Reston Memorial Park - From Oats to Roses

It was just about 100 years ago that the community of Reston decided to honour those from their town and area who made the supreme sacrifice in WW1. This cenotaph became the cornerstone for the creation of Reston Memorial Park in the southeast corner of the town.  Our park would not have had the success and fame it has attained without the dedication of one man - Mr. Alfred Archer. 

 

The essay below titled ‘From Oats to Roses’ was prepared by Mrs. E.A. Wilkins and Mr. A.D. Anderson of the Park Board and read at the dedication of the main west gate on July 27, 1970. Mr. Alfred Archer had passed away in Ontario in 1967 and the Board felt it important to remember his many contributions to the Memorial Park. The gate was constructed and the dedication plaque installed for a grand total of $549.14 from community collections to the A. Archer Memorial Fund. The committee at the time consisted of Maurice Ludlum, Iris McMurchy, A. D. Anderson, Bert Pierce, Laura Lockhart, Flora Scott, Hazel Rainnie, Elmer Duncan and the caretaker was John Pickett.  Mr. Archer was granted a Life Membership to the Horicultural Society of Manitoba in 1962 and was honoured locally with a presentation for his leadership and hard work. 

From Oats to Roses 

No doubt many of those here today have been visitors to Reston Memorial Park as have hundreds of others who have recorded their names in the Guest Book. They have come from as far away as Italy, Germany, Australia and South America to admire and often wonder how this Park began.

In 1921, after the 1st World War when so many Reston boys lost their lives, a community meeting was held when the decision to erect a monument instead of a hall was made. A committee was formed – J.R. Duncan, William Watt, N.H. Ready,  J.R. McLean, W.A. Brady, J. Guthrie, Drs Clark and A.B. Chapman with E.H. Berry as secretary. These men asked for donations, purchased and erected the monument in the spring of 1922 on property purchased on the advice of Mr. Archer from the C.P.R. by another committee composed of A.E. Smith, A.D. Anderson, R.C. Bulloch and others. This prairie land with a few shallow sloughs, had only native poplar and prairie growth but a good location, popular even in 1917 as a tennis court. The soil, shallow black loam with clay subsoil, a small gravel area but no water supply, required breaking and leveling so in the spring of 1922 J.I. Bulloch broke it and planted a crop of oats, rye and brome. The area - 5 acres - was also fenced.

The plans drawn up in the Agricultural College where no one knew the terrain or soil were rejected in a 1923 committee meeting. Mr. Archer was then asked to join the committee and draw up new plans which were accepted.

Over $200 had been left from the purchase of the monument and provided the funds for the first plantings.  6-12 special trees and shrubs in 1926 also 4 Koster Blue Spruce at $2.50 each which are still good. Also six Spruce which died and six Scotch Pine later eaten by the rabbits. In the dry 30’s, 10 Spruce were bought from a truck. On advice to plant closely, trees died because of lack of moisture. Drought, inexperience, rabbits, wind, insect pests and frost all took their toll through the years but 

Mr. Archer records -

“I don’t remember ever being discouraged“

Through the years, donations of perennials were made. These multiplied and were sold. Flowers were sold and many wreaths etc. made by Mrs. Archer. New plants and trees were obtained by exchanging with other gardeners. Mr. Archer himself collected Pincherry, Paper Birch, Willows and Buffalo Berry from the Assiniboine Valley and was always on the alert for new plants. The supervision and work in the park was his life.  He accepted no pay until later years when he was given a sum yearly in appreciation of his untiring efforts. His pride and joy since 1965 was the rose garden, some 50 or 60 roses. This bed was started with 18 roses donated by Wilbur Pierce in memory of his father. With an abundance of water now, these plants are thriving and well worth seeing. Perhaps, if you have not already visited here, you may plan a group or a family picnic and enjoy the beauties of trees, shrubs, roses and flowers surrounding the equipped picnic area provided with barbecue, the children’s playground and now the museum. Hundreds of birds congregate and nest in the houses Mr. Archer provided since he always cared for his feathered friends carrying food to them in the coldest weather. 

The late Mr. Archer signed the Park Guest Book for the first and last time on August 16, 1967 when he left Reston. However we have a living memorial to him our beautiful Park, now being well cared for by the committee in charge. Do come and see it anytime from the tulip and blossom time until the leaves fall, it is a riot of color.

 

Thanks to Dana from the Reston Museum for lending me some fascinating Park memorabilia from their Archives, including From Oats to Roses.  Keep an eye on this blog for more as we lead up to the day marking 100 years since the original dedication of the cenotaph.