KREW KUTS: A Crossroads Museum Story - Part 3

By Bernie Krewski

The following is a summary of news events concerning the Gerard Peck family 1929 – 1935.

Mr. and Mrs. Peck holidayed in England from May to the end of August 1929. In the meantime, their eldest son Hubert, ranching near Cochrane, attended the annual horse sale at High River in late March. His percheron gelding “Tony” won top prize of $212.50, a price much higher than any other horse purchased at this event. He also sold three percheron mares, grateful for such success at his first attendance of this popular sale. “Tony” was transported to Nova Scotia. Local men bought the mares.

While the Pecks were in England, their newly wed son David entered their cows in Oyen’s Annual Fair, competing primarily with those owned by David Warwick. Mr. Peck’s cows won first prize in these categories: “Grade Cattle, Section 1 – Cow giving milk, born in 1926 or prior; Section 3, Heifer, born 1928; Class 16, Beef – best Dairy Heifer, any breed.”

News items in the following year, 1930, reflect major changes in the daily lives of Mr. and Mrs. Peck, then permanent residents of the village of Oyen. Gerard Peck became a highly active member of the Oyen Agricultural Society. Planning for the summer fair was the major topic at its meeting on April 16 and making improvements to the fair grounds. He also became responsible for awarding the special prizes at this major event.

The O.A.S held elections at its annual meeting in November. Those elected were: F.S. McNee, president; D. Warwick, first Vice President, W.J. Ada, Second vice president. Mr. Peck became one of twenty-six directors – twenty men and six women. In addition: “A committee was formed to meet shareholders of Oyen Fairs Association to discuss the amalgamation of the Oyen Agricultural Society and the Oyen Fairs Association.”

Gerard Peck began making frequent trips to Calgary in 1930 as first reported in The Oyen News on February 5, March 26, and April 9th. These were to attend meetings of the directors of the Wellington Gas and Oil Company. He commented that the “Latest reports from the well indicate the bits are now down at 151 feet in the lime, and prospects for production are considered excellent.” There were no published reports on the location of this well.

Oswald, their third son attending the University of Alberta, was in the news as well. The Edmonton Journal reported: “Oswald Peck Makes Splendid Showing at Intercollegiate Meet in Edmonton.” The event was the Western Canada Intercollegiate Athletic Union track meet held on Saturday, October 3. He won third prize in the one-mile race and second place in the three-mile race. The race times in both events were a new record placing Alberta in first place among the four western provinces.

Another year had passed when Hubert Peck, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Peck, married Miss Merle F. Strong, the youngest daughter of Mrs. M.E. Strong of Olds on August 15, 1931. The wedding took place at the home of the Strong family. After their honeymoon, they established their residence at his ranch near Cochrane.

Following his brother’s wedding, Oswald Peck, an entomology student at the University of Alberta came to Oyen in an “official capacity,” requesting reports from farmers who have fields infested with wire worms. Entomology is a branch of zoology concerned with the study of insects. A year later, in September 1932, Oswald moved to Montreal to commence advanced studies in this field of science at McGill University.

For the first time in November 1931, and periodically thereafter, under the section “Church Notices” in The Oyen News, there was this announcement: “All Saints Church, Sunday November 8, Evensong, 7:30 p.m. Mr. G.S. Peck.” Evensong is a traditional church service held as the sun goes down, marking the passing of another day in faith. It is usually brief, less than an hour, featuring choral music, readings, and prayer.

Much like her husband, Mrs. Annie Peck’s activities were newsworthy. On November 8 -10, 1932, she hosted the Worthy Grand Matron of the Grand Chapter of Alberta. Mrs. Charles Scaife of Calgary was in Oyen to attend a banquet of the Somme Chapter No. 35, Order of the Eastern Star.

Mr. and Mrs. Peck were also active members of Oyen’s “Local Relief Committee” which held its annual meeting in January 1933. Gerard Peck was the treasurer and a member of the “investigating committee.” Its report indicated that twenty-two families had received groceries, meat, coal or new goods, most of which was donated by the Red Cross. Twenty- four families received Christmas hampers in the past two years. The Committee sponsored a fund-raising dance on January 13 and tickets were sold on “a beautiful pair of pure wool blankets” donated by Annie Peck.

Later that year, a well-attended “Remembrance Day” service was held in All Saints Church on the morning of Nov 11. In the unavoidable absence of clergy who were to have officiated, the service was conducted by Mr. G.S. Peck and the “Remembrance Day” address delivered by Mr. Charles L. Dunford, the editor of The Oyen News.

In mid-March 1935 Gerard Peck left for Regina to attend a meeting of the diocese of Qu’Appelle at which a successor to Most Rev. M.T.M. Harding was to be elected.