Happy July! May went by like a blur, and I missed the June article, sorry to keep you waiting!
We evacuated my parents from the Drayton Valley fire on May 5th and after a bunch of crazy things happened as a result, well, I just up and forgot to write this column! Our hearts and minds are with all those of you whose family or friends are affected by wildfires this year.
Quick Update on what’s been happening these days…
Bluegrass Concert May 6th was a good time had by all. Some great music pouring out by The Lost Prospectors and special guest Leanne Lightfoot kept guests tapping toes and cutting rugs all night.
Casino Fundraiser (Ace Casino) June 9th was a success. Shout out to Malcolm Carvell (SBCA Volunteer Wrangler) for the extensive organizing. It was fun meeting neighbours and new people who are regular ‘on call’ casino volunteers. Our Count Room comrade was a hoot – she and my husband had a good Stampeders vs. Riders rivalry going. Casinos raise the funds to keep Square Butte Hall running, offering a gathering place for events and community connectedness. Casinos are a lot of work but we need them and they need you. Thank you to everyone who volunteered, it makes a huge difference!
BBQ Potluck – July
Chili Cook Off, Community Breakfast, Fall Dance – stay tuned! I can’t give away all the secrets just yet.
Heritage Moment: The Long Awaited Tail of Shorty the Cow (Adapted from Peggy Nyland in Foothills Echoes)
Mrs. George Lyall had a cow called Shorty. One day when everyone was out, Shorty wandered into the house and got herself turned around in a small space. When Mrs. Lyall went into the house, Shorty was looking in the glass doors of the cupboard that had been specially made by a family friend. Mrs. Lyall was afraid that Shorty would put her horns through the glass, but luckily Shorty got out of there unfazed with no injuries and no damage to the home.
That story had a much more peaceful ending than the 1918 Charge of the Longhorns, when cattle driven from Millarville to the Calgary stockyards got spooked on the Weasel Head Bridge and stampeded into the Sarcee Military Camp. The longhorns ran into soldier tents, destroying everything in their path. The tents were levelled, some carried away by the cattle, while rifles were scattered everywhere like matches. Even some cavalry horses got loose and joined in the stampede! Witnesses say the soldiers were running as fast as the cattle…only in a different direction. Three weeks later, the last stragglers (cattle, not soldiers) were finally rounded up. (Adapted from I. and E. Evans, Foothills Echoes)
Come get involved! Spring Cleanup (BBQ and beverages) June 17, 10:00am at Square Butte Hall. Bring your work gloves, sun screen, and appetite.
Square Butte Hall is on hwy 762, 3km north of hwy 549. Connect with us any time:
Direct: info@squarebuttehall.com
Web: squarebuttehall.com
Social: facebook.com/squarebuttehall
See you next month! Lindsey Kindrat, SBCA – Director, Property Management (and interim Archivist)
