A couple of former East Coulee residents have taken an active role in remembering the history of the “Gulch.”
A group of East Coulee old timers and their families gathered at the School Museum Sunday to witness the unveiling of a living piece of history.
Bill Nimmo has deep roots in the community and very fond memories of growing up in East Coulee, attending school and working. A couple years ago, he and his wife embarked on a project they dubbed a 'Memory Map.'
About a year ago, he enlisted the help of long time East Coulee friend Jack Serna.
“He (Jack) has spent the past year enhancing the map, significant additions and correction from his memory, and that of many others, have been added,” said Nimmo.
In the end, they created a map, from memory, of the small community, identifying as many homes, structures and businesses as they could. Last Sunday, after the East Coulee Pancake Breakfast they held the unveiling.
“The map reflects the years from about 1945 to 1955. Many changes took place during this time, plus before and after,” he said. “This is a map of memories from many.”
With help of the East Coulee Museum, which paid for the mounting and preparation work of the map, it is now proudly displayed in the hallway of the Museum. This allows residents to come and see a snapshot of the community in a place and time. It also allows current residents to see how the community has evolved, and visitors to learn the significant history of East Coulee.
Nimmo said Serna took it upon himself to arrange the donation to the Museum.
“I think it is wonderful,” said Nimmo.
Executive Director of the museum Barb Steeves says already visitors are enjoying it. “We had a few people who are the families of past residents and students, who had a sneak peak and it is just wonderful for them to see where they lived. I know a lot people who will enjoy coming and seeing it,” said Steeves.
Steeves also used the occasion to update those gathered on the progress of the East Coulee Museum. The new boiler has been installed and with a few alterations should be ready for when the weather turns cold.
She also told the crowd gathered that the East Coulee School Museum was the first place in Drumheller to be granted a municipal historical designation. The province is also looking at recognizing the museum.
“That has to go to a jury to decide, but they did that on their own. We didn’t request it,” she said.
The next step is a heritage assessment. “With that hey will go through the building and decide what’s needed to stay heritage and what will stay altered,” she said. “We are not going to restoration, we are going to revitalization. That way we can keep things like the kitchen."
With the assessment complete, they will be allowed to apply for matching grant to continue the revitalizing. After that, the most pressing issue is the roof and foundation.
For Nimmo, the map was a pleasure to be a part of and rekindled memories.
“They are all good memories, I wouldn’t have wanted to live anywhere else.”
