Dickson Store Museum

On the go.........

2012-03-01T09:18:00.002-08:00

Everyday brings something unforseen to our museum. Recently I took a mini course that consisted of four sessions. I learned in this course that if you don't clear up the clutter it will dictate what you are going to do that day. So I came back and I cleared up the clutter. This meant everything should be smooth sailing. Right?! I figured out in one big hurry that even without the clutter, things happen throughout the day that change the direction I was headed.

For instance, we are busy here at the museum putting in new shelving to house some of our collection. First we had to tear out the old shelving. Guess what we find behind it? An unpainted wall. Didn't really plan to paint the wall today but I guess. The paint brushes were out in the lumbershed, so I got to wade through knee high snow and hurdle several drifts to get them. Lucky for me I managed to stay on my feet. However, my feet are cold and wet. Now that I have begun painting I realize it is going to take far more than one coat. Three coats later the wood is still sopping it up. We have begun putting the shelves together with basically no directions. With the brains of a volunteer they are coming together nicely. This is just one example of what we all face on a daily basis. These issues tend to have a bearing on what you thought you would accomplish that day and what you actually do accomplish.

Do you ever have a day like this? We would like to hear from you.

Done!!!!

2012-01-20T09:34:00.000-08:00

At last, the Annual Report is ready to go to print. This project and the weather being uncooperative have taken up alot of time that could have been spent blogging, etc. While writing the annual report it is always a time to reflect upon last year. We always put some photographs in the report and it is always fun to see the character of individuals come out through photography. Speaking of photographs we are in the process of writing a grant to catalogue all the photographs at the Dickson Store Museum. If we are successful getting the funding it will organize and protect these photographs so they can be easily accessed and preserved. It is amazing the information and stories that a photograph can tell. If you have any photographs of the areas, events, schools, clubs, etc of Dickson we would love to have a copy for our archives. Hope to hear back from someone. These pictures help us to tell all kinds of stories and engage a worldwide audience. Until next time happy picture taking.

Getting Ready for the Annual General Meeting

2012-01-13T10:08:00.000-08:00

Writing reports for the annual general meeting makes me look back on the previous year. Do you ever stop at the end of the day and feel like you accomplished nothing? There were a few days when I felt this way. Now I realize with all that has happened I must have accomplished something.

When we compile everything that was done throughout the year at the museum it is amazing how many events, projects, exhibits, and collections have been completed. None of these would be nearly as successful without the help of staff, volunteers, and the board of directors. Many would not have even been attempted without financial support from the Federal, Provincial, and Municipal Governments and our sponsors.

Once again this year we have managed to fulfil our goals of operating the Dickson Store Museum, educating the public about the history of Dickson and the surrounding area, and promoting an appreciation of local heritage and culture. We maintain a well groomed site, conduct education programs and other group tours, install temporary exhibits, and host many special events through the year. As well as care for a collection of approximately 8000 artifacts.

We invite visitors and tourists old and new to visit us in the 2012 season that will commence in Mid-May. In the meantime continue to read our blog and check out our website at www.dicksonstoremuseum.com .

Happy New Year!!!!!!!

2012-01-09T14:56:00.000-08:00

It's hard to get back into the swing of things. The weather is so beautiful who wants to be inside. However, there are many tasks that need to be done this time of year at the museum. 2012---starts the plans for a brand new season. We are planning some new activities at the museum along with continuing with the old. The new year states out with old and in with the new. Not true here because we are continuing with the old. Why get rid of things that work? Besides if we got rid of all the old we would have cease operating as a museum. What is a museum without old things and history? You comment and tell me...

Museum is the information booth all year long....

