GLENDON – Although the Glendon and District Historical Society (GDHS) was saddened to have to say goodbye to their old building, they are looking forward to building a new home for the organization.
So, they’ve created a Square Foot Fundraiser where donors can purchase a $250 square foot of the building that is soon to be constructed.
The GDHS is a non-profit society, made up of volunteers from the community who work to preserve the history of the area surrounding Glendon.
“Our society members’ hearts are filled at the idea of leaving a legacy of an incredible community that started generations and generations ago,” says GDHS President Belvia Wrobel.
Donations over $25 are eligible for a tax receipt, and each square foot donor’s name will be recognized.
The GDHS has been a local installment since it was formed in 1981, and has been the guardians of historical materials, a source of education for the community, and has undertaken several projects including completing the book So Soon Forgotten: A History of Glendon and Districts.
In conjunction with The Village of Glendon, the GDHS says it is pursuing the construction of a new building to “house historical materials and provide a community centre for locals and tourists to visit.”
Wrobel says it is a privilege to promote and display memorabilia from past generations - to preserve, honour, and cherish the community's history.
The building will be on Main Street just west of the Village Office.
The GDHS has big plans for the new building, including collaboration with local schools, facilitating workshops, and bringing in guest speakers.
The GDHS would like to acknowledge the founding members of the GDHS who worked tirelessly on So Soon Forgotten: A History of Glendon and Districts.
Vice Chair Cyndie Kissel recalls her father’s time working on the book.
“My father was Metro Spasiuk. He spent countless hours working on the history book. I remember him pouring over baskets and baskets filled with pages and pages of written information. Much of the time this information was handwritten and pretty hard to decipher. Night after night for several years.”
“We also have Louise Onciul, the very last member of the team that worked on the history book, still in our society today. Louise’s magic fingers typed a huge majority of the book on a regular typewriter, as there were no computers in the mid ‘80s. That in itself was a monumental task,” continues Kissel.
Kissel witnessed the enormous effort and dedication the original GDHS showed in their efforts to complete the book.
“Dad and his team spent countless hours reading, editing, collecting information, verifying it as best they could and then rereading it again.”
Kissel adds, “Every member of today’s Historical Society joined because of a loved one that helped to produce the first book. We all have a very sentimental attachment and are doing it out of respect and love for our parents, spouse, or family member.”
Kissel still has a Bonnyville Nouvelle article from the 1980s written about the GDHS and the So Soon Forgotten: A History of Glendon and Districts project, listing all those involved.
“We are very honoured to have those previous members of the historical society who, in 1981 and over the years, have completed many incredible projects and preserved so much history... It will be a historical day for us to build Glendon’s new historical society building.” says Wrobel.
