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Museum honours efforts of historian
Chris Clegg
for South Peace News
An appreciation of history and the generosity of Will Marx was at the forefront of a celebration at the High Prairie and District Museum March 13.
Will Marx launched the second printing of his book ‘Grouard Peace River Trail’. Marx, who was ill and could not attend the celebration, was represented by his wife, Cheryl, and daughter Nicole.
“Will Marx has given the High Prairie Museum an unbelievably wonderful and generous gift by permitting the publication of his book with the proceeds going to the museum,” says Rich. “Speaking for myself and on behalf of the other board members, I wish to say that we are eternally grateful to Will and his family.”
The museum was able to publish the book after receiving a $10,000 Community Spirit grant, plus a second large donation from Ruth and Leo Hamson on the occasion of the museum’s 40th anniversary.
“To reach the point from the grant application until this day of special celebration today has taken about a year and a half,” says Rich.
Pioneer Press Ltd. has published the book, which arrived a few weeks ago.
Rich credited Marx for a wonderful job on the book, which many people request copies of but has long since been sold out.
“His diligent and exhaustive research must have taken many years,” says Rich. “Will once told me that he was grateful to his family for putting up with him during their vacations because he spent so much time at museums. It must have been exhaustive work compiling so much material into interesting and accurate publication. Truly an amazing feat!”
Lesser Slave Lake MLA Pearl Calahasen says the book is special to her being a Grouardite.
“It means a lot to me,” says Calahasen, adding her grandparents often spoke about the trail. “I’ve always admired Will for his tenacity. His dream to do it was only possible through hard work.”
And she should know first-hand as she is writing her own book.
“It’s just hell,” she says. “It’s just not writing the book. It’s the research you have to do.”
Councillor Jeff Burgar extended congratulations and greetings from town council.
“This is our remarkable history that’s in books like this,” he says. “The cultural aspect of our community is extremely important.”
Len Sahlin, president of the Grouard Peace River Trail Net Society, says he’s had big shoes to fill after taking over from Marx while Duane Nichols, president of the recently formed Grouard and Areas Historical Society, offered congratulations.
“Will, I feel, is like a mentor to me,” says Nichols, who has been the driving force behind the Grouard society’s goals. “I appreciate the research in the book as well as other historical items.”
The book traces the history of the trail, which extends to the pre-agricultural settlement, pre-NWMP trail, pre-Klondikers’ trail, pre-missionary and pre-fur traders’ trail to the point of the old Cree War Trail which saw use until 1782.
“I believe that you will find it a very interesting read and will likely to continue to use it as an historical reference,” says Rich.
Added in the book is an epilogue of the current trail today, formed by the Grouard - Peace River Trail Net Society.
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