The Frenchman Butte Museum hosted a Queen's Diamond Jubilee Tea, May 22 on a gloriously sunny afternoon at their complex in Frenchman Butte.
The tea, served by volunteers of the museum, was provided in an open air tent in front of the Canadian National Railways Station platform, appropriately decorated with flags and bunting, and serving as a stage for the event. This event, sponsored by Canadian Heritage, attracted about 150 people; gentlemen escorting ladies, many in beautiful dresses, complete with an appropriate hat, enjoyed the sandwiches, sweets, tea and coffee prior to the entertainment that was part of the afternoon's events.
President of the Frenchman Butte Museum, Tom Hougham, opened the program with a short address, welcoming everyone to the facility, then commenced the program as a trumpet, played by Debbie Wier sounded, O Canada; preceding a Lloydminster singing group, The Minstrels, leading everyone in singing the national anthem.
Hougham commented the Frenchman Butte Museum has been designated in a recent survey as ranking the third best museum in the province of Saskatchewan. He confessed, it takes a huge number of dedicated volunteers to host events such as the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Tea, and to conduct the museum's daily operations, openly inviting any individual with an interest in heritage to join in and become part of this elite group.
He indicated the museum is now launching into its fully booked school student tour program that heralds the summer's busy tourist season. Hougham then introduced the local MLA Tim McMillan, who gave a brief address, focusing on the great importance of vibrant organizations such as the Frenchman Butte Museum as they host significant events such as this particular occasion.
Marilyn Napper provided the bilingual "thank-you" address to the gathering. Heidi Hougham read the Queen's message from the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan.
The first performer of the afternoon was Laura Carruthers, who performed an energetic, free-dance routine for the envious audience. She was followed by Andria Zielinski, Morgan Elliot and Gracie Evans, from Vermilion, Alta., who performed a unique tap-dance routine.
A school student, Nadia Hougham, recited "Where did my bus driver go?" bringing a huge burst of applause at its conclusion. Lorrie Penner and Debbie Gadsby, accompanied themselves with guitars, singing a selection of memorable melodies.
The event's conclusion featured a variety of arrangements by The Minstrels, followed by a closing, God save the Queen. Interspersed throughout the entertainment program were several local "old-timers" relating some of their early experiences immigrating to, and living in Canada, or meeting royalty during past visits to Canada.
Plan to pay a visit to the Frenchman Butte Museum this summer. A visit makes for a wonderfully memorable afternoon, browsing through the eight buildings of exhibits that comprise the facility. You may have missed the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Tea, but you can still enjoy snacks and refreshments in the Log Cabin Tea House. It is also a short drive to visit two nearby historic sites. One is Frenchman Butte National Historic Site, scene of the 1885 battle. Go west a few kilometres to the Fort Pitt Provincial Historic Park and discover the outline of the two forts, existing in different time periods, prior to its destruction during the 1885 Resistance.
You might even think of staying over night in the Museum's new R.V. Park, providing full hook-ups for your unit and a tranquil evening setting to read up on our heritage.
There is just so much to explore in the area to spend a week is an easy matter. www.frenchmanbuttemuseum.ca
