Coaldale History

An opportunity to submit your story....

In 1983, a comprehensive history of Coaldale was published.

Included in this publication were many family and individual stories of Coaldale and area residents from 1900 to 1983. To supplement and complement that history, the Gem of the West Museum is inviting updates to these stories, as well as new stories. Not all families chose to submit their family story for the 1983 history book. This is your opportunity to submit them now. Since 1983, a new generation of family stories has been created. The Museum Society would also be pleased to receive these stories.
The submission of your story shall be interpreted as permission for the museum to display it. We prefer that the story remains in your words. Only minor editing may take place.
Our goal is to compile the stories that are submitted and make them available to all museum visitors and on the website. We hope that in the future these stories and pictures will inspire an update to the 1983 version of the Coaldale History Book.

GUIDELINES FOR WRITING YOUR STORY

These are suggestions only and should not stop you from adding other relevant information. Your story should be no longer than 4 pages.

1. Talk to other family members. If you are writing the story of your parents, grandparents or great grandparents, other family members may have different memories than you do. Imagine the story as it took place. Include feelings and emotions if you are able.

2. Ask questions that cannot be answered with a yes or no. For example: "How did you get to school?" is better than "Did you walk to school?" That could be followed up with "...Tell me about unusual or important school related events that occurred."

3. Relate stories of celebrations, education and other accomplishments, work history, ingenuity, as well as challenges and hardships. Include any facts that you can find, such as birthdates, deaths, marriages, names of schools and churches attended, land descriptions, street addresses and ethnic heritage.
A picture or two would be welcomed.

4. To view the 1983 Coaldale History Book online go to www.ourroots.ca and search for "Coaldale". You can also view the Coaldale History Book at the Gem of the West Museum.