2011-12-21T08:29:00.000-08:00

Many times when the phone rings through out the winter it is someone looking for information. We get questions such as "Are you open today", "How thick is the ice at the trout pond", "Are they tobogganing down at the dam", "Is the pottery shop open", "Do you have such and such in your gift shop and can I purchase it", "There is a house for sale in Dickson do you know who owns it and who is selling it. I need the number of the realtor can you go get it", and the latest being "I think there is a used saddle store in Dickson do you know the number". I have said for many years that we are not only a museum but the information center in Dickson. Even though our doors are closed in the winter these are just a few of the questions that we receive each week by telephone. When our doors are open in the summer it is continuous with giving directions, answering what other services are around, etc. Some days you just want to carry on with the museum business, but for the most part being the information center is pretty interesting. You not only meet some great people but you get many laughs and never know what question might be asked next. My phone message says that the museum is closed for the winter maybe I should add so is the information center. I guess I will leave it the way it is. After all if no one answers I guess they will look for another source of information. When I am in the office I always answer the phone and will help with whatever I can.

17 more sleeps til Santa arrives...

2011-12-08T08:21:00.000-08:00

Holy smokes! I suppose one should start thinking about Christmas soon or it will be here and gone. They say on the news that 80% of the people are not done their Christmas shopping yet. That comment woke me up. I hope that the other 20% has not got started, because that is me. Our little gift shop here sells some pretty unique items. Maybe instead of driving to town, fighting the crowds in the mall, and buying something that everybody else has or wears, I might just run down the stairs and check out our own little shop. We have hand made jewellery, books, t-shirts, beaded ornaments, kids crafts and toys, museum dvds, and pashima scarves. All I know is that whatever it is that I decide to do I better get my rear in gear.

Wheeeeee I made it!

2011-12-01T09:16:00.000-08:00

Waking up to a blanket of white and the howling wind sure makes you want to crawl out of bed.....NOT! Business does not wait at the museum, so it is up and at it. After sweeping about six inches of wet snow off of my car I felt like I had my morning workout. I let it run for awhile to get rid of the frost and ice from the windows. I climbed in and set out for museum. I don't really know why I was so surprised that the snow was sooooo deep on the road and that my car was dragging bottom all the way. The heavy snow swayed you off the beaten path as you said a silent prayer, "please don't let me get stuck". Oh great there is only one path down the center of the road and goodie here comes two vehicles. I slowly turned the wheels of my car towards the ditch where the snow had drifted and was a foot tall. Wheee fishtailing is such great fun. Just like riding a toboggan you can't steer too well. Sigh!! Thank goodness it is back in control. I see a driveway up ahead and the vehicles are fast approaching. Well as fast as can be in a foot of snow. I was going to pull into the driveway but the thought crossed my mind if I do that sure enough someone will want in there. So I parked a ways back. Thank goodness because the next thing I know the front vehicle had its signal light on. She stopped abruptly and almost had the following vehicle land in her trunk. She just sat there. I finally flagged her into the driveway. I just wanted her to get out of the way and let the other vehicle go by so I could carry on with my journey. Well I got back out into the track and the center line continued to be plowed with the bottom of my car for several more miles. Thank you Lord, I finally reached the pavement. Although slippery at least I did not have to deal with any more snowbanks. That is until I pulled into the parking lot at the museum. Nothing I like better than stepping out into mid-calf deep snow and a door that is frozen shut. There I stand at the door with my arms full, cold wind blowing through my hair, trying to get the frozen door open. I set my once hot coffee in the snow so I could pull on the door. Success at last I finally got in! Wheee I made it! I am still wondering if that was such a great thing or not. I can't help but think I still have to return home. Wheee here we go again!

Cowboy Singing Santa.

2011-11-23T08:11:00.000-08:00

Every November when the museum holds their board meeting we do a potluck supper prior to the meeting. This year we decided to do a Chinese gift exchange. Some of the spouses of the board members tagged along for supper and the gift exchange. There were thirteen of us in on the exchange.

The parcels were wrapped in everything from newprint to decorative bags with tissue. Not only was the wrapping unique so were some of the gifts. Henry seemed to have an eye for picking a gift that everyone else wanted. It all began when he opened a box that contained many delightful items that included two pairs of embroidered undershorts (I won't tell you what they said, you can only imagine). They were a humourous gift that were snatched up from Henry in a hurry. Throughout the evening Henry ended up opening at least 3 different gifts always being taken away from him to his dismay. He did however end up with a desk calendar that had pictures on it that he seemed to be enjoying (bonus: its a 2012 calendar).

