Looking back at how things used to be can sometimes rattle the fondest of memories for those who have lived in the area for so many years.
On Thursday, Nov. 24, at the Bonnyville Neighbourhood Inn, residents could take a look back at their family farm or acreage as it used to be through the lens of Aerial Homestead Photos.
The photos were a birds-eye view of farms, neighbourhoods, churches, gas stations and communities within the MD of Bonnyville, and gave residents a glimpse as to what the area was like in the 1900's. Even those who weren't looking to bring back old memories were left fascinated by how times have changed.
Ross and Roberta Daniels have lived in the area since 1976, and have family who laid their roots here years before.
“I figured I would come and see what my grandfather's farm was like,” said Ross.
The couple was rooting through old photographs in search of his grandfather's farm, but managed to find some the neighbouring farms instead, and were delighted to see the difference between then and now.
When they moved here from Rolling Hills, they were looking for a fresh start, and settled on a farm a few miles out of Ardmore.
“We were going to either farm or work, and as it turned out, we had to do both,” Ross laughed.
The area was good to them over the years, the couple said.
“It was difficult at times, but it has been good to us,” Roberta added.
Ross said seeing some of the old barns and equipment that was used years ago was in itself, a pleasure.
“For the times that they had, and the stuff that they had during those times, my goodness,” Roberta said. “It's just incredible.”
She added, a lot of the work they would have had to do by hand then is now done by machine and takes a significant amount of less time.
“There has been quite a change, or modernization as you would call it.”
Linda Fox, resident of the MD, was also scouring over photos in search of a family farm, which has been in the community since the 1930's. The farm, Fox said, is out of Pinecrest, and seeing some of the buildings was a treat.
Pointing to one photo, she explains how the two churches in it are no longer standing, and how nice it was to be able to see them in their glory days.
The photographs featured areas dappled with farms, trees, livestock and other local ammenities, and brought warm memories to the hearts of those who would have walked those very streets whether it was then or now.
