February 2020 Meeting and AGM

The regular meeting will be held at the Calgary Yacht Club 10 am on Feb 18th, with the AGM to follow.  Take this opportunity to join and also contribute if you are of a mind that Chestermere’s history is important to all of its citizens!  This year CHF will be doing an AGLC casino July 29th and 30th. Consider volunteering to help CHF continue providing amazing projects and programming for young and old.  REgular programs will continue as CHF moves back to evening meetings as of March 24th at The Chestermere Whitecappers 201 West Chestermere Drive, 6:30pm.  Program TBA.  

January Meeting Tuesday Jan 21st 10am 

Happy New Year!  In 2019 CHF accomplished a lot!  A play,  Seniors Week Tours, Historic Calgary Week talks, two other programs, input on the Mayor’s Chain of Office and refurbishing an historic stove.  Join members on Tuesday January 21st at Calgary Yacht Club 635 E Chestermere Drive 10am for their 1st 2020 meeting and join in the planning for 2020 programs and activities.  High on the list– cairn/public art piece, helping the Yacht Club preserve some history, and more programs on our local area. See you at the meeting–coffee and donuts! 

December Meeting Tuesday 17th – 10am

Join CHF for a morning meeting ( bring a Christmas treat to share) 10am Tuesday Dec 17th at the Calgary Yacht Club 635 East Chestermere Drive.  Following the meeting members will view the video of The Sunshine Cafe.  Thank you to members Ray Blanchard, Jen Peddlesden, Todd Mc Bride, Sheryl Taylor and Bill Peddlesden who attended the unveiling of the Mayor’s Chain of Office for the City of Chestermere. (Mayor Chalmers in centre).  CHF was privileged to provide images for use on this beautiful creation. 

November 19th Meeting and Program

The City of Chestermere has invited CHF to the unveiling of the Chain of Office for the City of Chestermere 5pm on Tuesday November 19^th, Council Chambers, City Hall.   

CHF was consulted on creating this, and we are pleased to be invited to the unveiling.  All welcome.

To facilitate this event, AND the new closing hours of the Chestermere Public library of 8pm, the CHF meeting will start at 6pm on November 19^th NOT  6:30pm.

The November program at 7pm following the meeting, will be a viewing of the archival video made by Ray Blanchard, of ‘The Sunshine Café.’  This is not open to the public as the play is intended for live production so this is FOR MEMBERS ONLY.  New memberships encouraged for those wishing to see this archival footage.  

The History of the Blackfoot Trail

Join CHF in their ongoing work to provide education on local history on Wednesday October 16th at 10 am at the Calgary Yacht Club 635 East Chestermere Drive,  to hear Eileen McElroy talk about her research on The Blackfoot Trail.  The trail discussed was sometimes referred to as the North Blackfoot Trail, meaning the diagonal route from Blackfoot Crossing, on the Bow River south of Cluny, to Calgary. This was the traditional thoroughfare used by the Siksika people of the Blackfoot nation, the North-West Mounted Police and the very earliest European settlers. Stay for questions and the regular meeting of CHF at 11:30am. FREE – everyone welcome! 

The Sunshine Cafe – a Huge Success! 

August 18th was a beautiful sunny day, but 220 people came out to hear about Chestermere’s history through a lively, family friendly play written by Melissa Dorsey and Trevor Matheson.  Thanks to all the volunteers from CHF and friends and family who rallied to make the whole thing run so smoothly.  Did you miss the play?  Plans are to do it again, but no date has been set as yet.  

September 17th History of the WID

Join CHF members as they hear the history of the Western Irrigation District in a presentation from David McAllister General Manager, 10am to 11am at 635 East Chestermere Drive (Calgary Yacht Club).  The presentation is free, everyone welcome!  Stay after for a no host  Subway lunch ($10) and the CHF Regular meeting. RSVP 403 200 8046 or via Contact Us

Some photos from Sep 17th. 

The ‘Sunshine Cafe’ Play is on!

The Sunshine Cafe is ready to go–get tickets here and find out more on this link on our webpage. August 18th two performances in Chestermere at the Rec Centre Hall.

