November events
Saturday, November 12th 7:00 – 11:00pm at Square Butte Hall Country and Western Dance with live band “ Tumbleweeds.” Members $15.00 each, Non Members $20.00 each. Includes evening lunch. Cash Bar. An incredible price for a great evening of fun.
Tuesday, November 22nd, 7:30 pm Square Butte Community AGM. Are you looking to get plugged into a vibrant community? Come to our AGM to find out who we are and what we do. You may even want to consider serving on our board. It’s a great way to get connected and meet new people. Who knows, you may be just the person this community needs! Contact our President, Clayton Foster at exec@squarebuttehall.com if you are interested in being nominated to serve on our board. But even if you don’t want to hold an official position, please come out to meet your neighbours and help elect the officers and directors, and hear a summary of events and fiscal reports from this past year.
Friday, November 25th “Ladies Only Night” Meet and share in an evening of wine, shopping, raffle prizes and great food. 10 local women entrepreneurs will showcase their wares. Call Susan 403-931-3366.
Square Butte Ladies Group
This group has been a constant in our community since 1941. You wonder how a group could continue for so many years? It started after a baby shower was held for Peggy Nylund and all those who attended thought it was such a wonderful idea to get together monthly, in their homes. There was such a need to socialize and since it was war time they joined in the effort to hand make items for the many soldiers overseas. To this day, any money raised goes to local charities. Getting to the meetings in the beginning was a challenge, as the roads were not graveled and near impassable at times. One time Alex Lyall was giving rides to ladies across a very difficult stretch of road, even resorting to taking off the wheels to unclog the mud that had built up in the wheel wells. In the early days the gatherings were of such importance they would walk (even crossing streams in their bare feet) or ride horseback. Mrs. Belanger often rode her horse which was not some sleek riding steed, it was in fact a work horse or we should say dual purpose horse.
The group has embarked on some very ambitious fundraisers over the years. They held the Gingham Ball at Ranchers Hall from 1953 to 1961, until the new Square Butte Hall was operational, which then continued there until 1990. Of special interest is the year 1961 (when most of the group were pregnant) the Gingham Ball attracted a record crowd of 300 people at the Ranchers Hall.
From 1967 to 1983 the group ran a Barbeque at the July 1st Millarville Races often netting a handsome sum. For example in 1980 the ladies netted a profit of $1,256.44. In 1987 the group started having a bake table at the Millarville Market and this tradition is continuing with 3 markets each summer. Their baking (especially the pies) are sought after by many Market goers, often disappointing many if you don’t get there early!
Over the years the Square Butte Hall has been a major recipient of funding from the ladies group. Graveling hall grounds, ovens, Hall sign, telephone, stage, stage curtains , paid utility bill for many years and installed modern washrooms. The Walk-a-thon or famously named the John-a-thon was held to raise money for the Square Butte Hall washrooms. 14 members took to the roads in a 17 mile walk from Turner Valley to Square Butte with the first group finishing in 5 hours, which netted $1,650.00.
The group has celebrated their 25th, 40th, 50th and 75th anniversaries with some very original skits, radio shows and hilarious shenanigans always accompanied with some great food. As we struggle to maintain a viable group after 81 years we are always optimistic that our traditions will prevail.
It was not all about raising money it was about comradeship, friendship, community support and above all having fun together. The goal always has been to give to charity and to help out when needed. Hard work has never deterred this group and a determination to continue regardless of deteriorating membership, spurs this group on. We welcome everyone to join. The group epitomizes what volunteering is all about.
Our utmost thanks goes out to Jill Fry (our present President) a member since 1986 who documented the history of the group right down to a list of past and present members.
www.squarebuttehall.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Sqbuttecommunity
Rental Inquiries: contact@squarebuttehall.com
Membership: sq.butte.comm.assoc@gmail.com
