Oyen Briefs: Looking for information or photos of the demolition of the CN station?
By Diana Walker
Wednesday night, I enjoyed a telephone visit with Lauretta Thygesen of Calgary. This former Oyenite, who will celebrate her 98th birthday on May 14, was thrilled to learn of the Royal Canadian Legion’s upcoming 65th Anniversary. She and her daughter hope to attend.
What a fitting date, February 29, leap day, for Keith Mehl to retire from South Country Co-op. After eight years as a salesperson, he plans to turn his efforts into farming full-time during the growing season and having more time to volunteer in the community he and Michele have raised their family.
A few years ago, Bernie Krewski and I tried to find the date of the demolition of the CNR Station in Oyen. We never discovered when that occurred. Bernie has collected substantial material about the Goose Lake Line that began at Saskatoon and wound westward. It includes a news clip of when the last passenger train occurred in 1963. We want to fill the gap regarding the disappearance of the Oyen Station.
We emailed the Oyen Town Office to see if they had any information, i.e., a demolition permit, transfer of land title, or any other type of documentation.
A few days later, we received this from Debbie Kovitch:
“To date, I have found the write-up penned by Jerry Dziuba for Volume II (Oyen History Book). It states the CNR appeared in Oyen in 1912, provided full services until 1963, and then dropped the passenger line. They abandoned the depot between June of 1973 and July of 1974. Also, in Volume I (Page 246), a photo caption states: In 1980, the station is old and disused except as a truckers' depot.
I assume demolition occured after this. I will keep looking in the files at the office and the old Council minutes if I can find anything.
By chance, would any Oyen Echo readers have any information or photos of the demolition of the CN station?
Oyen Legion: Its Early Roots
By Bernie Krewski
The history of the Legion is outlined on pages 346-350 in Many Trails Crossed Here, vol. 1. The original charter, it states, issued in 1946, remained inactive for the next twelve years. Re-issued in 1958, the first renewal meeting took place on March 20.
These notes compiled from news reports in the Hanna Herald expand the story about the Oyen Legion’s beginnings. Some may wonder why there was such a long delay in establishing a local branch considering that WWII ended in 1945. I would suggest they read Canadian historian Margaret MacMillan’s fine book, “War: How Conflict Has Shaped Us.” I know how it has shaped me, having two older brothers who were WWII veterans and my son who is currently serving in Canada’s Naval Forces Reserve.
This was the front-page headline in the Hanna Herald on November 14, 1957: Large Number Attend Memorial Day Services at Oyen; Held in Community for the First Time.
The Herald’s correspondent, at that time, was Lillian Gibson whose husband George was a WWII veteran. The Service was held at the Oyen Theatre. Those present included veterans in this district from both world wars and members from the Empress branch. The guest speakers were three members of the local clergy – Reverends Page, Schwindt, and Webner.
Six months later, on June 5, 1958, the news story was “Oyen Legion to Have Ceremonies.” The Legion announced that the installation of officers in the newly formed branch would occur on June 18. Known as the Acadia Branch No. 8, it would also host members from the Empress and several other neighbouring branches.
In her regular column, the Oyen correspondent commended the Legion for its efforts in purchasing the building known as the “Dorm,” the former residence of out-of-town students attending high school in Oyen. Truckloads of material were being hauled away, she noted, in preparation for the big day on June 18.
A report on this major event was published in the Herald on June 26. It was held at the Oyen Theatre with 275 – 300 people in attendance. Included were: representatives from the Empress, Hanna, Eatonia, and Delia branches. Besides installation of officers for the Legion and the Women’s Auxiliary, a buffet supper and dance followed.
The founding officers are listed: President – William Cunningham, veteran and former mayor; Sergeant-at-Arms – Floyd Horne; First Vice-President – Kenneth Munroe; Second Vice-President – Don Code; Secretary – William Mills; Treasurer – Fred Boulter; Executive Council – John Dziuba, Art Chaplain, Ian McKay, Fred Tye.
The Women’s Auxiliary: President – Nan McCallum; Vice-President – Lillian Gibson; Secretary – Hazel Evens; Treasurer – Bernice Windrum; Executive Council: Margaret Kuhn, Lauretta Thygesen, Judy Berg, Anne Schauer.
Lest We Forget!