Northern Alberta Historical and Railway Museum

A 100-year-old bassinet, clothes wringer, and a Singer treadle sewing machine are reminders of how much life was in the homes of our ancestors. Before the advent of electricity, hand-power and simple mechanics helped get everyday chores done, while leaving time to feed the livestock, tend to the children, plough the garden, or take the family to church. A Simple calendar shows us that leaving time was a long trip regardless of your destination, so many small towns had services now reserved for larger centers – such as dry cleaners, theatre, and a slower and gift store owned by someone named “Grumpy”. A radio represents all the entertainment at home before televisions became a staple in every home.