An early interest in hunting became an enduring passion for Chester Mjolsness, who helped establish the World of Wildlife exhibit at the Sundre Pioneer Museum 10 years ago.
“I always loved to hunt,” the 97-year-old recently told the Round Up.
Originally honing his marksmanship on smaller prey like squirrels as well as rabbits and later coyotes, Mjolsness eventually delved into big game hunting, tracking down the likes of deer and moose.
His desire to experience a greater variety of hunts one day led him to book a trip for an excursion to Africa.
“Once you make one trip, you're sort of hooked on it.”
So following his first African expedition in 1990, Mjolsness said he returned annually for eight years — each trip a memorable experience — gathering along the way a substantial treasure trove of mounted trophies.
“People were inquisitive (about the collection),” he said, adding the idea dawned on him to permanently display the mounts for the public in a new exhibit at the Sundre Pioneer Museum.
With encouragement and assistance from the late Niels Eskesen — once a president of the Sundre and District Historical Society who also helped establish the museum's reception centre — Mjolsness worked towards making his vision a reality.
“He was a good friend of mine,” Mjolsness said about Eskesen, describing him as a big influence who was very helpful in establishing the World of Wildlife.
Opening the doors to the exhibit and officially cutting the ribbon 10 years ago with numerous dignitaries present was a rewarding experience, he said.
So was being able to return for the recent 10th anniversary celebration held in November, which was attended by about 125 people, including his granddaughter Tammy Quantz, who was among several people to speak.
“Ten years later, the displays are in good condition, maybe even better as we added a few more items,” she said, reading from a statement prepared by Mjolsness.
“It's been under the watchful eye of the management, board members and many volunteers of the Sundre and District Historical Society.”
Judy Bysterveld, president of the society's board of directors, was among those to attend the anniversary celebration. She expressed unrelenting gratitude for the volunteers who ensure the museum's long-term sustainability. Without their help, continued operation of the facility would not be possible, she said.
A lengthy list of dignitaries addressed the crowd that gathered to honour the milestone anniversary. Among them were Banff-Airdrie MP Blake Richards, formerly the MP for the Sundre area before the boundaries changed. Also speaking were MLA Jason Nixon, Viva Balson — the wife of former curator Eric Balson, Mountain View County Division 5 councillor Angela Aalbers and Town of Sundre councillor Myron Thompson. A message was sent from MP Earl Dreeshen as well, while Sundre resident Annette Rose, who was MC during the original opening, returned to lead through the presentations.
“It was wide open for the public — a free opportunity to check out the museum,” said Bysterveld, adding snacks and refreshments followed the function.
Mjolsness's wife Martha expressed pride over her husband's accomplishment and that people get a chance to enjoy the unique exhibit.
“We're very happy that it's there,” she told the Round Up.
The Sundre Pioneer Museum and World of Wildlife provide an additional stop of interest not only for people who come to visit but for residents as well, she said, adding the turnout was wonderful to see.
“It was very nice. He (Chester) was just so pleased — there were people he hadn't seen in ages. I made way so they could get at him because they all wanted to talk to him, these old friends of his!”
But the wildlife exhibit is not only for adults or seniors. Local youth also get an educational opportunity to benefit by learning and potentially developing an interest in animals they might only otherwise ever see in a picture or on a screen, she said.
“It's well looked after,” Mjolsness said about the exhibit, adding that it's a pleasure to be a part of it.
“It'll go on for many more years.”
