Celebrating a Century

This past summer, Estonians from across Canada and the USA gathered at Linda Hall near Stettler to celebrate the centenary of Estonian settlement in Canada. The three-day Estonian-Canadian Centennial celebration was the largest gathering of Estonians in Alberta's history. Over 500 people gathered to honor the brave pioneers who came to Alberta at the turn of the century. The organized Estonian community in Canada had begun in Alberta and Alberta Estonians were proud to host the celebration.

The June 25 - 27 Centennial was planned to coincide with traditional Jaanipäev festivities. Linda Hall, with its spacious grounds and facilities, was an ideal venue for the friendly, informal event. On Friday, pioneer family descendants covered the walls of Linda Hall with dozens of large family storyboards. What history these pictures conveyed! Family trees were depicted through original pioneer photos: pictures of log or sod homes, of family events, social occasions. Pioneer families invested immense effort to compile these family histories and they experienced pride in the knowledge gained about their forefathers. For all others, these storyboards made the Centennial event memorable and unique.

Throughout Friday, people gathered at the Hall to set up motorhomes and campers, view exhibits, tour historical sites, purchase souvenirs (complete with the Centennial logo) but, most of all, to socialize. For many, it was a time for family reunions. For others, it was a "homecoming". For all, it was a time to enjoy meeting friends and other Estonians. The persistent rain ensured that all stayed inside the Hall and got to meet one another, as well as sing and dance to Garry Raabis' band in the evening.

By Saturday noon, the sun appeared and a moving Opening Ceremony took place in front of Linda Hall. Masters of Ceremony were Bob Kingsep and Bob Tipman, both grandsons of pioneers. Three flag poles had been gifted to Linda Hall to commemorate the Centennial. As the anthems were sung, Canadian, Estonian and Alberta flags rose over the Hall. It was a proud moment and one of giving thanks to the "pioneers who made this land our home". Invited guests included IImar Heinsoo, Hon. Consul-General of Estonia in Canada; Udo Petersoo, Archbishop of the Estonian Evangelical Church in Canada; and Robert Kreem, who delivered the keynote address. Copies of Original Homestead Certificates were presented to over 30 pioneer family representatives. Musical entertainment was provided by Evelyn Klaus Shursen of Stettler and Rosie Lindau and her band from Toronto.

Saturday afternoon was a time for casual socializing as well as lively, competitive pioneer games such as log-sawing, and nail-pounding. In the evening, a bountiful and delicious Western BBQ dinner was served from a tent on the grounds. Everyone agreed that "This was Alberta beef the way it should be". The evening continued with a musical variety program including Rosie Lindau and her group. Excitement had peaked for the lottery draw of a "Trip for Two to Tallinn". Tônu Orav of Goliger's Travel, Toronto, arranged for this prize and he was present to make the draw. The lucky winner was Kitty Nippak, from Toronto. The highlight of the late evening was the huge traditional Jaanipäev bonfire, and a singsong from the specially prepared "Centennial Songbook".

An open air worship service was held on Sunday morning at the 1906 chapel and pioneer cemetery. On a warm and sunny morning, with a view of lush green fields and gently rolling hills, Archbishop Pedersoo used King David's Psalm to describe the struggles of the pioneers to overcome hardships and settle the land. He gave thanks for "the heritage, history and roots brought from the shores of the Baltic Sea, planted into the soil here." Rosie Lindau, soloist, accompanied on flute by Pille Aavik-Annist, provided an evocative musical tribute to the beautiful setting and occasion. Many were heard to say that the service was the most meaningful part of the commemorative weekend.

The Centennial weekend ended on Sunday afternoon with a half-day bus tour to historical pioneer sites in the Eckville/Medicine River area. The sold-out tour was organized and narrated by Bob Kingsep, grandson of Hendrick Kingsep, the first Estonian pioneer to settle permanently in Canada. Having grown up by his grandfathers' homestead, he was knowledgeable about the history of the area. The tour included stops to view original pioneer homes, the site of the Estonian Hall and Estonian School, and the Gilby/Kalmu Cemetery, where many of the pioneers are buried. A stop was also made at the original unmarked cemetery beside the Medicine River. With the assistance of Allan Posti, tour members placed wooden crosses where they believed the graves to be, and Archbishop Pedersoo offered a prayer of remembrance. Plans are now underway to place a permanent marker there.

The Centennial weekend served to commemorate the lives of the Estonian pioneers. Those who attended felt pride in their heritage and history.

E. McClung

"Pioneers have made this land our home"
"Me tuleme tuhandest tuulest..."

Herk Visnapuu