July 16th 2019  Executive Meeting and ongoing Historical Walks

The Executive will meet at the Calgary Yacht Club 635 East Chestermere Drive,  11am  to 12:30pm to discuss business upcoming for the summer, and prepare for the production of the play on August 18th.  We will again do a Subway lunch, & silver collection.

Every Thursday at 7pm at Chestermere Library, and 7pm on Fridays at Elliston Park ( meet at West parking lot), join Shelly McElroy on guided historical walks. Black out days on Stampeders game nights!  Details on posters or contact Shelly .

July 23rd Outing to Union Cemetery

Shelly McElroy will lead us on an historical walk through the cemetery to meet Chestermereians who are buried there and other notable personalities from the Calgary area.  Starting 11am. Please RSVP to or 403 200 8046.  It is planned that a lunch will follow at a designated location TBA.

May 21st Meeting and Program

The regular meeting will be at 6:30pm in the Chestermere Library. Hear more about ‘The Sunshine” Cafe, to be produced August 18th in Chestermere!  Also, following join Shelly McElroy, whose family have been in Chestermere since the very early days, tell us about one of her favourite subjects–The Stamps! From Mounties playing rugby in front of the Deane House to R. B. Bennett performing a ceremonial kick off at Mewata Stadium during the Depression, the team we love had a parallel history with Calgary. Shelly McElroy presents a fan’s perspective of the Stampeders. Meet the players, builders and passionate fans who impacted our team – and our city. No one wearing green will be permitted.

April 16 2019 – Regular Meeting and Program 

CHF is back to the Chestermere Public Library for an evening meeting 6:30pm  where we will continue to discuss the upcoming play ‘The Sunshine Cafe” to be produced on August 25th at John Peake Park Pavilion.  Following the meeting on April 16th, stay for a program  at 7:30pm with Kay Clarke telling us the history of the United Farm Women of Chestermere area.

March 19th 2019  — Subway lunch/social and Meeting

Join CHF at the Calgary Yacht Club for a Subway lunch ( silver collection) and meeting to follow at 635 East Chestermere Drive. 11:30am to 2pm.  Discussion at the meeting will be on the draft of the upcoming play to be mounted on Aug 25th at John Peake Park…free…for all ages!  Learn more about Chestermere’s history, stop in, and get to know the Historical Foundation!

February 19th AGM and Program!

Memberships are now available for 2019, and you are invited to become part of the very creative and exciting programs which are ongoing from CHF about the history of this wonderful city and area.  Click here to get yours on PayPal or come out on February 19th 2019 for the AGM and meeting at 6:30pm followed by another speaker who will tell us all about the CW Ellis farm and the deep roots of this family in Chestermere.  Do you know about the provenance of Elliston Park?  Carole Ellis Drury will fill you in.  This all happens at the Chestermere Public Library in the Community Room.   Read more here.

January 15th 2019 Regular meeting AND Program!

Join CHF on Tuesday January 15th for the regular meeting at 6:30pm ( more discussion about the historical play being mounted August 25th 2019 in the Pavilion in John Peake Park!)  and following that at 7:30pm a one hour program.  This program will features the stories of life here in Chestermere as told by Dave Webster, who has lived here since the 40s.  The new district in Chestermere ( SE) is named for his family.  For more information click on Contact us or call 403 200 8046.  Here is a photo of Dave’s grandparents store here in early days in Chestermere.

December 18th 2018 – Regular Meeting 

Chestermere Historical Foundation has initiated a number of interesting and unique projects and programs around Chestermere.  Have you seen the book installation at the library?  CHF provided all those stories and photos!  In November CHF approved funding to help restore the miniature grain elevator play structure in Indus, originally built from the materials from the last grain elevator in that hamlet.  What else is happening? Lots!  Drop in, 6:30pm at Chestermere Library Tuesday December 18th and see for your self.

November 24th 2018 – “Prehistoric Chestermere”

Check this out for more details on this fascinating program!

November 20th – Regular Meeting

The regular meeting will be at 6:30pm in Chestermere Library Community Room –program this month is “Prehistoric Chestermere” a family program by Cory Gross, Science Educator and director of Sandstone Prehistoric.  Program to be held Saturday November 24th in the Community Room at 1pm.

