Although the number of Estonians in Alberta is not enormous, there
still remain small pockets of Estonian settlements scattered
across the province. The area around Stettler found favor with many
of the early Estonians to arrive in the province. This small community of Estonian Albertans built Linda Hall in
1911 and it became the place where community meetings and social
activities were held. In order to better deal with grain buyers and protect their landholdings,
they formed the "Linda Esti
Põllumeeste Selts", or Linda Estonian Farmers Organization,
in 1910.
Linda Hall went from no more than a
thought in the minds of the community members to completion in
just a short year. The community members raised money by selling box lunches.
Besides meetings of the farmers organizations, there were dances,
celebrations such as Christmas and
Jaanipäev, and theatrical performances. In 1930,
the Linda Hall burned down. Even through the Depression, a new and
bigger hall was built. The new Hall, "Esti
Põllumeeste Selts"
is known now as the Linda Hall Society. With a new generation of
members the meetings were conducted in English.
|
This digital collection was
produced with financial assistance from Canada's Digital
Collections initiative, Industry Canada.
Heritage Community Foundation Presents
