Years ago CHAPS sponsored the creation of 100 Stories for 100 Years. Last year we created a YouTube channel that highlights these local stories. The producer of the series is Barry Thorson of Lone Wolf Theatre Company.
This video is the first we’ll highlight on our website blog.
Author Fred Stenson talks about the history of the Cochrane Ranche and his book Lightning.
We have a good supply of Cochrane bricks. Tell us about your project and we may be able to help.
CHAPS recently sponsored the installation of 5 more historic signs. Each sign details a bit of the history involved with the site and why it’s important to our local story.
They include the Range Grill, Murray Hardware, Camden House, Shoemaker shop, and Meat Locker plant.
Thanks to all the volunteers and contractors that helped with the construction and installation. These signs help CHAPS fulfill our mission of educating people about the history of our beautiful town.
Today was my first chance to get back into the Cochrane Historical Museum after flood damage this past spring. The exhibits on the first floor were unharmed but the archives, work area and meeting space on the lower floor were significantly damaged.
I am sure impressed. Not only have repairs been done but it looks better and more functional than before. The area is divided into an Archives, meeting space and research space that is more attractive and useful than before.
Meeting area and one research station
The chance of future flooding reaching the Museum has been eliminated by adding a berm.
Berm to reduce flooding
Access to the lower floor has been improved by making changes to the original stairs.
Improved access to lower floor
Thanks to all the volunteers, donators and contractors that made this possible. The history of our beautiful town can again be displayed.
Helping youth find the right volunteer opportunity – Volunteer Vibe | Parlons Bénévolat
— Read on blog.volunteer.ca/helping-youth-find-the-right-volunteer-opportunity/
Alberta has a rich history and no end of Museum’s to record and educate. Local CHAPS members recently visited Innisfail’s Historic Village to learn more about Central Alberta.
The yearly planned activities of CHAPS was suddenly interrupted and altered during the late evening of March 23rd, 2019. The Big Hill Creek overflowed it’s banks resulting in the flooding of our Museum basement.
Thanks to members of the Cochrane Fire Department and CHAPS volunteers, many historical and cultural artifacts, books, photo albums and other objects were saved. We were very fortunate to not of lost our entire basement and contents.
This event shattered our sense of safety. Though heartbroken and devastated, CHAPS members and volunteers rallied together to repair the damages. This publicly demonstrated how CHAPS members and volunteers are dedicated and devoted to help protect, preserve and maintain the history of Cochrane and the surrounding areas.
As a result, many individuals, non-profit organizations and local businesses made financial donations to help recoup our losses.
Remember “out of tragedy, good things happen”. Human nature cannot live without the news. Through the local news print and social media applications, information about CHAPS has spread very quickly. This raised public awareness and visibility has helped mobilize people to support our identity, goals , values and purpose.
We must keep and improve this “recognition process” moving forward in 2020. We must move ahead with vigor, passion and fixed determination to achieve our goals. We all need to keep going.
Thanks to Malcolm Strong for donating Cochrane bricks to CHAPS. They were from the Moore house on Ross Ave. & William St. There are 8 pallets with about 200 bricks per pallet.
CHAPS has been contacted by a resident of Downey, CA about an Estate sale for Findlay’s who once lived in Cochrane. Apparently, they had quite a lot of memorabilia from the area including this site plan from 1914. It would be extremely helpful if someone in Downey could give these treasures a look on our behalf.
CHAPS Annual General Meeting is Sept 18th 7 PM. It’s the perfect time to get involved.
The mystery of Where’s Waldo finally solved as he has been working at the Cochrane Historical Museum for the past two years as part of a contest
— Read on www.cochranethisweek.com/wheres-waldo-mystery-solved/
CochraneNow.com – Cochrane, Alberta’s latest news, Sports and Ag news, as well as Classifieds, Community Events and Business Directory.
— Read on cochranenow.com/local/ufa-salutes-contribution-of-chaps-with-donation
Archeologists dig up the past along Highway 1A.
— Read on www.cochranetoday.ca/local-news/archeologists-peer-into-cochranes-past-1621442
Are you #staycationing this year? Be sure to #MeetYourMuseum. #CochraneHistoricalMuseum
CochraneNow.com – Cochrane, Alberta’s latest news, Sports and Ag news, as well as Classifieds, Community Events and Business Directory.
— Read on cochranenow.com/community-blog-articles/chautauqua-breathes-life-into-proud-heritage
CochraneNow.com – Cochrane, Alberta’s latest news, Sports and Ag news, as well as Classifieds, Community Events and Business Directory.
— Read on cochranenow.com/local/cochrane-museum-fends-off-flooding
Our local Museum opens for the summer with Jade Lewis returning for a third season. Jade with her family and friends have created two fabulous short videos that bring our rich history to life. Watch them here on our Youtube channel.
Timothy Collard joins Jade. In his own words
“Tim Collard holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from St. Mary’s University. He will be pursuing his Master’s in History at the University of Calgary in the fall focusing on historiography and the role of narrative in history. Tim moved to Cochrane with his family in 1984 and grew up in the community. His first job was at MacKay’s Ice Cream and he graduated from Cochrane High in 2001. For the past two years, Tim has been a regular busker at the Cochrane Farmer’s Market and can often be found around town playing guitar with his father. Tim is passionate about the stories that shape a community and he is excited for the opportunity to share some of the stories of Cochrane this summer at the Cochrane Historical Museum.’
CHAPS President Larry Want presents the Heritage Award to Janette Whittle for “Grannies Dishes”.
Honourable Mention went to Annabelle Denson for “In the Old Day’s”.
This may not look like much to many people but we’re super excited.
Day 4 and the crew is making good progress.
I often have to blink as I read about the generosity of Cochranites. This is another example.
The Management, Staff and Volunteers at Home Treasures have made a large donation to support CHAPS rebuilding of the Cochrane Historical Museum.
Our rebuilding fundraiser is going well thanks to the nice people at Fortis.
CHAPS thanks the Totem Charitable Foundation for this incredibly generous support of the Cochrane Historical Museum. The museum recently sustained damage by a flood of Big Hill Creek.
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”
Being a CHAPS Volunteer isn't about how long you've lived here. It's about contributing to the community, meeting new people, learning new skills and having fun.
Thank you to our volunteers
Builders. We can’t thank the folks enough that helped to build CHAPS.
“You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.”
