Photo of Evelyn Johannson and six of her eight kids, taken one day on the way to school about the end of the school term 1957/58.
The Johannson’s were some of the many people and families who lived in the Buttermaker’s House over the years.
#ButtermakersHouseRestoration
#ThrowbackThursday
“Steam engine pulling out trees, Markerville, Alberta.”, 1912, (CU188352) by Unknown.
L-R: Arnie Bardel; Paul Bardell, unknown, child.
Courtesy of Glenbow Library and Archives Collection, Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary.
The Stephan G. Stephansson Icelandic Society’s 50th Anniversary Gala was a labour of love from the committee members and volunteers!
Bernice, Marlene, John, Pam, Beth, and Donna were there right from the beginning of planning the September 28, 2024 event. The spouses and other volunteers magically appeared for the usual behind the scenes set up at Spruce View Hall. Our local smithy Doug Taylor (BrenX Artistic Blacksmithing) came through with a beautiful (and very popular) centrepiece for the 20 tables. d’Arcy & Al Gamble kept the Brennivin flowing with “first the Herring, then take a drink.”
The evening was in good hands under the care of Laurel Corbiere, our Master of Ceremonies, who kept everything on track; and the Spruce View 2025 Grads did a wonderful job serving the meal under the guidance of Jaye Hillman.
After the fun, feast, and fanfare was over, it was wonderful to see the West Central Wranglers 4H and Rangeland Beef 4H arrive just in time for the event take down and cleanup.
The Master of Ceremonies Laurel Corbiere began with her opening remarks, and then introduced Kathleen Raines, the 2024 Alberta Fjallkona, to give an address to the SGSIS 50th Anniversary Gala attendees on September 28, 2024.
Before the formal dinner began several attendees and representatives presented greetings, including President John McKechnie, the Honourable Earl Dreeshen, Mayor Jim Woods, and Councilor Brent Ramsay. Karen Gummo read one of Stephan G.’s poems in Icelandic and then in English; followed by Grace given by Ellen Ingolfsson in Icelandic.
I’ve also included some photos of the meal (along with requested gluten free options) with a warm Thank You to Milly Oak Café & Catering (Derek Layden), Jaye Hillman, and the Spruce View 2025 Grads.
Clicquot Trio
Bryan Niblock, Claire Butler, Stefano Valdo
Ellen Ingolfsson - Grace
Janet Lutz - Harpest Interlude
Karen Gummo - Poem
Earlier in the evening there was a poem reading by Karen Gummo. After the meal we enjoyed a performance of three pieces by Harpist Janet Lutz.
Following the Interlude, Bernice Andersen and Marlene Linneberg gave a presentation of “The Magic of Markerville”, sharing the history of Markerville and SGSIS in story and slides, with the assistance of Brooke Henrikson on projector.
Closing out the evening was an encore performance by Clicquot Trio (Brian Niblock, Claire Butler, and Stefano Valdo)
Throughout the night at the 50th Anniversary Gala held September 28, everyone had a chance to place a bid for their favourite Silent Auction item displayed along the far wall. At the end of the evening, bids were closed and the winners declared.
The SGSIS 50th Anniversary Gala was held on September 28, 2024 at the Spruce View Hall and has provided many wonderful memories for everyone who took part. The special Scandinavian appetizer at the start of the three course meal was definitely an exquisite highlight: Rullapylsa on dark rye bread with perfect garnishes.
Appetizer group for the SGSIS 50th Anniversary Gala, back row left to right is Smorgasbord Chef Michele Johannson, Marie Sveinson, Wendy Larsen; and in front Jill Johannson and Charla Kure.
– Photos submitted by Bernice Andersen and Marie Sveinson.
Barry and Vivian Cook with Janet Doll and Bernice Andersen. The Cooks, who reside in Vancouver, are special supporters of the society. They established the Cook Family Scholarship which our society administers.
