KREW KUTS: A Crossroads Museum Story - Part 3 continued
By Bernie Krewski
This is an ongoing summary of news events concerning the Gerard Peck family in 1936.
Mrs. Annie Peck led prayers at the “World Day of Prayer” in Oyen in early March. Her “window of homegrown plants, most of them raised by herself, was an attractive feature” at the Anglican Women’s Auxiliary Easter Tea and sale of plants held a few weeks later.
On May 13 she attended the Women’s Auxiliary Convention of West Kindersley Deanery held at Alsask. In the absence of the president, Mrs. Peacock who left the district, Mrs. Peck presided as vice-president. There were 38 members and delegates attending from as far away as Hemaruka, Empress, and Lanfine.
Mrs. Peck’s address as president was very interesting, telling of the great work done by the staff of the hospital at Aklavik and of the great need of supplies since the fire that wiped out all their equipment. The collections taken at this meeting was donated to this hospital. In the election of officers that followed, Mrs. Peck became the president.
On August 27, 1936, the Hanna Herald published the following item: “Fine Farm Home In Oyen District May Soon Be But Memory.”
“Messrs. D.A. Peck and G.S. Peck, well known residents of the Oyen district, passed through Hanna on Monday on a trip west to Stettler, Three Hills, and Olds as well as other districts. Mr. Peck Jr. informed the Herald that he may secure an acceptable farm location on this trip and, if so, will move from the Oyen district shortly. The Peck farm home on the Hanna-Oyen highway presents one of the finest appearances that might be seen anywhere in Alberta. The residence is one of the finest, without doubt, to be found on the prairies. It is the intention of Mr. Peck to wreck the residence as well as the out-buildings and move them to whatever new location is settled on.”
A Social Credit government led by William Aberhart was elected on August 22, 1935, winning 56 of 63 seats in the Alberta Legislative Assembly. Many changes occurred, one being the dismissal of many police magistrates. Magistrate W.P. Roberts of Hanna was forced to resign on September 24, 1936.
As the Hanna Herald reported two weeks later: “Magistrate at Oyen resigns upon request”; S.C. Government Asks for Resignation of Police Magistrate.”
“Another magistrate fell before the axe of the Social Credit government on September 28 when Magistrate Gerard Peck for twelve years Police Magistrate at Oyen was asked for his resignation. Charging that Mr. Peck was a non-cooperator or that he had no confidence in the present government, the Police Magistrate was asked to tender his resignation and return his commission.”
The Herald published Gerard Peck’s letter of resignation sent to George B. Henwood, Deputy Attorney General which included this comment: “As you suggest, I cannot feel any confidence in the Social Credit theories, but I fail to appreciate any connection between these theories and my duty under oath as a Magistrate.”
The editor added this comment – “Mr. Peck has held the position of Police Magistrate in Oyen for 12 years during which time he contributed much to the interests of justice. He is a man of sterling quality and has handled his position on the bench with fairness and kindness to all who came under his jurisdiction. At present, no announcement has been made with respect to appointment of a new police magistrate at Oyen.”
This many-faceted museum story continues.