Lac du Bonnet District Museum

03/14/2026

Brightstone Co-op

Congratulations to Beausejour Co-op and their 75th anniversary (The LdB Clipper March 12, 2026 pg. 3) !

The Ukrainian community of Brightstone, a few miles west of Lac du Bonnet opened it’s “Brightstone Co-op “ in 1938. It was incorporated and shares cost $10.00.

The Brightstone Co-op operated until 1968. It originally had a Bowser gas pump and general store but the gas pump was discontinued by the 1950s.

The Brightstone Co -op store was located on the north side of PR 317 between Sytnick Road and Okrainec Road. Some concrete footings pushed into the bush are all that remain today.

Lac du Bonnet’s renowned artist, Robert Kost, painted at least two paintings of the Brightstone Co-op Store.

The image of the painting shown is courtesy of Anthony Kost.

It also appears on the front inside cover of our local history book “Logs & Lines from the Winnipeg River “

Photo of artwork: Anthony Kost
bw photos courtesy of: Adeline Wazny
Certificate: Ernie Okrainec

02/23/2026

Insul Brick

Insul Brick (insul – brick) asphalt based siding was popular from the 1930’s through the 1960’s. It mimics the look of brick. Insul brick was designed to provide a low cost insulation value and low cost exterior protection.

Popular colors were red, brown and grey in a faux brick pattern. The product has lasted over 60 years on homes, garages, churches and other buildings. Insul Brick was manufactured in Winnipeg by Building Products Limited.

Lac du Bonnet’s historic Lee River Hall (red), Lagsdin Hall (grey) St Anthony Petchersky Ukrainian Catholic Church and St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church (grey) are covered with insul brick

photo credits:

Terry Tottle
Sid Stine
RM of Lac du Bonnet
Clarence Worona

02/13/2026

Looking back 90 years ago

Those were the days when the Unincorporated Village of Lac du Bonnet operated on a $2200.00 yearly grant from the RM of Lac du Bonnet !

The record of disbursements for 1935 lists the villages priorities, cleaning ditches, pouring concrete sidewalks, repairing wooden sidewalks and gravelling streets.

Many of the names have descendants in Lac du Bonnet to this day.

Tom King expensed $3.03 on something related to the loss of the Travellers Hotel fire on August 10,1935. The Travellers Hotel stood where Access Credit Union is today at 1st Street and Park.

The Unincorporated Village of Lac du Bonnet became Incorporated in 1947 and the first council meeting held on January 6 & 7, 1948 with Joe Sparman as Mayor !

12/24/2025

Thank you all for helping make the 2025 season at the museum such a success. We are truly grateful to everyone who supported us through our preservation projects, our raffles, and our concert fundraiser. Your generosity, time, and encouragement means so much to us, and we couldn't have done it without the incredible support of our community.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year, and we look forward with excitement to welcoming you back for the 2026 season at the museum.

12/18/2025

The Christmas concert fundraiser was a heartfelt celebration of music, history, and community spirit. We are deeply grateful to everyone who came together to make this event such a meaningful success.

First and foremost, we extend our sincere thanks to our community. Your presence, generosity, and ongoing support are the foundation of everything we do. Without the community, there would truly be nothing - no events, no preservation efforts, and no shared history to protect.

We are especially thankful to the local performers from “Open Mic’, Paul McIntosh, Bernadette, Mary Louise Chown, and Lefty Augers, who delivered a fabulous set and filled the evening with talent, joy, and holiday spirit. Their willingness to share their gifts so generously created an atmosphere of warmth and connection that defined the night.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our main performer, Cara Luft, Juno award-winning artist, whose spectacular performance elevated the evening. Her generosity in sharing her remarkable talent in a community centred setting truly embodied the spirit of the event and helped bring everyone together in celebration.

Our appreciation also goes to the community sponsors and small businesses – FIRE & WATER MUSIC FESTIVAL, PRAIRIE PETALS, KARKLIN’S PAINTING, LAURA’S CUSTOM GLASSWARE, CO- OP GAS BAR, SHELDON SVEINSON, RONA, RM & TOWN OF LAC DU BONNET, CARNATION CORNER PLUS, LAC HOUSE INN, RECYCLE WEST, BOREAL RANCH, and HALLIDAYS who supported this event.

Your contributions - both large and small - demonstrate a strong commitment to local culture and preservation. Supporting one another is what keeps our community vibrant, and your involvement did not go unnoticed.

