They gathered, nearly 500 strong, in Barons, a tiny southern Alberta village to celebrate its 100 years of heritage and homesteading. Many were of Estonian heritage, but also Swedish, Scottish, Norwegian, Finnish, Bohemian and of other European ancestry.

With a current listed population of 262, Barons welcomed participants from Australia, Mexico, the USA, Europe, Eastern Canada, Estonia, from points nearby and not quite as exotic. Those with Estonia roots had names such as: Andrekson, Erdman, Gullickson, Johnson, Jurima, Kotkas, Kulpas, Matiisen, Munz, Pertel, Ruus, Seeman, Silberman/Silverton, Tipman, Weiler etc.

The homesteads established 100 years ago in southern Alberta and sustained through generations of grinding labour grew mostly into sizable agricultural operations dwarfing the familiar 100-or-so acres farmed in Ontario. But the harsh winter conditions and never ending challenges of landscape and nature demanded mental and physical stamina, and solid entrepreneurship. It demanded self-confidence and optimism, and mutual reliance on family, friends and neighbours.

The 100th anniversary participants had not only cause to celebrate the passing of a century but were justifiably proud of family achievements, of predecessors having the fortitude to endure so that later generations could gain educational advantage and opportunities to succeed.

It’s interesting to note that of the executive committee both co chairs had Estonian backgrounds: Perry Kotkas, Martha Munz Gue. So did four of the remaining directors: Barbara Gullickson, Toomas Paasuke, Helgi Leesment, George Andrekson. Eda Matiisen McClung and Arne Matiisen were not only private donors but also volunteer organizers. The Estonian Central Council in Canada provided major sponsorship.

The July 31st opening ceremonies, presided by Perry Kotkas and Martha Munz Gue, included provincial government recognition of 100-year-old farmsteads still being worked by descendants of the original homesteader.

A special Estonian program, chaired by Peeter Leesment, was integral to the wide variety of activities offered. Accompanied by Avo Kittask’s accordion and other music the folk dances of the “Kilplased” troupe from Vancouver were animated with polished choreography. Initiated by Helgi Leesment, a traditional “Circle Dance” involved the audience also.

Estonia’s Honorary Consul on the West Coast, Harry Jaako’s speech “Estonia Through the Century – What if your forefathers had remained in Estonia – your life then and now” held listeners’ attention under a fierce mid-day sun. Jaako’s ability to place Estonia’s historical complexities and nuances into relevant current context greatly complemented the diversity of the heritage celebration.

Avo Kittask, president of the Estonian Central Council in Canada used a prime opportunity to recognize the long-term contribution of two people to Estonian culture and community in Alberta. The Canadian-Estonian Awards of Merit were presented to Eda Matiisen McClung and Helgi Leesment. In addition, Kittask on the occasion of the 120 anniversary of the Estonian flag, presented a flag from the home country to the Estonian community in Alberta, which according to Statistics Canada is 1800 strong. Accepting on behalf of Alberta Estonians were Otto Miklon, Toomas Paasuke, Ain Dave Kiil and Bob Tipman. Laas Leivat delivered Estonian Prime Minister Juhan Parts’ greetings.

The three day Centennial Celebration included receptions, family history displays, farm tours, farm machinery exhibits, arts and crafts shows, pioneer games, a dinner theatre, a church service, a cemetery re-dedication, picnics, family reunions, old time dance etc.

The Barons event followed the 100 year anniversaries of Linda Hall, south of Stettler in 1999 and Gilby Hall in the Medicine River area in 2001.

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