Another year is beginning for the Yorkton branch of the Saskatchewan Genealogy Society!
If you're interested in getting started in genealogy, or if you have already started some research, you're invited to join the group. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, October 9 at 7:00 p.m. in the History Room at the Yorkton Public Library. Special guest Walle Head will be speaking about Jaroslaw church, which many people will remember from the Fonehill area.
The church is gone now, like so many country churches, and this is a perfect example of why information should be chronicled while the history and the memories and the stories are still alive.
Because the little country churches were so much a part of the pioneers' lives, it is fascinating to include information about them in your genealogy research. In the Yorkton area, there is an abundance of history connected to the many small churches: St. Cunegunda founded in the late 1890's; St. Columbkille in Grenfell, from 1903; St. Anne's church in Kipling, in 1907; St. Mary's in Grayson in 1907; Saints Peter and Paul at Dobrowody in 1907; St. Patrick's in Glenavon in 1909; St. Anthony's church in Rama in 1922; St. Anne's in Buchanan in 1929, and many, many more.
A great resource is the Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan, as close as a click of your mouse at http://esask.uregina.ca. You will find an abundance of information about the province. Look at this comment by the publisher, David A. Gauthier: "Our intent in developing the Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan is that it serve as an educational resource for students, teachers, researchers and all who care about the people, places and events that have shaped Saskatchewan's legacy to Canada and the world.
It is our hope that, as a permanent record of achievements, the Encyclopedia will increase awareness and understanding of the region's rich cultural and natural heritage and serve as a fitting and timely vehicle through which to encourage readers to reflect not only on the province's accomplishments, but on the wealth of opportunities and advantages afforded to Saskatchewan residents." Be sure to check out this resource as part of your genealogy research.
An amazing amount of genealogy information is also available at the Yorkton Public Library. The History Room contains a wide assortment of documents, books, and reference material that is sure to assist you in your search. Come prepared to take notes, because the material in the History Room is considered reference material and is not available for loan like other library books; but it is very pleasant to seat yourself in the peace and quiet of the History Room and travel back in time with the fascinating information that is available there.
Also, take the time to peruse the stacks; there are many interesting books that could help to round out your research, such as "Our Towns: Saskatchewan Communities from Abbey to Zenon Park" by David McLennan. This book is wonderful, with great pictures and short histories of thousands of communities.
Every family has a story: discover yours with the Yorkton Genealogy Society! Mark down the date of the next Genealogy Society meeting: Tuesday, October 9 at 7 p.m. in the History Room at the Yorkton Public Library. New members are always welcome! For more information call Glenn at 782-7969 or Dave at 783-1093.
