museum sign
Board, Fundraiser, Museum

Dear Community Members

We are saddened to share that one of our memorial benches at the Clayton McLain Memorial Museum was vandalized sometime on or before August 15. This bench was more than just a place to rest, it was a tribute to John and Janet Robertson and a symbol of remembrance on our museum grounds. Janet was the first tenant of Forest Court and chose unit 1 for its sunny exposure, this unit also has a view of the pond and Museum grounds, where the memorial bench would later be placed.

The damage is significant, and the cost to replace the bench is approximately $3,500. As a non-profit organization with limited income, we are turning to our community for help. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to restoring this meaningful tribute and eases the financial burden on our museum.

We also encourage everyone to spend time touring the museum grounds and to report any suspicious activity to the RCMP. Your vigilance helps protect the legacy we all share.

Let’s come together to honor the memory of those commemorated by this bench and show that our community stands strong in preserving its heritage.

Thank you for your support and generosity.

~ Clayton McLain Memorial Museum Board

Events, Fundraiser, Museum, Summer

Last Coffee at theย Museum for 2025

Wednesday, August 27 from 2-4pm

WHEN: Wednesday from 2 โ€“ 4pm
WHERE: In the Living / Dining Rooms of the Duvall House at the Clayton McLain Memorial Museum
COST: By donation

A donation of any amount is greatly appreciated. It all adds up and supports initiatives at the Museum. So, stop by for a coffee; bring a friend, and enjoy the old time ambiance of an years gone by.

~ Debbie M.

Events, Fundraiser, Museum, Summer

Coffee at the Museum 2025

BEGINNING JULY 2, 2025
Running Wednesdays from 2-4pm

WHEN: Wednesdays from 2 โ€“ 4pm
WHERE: In the Living / Dining Rooms of the Duvall House at the Clayton McLain Memorial Museum
COST: By donation

poster coffee summer afternoons Wednesdays 2025
Duvall House

A donation of any amount is greatly appreciated. It all adds up and supports initiatives at the Museum. So, stop by for a coffee; bring a friend, and enjoy the old time ambiance of an years gone by.

~ Debbie M.

ovenstown registration building 1971 canvas print
Board, Fundraiser, Museum

Unexpected Expense

In 2020, Ovenstown, the CMMM’s Registration and Tourist Info Centre since 1971, had to be demolished. Record-setting rains had weakened its foundation and the very tough decision was made to have it bulldozed. Artefacts, display cases, and gift shop items had to be relocated. So did its power supply.

The lines were run under the road to a new panel box near the walking path. This location was intended to serve the Duvall House for events, etc. And, it served very well until a few weeks ago when the staff began having issues with the breakers flipping. The electricians were called in and they concluded it was time to upgrade the relocation work done earlier.

Folks, the CMMM is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organization. Its funders are SaskCulture, Sask Lotteries, the Town of Cut Knife, the R.M. of Cut Knife, the Cut Knife & District Rec. Board, and the very kind support of community members and visitors. The Museum has a 10-year plan and budget for the maintenance and upkeep of the 12 Heritage buildings onsite. Unfortunately, the budget does not include an invoice for electrical work.

If you would like to assist the Museum with this unexpected expense, please visit the Donation page of the website. There are details on how to donate via cash, cheque, e-transfer, and now, credit card and monthly giving through Canada Helps. Thank you, in advance, for any amount at all you’re able to donate.

~ Debbie M.

The Friends of Tomahawk Park sign, newly installed.
Board, Fundraiser, Museum

Mission Accomplished!

Last week, Rob Waldner (Rose City Memorials Ltd.) spent an afternoon working on the Friends of Tomahawk Park brick mosaic. He added 16 inscriptions!! The CMMM is very grateful to the individuals and families who participated in the fundraiser this year and – not to forget – the hundreds who have supported this project since 2012. Our sincere appreciation to all.

Here are a few photos of Rob working on site:

prep for added inscriptions
Beginning the set up for the work on 16 bricks. Pictured: the glue pot, 3 cut stencils with lettering painted for visibility, and marking tools.

set up continues with masking of surrounding bricks
Two areas of bricks to be blasted with masking of surrounding bricks in progress. Note that once the stencil is glued in place, the cut letters are pulled out for sandblasting.

unloading sand pot from truck
Rob bringing out the portable sand pot. The generator will remain in the truck.

Rob in protective equipment sand blasting bricks
Rob in protective equipment sand blasting.

highlighting the bricks after blasting
After the lettering is sandblasted, it’s highlighted. Then, the rubber and masking are removed.

For those who had bricks inscribed this year, expect to receive a photo of your brick(s) in the mail next week. Your charitable donation receipts will be mailed in the new year. Thank you!

~ Debbie M.