The Square Butte Ladies Group held their Pot Luck Supper and Games gathering at the Square Butte Community Hall west of Millarville on Sept. 16.
The afternoon began with various races for anyone aged three to 63, including sack races, three-legged races, egg tosses, and running races for the “wee” contestants. There was much merriment and loud laughter to fill the air on a glorious late summer afternoon. Special thanks to Jody Ball for organizing everything. We were pleased to welcome at least three new-to-the-community families to our event.
After the fabulous potluck supper, group member Karen Whitlie gave an oral history of the ladies group whose motto remains “United Together to Help Others”. Karen’s adept storytelling abilities captured the attention of both the adults and children alike.
In 1941, after a gathering for a baby shower, the ladies in attendance decided to meet once a month. Since Canada was at war, our group became an auxiliary of the Red Cross and knitted and sewed articles needed overseas, as there were many soldiers from our area who joined the forces. After the war ended, the group continued to raise money for many worthwhile charities and community organizations. In 1953 the group decided to have their first Gingham Ball at Ranchers Hall by Millarville Community School. Ladies wore gingham dresses and the men wore plaid shirts and jeans. The dance was held on Farmers Day – the second Friday in June, and a school holiday at that time. By 1961, the Square Butte Community moved the Kew Hall to its present location and continued the Gingham Ball until 1979. It was a great way to raise money as it always attracted large crowds.
The fun continued at our gathering with the ever-popular cake walk — many excited children took home a cake that they had won. There was also face painting during the event thanks to Laura Ball.
Each year, the ladies group make a quilt to raffle and this year’s horse theme quilt was organized and planned by Mary Ann Watson and Ann Barr (it was actually put together last October by nine of our members) and then machine quilted. It won first place at this year’s Priddis and Millarville Fair in August in the category of a quilt made by more than two people. The lucky winner of this year’s quilt was announced at our potluck supper — congratulations to Simon Perrault.
Many thanks to everyone who supported us – all proceeds go towards supporting the over 20 charities and community organizations chosen by our group.
