Clayton McLain Memorial Museum

A.K.A. TUFA COURSE

Some crafts are more fun than others. I really enjoyed mixing the cement, peat moss, sand and water and then smushing (is that a word?) into my chosen form.

The only downer is that one has to wait to see the final results. I figure if it will hold dirt and some succulent plants, I don’t really care what it looks like.

This was our first craft course that we offered at the museum. Although there were not all that many there, I think it was a success. I enjoyed the diverse age groups that were involved.

Having it on a Saturday and the Saturday that the North Battleford Craft Show was on may have kept some people away.

Marcy Holden did a great job of teaching the course. She had everything set up and well researched.

What other courses would appeal to people? Let us know and we’ll try and find someone to teach it.

~ Lucille B.

Gordon Tootoosis (1941-2011)

July 8, 2011December 20, 2021 Clayton McLain Memorial Museum

Our condolences to the family of Gordon Tootoosis. Gordon was well known internationally as a talented actor but local people knew him also as an advocate for his culture and a dedicated husband, father and grandfather.

Gordon was a son of John Tootoosis and also a descendant of Yellow Mud Blanket, brother of Poundmaker.

Rest in peace.

~ Lucille B.

Museum

Teachers Help at Museum & Park

May 26, 2011December 20, 2021 Clayton McLain Memorial Museum

Local teachers, who are out on strike, spent yesterday morning cleaning museum buildings and doing work in the park and around the pond. This was a great way to do some community work and we are so grateful for it all.

It was also an opportunity for the new teachers to spend some time at the museum and park and see what we have to offer. Hopefully we can make more connections in the future.

~ Lucille B.

Events

Working Towards 2012

April 1, 2011December 20, 2021 Clayton McLain Memorial Museum

2012 is Cut Knife’s 100th birthday as a town. There was a settlement before 1912 but this when it became a town.

Our museum is researching the businesses and residences along Broad Street and other older buildings in the town for a walking tour and publication to help celebrate the event.

The committee has spent some time in the old newspapers where it is sooooo easy to become sidetracked because the information is very interesting. We will need to focus and work more quickly because time may run out when we only go through several years of papers a day!

I have also done some research for individuals who want some genealogy information. This too is very time consuming. Would love to have the newspapers digitized. Sigh. Too much work, not enough time or hands to complete it. Anyone interested in helping?

Notes

A Winter 0f Museums

March 11, 2011December 20, 2021 Clayton McLain Memorial Museum

The author spent a month on Vancouver Island where some of the best destinations of course were museums. The Royal BC Museum in Victoria, Comox Air Museum, Nanaimo Museum, Nanaimo Military Museum, Port Alberni Museum, Qualicum Beach Museum, Campbell River Museum, and Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria. And yes, there were some we missed! Next time.

As well we visited Milner Gardens at Qualicum Beach. This was a special treat. Don’t miss it if you are in the area. My favorite things – a bit of history, a garden, and a beautiful view.

So, I came home with some new ideas for displays as I usually do.

I really love museums. Haven’t been to one I that I didn’t learn something.

But then I am a little biased.

~ Lucille B.