This event was more then a fundraiser - it was a reminder of what we can accomplish together. Thank you to everyone who attended, performed, sponsored, volunteered, and supported this special evening we are truly grateful to be part of such a loving and engaged community.

Our 50 / 50 raffle winner of $362.50 is Brian Hargreaves from Lac du Bonnet, who purchased his winning ticket at the Great Falls Xmas Craft Sale….congratulations…..

Happy Holidays everyone.

12/13/2025

WOW! WHAT. A. NIGHT!

Last night's “A Community Christmas with Cara Luft" at St. John's Heritage Church & Arts Centre was nothing short of magical!

The space was filled with warmth, laughter, music, and pure Christmas spirit from the moment the doors opened.

Cara Luft absolutely knocked it out of the park, bringing heart, energy, and joy that united the entire room. And making the evening more special was the incredible lineup of talented local performers, who shared the stage and showcased the amazing artistic spirit right here in our community.

The performers were uplifting, the atmosphere was electric, and the sense of togetherness was truly unforgettable. From the beauty of St. John's to the joy on every face, this was one of those rare nights that perfectly captured what the season is all about: connection, celebration, and community.

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our community for your continued support of the Historical Society and its preservation projects. Your generosity and enthusiasm helped ensure that treasured spaces like St. John's and St. Anthony Petchersky continues to thrive for generations to come.

A huge thank you to Cara Luft, our wonderful local performers, and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make this special evening such a success.
If you were there, you know-it was amazing. If you missed it... You truly missed something special!

From all of us, we wish you Happy Holidays and a season filled with beautiful harmonies, joyful melodies, and peace that resonates all year long.

12/10/2025

Our Christmas concert fundraiser is happening this Friday December the 12th, and the elves are buzzing - mostly because they’re trying to finish wrapping up everything on time.

Rumor has it - there are only a few tickets left! ( and by “rumor” we mean the elves told us, and they've never been wrong about cookies or ticket counts.)

So don your jolliest sweater, sprinkle on some Christmas magic, and come snag those last tickets before they disappear faster then Santa’s cookies!!

Join us for an evening of music, laughter, and festive fun - all while supporting a great cause.

Let's make this season brighter together!!!

12/07/2025

This Christmas season, we invite you to join us for an evening that celebrates our community, our shared history, and the spirit of the holidays.
Together, we are working to preserve a treasured part of our local heritage – the newly relocated St. Anthony Petchersky Ukrainian Catholic Church on the Museum grounds. This landmark has been a gathering place for generations, reflecting the stories, traditions, and resilience of our community. Now, we come together to help ensure its preservation for years to come.

Our annual Christmas concert fundraiser promises a magical night filled with beautiful music performed by Cara Luft and local performers : Paul McIntosh, Bernadette , Mary Louise Chown, and Lefty Augers. Enjoy the warmth of community connections along with exciting fund raising activities, including a mystery silent auction, a special prize draw and festive holiday goodies.

Your presence truly makes a difference, whether you purchase a ticket, place a bid, or simply share the evening with us, you become part of the ongoing story of preserving this historic cultural landmark.

Let's gather to celebrate the season, support Lac du Bonnet’s heritage, and enjoy a night of music and holiday cheer!

Tickets are on sale now at Daley’s Pharmacy in Lac du Bonnet - come feel the warmth, the joy, and the spirit of the season with us!

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors, whose thoughtful contributions have added so much magic to this evening. The beautiful gifts and prizes they donated play an essential role in supporting our fund raising efforts and helping preserve this important piece of our shared heritage.
Sponsors who generously help make this event possible, include:

* Fire & Water Music Festival
• RM of Lac du Bonnet
• Town of Lac du Bonnet
• Recycle West
• Laura’s Custom Glassware
• Carnation Corner Plus
• Rona
• Co-Op Gas Bar
• Boreal Ranch
• Sheldon Sveinson
• Prairie Petals
• Karklin’s Painting
• Georgia Valentonis

Your presence, your voice, your laughter, your support, makes all the difference by purchasing a ticket.
Let's come together as one family to celebrate the joy of Christmas, the strength of community, and the beauty of our shared Ukrainian Catholic heritage.

Come feel the warmth, the music, and the love of the season !

