The Dickson Store Museum, which opened for the season late last month, is already planning its 25th anniversary celebration for this fall.
It was in 1991 when the newly charted non-profit organization celebrated the pioneer building's restoration to a typical 1930s general store that sold groceries, hardware and dry goods. That same year, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark officially opened the store as a museum in the hamlet, the oldest Danish settlement on the Canadian Prairies.
However, the milestone celebration on Oct. 15th at the Spruce View Hall must also serve as a fundraiser for much-needed financial resources to fix the serious damage the building sustained from three hailstorms in 2014.
On top of the normal wear and tear on the building over the past quarter century, the trio of summer storms broke windows, screens, fence pickets and put holes in the side of the building. Shortly after, the roof over the gift shop started to leak.
Officials for the museum's non-profit society that operate the historic building have been anxious to get the ball rolling on what they need to do to get the store back in tip-top shape, but even getting contractor quotes last year was challenging because tradesmen were busy with repair jobs to other structures caused by the 2014 storms. As well, the building, which is turning 107 years old this year, is a provincially designated historic resource, and to maintain that status any repairs or new materials for the structure must follow stringent guidelines to ensure its historical authenticity.
Sharon Lightbown, manager of the museum, said a provincial government heritage official came out last year and told her to not only get a quote for the necessary painting work, but also one to fix the entire roof of the building, not just the part over the gift shop. The last time any major work had been done on the roof was 28 years ago, said Lightbown.
She said painters came and gave a quote of over $20,000, while a roofing contractor estimated it would be a repair job of about $35,000.
The museum does not have that kind of money but officials can apply for provincial grants. However, Lightbown noted there is no guarantee they would be successful or get the amount required to complete the necessary work. As well, the museum must have its own financial resources to match any approved grant.
Despite these challenges, Lightbown said the building, which this season is hosting the 2016 exhibit, Becoming a Museum Then and Now, is still fully functional and fit to remain open all season.
“The structure is strong. The building is 107 years old this year,” she said, noting there are two floors of exhibit space, including the main floor which has the store, a small area for the gift shop that once was a pioneer post office, the cold (refrigeration) room, and the old warehouse that now serves as the museum's ice cream room. The upstairs was once the pioneer home of Carl and Laura Christiansen, early 20th century settlers who built the structure in 1909 and ran the store until 1980. It has three bedrooms, kitchen, washroom, dining room and living room – all furnished like the 1930s living quarters of the Christiansens.
Lightbown said the museum has started fundraising. At least some of the monies raised from the upcoming Fall Supper, which will feature a silent auction of numerous donated items, can go towards the needed repairs.
As well, museum officials will be selling 50/50 tickets, half going to the museum with the rest for the necessary repair work. She said about $2,000 has been raised so far.
For more on the Oct. 15 Fall Supper or for information on the museum and its fundraising efforts for its restoration, call Lightbown at 403-728-3355, or see the website at www.dicksonstoremuseum.com or its Facebook page.