October 16th – Regular Meeting and Program

Join CHF for its regular meeting and program on the Virtural Launch Trip around Chestermere Lake.  Meeting 6:30pm, program 7:30pm in program room at Chestermere Public Library.

September 18 2018 – Fall meeting

The first meeting for fall series for Chestermere Historical Foundation, will be Tuesday Sept 18th 7:30pm (new time for this meeting only) at the Chestermere Library. Everyone Welcome!  Planning for the coming year of programs.

September 8th Parade 

The Chestermere Historical Foundation was part of the 2018 Fair, the 29th Annual Chestermere Country Fair sponsored by the Ag Society, parade started 9am and went from Chestermere Middle School to the CRCA grounds where the Fair is held.  The truck was driven by present fire chief Brian Pomrenke, and he was accompanied by our First Chestermere Fire Chief Wayne Paquette.

August 25th Show and Shine

Once again the little 1952 CCOA fire truck participated in the Show and Shine event on August 25th.  Thanks to Audrey McDonald and Dave Nieckar for organizing the event–and appreciation to everyone who donated their time to work and those who also donated money to help with restoration.

Heritage Week 2018 – CHF was part of the action!

Again this year, CHF is pleased to be part of Historic Calgary Week( HCW) . Following the successful presentation last year 2017 by Kay Clarke, this year CHF with the help of John Kittler at Dockside Marina, there were three tours of Chestermere Lake with guides telling the story of Chestermere.  Click here for the link to the FULL schedule.  Or this summary of the events. 2018 Historic Calgary Week Events  Thanks to John for registration space, and shelter in the boat house when the rain hit on the third trip!  

And CHF was pleased to provide images for City of Chestermere’s blog for Heritage Week. https://www.facebook.com/CityofChestermere/  

As well, Volunteers Jen and Dave did a presentation on the history of the Calgary Yacht Club and the Lake to the CRCA Day Camp kids on August 7th.

The following day Dave Niekar, Kay Clarke, Sonja Nicholson and Marg Farch presented ‘ A Day in the Life’ to the same youth group at the CRCA day camp program.               

                         Thank you City of Chestermere

Today, July 16th 2018 the Chestermere Historical Foundation was pleased to receive an award of recognition presented by Mayor Marshall Chalmers to the members of CHF for their work and dedication to preserving and educating about the history of the Chestermere area.  The certificate will be hung in the the library along “Walk Down Memory Lane” the gallery kindly provided by the Chestermere Library for the many historic photos of Chestermere gathered by CHF.  Thank you City of Chestermere!  CHF is pleased to welcome Councillor Yvette Wagner who will attend CHF meetings on behalf of City Council for the rest of 2018.  CHF looks forward to a very fruitful partnership with the City of Chestermere in the coming years.

Camp Chestermere Celebrates 80 years on Tuesday June 19th!

Join Chestermere Historical Foundation for their June meeting at 6:30pm June 19th followed by a special presentation at 7:30pm by Camp Chestermere Director Shannon Dean, on the history of Camp Chestermere.  Being 80 years old, it is the oldest institution here in Chestermere.  The presentation will be held at Camp Chestermere 1041 East Chestermere Drive.  It is free and open to all ages.

Schools in our Chestermere Area over the years–from one room to many!

The next education program in the 2018 series will be Kay Clarke, retired teacher, speaking on the history of the schools in the Chestermere area.  She is presently sleuthing out a rumour that one of these school buildings still exists!  Join members at the regular May meeting Tuesday May 15th 6:30pm in the Chestermere Public Library Community Room, and to follow at 7:30pm Kay will give her talk.   And stay tuned, there is a June program to be held at Camp Chestermere Tuesday June 19th (meeting 6:30pm, presentation 7:30pm) as we will be hearing the extensive history of this camp which is celebrating 80 years in 2018

Chestermere Volunteer Fair April 15th 

Stop in and see CHF members, talk about local history, see the new CHF brochure and banner, or join up as a member Sunday April 15th, 1-3pm at Camp Chestermere.  History Books and mugs for sale.  Click here for more details about the event and here for a little video about why this is an important event for anyone in Chestermere looking to give back. .

