Written history of Whitecourt grows longer

By Reed Clements

The Town of Whitecourt has announced the publication of Whitecourt: A History 1975–2010. This book is the second instalment in the ongoing process of documenting the history of Whitecourt.

The new book follows on 1976’s publication of Sagitawah Saga: The Story of Whitecourt, a book that chronicles the period from the early history of Whitecourt, all the way until the mid 1970s. Whitecourt: A History 1975–2010 adds to that history by covering the 35 years since the publication of the that first book, up to Whitecourt’s 51^st year as an incorporated town.

Presumably, it will fall to the next generation of historical enthusiasts to write the next book of Whitecourt’s history, covering the 2010s and the next several decades.

Whitecourt: A History 1975–2010 tells the story of a period of growth in the community, as Whitecourt increasingly became a centre for business and industry in Alberta.

Younger readers will enjoy learning about the history of their town, while older readers will have the pleasure of seeing the setting of their lives documented.

The book was created by the Whitecourt and District Heritage Society and its publication was sponsored by the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation, an organization devoted to promoting and preserving the heritage of Alberta. The AHRF is supported by the Alberta Lottery Fund.

For only $20, interested members of the community can acquire this historical document from the Whitecourt and District Public Library, the Whitecourt Town Office, the Allan and Jean Millar Centre, or the Forest Interpretive Centre. Purchase of the book will show support for the important and often overlooked efforts that go towards communities documenting their stories.