Descendants of Bjarni and Þorbjorg Johnson gathering at the 50th Anniversary Gala celebration of the Stephan G. Stephansson Icelandic Society. Bjarni and Þorbjorg were part of the original fifty Icelanders that arrived in Markerville in 1888.
50 years! A golden anniversary for the Stephan G. Stephansson Icelandic Society. Grandpa Joe was the first President in 1974 and today they operate six historic sites in Historic Markerville. Thank you to Bernice Andersen, Marlene Linneberg and all the community volunteers for organizing a beautiful evening complete with fine dining by Milly Oak in Lacombe, beautiful music, kind words and many well wishes. It was an honor to MC the evening! – Laurel Andersen Corbiere
Buttermaker’s House Artist Residency
https://www.historicmarkerville.com/buttermaker-house.html
Stephan G. Stephansson Artist Residency Award
https://www.historicmarkerville.com/residency-award.html
“Good afternoon and Velkommen, Ladies and Gentlemen, honoured guests.”
September 15, 2023 at 2 pm, master of ceremonies d’Arcy Gamble drew the attention of the guests and began the program for the Grand Opening of the Buttermaker’s House celebration, on behalf of the Stephan G. Stephansson Icelandic Society (SGSIS).
Acknowledging that “we could not have done it without help from all corners”, d’Arcy began introducing representatives from the Federal Government, Alberta Government, and Red Deer County. We heard presentations from Tom Sveinson (Past President of SGSIS), Donna Nelson, and President John McKechnie. Finally it was time for the Ribbon Cutting, with the help of special guests Val Osborne, the youngest granddaughter to Carl Morkeberg; and Joan Sandham, the oldest living granddaughter of William Haine Jackson.
As this year comes to a close the Restoration Team wishes to thank the many people who have supported this project over the past few years. We are closer each year to be finished. You are awesome!
The Santa Merry Sippers Raffle garnered almost $5,000. Hooray more invoices can be paid!
This little house is nearing completion. Check out these latest photos. Our wine survivor fundraiser will help us furnish this little gem that will soon show off more of Markerville’s history.
As our summer is drawing to a close in 2022 we are excited to be getting closer to completing the restoration! Waiting for our countertop for the refurbished kitchen cupboards so they can be installed. Then we will be reinstalling the wainscotting in the kitchen. Next trim and baseboards.
Summer 2022 is upon us and the house has had lots of action. In the spring we were all closed up while the asbestos was removed from the house. Once completed we were able to begin replacing the walls. Inside is looking good with fresh paint. The window and door casings are next to be rehabilitated. Once again thanks to Al and John our intrepid volunteers.
