If you are interested in exploring some of Manitoba’s museums, plan a trip to the Shoal Lake-Strathclair area. There are at least three in this area well worth a visit.
The largest is the Prairie Mountain Regional Museum along Highway 16, about five kilometres east of Shoal Lake. Construction at the site began after 1997, when a group of volunteers decided to showcase various collections and buildings with heritage value. A small working board now runs the program, with contributions from about 50 others.
The museum is an ongoing project. The largest structure, the Clegg Building, was built on site and several other buildings have been moved in. More are planned for the future.
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“We’re always short of two things – time and money,” said Don Yannick, an avid volunteer, as he showed me around the Clegg Building.
The main focus there is a large collection of antique carriages, buggies, cutters and sleighs, plus the harness used for these.
“About 85 per cent of this collection came from Rollie Clegg, originally from Arrow River,” Yannick said, as he explained the building’s name. In addition, some items were brought from the Archibald Museum near Manitou after it closed several years ago. Some of those items need repair before being displayed. The buggy collection is advertised as “the second largest horse-drawn buggy collection in Canada.”
Yannick’s enthusiasm was obvious as he pointed out specific items. A Watkins peddlers’ wagon caught my attention, as did the covered winter school van sledges. Also on display are a First World War ambulance, a milk wagon, a Red River cart, and the covered wagon used in “Pioneer Quest”, a Canadian reality television series filmed north of Argyle.
A replica of a pioneer mail order Eaton house is another interesting feature. These houses were common in early pioneer times and the materials could be ordered at a cost of $800 to $3,000, depending on the size.
Another intriguing item is a summer hearse, complete with glass windows and a black feather. This can still be rented occasionally for use at a funeral.
Once visitors have toured the Clegg Building, they should explore the museum grounds and the other buildings. These include the McNarry and Elliot pioneer houses, and two one-roomed schools: Olha School 1243 and Seech School 1454.
The Prairie Mountain Museum is an expanding tourist attraction. The Clegg Building now has a licensed kitchen and will do some catering. A new gift shop is opening this spring.
“I could spend all my time here,” Yannick said as he explained the new additions. The museum grounds include a vegetable garden and antique machinery. Look for the goats, donkeys and horses, too. Last summer a miniature golf course with a 19th century theme opened, with a special “Toonie Tuesdays” feature.
A walking trail around nearby Warren Lake is scheduled to open this spring, and wagon rides around the lake will be offered, using the museum’s three teams of horses. Last year on Manitoba Day, children from three local schools dressed in pioneer outfits and attended class in the Olha School. This year plans are in the works for several school tours.
Prairie Mountain Museum is open from June to the first week of September, although during the off season, volunteers are often on site and willing to show visitors around. Hours are Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., but these might expand. Admission is by donation. For more information, call 204-759-2245 or check the website: www.pmrm.ca.
Two other museums of interest are also located in the region. At the south end of the village of Shoal Lake, beside the Lakeview Park Campground, is Manitoba’s official Mounted Police Museum. This is a replica of the log barracks built at the far south end of the lake in 1874 by the North West Mounted Police, the forerunner of today’s RCMP.
The barracks were only occupied until 1886 but were re-established at this spot in 1921 to serve as headquarters for force members. Nowadays the museum displays artifacts such as handcuffs and leg irons, and numerous uniforms from both the NWMP and the RCMP. Items connected with the RCMP Musical Ride are also highlighted.
The museum also serves as the town’s tourist information centre and is open during July and August, from Wednesday to Sunday. For information or to book a tour, call 204-759-3326.
A third museum is in the village of Strathclair on Main Street. A municipal heritage site, it consists of several buildings, including the former CPR station and St. George’s Anglican Church (moved here from the hamlet of Menzie).
An additional building contains a blacksmith’s forge and tools, and other agricultural tools and implements. Pioneer and railway artifacts, church items and community memorabilia are all of interest in the Strathclair Museum. It is open during afternoons in July and August. For further information, call 204-365-2196.
With three museums to visit in this area, museum enthusiasts could make it a full day. Perhaps plan a picnic at one of the local campgrounds or check out local restaurants.
