Alix Wagon Wheel Museum

06/17/2026

06/17/2026

Do you have any of these tools?

This week's focus is on the fabric arts! Our current display is home to a collection of very fine crochet hooks that were donated to us by the Alix Village Shoppe. Stop by and get a close-up look at these miniature hooks!

Also featured is a collection of sewing needles and fabric scissors. It is no surprise that these tools go all the way back to ancient times, earlier than 1500 BCE! A hand shuttle is also being displayed. The original hand shuttle was created during the 1700s. The device was made to speed up the process of hand weaving, such as tatting!

06/13/2026

SPECIAL FEATURE: The Centennial issue of the Lacombe Globe

While our museum tends to feature the history of the Alix, Indigenous history month has us acknowledging a wider range of history. One of our donations, as mentioned above, is the Centennial edition of the Lacombe Globe. This issue details the founding of Lacombe and its overarching historical timeline.

The feature of note, of course, is the Indigenous section of the paper. Unfortunately, in reflection of the time, the so-called Indigenous section possesses very few facts outside settler-Indigenous relations. Instead, the paper focuses on the signing of the Treaties as well as inquiries into the first settlers in the area.

Although it must be noted that the paper does acknowledge the role of the settlers in the end of the bison, describing how the US army sought to kill every buffalo as "every buffalo dead is an Indian dead." The slaughter of the buffalo brought the Indigenous collectives to the verge of starvation, forcing them to oblige by settler terms and preferences for agriculture.

Overall, Indigenous history month should encourage us to take a look at how our communities have taken action in both the past and present to acknowledge the original communities of the areas we occupy. While there may be some overlooked areas, as demonstrated by this past edition of the Lacombe Globe, we must continue to seek out the truth of Indigenous history so that we can have a more holistic understanding of the world we live in.

06/12/2026

Congratulations to our winners, Jackie Fleck and Jessica Hillayer!

06/12/2026

Do you still have China?

Nowadays, daughters and daughters-in-law everywhere strategically avoid inheriting their family China. However, these collections used to be the height of class.

China sets, of course, emerged in China during the Han Dynasty (206 BC). China was the first region to use porcelain to create dishes to wide success. The dishes served a dual purpose of being used in the household for serving as well as spiritual undertakings. These dishes were elaborately painted to host ancestral offerings.

These porcelain dishes became popular in Europe with the establishment of the Silk Road in the 16th century. Due to the Far East origin of the dishes, Europeans began to refer to the porcelain collection as China. This collection of dishes served the dual purpose in Europe as being a sign of high status as well as artistic inclinations.

06/11/2026

What do the Wizard of Oz and these pajamas have in common?

Billie Burke!

These are known as Billie Burke Pyjamas, named after the 1910’s film star. The pajamas became a popular fashion following Billie’s 1914 debut in the production ‘Jerry,’ where the starlette appeared wearing a pink set of pjs. This costume choice caused quite a stir as the sight of women in trousers at the time was a rarity.

Then, in 1916, Burke starred in a series of silent films, specifically Gloria’s Romance. The popularity of these films led to the widespread adoption of the one-piece pajamas in place of the traditional nightgown. These jumpsuit-style pieces drew inspiration from Eastern cultures, featuring loose-fitting designs and Mandarin-style tops. Burke’s appearance in the ‘Billie Burke Pajamas' paved the way for women of the early 1900s to confidently wear pants.

06/10/2026

Happy Indigenous History Month!

Stop by the Wagon Wheel Museum to learn about the Indigenous history of Alix.

Did you know that, before Alix came to be, the nearby area, now known as Content, was originally the Tail Creek Settlement? Tail Creek was a Metis settlement that benefited from the close proximity to Buffalo Lake, a nearby trade hub. Due to the nomadic nature of the Metis people who followed the Buffalo.

Unfortunately, the settlement burned down in 1878 due to underground coal deposits that had ignited. An estimated 400 building burnt down in the fire.

06/06/2026

Have you started your garden yet?

This week's special feature is centred around the Alix Horticultural Club and Agricultural Society.

The Horticultural Club was founded in 1947 by Mrs. Minn Thorpe. The honorary President of this newly founded club was Mrs. Irene Parlby, who was known for her gardening skills alongside her work in women's liberation. The membership fee was $1.00 a year! A price no longer available for any membership or subscription.

The Horticultural Club would take part in local shows and fairs sponsored by the United Farming Women Association. These aforementioned shows would consist of flower and vegetable contests.

The influence of the club extended beyond Alix. The Horitculturally inclined also assisted Lacombe with putting on the Provincial show of 1961. The founding Mrs. Thorpe also wrote gardening tips in the Lacombe Globe every week!

The Alix Agricultural Association was active as early as the 1920s and was known for its fairs. Displays would include high-class field crops, livestock, baked goods, and flowers/vegetables.