A bit of history about Eston’s museum

By Joan Janzen

ESTON - The Prairie West Historical Centre in Eston is an impressive display of buildings that not only display a wide array of historical artifacts but also serve the community in various capacities. The main building was built in 1910 and originally served as a stopping place or halfway house for travellers. In 1916 the building was expanded by its owners, Wesley and Jessie Evans.

Pat Rooke, who was chairperson of Prairie West Historical Centre in 2000, is pictured winding a gramophone inside the parlour of the turn of the century home. The house was converted into the Prairie West Historical Centre in Eston. Photo Crossroads, July 2000

In 1977, their daughter donated the building to Eston’s historical group at which time it was moved to Eston and converted into a historical centre, which opened in 1981. Many additional historical items were donated, including a telephone switchboard.

Believe it or not the telephone switchboard was how many men found the love of their life, since most women worked as nurses, teachers or switchboard operators. And if you didn’t happen to have a telephone, but your neighbour did, you could use a barb wire fence to transmit your conversations.

A one-room school house is located next to the Prairie West Historical Centre. Love Dale School opened its doors in 1912. During that era schools often doubled as churches on weekends. This was the case for Isham United Church which held their Sunday services at the school until 1955. After the school closed in 1962 it was used as a community centre for some time and was later moved to Eston.

Around the year 2000 the school was an attraction at the museum during the summer and used as a dance studio during the winter months. Thanks to the dedication of many volunteers throughout the decades, the museum has continued to serve the community of Eston in various capacities.