THE GIFT OF HISTORY
Canada has always depended on immigrants to populate our vast country, just as it does today. Starting in the late 1800s, many newcomers arrived on the East Coast from Europe and embarked on the gruelling journey west by rail to their new homes.
The great majority of them travelled in Colonist Cars, which provided what could never be considered luxurious lodgings. The berths consisted of hard wooden benches and a pull-down bed, along with coal-burning stoves at each end of the car, where passengers cooked their meals.
Heritage Park Historical Village is painstakingly restoring one of these cars, which has been part of its collection for more than 50 years.
It is one of only two built by the CPR that still exist, and as restoration has progressed, the attraction’s staff has discovered it was made in Montreal in 1905 — years earlier than previously thought.
“When we started the restoration, peeling back the layers, we realized it was even older,” says Alida Visbach, Heritage Park’s president and CEO, who calls it “nothing less than a national treasure.”
“It was one of the first to come off the lines, which makes it an even more rare artifact.”
To celebrate the car’s restoration and Canada’s 150th birthday next year, Heritage Park will mount a travelling exhibition that will begin at Halifax’s Pier 21 next September. The pier was where more than one million immigrants began their bold adventure.
The exhibition is a partnership between BMO Financial Group, the Government of Alberta and the City of Calgary and is supported by Calgary philanthropist Joan Snyder. It will tell the compelling story of Canada’s immigrants using personal stories, historical milestones, interactive displays and a theatrical performance.
What a fantastic endeavour. Calgary and the rest of Alberta have prospered because of the talents and energies of newcomers. It’s wonderful that we’re able to give back to the rest of the country by sharing the experiences of those who helped settle this great land.
“It is the story of Canada, how we became who we are today, with the whole mosaic of cultures,” says Visbach. “We all came from somewhere else, with the exception of our First Nations.”
Heritage Park bills itself as Canada’s largest living history museum. It does a fantastic job of preserving heritage buildings and homesteads, all the while keeping the past alive through its authentically clothed staff who animate the exhibits, rides, shops and demonstrations.
In reaching beyond its lush grounds bordering the Glenmore Reservoir, and launching a travelling exhibit, Heritage Park will offer countless Canadians a wonderful gift.