South Peace Historical Society

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  • Table of Contents

    • Part 1: First Nations of the Peace River Region
    • Part 2: The Fur Trade Era
    • Part 3: Transportation and Communication
    • Part 4: Old Timers and the Price of Land
    • Part 5: Dawson Creek: The Story of the Community
    • Part 6: Mysteries, Adventures and Indian Legends
    • Part 7: Arts, Crafts and Recreation
    • Part 8: Agriculture
    • Part 9: Church Histories
    • Part 10: Schools
    • Part 11: Health Care
    • Part 12: Industries and Enterprises
    • Part 13: Policing the Peace
    • Part 14: Pouce Coupe, Rolla, and Other South Peace Communities
    • Part 15: Chetwynd and the Fort St. John Area
    • Part 16: The Alberta Peace
    • Part 17: Natural History of the Peace River Region
    • Part 18: Interviews with Old Timers
    • Part 19: Remembering Our Veterans

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14-010: Sunset Prairie

By Mrs. W.W. Willis in January, 1957

The first soil cultivated was a garden put in by the first settlers, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Murphy in 1919. They grew potatoes, carrots and turnips. Now we grow most vegetables, but there are still only a few in the district that can grow tomatoes and corn because of the early fall frosts which sometimes occur.

The first cattle were brought from the Dawson Creek area to a meadow on the edge of this district by Mr. Liveborn. He used this meadow just in summer — this was in 1918.

The first permanent cattle were brought into the district in 1920. They were brought here by a group of ex-service men that settled in this part of the country in 1919.

The first field crops were green feed (oats). The first threshing machine into this district was in about 1925. Mr. J. Stubley bought it.

The first agricultural Fair was a local fair in the early 1930’s, but the Kiskatinaw Fall Fair was started soon after this, sponsored by a group of Institutes — Arras, Willow Valley, Bon Accord, Groundbirch and Sunset Prairie. This went on for 16 years. It did not running during the war, but went on until 1956 when it was agreed to postpone it for a year to enable members to attend the Dawson Creek Fall Fair, which had recently started. During the 30’s people here used to ship cream — it had to be taken by team and wagon to a creamery near Pouce Coupe. The return trip took about 3 days, the driver bringing back groceries and supplies and sometimes mail. Before there was a Post Office at Sunset Prairie the mail was brought from Dawson Creek to Sunset Prairie, 30 miles by team and wagon or sleighs. The driver gave a wonderful, efficient service — always coming through no matter what the roads were like.

The settlers built a church (Anglican) in Sunset Prairie in 1927.

« 14-009: The Bessborough District

14-011: Sunrise Valley History as Told by Walter Haddow, Pioneer »

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