Thursday, June 18, 2009

Our Travels to Medicine Hat, Alberta - International Convention of Germans from Russia 2009

Travelling to the 2009 Convention of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada

For the most part, we had a leisurely trip from the Lower Mainland of British Columbia to Medicine Hat, Alberta, stopping off on the way to see the sights, do some research and to visit friends.

Of course, there were some cemetery photography opportunities, as at Murray United Church in the Nicola Valley, British Columbia, built as St. Andrew's Presbyterian church, 1876. The cemetery, established in 1878, was originally a public cemetery, about 2 acres in size, "knowing no creed or nationality". This cemetery is now closed and the church has been made a heritage site. There is some information about its history posted on the cemetery sign.





Grave of the Reverend William Benjamin Cuyler.

In Memory of Rev. W. B. Cuyler Who Died Apr. 7, 1887;

AE 28 Yrs. & 3 Mos

Native of Bruce Co. Ont.

In blissful hope of a Glorious immortal city.

Death hath no more dominion over him.

[AE - abbreviation for aetatis - Latin, of age]


At Revelstoke, British Columbia, we took photographs of the grizzly bear statues in the civic plaza and visited the Nickelodeon Museum.



Later it was on to Calgary where it was time to get in some research at the Military Museums.







Then it was on to Medicine Hat, Alberta for the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia (AHSGR) convention. When we arrived, the hotel lobby was already decorated with chapter banners.



There are four Canadian AHSGR chapters. The Victoria, British Columbia chapter's banner is on your lower far right in this photograph.

The 'official' International Convention of Germans from Russia blog has other photographs of events and activities.

1 comment:

Pearl said...

Ohhh Diane! I would have loved to tag along on your trip to Medicine Hat! I recently found out my grandmother's aunt and uncle lived in Medicine Hat for about 7 years in the early 1900's. I'd love to find out where their sheep ranch was!

Hope you had an enjoyable time.

Pearl in Vancouver