gardens. Also available there will be house plants, gardening magazines, books and various gardening pots and yard decorations. Donations are gratefully accepted.

June 21―Celebrating First Nations, enjoy the Red Thunder Dancers and Maskwacis Art Show

Dance shows 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; art show available for viewing all day. As part of National Aboriginal Day, the Camrose Railway Station partners with the Camrose Arts Society to bring the community a wonderful celebration of First Nations, featuring the Red Thunder Dancers and Maskwacis Art Show.

June 26―open 10 a.m.–5 p.m., special menu items in the Station Café.

Our Dominion Day Celebration this year includes a tribute to Czech and Slovakian settlers. Enjoy scrumptious traditional foods, enjoy distinctive displays and learn more about the Czech and Slovakian settlers in our community and country.

July 1―Closed

July 10―Garden Tour and High Tea

Book ahead to enjoy a tour of several extraordinary private gardens in the city of Camrose followed by a traditional high tea at the station. Tours starting at 10 a.m.; high tea from 1 to 4 p.m.

Hosted by our Friends of the Station volunteer group, we have organized a driving tour of several private gardens in Camrose, as well as the spectacular Railway Station historical garden park. Preregistration is required please, cost is $20/person.

July 17―Tribute to the community of Armena, program at at 2 p.m.

Pioneer displays all week; wonderful day of community! Please join us at the Camrose Railway Station to celebrate the amazing and historical community of Armena. Artifacts and displays will be available to view the week previous to the event on July 17. Enjoy a Scandinavian menu in the Station Café. Program at 2 p.m. includes community gathering reminiscing.

July 23―Grand opening of our newly constructed speeder shed

Open 10 a.m., program at 2 p.m. Please join us at the Camrose Railway Station for our grand opening of our newly constructed speeder shed. Our track cars are a cherished part of our collection and finally have a permanent home inside, along with many tools used in the construction and maintenance of the tracks. With careful research we have prepared a series of interpretive signs to communicate the significance of these vehicles to the development of the prairies.

August 7―Summer Berry Theme Lunch and Tribute to Pioneer Women of the Camrose District

Program at 2 p.m. Celebrate the berry season with us―our Station Café menu with be bursting with the goodness of fresh, locally grown berries! At 2 p.m. we will have a short presentation to celebrate the women’s role in our area settlement with a “Tribute to the Pioneer Women.” Stories and discussion encouraged.

August 14―Founders Day Festival

Exciting events at the station and across the city celebrating the founders of our community. “Under the Big Top” crafters show and sale 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

October 2―Meeting Creek Harvest Festival

1–5 p.m. Celebrate the gathering of the harvest with the Canadian Northern Society at the Meeting Creek Railway Station and Elevator. Children’s activities include crafts, games, pumpkin carving, and scarecrow stuffing. Enjoy music, entertainment and tours―a great day of community. On site concession.

December 4―Annual Cookie Walk, Tea and Christmas White Elephant Sale

1–4:30 p.m. One of our major fundraisers for the year―but still a wonderful time of community! Our volunteers cook up a load of cookies―buy a few or get your Christmas supply. Our volunteers make them homemade and delicious! Sit awhile in the beautifully decorated Station Café, join us for a beverage and fresh desert; and wander our wonderful Christmas white Elephant Sale (donations welcome).

December 18―Annual Christmas by Fireside at the Station

7–9 p.m. Please join us for a traditional Christmas Carol and Story evening, a cup of hot chocolate or cider, as we celebrate the Christmas season ’round the station fireplace. 7–9 p.m. There is no charge for this event. Tell your own Christmas story, participation welcomed!

Camrose station regular summer hours:

• Monday: closed
• Tuesday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Sunday openings in July and August: 1–5 p.m.

Updated 2010-05-29.

Site contents © 2007-2010. Photographs by S. I. Smith and society archives. All rights reserved. Webmaster: Dean A. Tiegs. Design: Whale Tail Graphics.