Eston Museum hosts end of summer tea

By Joan Janzen

The Prairie West Historical Society held its End of Summer Tea at the Eston Museum on the afternoon of August 27th. Marene Stevenson greeted guests, and they signed a guest book before proceeding to the lower level of the Heritage Gallery.

Eight ladies belonging to the Red Hat Society attended the tea, wearing their bright red hats. Meanwhile, a group of long-term care residents also arrived and enjoyed a leisurely visit on the verandah. Everyone enjoyed cake, strawberries, and refreshments served by Bella Lowe, who has been employed at the museum throughout the summer months.

These smiling Red Hatters came to enjoy the End of Summer Tea at the Eston Museum. Photo by Joan Janzen

This pioneer garden behind the homesteader’s shack was planted by elementary students from Eston, who will return in September to help harvest the vegetables. Photo by Joan Janzen

Bella is a Grade 11 student at Kyle who is staying at Eston Regional Park with her family for the summer months. Besides serving at the summer tea, she has been conducting museum tours for visitors who frequent the museum.

The Evans House was originally located on a farm five miles northeast of Eston, where it was sometimes used as a resting place for travellers. Marene recalled that the house was in a state of disrepair when it was moved to its present location at the museum; however, it has been transformed into a beautiful heritage home. Many of the furnishings in the house belonged to the Evans family.

Next door, a small homestead house represents what a typical homesteader’s shack on the prairies looked like. It was built in 1910 and was the home of Jack Giles for more than fifty years.

A pioneer garden is located behind the house. Although the house is tiny, the garden covers a large area, much like pioneer gardens from the past.

Students from the elementary school in Eston came to the museum in the spring to plant seeds and potatoes, and they’ll return in September to help harvest the vegetables. For many of the students, this is a new and educational experience the museum offers.