53
Charles, Jessie and Vi Proctor prior to his death
circa 1945-50
Breton, Alberta, Canada
Credits:
Violet Briscoe
54
The Kings were a large family and their accomplishments spread across the country.
Rolla Ramsey's sister Stella married Charlie King's brother John.
55
Charlie and Emma King's Homestead
circa 1912
Keystone, Alberta, Canada
Credits:
Breton Museum
56
Stella and John's daughter Violet King went on to the University of Alberta where she studied law. She was the only woman in her class of 1953. Violet further distinguished herself by being the first black in Alberta to be admitted to the Bar in 1954.
57
John and Stella King
Unknown
Credits:
Dolly Johnson, Granddaugther of Geroge Ramsey
58
Emma King stayed in the Breton area even after Charlie Jr. passed away. And in the late 1970s when there was great interest in preserving the history of the town, Mrs. King was one of the people, who contributed her early experiences to the book,
" The Ladder of Time" which was published in 1980.
This book is a legacy that has kept on returning to the community a sense of place and pride.
59
Sam Hooks Ravine Plaque
1994
Breton, Alberta, Canada
Credits:
Breton Museum
60
Gwen Hooks chronicled her experiences in her own book " The Keystone Legacy" She continued to live and teach in the area until 1994.
61
Ladder of Time
Breton, Alberta, Canada
Credits:
Breton Museum
62
106As the years passed, many of the families moved from the community and the cemetery where many of the early settlers were buried was left unattended. After the death of Emma King in 1983,the Historical Society felt it was important to preserve the cemetery because of its historical significance. The cemetery was cleaned up and a fence constructed.
63
Breton Museum Meeting
Breton, Alberta, Canada
Credits:
Breton Museum
64
First the interest in publishing the stories of the settlers and then the cleaning up of the Keystone cemetery really solidified the work of the Historical Society of Breton, and it wasn't long before they established the museum. And the Breton Museum has been key in preserving the history of the area. Each year the museum hosts an open house in February celebrating Black History Month. The community's black history has brought significant exposure for the museum outside of this region.
65
Exhibit in Breton Museum
Breton, Alberta, Canada
Credits:
Breton Museum
66
The Breton Museum plays a vital link in understanding the complexity our past in this region, and provides society with a means to enjoy and grow through life long learning.