Some gifts never were traded they remained with the person who opened them, but many were traded a few times. I had my eye set on a Cowboy Singing Santa! How can you resist a santa that can move his hips like that. I got a hold of him once and he disappeared almost immediately. My strategic thinking lead me to take a gift that contained a big bar of chocolate. I knew someone else would want that. Sure enough it was gone almost immediately too. There was the opportunity to get my santa back. I held on to him tight, took him home with me, and now I have someone to sing and dance for me daily. Ho Ho Ho I got my way.

Cold Air Seeps In

2011-11-21T08:45:00.000-08:00

When you are 102 years old I guess you have to be excused for having a few deficiencies. Old man winter hit with avengence and the howling wind had a way of seeping through the cracks of the museum. People continually ask "are you open in the winter". I always reply "no we are a seasonal museum because we would not generate enough traffic in the winter". I now know that is not the only reason for not opening in the winter. It gets pretty chilly along the outside walls of the 102 year old building. Can you imagine how cold it would be if the door was opening constantly. Besides who wants ice cream when it's 30 below with a windchill. Burrrrrr! My toes and nose are chilly as I sit here with my winter coat and scarf on. The furnance is blowing warm air in the background but truely this computer should be set up on an inner wall where the cold air doesn't seep in. Burrrrr! Got to go now to get the frost out of my toes.

Looking for gift ideas....

2011-11-17T13:48:00.000-08:00

If you have been brainstorming to find a gift for someone who needs absolutely nothing. Don't look any further ! Have we got an idea for you. The Dickson Store Museum is recruiting new members. As a non-profit organization, the Dickson Store Museum Society relies on memberships to maintain their status as a non-profit society. By becoming a Dickson Store Museum member, you contribute to the on-going preservation of the site and collection.

Members of the Dickson Store Museum receive three informative newsletters a year that contain a variety of articles, upcoming events, and what's been happening at the museum. This also entitles you to be a voting member at the Annual General Meeting that takes place in early February. Dinner is supplied prior to the meeting.

We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to become a member of the Dickson Store Museum Society or give the gift of a membership to someone else.

Please check out our web site www.dicksonstoremuseum.com to get a membership form and further details. This is a great gift for only $10.00.

Wonderful Addition to our Collection

2011-11-16T08:59:00.000-08:00

Over the summer we hired two contractors to interview nine candidates from our community. A couple of days ago we received three of the finished product. We have taken a quick peek at these videos and the clarity and information will be a wonderful resource to the museum. I can't wait until I have the time to watch the entire video. By taking a peek it lures you in to want to see and hear more. These videos will be used for information in exhibits, educational purposes, and will be shown at different venues and events. It felt like Christmas came early. Ho Ho Ho!

Feels like winter...

2011-11-14T10:57:00.000-08:00

Recently the Dickson Store Museum has been advertising three party tents and a metal gazebo for sale. Crazy time of year to advertise this, but we have had some inquiries. Now that the snow is on the ground and the lumber shed where we store the tents is not heated I sure hope that no one wants us to go get them and set them up in the snow so that they can take a look. We will not be advertising them again until spring when the weather is more condusive to using party tents and a metal gazebo. If you are wanting tents this time of year it is probably a hunting tent with a stove in it. So for now if the tents don't sell to someone that has already inquired they will remain in the shed until spring. It's too cold outside.

Finally we are blogging again....

2011-11-09T08:38:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since we have done any blogging. It just seems like everyday is so busy. Last weekend (Nov 5) we held our annual Julestue (Scandinavian Bazaar). The white snow on the ground always puts people in the Christmas spirit. We had 390 people enter our door that day. The Danish restaurant is always a hit. Once people had their stomachs full they toured around the vendor tables and found many unique gift items to take home. This is our last event of 2011 but we will be busy working on projects until the end of the year.

Bring on the Summer!

2011-06-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

We have finally finished our school tours here at the Dickson Store Museum and we are ready to kick off the Summer holidays with the Spruce View Canada Day parade! The parade starts at 10am on July 1st but make sure you are there early so you or your kids can get a good spot at the front (we will be handing out candy!). Once the parade is over please join us back at the Store so you can enjoy some nice cold ice cream!

