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Brandon Sun » Community News — Thursday, April 17, 2008News*1- MtaW AM4UA *W*®*S»S«i.«HHbiPVf' ■ywtW'*-#iwiiwriiwwlt;ni rnwwjTni—...„.,..., .....Tireless volunteer rewarded for historical workBernice Still was awarded the Ruth Tester award at the 19th annual Heritage Dinner, put on by the South West Branch of the Manitoba Genealogical Society. The award is made annually to a member of the branch who, in the opinion of their peers, exemplifies the spirit of service to genealogy and the branch.In its October-November, 2003 issue, the Manitoba Historical Society wrote of her that, “Bernice Still of Isabella for the past 25 years has been gathering photographs, artifacts and information on nearly 300 farm and rural houses and occupants in southwestern Manitoba. Most of the homes are found in Birtle, Hamiota and Virden and all over the RM of Miniota. Each home has been meticulously recorded with photographs, hand-drawn floor plans and information she collected from interviews with local residents. Some of the homes are no longer standing and Bernice Still's collection is the only source of information on them.■Bernice Stili, second from left, receives the Ruth Tester award from executive members of the South West Branch of the Manitoba Genealogical Society. At left is Eleanor Birch,vice-president of programs. At right are president Dennis Descoteau and (at far right) Jack Dodds, vice-president of administration, (submitted)Since that article appeared, she has brought that total to over 400. Still has also been involved in gathering familyhistories through books such as “Rural Reflections,” a local history book, and keeps track of births and deaths in the area.She has also transcribed many of the cemeteries in the Birtle area, including Birtle, Arrow River, Birdtail Sioux,Bissett Willow Tree, Blenheim and Miniota cemeteries and been very active in preserving and promoting family and community histories Her museums are listed in Manitoba Community Profiles and she has been featured on the CBC program “On The Road.”Still ran the local store and post office for many years. As the town’s population dwindled, the store became unprofitable and closed in 1995. She continued to operate the post office until July 31,1999, after 29 years and seven monthsShe started the Isabella museums with one room in the Iverach house in 1984, continuing to fix rooms and gather antiques. By 1989, the house was ftill.The Heise family then donated a three-storey, nine-room house, which Bernice proceeded to paper, paint and set up room displays.She completed this house in 1994. The next year, after closing the store, she startedfilling it with articles, fixed the attic for more room and put in stairs In 1997, she took over the Rusty Still house and proceeded again to paper, paint and repair She currently maintains these three houses, a store, barn and workshop as part of her heritage collection Isabella is officially a ghost town, but the town lives on through her tireless commitment to preserving the town heritage, history and artifacts Still is one of those who keep the memories of people, community, heritage and community spirit alive and maintain the connection with the past.She is one of those quiet workhorses who continue to slug away, generously giving of her time with no thought of reward or recognition. Her work will continue to be enjoyed many generations later as people research, explore and witness their family and community hentage.submitted
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Brandon Sun Community News
Brandon, Manitoba, CA
Thu, Apr 17, 2008
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CA 14 Jan 2020
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