Sadly, three bobbin covers have mysteriously disappeared from sewing machines in our collection. As a volunteer-run organization, acts of vandalism and theft hit us hard financially.
We are sharing this information in the hope that someone may have an extra bobbin cover that they would be willing to donate to the museum. We know that our community is filled with many generous and supportive people who care deeply about the museum, and for that we are grateful. ❤
Thank you to the Royal Canadian Army Cadets for your community service to the Onoway & District Historical Guild! Our flower beds are ready for summer🌷
Our 742 sq ft kitchen is a fully equipped space available to support events, programs, and rentals throughout the Heritage Centre. It features a 6-burner gas stove and oven, a commercial fridge, a freezer, a triple sink, warming trays, and a variety of cooking accessories. A whiteboard and pegboards are also available for planning and organization.
Please note: caterers or users must supply their own dishes, cutlery, glasses, pots, and pans. For a full list of available kitchen accessories, contact the museum office directly.
Visit our website to book this space online: https://www.onowaymuseum.ca/
Artifact Spotlight: Grandma Gray's Creative Work
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Mary Courtoreille from Lac Ste. Anne married Ambrose Gray in 1909. For many years Mary and Ambrose lived on a farm 3 miles east of Onoway. Their house was situated on the east bank of the Sturgeon River. In 1944 the farm was sold and Mary and Ambrose moved into Onoway just months before Ambrose died.
Mary, who over the years became affectionately known as Grandma Gray, spent many hours of her life beading and sewing leather garments for all who requested jackets, vests, moccasins, mukluks, gloves, and mitts. Much of Mary's sewing and beading was done by lamplight before Onoway got power in 1953.
The Onoway Museum is fortunate to have such a fine collection of Mary's lifelong creative work.
Artifact Spotlight: Onoway Telephone Exchange
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On November 6, 1911, Alberta Government Telephones opened an office in the William Beaupre residence in Onoway. The switchboard was operated by Mrs. Beaupre until 1943, at which time her daughter, Mrs. H. R. Carson, became the agent until the early 1960s.
This switchoard was called "Central" as it was the centre point to which all calls were connected.
A village resident wishing to make a telephone call simply cranked the handle of his/her phone to alert "Central". After telling the operator which local number one wished to contact, the operator made the connection by plugging a jack into the correct slot and cranking a magneto to send the ringing signal to the telephone receiving the call.
In the early years service was only provided from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. By the late 1950s service extended from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. In the early 1960s all night service was provided.
Today this artifact serves as a reminder of how technology has been used to connect our community in many ways over time.
Save the date: September 19, 2026 🌻🍂
It may still be cold and blustery, but it's never too early to plan ahead for our biggest event of the year!
Mark your calendars for a special day of fun, food, and family-friendly entertainment. Stay tuned for more information closer to the event!
Save the date!
The Heritage Days Community Garage Sale will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 11AM-3PM in the Heritage Centre open area.
Call or text Michelle at 780-905-9704 for more information or to book a table for $15.
Attention all local history enthusiasts!
These beautiful 2010 Pathfinders books tell the history of the Onoway and Rich Valley districts and are available by donation.
Come to the Onoway Museum to pick up this fascinating reading material. (And why not check out our exhibits while you are here?)
Artifact Spotlight: The Travelling Library
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Some time after the Lac Ste. Anne School Division #10 was formed in 1937, the travelling library was established. The travelling library supplemented the meager libraries in all the country schools. Each library box contained an assortment of books suitable for children of different ages. The boxes were exchanged every two months, giving pupils a new selection of books. The travelling library ended in the early 1950s when the country schools closed and students were bused into central schools.
Swing into Spring!
As spring will soon be here to stay, come check out our new display of sports equipment in the museum.
What are some of your favourite spring activities? Comment below 👇(or better yet, stop by and tell us in person!)