July is going to be a very busy month this year since we have activities happening almost every week: the week after Canada Day is the Scandinavian Trail, then not long after at is Thrilling Thursday! Of course, we're always open every day and ready to serve some ice cream! Keep checking out our blog for details on upcoming events!

School Tours Galore!

2011-06-17T15:11:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again... With the school year winding down, kids of all ages have been coming to our museum for their end-of-the-year fieldtrips. And what a blast it has been so far! We have had schools here every weekday since last Friday, some of which brought groups of approximately 80 children! Thankfully we have some great volunteers to help us out with these big groups. Next week, we have our last three school tours and hopefully this crazy weather will hold out and be sunny for us. But believe it or not, after our last school tour next week, we only have ONE week to go until Canada Day! Stay tooned for our Canada Day plans!

Garage Sale at the Dickson Store Museum

2011-05-26T10:44:00.000-07:00

On May 28 & 29, 2011 the Dickson Store Museum will be holding it's annual garage sale. This is an important fundraiser for the museum, so please come out and see what "treasure" you would be interested in purchasing. The garage sale is held in conjuction with the Springtime Country Drive so you can make a day of touring and supporting some local attractions. Hope to see you this weekend.

We are ready for the 2011 season!!

2011-05-17T10:46:00.000-07:00

We have our exhibit installed, the museum set up, and the ice cream has arrived. We sure hope that you will join us for the season opening on May 21, 2011. Yes, that's right this Saturday we will be opening the doors of the museum for the 2011 season. Come out and meet the new staff, see the new exhibit (Electricity Comes To Dickson), and enjoy some complimentary coffee and treats. Hope to see you soon!

Dickson Store Museum Season Opening

2011-05-10T11:43:00.001-07:00

Yah!! The Dickson Store Museum has ordered its ice cream!

The staff has been busy getting organized for the Seasonal Opening on May 21, 2011. Come and check out our new exhibit: "Electricity Comes To Dickson", meet the new staff, and enjoy complimentary goodies and refreshments. We will be open weekdays and Saturdays from 10:00-5:30 and Sundays from 12:30-5:30pm.

In the office....

2010-12-17T11:01:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Well Christmas is fast approaching and it appears that it will definately be a white Christmas this year. Work is continuing in the office with many projects being completed before the new year. Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season.

25 Days Til Christmas

2010-11-30T12:48:00.000-08:00

Holy Holy Smokes can you believe the year is almost gone. The doors of the museum may be closed but we are always busy with some type of project. Our annual general meeting will take place February 5, 2011 and everyone is welcome to attend. We are always looking for new board members. If you can not commit to this type of position we would love for you to become a member of our museum. We are a non-profit museum and require a membership to keep our status. Buy a gift of a membership for yourself, someone you love, or someone who owns everything else. For just $10.00 you will become a member and receive three newsletters a year to keep you up to date about the museum and its events. The newsletter contains museum news, articles, stories, upcoming events, and much more. Being a member of the museum is a win win situation! Join Today! Looking forward to hearing from you. Want more information check out our website www.dicksonstoremuseum.com Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Hot time in Spruce View this weekend.

2010-11-02T12:34:00.000-07:00

November has started out with more sunshine and blue sky than we received most of the summer. This weekend is supposed to be hotter than normal. Our annual Julestue will be held at the Spruce View Hall from 10-4 this Saturday on November 6, 2010. We are hoping that this lovely weather will bring out lots of people and that Spruce View will be a hot spot to begin your Christmas shopping and enjoy the delicious food served from our Danish Restaurant.

Yeah! We got an award!

2010-10-06T14:55:00.000-07:00

On September 24, 2010 the Dickson Store Museum was honored to receive the Outreach Award from Alberta Museums Association for the Centennial Celebration "Once Upon A Dickson". This Award recognizes exceptional people and projects that make distinctive contributions to the broader community or demonstrate innovative ways of promoting awareness of local heritage. We will display our plaque proudly in the museum for you to view on your next visit in the summer of 2011.

