Michelsen FARMSTEAD

The NE corner of 2nd Avenue and 6th Street.

Open July 2—August 31, Tuesday—Saturday 10 am—12 noon; 1 —5 pm

(see below for special bookings)

From the very beginning it was clear that the new settlement of Stirling was expected to be economically self-sufficient.  Allotment of 2.5 acre building plots were designed specifically so the individual owners could provide their own food.  Equally important, but sometimes overlooked, was the expectation that the newly established village should be a community in the fullest sense.  This must of course, include cultural outlets to relieve the monotony of daily labour.

The ability to provide for themselves culturally as well as physically, contributed to the strength and self-reliance that was a sustaining force for Stirling throughout the years. 

Entertainment at the turn of the century had to be locally provided, for travel was slow and difficult.  House parties were the norm for the early settlers.  Friends would gather at various homes for visiting, card playing, or spontaneous music.  Locals would play the bones for rhythm, or the violin for a quick dance, others were known for singing.

The Michelsen home was a favorite gathering place for many years, and the family hosted my dances typical of those house parties.  Though by today's standards the space was limited, moving furniture and rolling back rugs in the parlor and dining rooms created enough room to dance one square.  The fiddler would lean against the archway between the two rooms and play whatever the dancer desired.  If the group was larger and the weather was good, the dancers were moved to the loft of the barn.   Michelsen barn dances were popular for more than 75 years.

As the time went on the dayliner to Lethbridge offered new opportunities to the residents of Stirling and the surrounding area.  But the Michelsen Farmstead remained a favorite gathering place - though its focus had changed slightly.  Farmers from the surrounding area would often drive their teams to Stirling.  They would then catch the train to Lethbridge leaving their team and wagon at the Michelsen farm, sometimes for several days.

The popularity of the farm was not restricted to the adults.  Youngsters found the hay loft to be a perfect place to "sleepover" and the young Michelsen boys carried on endless "Cops and Robbers" shoot outs with their friends.  The Michelsen boys were the preferred "bad guys" in these games.  This latter activity was a source of great concern to one neighbour who predicted a dark future for young boys who spent so much of their time in such "unlawful play".  It is one of life's little ironies that Glen Michelsen was the first Stirling native son to join the RCMP and two of his three brothers followed his example by making law enforcement their career.

The continued importance of the Michelsen Farmstead can still be seen today even though no Michelsens now reside in the home.  In 2001 the Andreas Michelsen Homestead was declared a Provincial Historic Site with the house and outbuildings restored to the period of the 1930's.

For more information, or to visit by special appointment

please contact Jack ZoBell, (jack@zobell.com)

Phone:  403-756-3491; Cell 403-393-3492. 

If you wish to visit Michelsen House outside of regular hours, please contact Jack ZoBell well in advance of the date you wish to visit.  Thanks.