Relocated homestead has curb appeal

Tuesday, Feb 07, 2012 03:00 am | By Jennifer Isaac
Jennifer Isaac
Jennifer Isaac
Michael Dougherty of the Roulston Museum in Carstairs is excited about new developments at the site. Here, he is checking on the move of the McCaig House.
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The Roulston Museum is on the move, with the relocation of the McCaig homestead.

Last week, the heritage building was moved from its spot on the northwest side of the museum property to a concrete pad on the southeast portion.

“This will make it more visible to people wanting to tour the museum facilities,” said Michael Dougherty, curator of the museum. “It was built in 1901 and was originally located east of town. It was on the Riddle Ranch and it functioned as a granary for decades.”

He added the Riddle family donated the homestead to the historical society in 1993.

“Here, we will have it staged as a turn-of-the-century home,” Dougherty said. “It should be set up by June.”

Inside at the Roulston, the redevelopment work continues. “The South Gallery is beginning to take on its new look,” said Dougherty. “The Trails and Sam Scarlett exhibits are nearing completion.”

After the work in the South Gallery is completed, which is expected to occur sometime in June, Dougherty will put his attention on the grounds and outbuildings. “These areas will tell the stories of the pioneer homesteading and regional agricultural and ranching history,” he said. “We’re looking at the 1880s all the way up to the 1940s and 1950s.”

He added that the museum is looking for items related to early Carstairs and district history. “By early, we mean roughly 1880 to 1905,” he said. “If anyone has artifacts from this period, we’re interested, so please let us know.”

In other museum news, the 25th annual Pioneer Supper will be held on February 11 at the Carstairs Community Hall.

“To help us celebrate our society’s 25th year end and as a precursor to our annual general meeting, this year’s Pioneer Supper will be the Old Time Valentine’s Dance,” he added. “It’ll feature a ham supper with all the trimmings, a silent auction and live dance music from The Badlanders.” Tickets are $35 and are available at the museum.

The museum also continues with Movie Nights, through a partnership with Carstairs Connections and the Town of Carstairs. “Each month, the historic Knox Church hosts feature films on the big screen.” On February 20, Chicken Run will be presented, beginning at 5:30. Free hotdogs will be served by the Carstairs Lions.

On March 7, the movie Ratatouille will be screened, beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is free, as are the popcorn and drinks.

The Roulston Museum currently is operating under its winter schedule and is open Wednesdays to Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m.


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