Snow in Dickson

2010-09-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that it is September 21 when all the trees are topped in white. The sky is gloomy and the air is cold. Hoping the weather forecasters get it right this time and the sun shines tomorrow right through to the weekend. The sun shining through the windows creates a bright homey atmosphere in the museum.

Julestue

2010-09-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

DON'T FORGET! The annual Julestue will be held at the Spruce View Hall on November 6, 2010. Come out and enjoy the delicious danish foods. A chance to meet with your neighbours and friends over a coffee. Get some early christmas shopping done. This event is sure to put you in the Christmas Spirit. Vendor tables are available by calling 403-728-3355. We look forward to seeing you!

Harvest Festival

2010-09-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

Harvest festival was a success despite the cold weather. The day was overcast, windy, and quite chilly but at least the museum was thankful for no rain! A variety of vendors were on site selling their wares, entertainment was on stage providing continuous entertainment to the crowds, traditional and danish food was available as well as ice cream. Of course ice cream was not the big seller of the day due to the weather, but still fun was had by all those who attended. Thanks to all those who joined us to make the day a success.

100th Anniversary Celebration

2009-02-09T09:40:00.000-08:00

This year is our 100th Anniversary. We will be having a spectacular celebration on the August long weekend. We invite people to share their stories, memories, and experiences of the Dickson Store while it was in operation. Any information you have is important to us and may be used in the creation of a play or an exhibit for the museum.

Harvest Festival

2008-09-15T07:52:00.000-07:00

On September 28, 2008 the Dickson Store Museum will be celebrating it's 18th annual Harvest Festival. The harvest festival runs from 12:30 - 4:30pm and features vendors, local entertainment, kids games, and traditional as well as danish food. Admission is a donation to the local food bank. Come join in the fun. For more information please call the museum at 403-728-3355.

Fun Days At The Dickson Store Museum

2008-06-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

The Dickson Store Museum will be hosting 3 fun days this summer.

The first two will be Thrilling Thursdays on July 10 & 24, 2008. Thrilling Thursdays are full of fun games and activities for children of all ages.

The third fun day will be a Teddy Bear Picnic on August 7, 2008. Pre-registration for the Teddy Bear Picnic is now required. To register please phone 403-728-3355. Bring your favorite teddy bear to celebrate at our annual teddy bear picnic. There will be games, crafts, and a picnic fit for a bear.

We hope you will come out and enjoy these fun events with the Museum. All events are free but donations are greatly accepted to help cover the costs of supplies.

Summer's Here

2008-06-28T14:47:00.000-07:00

The Dickson Store Museum has decided not to have its annual raffle this year. Instead it will be having a Silent Auction. Items are available for you to view in the museum. The Silent Auction winners will be announced at the Harvest Festival. Please help to support our fundraiser.

100th Anniversary

2008-05-22T09:19:00.000-07:00

In 2009, the Dickson Store Museum will be celebrating the store's 100th anniversary. In anticipation of this event we are planning a special event to commemorate the anniversary. If you have stories, pictures, or suggestions that you would like to share we would love to hear from you. We are also looking for artifacts that were originally purchased in the store to put on display.

Welcome To The Dickson Store Museum Blog

2008-05-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

Dickson, the oldest Danish settlement in Western Canada, was settled in 1903 by seventeen Danish settlers from Nebraska. In 1905, Carl and Laura Christiansen, two of the original settlers, opened a post office in their home. In 1909, Carl Christiansen built and opened the General Store in Dickson. The family lived on the second floor above the store. The Christiansen family continued to operate the store until it closed in 1980.
Restoration of the store began in 1987, and in 1991 the store was officially opened as a museum by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. The store and living quarters now appear similar to the way they did in the 1930’s. The Post Office in the store still showcases the mail boxes, gate, and letter drop and also houses a gift shop that features arts and crafts by local artists.

We are open Mid-May till Labour Day Monday through Saturday 10:00 am to 5:30 pm and Sundays 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Check out our website at http://www.dicksonstoremuseum.com/ for more information.