Long before that friendly knock on the door from Welcome Wagon, Avon, and pizza delivery our community and surrounding districts were fortunate to have many clubs and organizations who welcomed countless newcomers to the area, and passionately assisted in the funding and promotion of a host of projects and facilities that have served and assisted causes for citizens of all ages for decades.
At the turn of the century when new pioneers were moving into the area in great numbers, it was timely and friendly volunteer labour that would help to build the schools, churches, community halls, homes, and businesses. These hardy families willingly learned to share their hardships and successes, establishing a bright new lifestyle in a harsh but vibrant land called Alberta. They all had to work very hard, but they also found time to come together from every direction to play and visit when they had the opportunity; hosting delightful picnics, fairs, games, and special family events for all seasons.
In the non-electric age the mothers and daughters worked around the house and yard; but would also gather together on many occasions to knit, and cook, and sew for their large families and always present neighbourhood needs. In the mean-time the fathers and sons were outside doing the chores and working the land; but never hesitated to find time to assist friends to build a log cabin, break a rank horse, fix a fence, help with the harvest, or venture out on a hunting expedition in the back-country that would hopefully result in enough game for everyone to fill their pantries for the long winter ahead.
During the war years the new Town Of Ponoka assisted the Red Cross and other organizations to prepare clothes, bandages, and supplies to fill the care packages going to our soldiers serving overseas. Ladies’ Clubs were formed and met on the evenings and weekends to knit and sew socks, sweaters, and scarves and gather supplies that would help out those in need in the community and elsewhere. With the rapid growth of the town and districts many enthusiastic clubs and organizations were formed, including the Masons, Odd fellows, Moose, Elks, Knights of Columbus, Kinsmen, Kinnettes, Legion, Royal Purple, Stagettes, Lions, Lionesses, and on and on. Local churches and schools also became involved in the rush of community support and activities, encouraging families and individuals of all ages to work together and help to build their town and farming districts. Generous businesses and citizens were also very quick to join in on the exciting cause.
Over the years there would be hundreds of wonderful projects and causes that were undertaken with great gusto, including the establishment of sports facilities and fields, playgrounds, sponsorship of teams, special needs and vital health equipment; which all resulted in an ongoing legacy of opportunities and amenities that have carried on to this day and into our future! Ladies’ groups like the General Hospital Auxiliary, I.O.D.E., Asker, Arbor Park, Seafield, and others have been serving and catering to special needs of their districts and communities for decades in a warm and welcome mode that has spread care and joy to thousands.
The little club with the big heart
A perfect example of this keen community involvement came to light in the early 1940s, when three young war brides who had settled in the Riverside district got together for a social evening, similar to those their mothers had enjoyed back in Scotland. They brought their mending and knitting and spent their time sipping tea and visiting; and soon the club grew very quickly as friends invited friends and new neighbours, and in 1950 it was given the name of the ‘Riverside Good Neighbour Club’.
Their first meeting was held at the home of Mrs. Reinhardt Anderson, and Mrs. Merle Ayers would be the first President. Through their untiring efforts right from the beginning and for many ongoing years, a playground was located in the Riverside area, and many sizeable donations were made towards recreation activities, concerts, and other events. Each summer a huge family picnic was hosted on the hospital field behind the home of Bill and Mary Mackie, which became a tradition, was rained out only once, and was then replaced by a Halloween party. At Christmas time, the ladies would treat their husbands to a banquet and evening of entertainment.
On Dec. 9, 1957 a meeting was called by then recreation director Bob Tkackuk for the purpose of former Ponoka’s first Senior Citizen’s Club. Mr. W. J. Hoar was the first President and the very active club met every second and fourth Thursday afternoon in the Recreation for social events of cards, entertainment, and lunch. Our senior’s Drop In Centre at 5015-46th Avenue still carries on that same friendly tradition to this day.
While many of these congenial community and district clubs and organizations have expanded, many still remain, and new ones have formed to carry on the same great spirit of team building and community support and pride.
Please join me in saluting all these hundreds of dedicated club members, organizations, businesses of then and now, who have for decades unselfishly given many hours of their time and talents to make our Town and County a great place to call home.