Big Valley - Big Hopes

Wooden grain elevator & Red River cart

“There’s a small house just across the street and down a bit,” the woman says. “It just went on the market.”

Frank and I look at each other and we seem to lock into the same idea. Hmmm. Let’s go have a look.

We are excited about the prospect of purchasing a place in this animated town of Big Valley. It offers a wealth of volunteer and possible employment opportunities. At this posting time, there is a call for part-time bus drivers, a part-time town Administrative Assistant, and various opportunities to entertain the visitors who arrive by train each weekend during the summer months.

We learn a great deal of the history of the town from the Mayor, the librarian, and the shopkeepers at the local café.

Replica of a Red River cart

“The grain elevator is not an official Alberta Historical Society colour but it is one of the last preserved examples of a traditional wooden grain elevator. We’re satisfied with its colour,” the Mayor says. “Also, to answer your question about the Red River cart, it’s not authentic. We do use it in our parade, though.” 

“The building we’re in was purposely built in this rustic theme to bolster the history of the town and more specifically to show off the Jimmy Jock story,” the shopkeeper says. We learn that it was once a Chinese café.

Jimmy Jock Boardwalk beside historic bank building

This morning, Frank is hiking up the hill to St. Edmund’s Church. It’s fully restored, operational and under the care of the Big Valley Historial Society – another volunteer opportunity.

Blue Church on the Hill

Big Valley Railway Station

Together on the street, we are greeted by ‘Eddy’, a local who offers us a tour of the Big Valley Railway Depot. The artefacts and displays are well laid out. The visitors are greeted by the locals and given a tour of the town and a meal. Yes, another opportunity to volunteer dressed in period costume.

We are met later by a realestate agent from Stettler, who shows us the small house. We are surprised and intrigued by it, and put in a bid. We haven’t heard from the lady since.

Big Valley is a community filled with enthusiasm and hope. Travel north of Highway 56 from Drumheller or south from Camrose, and enjoy the ambiance.