By Mike Rainone for the News
In the earliest settlement of our town and country districts our hardy pioneer families worked very hard and faced many challenges as they settled on the rugged prairies, but they would always manage to find some precious time to gather together, share their joys and tales, and have a little fun in so many ways.
Throughout the 19th century as our urban and rural communities grew at a rapid pace in all directions, during which time they had to constantly overcome many hardships and setbacks in order to achieve their countless successes. It was through their strong dedication and ongoing efforts that they eventually reached most of their goals as they moved forward together into a new and exciting future.
This powerful and colourful tale of progress has covered over 12 decades, and along the way has left many wonderful tales of multi-generations of families, individuals, amazing characters and outstanding events which left their mark, milestones, and traditions that have become the strong heritage and foundations of success in which so many have thrived and continue to enjoy to this day.
Work and play will always be the best lifestyle
In those early days they had to work very long hours at their jobs and businesses, tended to their farms and cattle, sent their children to school, and completed their day to day chores, but on the weekends these hardy pioneers came out in full force to arrange countless ways to gather together for church, for picnics, for games, and for many delightful special events both in Ponoka and out in the districts.
• A typical ‘social day’ in the new Town of Ponoka, depending on the season, may have included an auction sale, a hockey game or skating on the outdoor rink or new arena, a ball game on the local diamond, a pie social or bingo at a local church, or a gala pow wow and shopping spree with members of the First Nations in the big lot next to the train station. Without any hesitation, including fair or foul weather, hundreds of families and individuals would come into town in their wagons and carts, on horseback, and of course later in those early noisy cars and trucks to faithfully support all of these events and maybe even have had time for a 25 cents shave and haircut, a swim in the Battle River, and a chance for the ladies to relax in the Ladies’ Restroom while the gents popped into the Leland or Royal Hotels for a quick pint with good friends and neighbours.
• Later in the day and evening there may have been a minstrel show, a boxing or a wrestling match, a town meeting, or a black and white movie at the Empress Theatre, which had a piano player to accompany the show, as well as a balcony, all for an admission of under 50 cents, which included treats. Over at the Elks Hall on Chipman Avenue there may have been fundraising raffle during the day or the ladies were making up the care-packages to send overseas to our soldiers, and then in the evening there were many dances and concerts, with music for dancing by local bands as well as a place for the children to sleep while the parents waltzed or rumbaed into the wee hours. On many days throughout the community there were countless fairs and parades to honour annual events, to welcome celebrities or politicians arriving on the train, or to celebrate the Ponoka Stampede, hockey playoffs, and so many other special occasions. In the 1940s the town got its first chance to play the game of golf on land kindly shared just to the north of the Provincial Mental Hospital, which many years later would become the Ponoka Community Golf Course.
• Out in our fast growing country districts there were countless weekend events all year round, with everyone gathering at the community hall, which also served as the school and the church. This would include games of baseball, softball, basketball, horseshoes, soccer, races, skating on the river or slough, and later curling in those very cold but always friendly two-sheet rinks. It was likely out there in the pristine countryside where the humble beginnings of rowdy rodeo events such as bronc riding, roman racing, horse races, wagon racing, and so many other rugged sports began in this area. It must have been a cardinal rule way back then that everyone looked forward to bringing home-made food and refreshments to these events to share because there was always way too much. A long-standing tradition out in those vibrant country districts were the jolly old barn-dances and shiverees, all to honour a wedding, anniversary, or special event, and was likely the first appearance of your friendly neighbourhood bootleggers?
Mini-miles-stones of town and districts
• By 1910 great times were being had on the old country ball diamonds. Will Cissell was famous for his curve ball and Elmer Olmstead became known as the ‘Oklahoma twirler.’ Familiar young faces at the Chesterwold and Ferrybank Stampedes were Tommy Dorchester, George McKeddie, and Buster Doran, all who went on to become rodeo and chuck wagon legends.
• So many families gathered for a picnic at the magnificent valley of the Chain Lakes on the weekends, where you could catch a mess of 18 to 22 inch pickerels or pike or take a dip in the deep tranquil waters.
• They were also blessed with many ‘great characters’ and fan favourites and entertainers in the Ponoka area, including the likes of: Webb Frizzell, who bounced at the Royal Hotel and in the early 1940s won the Canadian Lightweight Boxing Championship; Dave Morgan whose great humour was only matched by his amazing six foot plus 300 pound size; and Seth Wells, who was only 38 inches tall, but became somewhat of a Johnny Appleseed legend in the Meadowbrook district for his constant singing and jolly nature, as well as giving the children rides in his tiny cart, which was pulled by a pair of Shetland ponies as well as two bull calves, which he broke himself.
There is no doubt that over those close to 120 colorful years in and around the town and county of Ponoka there has always been a great number of celebrities and characters just like there are today, and each and every person who has had the amazing privilege of living in this community both then and new should be very proud of their contributions and what they have accomplished. It is so important for all of us to encourage keen community participation and letting the good times roll, no matter how busy we are.