UNITY — In their 42nd summer season, the Unity and District Heritage Museum has had plenty packed into 2022 so far and upcoming.
Thanks to four dedicated volunteers, machinery row was moved, beginning March 30. The Highway 21 re-routing construction project dictated the machinery move and, while the new space for these numerous pieces of history is not completed, the initial big relocating task is done.
Museum committee members say the display base will need to be improved in the near future. When
The highway construction project also has resulted in a new entry needed for the museum as the Highway 21 access is no longer available. At present, the new entry is listed as coming in from 7th Avenue East near the Community Centre, turn north on 1st Street, then take a right at the T-intersection to get into the gate. This may or may not be fine-tuned as developments play out.
When the community learned the Zunti sod house was no longer viable and would need to come down, a motivated resident came in to ask about the historic piece and a proposal for possibly saving the structure was put forward. UDHM had announced that the soddie, built in 2006, was now becoming a danger and in poor condition. The ability to repair or rebuild the structure was beyond the museum volunteer’s capabilities and artifacts displayed in it would be removed and housed elsewhere on the museum grounds.
The proposal has the committee working on possiblities and will let the community know the results once it has been decided.
A museum spokesperson tells the Press-Herald / SASKTODAY.ca, “The Winter pancake brunch fundraiser was very well received and ended very well with 88 guests present for the last event. We are thankful for both patrons and volunteers for helping us in this winter fundraiser.”
One of the Sunday brunches even included a “pay-it-forward” gesture with meals being purchased for the surprise of attendees and as a show of support for the museum committee.
The committee will be busy with projects over the summer.
The Adanac Church foyer will be improved. Painting of the Adanac Hall will take place inside. Volunteers will be cataloguing artifacts in the Killwinney Mason Hall and getting it ready for touring.
"The Killwinney Masons are intrusting UDHM with the care of the Mason Hall," the committee reports.
"The hall has been there for 112 years but sadly their membership has dwindled, and they are leaving to join another hall."
Also in the works is preparations of tractors and vehicles for viewing, and for display in the Western Day Parade and July 1.
Unity’s museum is hosting Canada Day celebrations in 2022, with much being planned for the day. Jake Vaaleland and the Sturgeon River Boys will be feature entertainers and, as four-time Sask. Country Music award winners this year, their performance is highly anticipated.
Events throughout the day will include rope making, fresh bread made in the clay oven, a pancake breakfast, an interdenominational church service, building tours, rides on the speeder and rides in a horse-drawn wagon and an old car. The Unity Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring fireworks that evening.
The museum committee counts on residents to come visit this summer as well as bring their visitors and guests to see all the history that is on display.
