Medicine Valley Estonian Pioneers
Honored at Midsummer Celebration
Estonian people world-over love to celebrate Midsummer or Jaanipäev. This past summer, the event was combined with festivities to honor pioneer Estonians who homesteaded in the Medicine Valley at the turn of the 20th century. On the June 22-23 weekend, over 200 people gathered at the Gilby Community Centre and the adjoining Medicine River Recreation Area and Campground for a province wide celebration. The Gilby area is the site of the original settlement and Estonian pioneers helped the building of Gilby Hall in 1921. Within a few years of the Kingsep, Kinna and Posti families arriving in 1903, there were over 40 Estonian families in the area. They formed large extended family networks. Many of these families retain connections with today's community and it was the third, fourth and fifth generation descendants who played a central role in planning the successful weekend.
The Estonian-Canadian Centennial in 1999 in Stettler served to renew interest in their family histories and led to rediscovery of the historical significance of their lives. "Pioneer Days" in this case was not just a theme. Rather it was a genuine opportunity to learn about and visit actual homestead sites, to share in the restoration of the first cemetery, to learn about the Estonian School and Hall, as well as enjoy the rolling landscape and beauty of the valley that had attracted them in the first place. As with most Estonian festivities, convivial company, sumptuous food and lively music contributed to a memorable event.
The program began early Saturday with the serving of a hearty Pioneer Breakfast in the Gilby Hall. August Liivam was in charge of preparing their family recipe of double dipped "Estonian Toast". Homemade barley sausage was provided by Stettler Estonian families. Lori Kalev Sparrow organized a display of storyboards of the local pioneer families. Most of these families were in attendance to acknowledge their historical roots to the community.
At noon, Bob Kingsep, the grandson of the first Estonian to settle in Canada, officiated at the opening ceremony. He spoke of the honor and pleasure for him to participate in this event and at this site which has such close historical ties to his family. He also noted a need to keep his orations to a minimum in order to avoid comparisons with his storied, loquacious grandfather. August Liivam as Councilor in Lacombe County welcomed all guests and David Kiil from EES outlined the history of these traditional summer solstice celebrations.
After the opening, guests were given maps to set out on self-guided tours to view over twenty historic sites in the vicinity. Signs at each site had homestead and historical descriptions, and had been prepared by Bob Kingsep and Garry Raabis. Traffic jams occurred along the rural roads as people stopped to view and reflect upon pioneer life and times. At 2:00 P.M., guests gathered for the dedication of the Old Cemetery on a secluded hilltop on the Raabis homestead. Many arrived from the Hall via horse-drawn wagons. Myrna Kalev, a fifth generation Canadian Estonian on the Kinna side organized the wagon convoy. Her brother Brian drove one of the teams.
For those in attendance, the restoration and dedication of the Old Cemetery represented a tangible link to the past. The cemetery had been used in the early years but since 1925 had gradually fallen into disrepair and nearly forgotten. One massive headstone, with the name "Horma Ott Kanksep" lay on the ground. This remaining landmark was the gravestone of Bob Kingsep's great-grandfather who passed away in 1905 while visiting his sons in Canada. The Centennial in 1999 brought renewed interest in these historical details and led to the rediscovery of the Old Cemetery. Through the determination and dedication of Allan Posti, Arnold Mottus and his sister Jean Maki, the site has now been groomed, the headstone uprighted, symbolic crosses put in place and a surrounding chain link fence erected.
Bob Kingsep officiated, as a plaque installed by the Lacombe County, was unveiled. The plaque is affixed to a stone that had been moved from the grounds of the original Estonian School. With his notes resting on his great-grandfather's headstone, Bob read from the account written by his aunt Selma Kingsep Pallo where she wrote of her memory of her grandfather Ott Kanksep's passing and subsequent funeral. The perceptions of a seven year old were magic. The simple references from the past were as relevant to the present attendees as they were to the little girl who had stood on the same ground 87 years earlier. As the ceremony concluded, second and third generations of Raabis family sang "Amazing Grace". Bob noted "I will always remember the few seconds after the conclusion when my eyes met with those of Allan and Arnold. No words were spoken. None were necessary". For all present there was an overwhelming awareness of the value of links to the past.
Back at the Hall, preparations for the pig roast were underway. People were hungry after a lively afternoon of social and outdoor activities. As the crowd grew, overflow tables were set up outdoors. This seating proved to be a challenge during the dinner when a crashing hailstorm hit. With the Hall filled to capacity, a huge roast pig was brought to the table. It was a sight to behold! Flash bulbs popped everywhere. A variety of dishes including traditional Estonian rye bread and sauerkraut accompanied the delicious pork. All agreed the occasion well earned this plentiful and succulent feast.
Following the meal, people sang and danced to the music of Garry Raabis and his band. The Raabis family members are notable musicians. Garry's father Waldo played for many years at Gilby dances and joined with Garry this evening to play again. Shirley Raabis Moos sang with the band, and joined the family in singing "Nagu Linnu Tiivul", a song that their pioneer grandparents had known but for which the family now has English words. All joined in singing "Happy Birthday" to mark the 80th anniversary of Gilby Hall.
Midsummer tradition demands a huge, late-evening bonfire, even if the wood and ground are soaking wet. Showing true pioneer grit, August Liivam persisted until the large log pile was ablaze. The bonfire became the gathering spot for a singsong that lasted into the wee hours of the morning. With this, a memorable and meaningful event came to a close.
Following the celebration, the organizing committee received much favorable feedback: "first rate celebration", "wonderful experience for all", "terrific event", "allowed me to connect with my Estonian roots and stay in contact with my community", "fortunate to have been involved', "experienced real historic ties", "suurepärane pidu"...
This was a worthy celebration of the pioneer Estonians who have earned a special place in the history of this province.