April 17 2018 – Ice Age to Indigenous

Join members on Tuesday April 17th for a regular meeting at 6:30 pm followed by a program from amateur naturalist and photographer Ray Blanchard on the very, very early history of Chestermere – from Ice Age to our Indigenous original peoples at 7:30pm.  This will be in the Chestermere Public Library. Everyone welcome!  FREE!

March 2018

Join history aficionados and anyone curious about the early days of Chestermere on Tuesday March 20th when Todd McBride (usually in costume!) will give us an hour presentation on the pre-settlement history of the Chestermere area.  That includes stories about Treaty 7, the RCMP and early explorers and surveyors in the area who came out prior to the railroad being built in the late 1800s.  The program starts at 7:30pm just after the regular meeting of the Chestermere Historical Foundation at 6:30pm.  Family friendly, FREE, and don’t forget to get a membership at the old fashioned price of $5 here on the webpage.

February 2018 

The Annual General Meeting is to be held at 6:30pm on Tuesday February 20th at the Chestermere Public Library.  Following the Regular meeting at 7:30pm  Bill Peddlesden will present and hour program on “Sport Excellence in Chestermere.” Perfect timing with the Olympics on our mind!  FREE, family friendly program.  See poster below. 

December 2017 and January 2018 – The Chestermere Historical Foundation is dedicated to preserving, and educating about, the history of Chestermere and surrounds.  Join the Foundation at their regular meetings, usually the third Tuesday at 6:30pm at Chestermere Public Library.  The CHF is committed to providing educational and informative short programs.  In 2018 watch for three programs; Sport Excellence in Chestermere ( stories of some of those who excelled in Chestermere in sports; possibly panel of any who are still living in Chestermere); Pre Settlement History of Chestermere – Todd McBride ( fur trade, RCMP, what was happening before the railroad came; first European contact); Indigenous History of our Chestermere Area – Ray Blanchford.  Join us at our January luncheon, Tuesday January 16^th 11am to 2pm (potluck) at Calgary Yacht Club 635 East Chestermere Drive.  Membership available for $5.  There will be a display of Chestermere scrapbooks from the 1930s to 1970s.  Check the webpage for new posts and meeting date confirmation www.chestermerehistoricalfoundation.org  or call/text 403 200 8046.

November 21 2017 – Regular meeting of the Foundation.  Please join us for the business of keeping Chestermere’s history alive and to hear Audrey McDonald talk on the history of Chestermere and the Chestermere Cabin Owners and their Association.

November 4th – Christmas Craft Sale – Thank you to Audrey McDonald for organizing this, for the volunteers at the table, and for everyone who bought 50 50 tickets in the raffle held that day.  The winner was Don, who lives here in Chestermere and he took home $361.00.  The monies kept by CHF will go towards the fire truck restoration which is nearly completed.

November 1st and 2nd, at Century Casino –  two days of fundraising for CHF, and it is hoped, enough money to finish the 1952 fire truck restoration–the very first firetruck in Chestermere.  To volunteer email or call 403 200 8046. Thank you Volunteers! Bill, Audrey, Mike, Elinor, Patricia, Art, Gail, Dick, Alicea, Ann-Mari, Ada, Todd, Pat, Jerron, Robin. Janet, Bob, Tammy, Stu. Laurie,Julie, Peter, Marg, Carollyne, Jamie-Ann, Debbie, Amanda, Carrie, James and Nancie.  And to those who stayed home in case we needed spares, Mardi, Lesley and Steve. Your assistance and support was immensely appreciated!

October 17th 2017 ( No meeting in September)- 6:30pm at Chestermere Library Community Room, regular meeting of the Historical Foundation.  Come out and hear about our new programs for 2018.

Aug 26th and September 9th – the nearly restored 1952 former Cabin Owner’s firetruck will be in the Chestermere Car Show on Saturday August 26th at the CRCA grounds all day, and in the Country Fair Parade on Saturday September 9th. Watch for it ! Parade starts at the Middle School, 9am for more information go to  http://www.chestermerecountryfair.com 

August 15th, Tuesday – 6:30pm at Chestermere library Community Room for the regular meeting of the Historical Foundation.

