It all started in 1993 with Ewanda Boehr’s donation of an antique enamel tea set.
Thirty years later, the Langham Museum’s collection of local artifacts has grown to well over 5,000 items.
And every single one represents a piece of Langham’s rich heritage.
Virtually every square inch of space in the museum’s portion of the former Langham railway station building has something that catches the eye of the visitor. Farm implements, antique musical instruments, pioneer household items, a railroad telegraph, train schedules, vintage clothing and sports equipment, old radios, TVs and cameras, an early 20th century schoolroom; they’re all neatly, if tightly-packed, into a compact display that takes up two entire floors.
But the items that usually hold visitors’ attention are the hundreds of photographs depicting Langham’s early days.
For long-time volunteer Doreen Nickel, the Langham Museum is much more than a repository for the community’s past.
It’s a bridge that connects the community’s pioneer farming and railroad past with future generations.
“The great thing about the museum is the interaction with visitors,” said Nickel. “For the older generation, the artifacts trigger memories and people relate their experiences. I love listening to their stories.
“And when young people come through, it’s fun explaining to them what the items are and what they were used for.”
The museum celebrated its 30th anniverary this past year. Nickel said over the years, volunteers have tried to stay true to the vision of the original group of people who started the museum.
“There was about five people who got together in 1993 and decided the town needed a little museum,” said Nickel. “They all had stuff they donated, and other people heard about it and started adding to the collection. We’re still adding to it, actually.”
The original museum was located in the old fire hall, and moved to the former railway station building, which it shares with the town’s library, in 2001. The former train station was moved to its present location in 1977.
Nickel joined the museum board in 1999, and shortly thereafter persuaded her husband Wally, a talented mechanic and woodworker, to also get involved.
She served as President of the Museum Board for 15 years before stepping down last year. Bev Panas, a former Langham Mayor, has taken over the reins as President.
In addition to being a major attraction for visitors to Langham, the museum is also the home base for the town’s senior citizens group, known as the ‘Plus 60 Club’. While the Museum volunteer board and the Plus 60 Club are separate organizations, their membership lists do overlap somewhat.
“The museum building has always been a gathering place for seniors,” said Nickel. “We have morning coffee time three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It’s a tradition. Wally always comes down early and makes the coffee. The guys sit at one table, and the women at another table. There’s some mixing sometimes, but not a lot. The talk is different at each table. But you can’t help eavesdropping once in a while, just accidentally, of course.”
Nickel said volunteering with the museum has been a worthwhile experience.
“I’ve met a lot of people over the years, and made a lot of freinds through this place,” she said. “It’s been very satisfying, and it’s nice to see that it will keep going for many more years.”