The night was filled with reminiscences. One honourary member who attended, Bob Dowling, was also at the first meeting in 1963. Back then, he recalled, a good part of the original collection was archived under the beds in Constance Peterson’s house. Then in 1978, the society bought the old Andrew Motors Building, providing a permanent home for the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and Archives.
That longevity hasn’t come without struggle, however, and hard work on the part of many volunteers and museum staff. In his president’s message, Herb Robinson sounded a warning, noting decreased revenue and increased expenses the last few years.
All in all, though, it was a happy gathering that embraced the challenges of the future as it has the rich memories of the past: with a hearty toast and a cheerful spirit.