July 31 2017 – Historic Calgary Week in Chestermere  – join Kay Clarke as she tells the stories of Chestermere from its beginning.  Whitecappers Room, 201 W Chestermere Drive, 7pm – no charge.Click here  2017 HCW Brochure Web Version  for detailed information and many opportunities to hear stories about local history of the Calgary area.                                     

July 25th Meeting –  July 25th meeting at 144 Springmere Close 9:30am –discussion on upcoming Casino– volunteers needed email

Saturday June 3 2017 – finally we had a beautiful day for a “sneak a peek” at the fire tuck which CHF is restoring!  For details click here  and for photos of the event.

June 5 – 11th 2017 Seniors Week – CHF is there! – Chestermere Historical Foundation is proud to be involved in Senior’s Week 2017 here in Chestermere.  Catch the three  historians giving their two guided launch tours (same program each time) of Chestermere Lake on Monday June 5th, Camp Chestermere, 1pm and 2:15 pm, registration prior to launch tours. Thank you to Lifepath Wellness, Dr. Jed Snatic, for donation of photo images for tour.  To register, come to Camp Chestermere 1041 East Lakeview Road, Chestermere, at 11am June 5th and sign up for one of the the historic launch tours–sorry no pre-registration available this year. 

For more information on schedule and details go to: www.seniors-housing.alberta.ca/events

May 2017 –  This month Tuesday May 16th we are featuring a special program on the natural history of Chestermere Lake. Presented by Ray Blanchard you will get a chance to see amazing footage of local wildlife and hear Ray’s stories about his property on which one can still see remnants of Blackfoot Trail ,  Join in on the meeting at 6:30pm or come later for the program only at 7:30pm at Chestermere Public Library.

April 2017 –  Join CHF at a new location, The Calgary Yacht Club 635 East Chestermere Drive on Tuesday April 18th for the next historical program. This will be on the history of the Calgary Yacht Club and its long life on the shores of Chestermere Lake. It will be presented by Michael Hooper, former Commodore and long time resident at Chestermere.  The regular CHF meeting is 6:30-7:15pm and following that at 7:30pm Michael will present his program. It is free, everyone is welcome!

March 2017 – Come to the meeting on Tuesday March 21st at 6:30pm and following that at 7:30pm, hear Audrey McDonald and Kay Clarke talk about the early cabin owners here in Chestermere.  The program is held at the Chestermere Public Library 105b Marina Road; there is no charge, everyone welcome. Memberships available at this event, $5 or use our PayPal system on this webpage.  

January/February  2017 – as well as our full program for this spring, ( see dates and locations below) CHF will be mounting a display at the library on Sports in Chestermere over the Years.  Check out more about this display here.  See also the ANCHOR article. Page 22.

December 2016 – The Historical Foundation has been working hard this fall to complete the restoration of the 1952 Firetruck used by the Chestermere Cabin Owners in the 60s and 70s.  Read more here.  As with any project it has had challenges but we believe that as of December 2016  CHF is in the final stretch for this huge undertaking.

This fall has seen the Historical Foundation members out at a number of local schools, continuing what was started by Audrey McDonald at Prairie Waters Elementary nine years ago–even before the Foundation had been created.  This is one of the most important of our programs, introducing the youngsters of the Chestermere community to its history.

Watch for advertisements of the upcoming 2017 education programs on various aspects of Chestermere’s History.  Tentative dates will be Tuesday February 21st 2017  ” A Train Station for Chestermere” at Chestermere Library 105b Marina Road ; Tuesday March 21st 2017  “Early Chestermere Lake (Cottage) Residents” at Chestermere Library as above; Tuesday April 18th 2017 “History of the Calgary Yacht Club” at Calgary Yacht Club 635 East Chestermere Drive ; Tuesday May 16th 2017 ” The Natural History of Chestermere – birds and wetlands.” at Chestermere Library as above:Start times 6:30pm with a short general meeting, and the program at 7:30pm.  Everyone welcome, children as well.

Wishing everyone an old fashioned Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and hope to see you at the next meeting February 21st.  For special ‘historical’ gifts see our Merchandise page.  We now use PayPal.

Ideal holiday gift Chestermere A Home for All Seasons 600 pages of stories about Chestermere[/captionIn 2019