For further information contact Terry 204-345-6329

11/30/2025

YES YES YES
you have asked! and we reply.....
You can purchase tickets on our website: ldbhistorical.ca
in the Museum Shop
purchased tickets will be held at the door.....

also tickets are available at Daley's Pharmacy in Lac du Bonnet

Our Annual Fundraiser Christmas Concert
presented by Lac du Bonnet & District Historical Society and Fire & Water Music Festival

December 12 at 7pm
at St. John's Heritage Church & Arts Centre 86 Mc Arthur Avenue. Ldb

All proceeds go to Lac du Bonnet & District Historical Society preservation projects....

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING…
THE GLOBE AND MAIL
“It can’t be done, so don’t even try to turn away from the affecting insistence of Canada’s Luft who sings like an angel named Joni or Alanis…

ARTSPLACE ARTS CENTRE
“Luft is really the personification of what folk music should be, a blend of musical artistry, storytelling, and just plain fun. Our audience lapped it up and revelled in the joy of the evening. Cara proved once again she has the best laugh in Canadian music.”

AMERICANA HIGHWAYS
“… you can’t help but be drawn in by Luft’s soulful vocals and the instrumentation that is quietly powerful.”

ALSO PERFORMING- Paul McIntosh, Bernadette, Mary Louise Chown, and Lefty Augers

You won't want to miss it !!!

11/30/2025

Museums love to preserve ephemera. Typically paper based items that have a short usefulness such as postcards, tickets, flyers and posters.
This copy of Lac du Bonnet’s first known newspaper “ Lac du Bonnet Times” can be classified as ephemera.

This 2 page edition was saved by Stella Hammerstedt and passed down to her nephew Jack Halliday and is now recorded in our archives.
From this edition we learn that Harry Holyk from Brightstone made a presentation To RM of Lac du Bonnet council and was able to secure a fifty dollar grant for the construction of the Brightstone Hall.
The Brightstone to Lac du Bonnet road was discussed depending on a grant from the Province.
We learn that the Lac du Bonnet Community Club was formed in 1921 and meetings were sparsely attended.
Meetings with school teachers are well documented because the Lac du Bonnet Times editor was Red Deer school teacher Mr F.B. Fox !
Unfortunately, the newspaper survived less than two years .

11/21/2025

What's next for the St. Anthony Petchesky Ukrainian Catholic Church?

Many in our community have been asking about the next steps now that the St. Anthony Petchersky Ukrainian Catholic Church proudly sits on the museum grounds in Halliday park.

We're excited to share that our upcoming phase is lowering the church onto its new foundation. Once secured we’ll begin the process of winterizing the building so it can safely remain at the park throughout the winter months.

The cost of moving the church and building the new foundation have certainly made an impact on the Society's funds, but seeing the incredible support from our community has truly lifted our spirits.

So many community members came out to support this worthwhile cause and we're often asked how can we help?

Here's one wonderful way:
December 12 mark your calendar!

7pm
At St. John’s Heritage Church & Arts Centre
86 McArthur Ave
(The Listening Room)

The Lac du Bonnet & District Historical Society along with Fire & Water Music Festival are hosting a very special concert- “ A Community Christmas” with Cara Luft and performances by local entertainers, Paul McIntosh, Bernadette, Mary Louise Chown, and Lefty Augers.

What better way to enjoy the season while supporting the ongoing preservation of this historic landmark!!!

Tickets are available at Daley’s Pharmacy

Join us, celebrate the season, and help continue the vision for this special piece of community history.

People like you make all the difference. Your interest, enthusiasm, and support ensure that together we can make history happen.

Terry Tottle
President
Lac du Bonnet & District Historical Society

11/16/2025

The Lac du Bonnet & District Historical Society would like to thank everyone who came out yesterday to the Christmas craft sale in the community center.

It was a wonderful day!

Hearing your warm compliments about the preservation project for St. Anthony Petchesky Ukrainian Catholic Church meant more to us than we can say.

This little church holds generations of memories, hard work, celebrations, and stories within its walls.

Knowing that the community believes in preserving its history - it’s spirit - and the legacy of those who built it truly confirms that we are moving in the right direction.

Each conversation yesterday and every story shared remind us of why this work matters so deeply.

Thank you for keeping that history alive with us.

Our wild rice flew off the shelves!
Unfortunately we ran out of stock yesterday.

Thank you to everyone who supported us and if you missed out don’t worry we have replenished our stock!

FOR SALE- 1 pound certified organic long grain Wild Rice / $12
( all proceeds go to our preservation projects)

If you’re interested in purchasing
feel free to call or text 340-3411
We’re happy to arrange drop off in Lac du Bonnet for anyone who didn’t get a chance to pick some up.

Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday Season !

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