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Sam's 80th Birthday
23 June 1974
The Pas, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
Sam Waller Museum Collection

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The Rotary Club of The Pas has been involved with Sam Waller and his Little Northern Museum since the Museum's inception. The Club first sponsored an exhibition of Sam's collection in 1948, when Sam was still teaching. Upon his retirement, Sam worked to open the original Little Northern Museum in The Pas. The Museum was housed in two bunkhouses that had been acquired for Sam by Rotary Club President, Jack Johnson and his fellow club members.

The bunkhouses-come-Museum were moved to property that Ed Johanson had sold to Sam at a reasonable rate. This lot was on the south end of town on Gordon Avenue, (the site where Big City Motors is now situated). Many Natural Resources staff members assisted with the move. These included, among others, Joe Robertson, Harold Wells Sr., Phil Reader, and Wilf Guymer. Other friends and supporters of Sam were also very active in the move including Fred Madrigga and Ed Johanson. At the time, there was some opposition to the Museum's development from Town Council of the day as the bunkhouses were considered an eyesore. However, opposition was overcome and the official opening was held on February 1, 1958.

3

Official Opening of Second Museum Building
1 September 1970
The Pas, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
Sam Waller Museum Collection

4

Museum Closure
circa 1991
The Pas, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
Sam Waller Museum Collection

5

Over the years the Rotary Club often stepped in to help with or cover the costs of a variety of Museum projects. One such project involved the production of museum postcards with the proceeds going towards operating costs. The Club funded a new driveway for the Museum, and a new air conditioner. Finally the Rotary Club investigated purchasing the land adjacent to the Little Northern Museum for an expansion project.

In 1969 the Rotary Club decided to provide a new building for the Little Northern Museum as a Manitoba Centennial project. The building that Sam was using as both a Museum and living quarters was too small - especially considering his growing collection. The Rotary Club sent out letters soliciting donations from various businesses in The Pas. At first, the response was disappointing, but after persistent encouragement from Mr. Johnston and the Rotary Club, many business leaders changed their minds and proceeded to support this wonderful cause.

The Club conducted a variety of fundraisers for the building including a walkathon, raffles, and bingos. The walkathon route was from The Pas to Freshford at Mile 10 south of The Pas. Ed Johanson and many others walked the entire distance, there and back, to raise funds for the new museum building.

6

Sam Waller with African Idols
circa 1978
The Pas, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
Sam Waller Museum Collection
Dave Madrigga

7

Sam Waller and Tundra Wolf
circa 1960
The Pas, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
Sam Waller Museum Collection

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The Rotary Club also applied for government grants in support of the planned new Museum building. In time the required $22,000 was raised and construction was commenced. The official opening of the new Museum was held on September 1, 1970. In 1971 the Town of The Pas assumed day-to-day operations of the building and the Rotary Club took care of the minor maintenance and future expansion. In 1972 the Museum was fully turned over to the Town of The Pas with Rotary Members serving on its Board of Directors.

The Rotary Club has continued to support the Sam Waller Museum through the decades to this day. The last gesture of support was offered in September of 2007 when the Club graciously provided an honorarium for the heritage entertainment at the annual provincial museum conference hosted by the Sam Waller Museum.

9

Grizzly Bear Cub
circa 1960
The Pas, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
Sam Waller Museum Collection

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It is certain that the evolution of our local Museum to the high standard that it has attained today is in large part due to the support of the Rotary Club of The Pas. The strong relationship between the two organizations is illustrated by the fact that a position on the Museum Board of Directors is reserved for a Rotary Club member. Club member Robin Reader currently holds this position. The current Board Chair, Michael Wyman, is also a Rotary Club member. The strong and supportive relationship between the Museum and the Rotary Club has been in place for over half a century and we trust it will continue for many years to come.