Clayton McLain Memorial Museum

On March 17, 2015, the Cut Knife Chamber of Commerce dissolved. The organization had been a part of the Town since, at least, the 1970s and had hosted some well loved community traditions including the May Long Weekend Garage Sale, Oktoberfest and the Canada Day Pancake Breakfast at the Museum. However, now that it had disbanded, the question arose: What was to become of its records?

*The first box of materials – with signed Transfer of Ownership, to the right. The items will be organized along timelines, described, filed in archival boxes and stored.*

The Clayton McLain Memorial Museum and Archives has established a set of guidelines that helps us to determine whether, or not, a potential donation fits our mandate. These criteria were designed to keep us on track. Our display space, our storage space and our volunteer resources are limited. By following our Significance Worksheet, we eliminate duplication and we maintain the museum’s focus on the stories directly relevant to the area.

Honestly, if it were up to the individuals of the Acquisitions Committee and the Board of Trustees, we’d probably take in everything that was offered to the Museum. Most of us have a weakness for collections, for antiques, for documents and books or for items of a sentimental nature but that approach is unworkable. So, we’ve set up a procedural based upon what other museums are doing and we work at creating a unique, manageable collection reflective of the people, events and history of the Cut Knife area.

The Archives is a climate and light controlled, dust and pest free area.

The records of the Cut Knife Chamber of Commerce will be accepted into the Archives because they fit – to a tee – the requirement for historical significance: “. . . collection [that] contributes to changing the course of local history or [has] an impact on development of community.” The boxes of materials will be processed and, in time, will be available to the public for viewing or research.

~ Debbie M.

Our Stories

Bert Martin’s Cabin

March 9, 2015October 30, 2021 Clayton McLain Memorial Museum

Homesteading in the early 20th century, on the wind-whipped stretches of prairie was no easy task for new immigrants. Often, they knew little about farming and, even if they had experience working the land, surviving a Saskatchewan winter would still be a bitter struggle. Much of their success would depend upon how well they were able to make preparations before the cold weather hit.

First shelters were often considered temporary, constructed quickly with whatever materials a settler could afford or could find on the land. Tents and caves, sod or tar paper shacks were common, replaced by log, frame or stone houses as the homesteader’s fortunes improved. Severe weather events like droughts, floods and cyclones were widespread as were their consequences – fire, insects, mud, and hailstones.

Winter would be the worst. Blizzards with extreme temperatures and wind chills, little visibility and drifting snow could shut down an entire area. A settler needed a supply of food and firewood to survive until the roads were passable, again. He would need wool blankets and quilts, lamp fuel and something to occupy the long days of solitude and isolation.

Imagine living in a shelter like Bert Martin’s: A log cabin, plastered with mud to keep out the wind, a small wood stove for heat and a few small, windows to let in the weak winter sun. There’s a dirt floor, a single bed, a table and chair, a few pictures to decorate the walls but it’s a simple dwelling. Could you imagine living like that for a year or two? It’s humbling to think about how many homesteaders did.

~ Debbie M.

Board

2015 AGM

March 6, 2015October 30, 2021 Clayton McLain Memorial Museum

BE A PART OF THE CMMM’S 2015 SEASON: ATTEND THE AGM

On Monday, March 16th, the Clayton McLain Memorial Museum and Archives will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at 7:30 p.m. in the MAAC. The evening’s agenda will include our 2015 Annual Report, the nomination of new Board Members and the establishment of committees, as required. We ask that you consider joining us, either as a member of the Board of Trustees or as a Volunteer on one of our Committees

If you have any questions or would like more information, fill out the email form on our Contact page; email us at cmmmcutknife@gmail.com or call (306) 398-2345 and leave a message.

Archives, Our Stories

SK Archives Week 2015

January 30, 2015January 14, 2024 Clayton McLain Memorial Museum

CMMM DEBUTS ONLINE EXHIBITS

The Clayton McLain Memorial Museum and Archives will celebrate Saskatchewan Archives Week 2015 with the presentation of two online events at cmmmcutknife.ca.

At noon on Wednesday, February 4th, “The History of the Cut Knife Downtown Business District” will make its website debut. This page will feature the research put together by CMMM volunteers for the Town of Cut Knife’s Centennial celebrations in 2012.

Information was sourced from the CMMM Archives, the Highway 40 Courier, local history books and local residents with long memories. The signage was originally displayed outdoors over the 2012 summer season. By uploading these documents to our website, we are pleased to be able to contribute to Saskatchewan’s online documentary heritage.

The second event, at noon on Friday, February 6th, will introduce a Genealogy Resource page for all those working on family histories. This should be considered a work-in-progress as the addition of relevant website links will be ongoing.

Please note the Museum Administration and Archives Centre (MAAC) is closed for the winter. These are online events at: cmmmcutknife.ca.

For more information, call (306) 398-2345 or email cmmmcutknife@gmail.com.