The History of the
Wetaskiwin Co-op Association
officially dates back to 1917
These rugged individuals endured many hardships.
They faced the bitter winters with meagre food supplies and make-shift lodging - trying to
survive until the next spring when they would again labour day and night to clear enough
land to grow a garden for food and pasture for the few animals they could
afford. Through this fierce determination surfaced the family farm -
strong people, cultivated and fertile land, flourishing crops, a few healthy livestock,
and the expectation of a much better life.
As the farm grew a
new struggle emerged. To survive and make a living these farmers needed to sell their produce,
grain, and animals and buy essential supplies. Exploited by too many non-producers
and profit-takers, prairie farmers faced a difficult and sometimes unfair marketplace. To
address this challenge, farmers all across Western Canada joined forces to improve
their situation.
Likewise, the Wetaskiwin area
farmers decided that they needed co-operative action and thus began the activities of
the Wetaskiwin District Association of the United Farmers of Alberta (unincorporated) and
a rich legacy of success.
Previous <
>
Next
Photo Gallery
Anecdotes
Notable Events
View
Lists of Directors From Early
Years
Women of the Co-op
Return to
History Outline
Return to Home Page
