By Kenneth Cheung

Battlefords heritage

New exhibit opens at WDM North Battleford

Aug 16, 2024 | 4:00 PM

Western Development Museum North Battlefords (WDMNB) had an opening ceremony for their new J. Marjan Shone Shop Exhibit on Aug. 15

The new exhibit features the story of Jakob Marjan and his long-serving shoe shop in the Battlefords. He passed away in July 1992 at the age of 92.

According to WDMNB, The exhibit replicates the original J. Marjan Shone Shop, which was commissioned in 1932. It features an ornate Art Deco design on the brick façade, with a deep-set door and evenly spaced windows.

Besides the story and the original interior, the exhibit includes an interactive guessing game and a display of his work tools.

Some of the displays in the new exhibits. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW_

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Dr. Elizabeth Scott, the director of collections and research at WDM North Battlefords, said this exhibit helps us remember the people who first made North Battleford their home.

“The building’s almost 100 years old now, and it tells the story of a well-loved and well-remembered shoe repairman here in North Battleford,” she said.

The museum acquired the original building in 1991. However, the project hadn’t been underway until 2022.

Jeremy Cockrill, MLA of the Battlefords, Ames Leslie, Mayor of Battlefords, and Bill Ironstand, deputy mayor councillor for the City of North Battlefords, attended this monumental opening for WDMNB and the Marjan family.

Jeremy Cockrill, MLA of the Battlefords is giving an opening speech. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

Cockrill believes that preserving local history and culture in North Battleford is crucial. The Battlefords have a rich history, and exhibits like the Jacob Marjan shoe shop are essential for sharing this history with the public.

“With such an amazing community and a rich history, it is essential for future generations to have access to exhibits like this to learn about the past. This will help us create a better future,” said Cockrill.

Jakob Marjan’s family also attended the ceremony. They are grateful that WDMNB has collaborated with them to create this exhibit to preserve Marjen’s story and become a life-long site for them and the community to honour their family’s legacy in the Battlefords.

Ames Leslie, the Mayor of Battlefords giving a speech at the opening. (Kenneth Cheung/battlesfordsNOW)

Leslie stated that the city and the town are deeply dedicated to revitalizing tourism in the area. This involves showcasing the town and city’s history and working with our Indigenous partners to share their stories as part of the reconciliation process.

“The area’s tourism and history are limitless, and it’s time that we start tapping into that and using it to attract people to our community and educate the people who’ve lived here for a long time,” said Leslie.

This new exhibit is a permanent addition to the Western Development Museum North Battlefords’ heritage farm and village.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com