The Roulston Museum
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The Roulston Museum is located in Carstairs, Alberta and preserves records and demonstrates the history of the district. The main building that houses the museum is the former Knox Presbyterian Church with the two-story McCaig House, which was built in 1901.
THE McCAIG HOUSE:
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The McCaig House was
built by George A. McCaig, he, his wife and son Thomas
lived in the house for one year then moved back
east. In 1911, Murl and Jenny Riddle took possession
then they were married, and lived there for one
year.
In the years that followed the house was modified for use as a granary and served that purpose for decades.
It was decided that this house should be preserved because of its history and uniqueness as a two story pioneer dwelling. With funding from the Historical Society and private donations, the structure was moved to its present location beside the museum in 1988 with restoration started soon after. Nearly 300 hours of volunteer labour along with donations of doors, windows, shiplap siding, tar paper, and many more items from other old buildings went into the project.
On 20 July 1991, the official opening ribbon was cut by Mrs. Hazel Fraser, a granddaughter of George Alexander McCaig.
The Museum building:
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The former Knox Presbyterian Church, which was built in 1901, is the home of the Roulston Museum.
The first service at the Knox Presbyterian Church was on 15 July 1901 with the Reverend J.T.S. Ferguson from Queens University, Kingston, Ontario presiding.
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Eighty-four years after the first service at the Knox Presbyterian Church eighteen more ministers led the congregation with the last service being held on 30 June 1985 officiated by the Reverend R. Richie. During its years as a Presbyterian Church over seventy-five couples took their vows before the altar. Today couples can have their weddings held in its quaint surroundings. The church seats 100 people comfortably.
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In January 1988, the Church was designated a Registered Historical Site by Alberta Culture and Multiculturalism. The building is preserved as an example of the early Pioneer Church and one can still enjoy the atmosphere as they walk through it. Visitors can sit in the pews and be transported back in time as they view the many religious and historical artefacts on exhibit in the church building.
Adjoining the church is Roulston Hall, which was named for the minister who was instrumental in having it built in 1959 and who passed away before its completion. Today the 850 square foot hall is part of the museum’s main display area and the museum itself is named in the Reverend's honour.
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The Roulston displays hundreds of artifacts from the early years of life on the prairie and life in the small town of Carstairs. A large collection of photographs that record the passing of the years in the community are on permanent exhibit.
The Roulston Museum preserves records and demonstrates the history of the Carstairs district. The museum is managed by The Carstairs and District Historical Society and is a registered non-profit organization.
The Reminisce program at the museum:
For the past several years Roulston Museum has been running a speakers program that they call Reminisce. During the summer months, from Victoria Day until Labour Day, they offer it every second Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in the morning.
The invited speakers are usually long standing members of the community. They will tell us, with stories, and often pictures and personal artifacts, about their memorable moments.
Presentations last about an hour and there is an audience question period following, the listener, can use to gain more detail and insight about the presentation.
Admission is free and coffee, tea, and home baked cookies are offered for a very low price. Call or stop in to the museum to find out when the next one is scheduled. Everyone is welcome.
Through the months of July and August the museum is open from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and closed on Monday. From September to June the Museum is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
To make and appointment call (403) 337-3710 Email: cdhs@telusplanet.net