Tree of Knowledge unveiled in Fort Macleod

The Fort Macleod Public Library is bursting with pride, unveiling a unique art installation to commemorate the town's 150th birthday. A collaborative work of art titled, "The Tree of Knowledge," is now on permanent display in the library's entrance.

July 1, 2024 marked a special birthday for the residents of Fort Macleod – 150 years young. Residents recognized the weekend with a full week of celebrations, including the unveiling of the masterpiece.

Calgary Eyeopener6:12Talk of the Town: 150 years of Fort Macleod

This week on Talk of the Town, we celebrate 150 years of Fort Macleod

The artwork features a grand tree, with roots sprouting from a book, symbolizing the library's growth from its humble beginnings in 1931, to the cornerstone of the community today.

Head librarian, Darlene Hofer describes the design, "The book represents our library, much as a tree rises from a single seed, lovingly watered and nurtured. Tree roots are deeply entrenched in the earth as this library's are, nurtured by the residents of Fort Macleod, just as a tree is nourished by its roots."

The project, a testament to community spirit, consists of 150 tiles, each representing a year in the life of Fort Macleod, and every tile hand-painted by members of the town and surrounding community.

Library employee Cordelia Yip brought the tree and book design to life, while guests at CBC's Out Your Way event in March lent a hand by painting the surrounding tiles. The finishing touches were applied by Bev and Owen Jestin, library volunteers whose dedication ensured the project's completion.

A particularly touching element are four tiles created in memory of long-time library volunteer Brian Clayton. His four grandchildren each painted a tile, a lasting tribute to his work for the library.

The vibrant project was made possible by CBC, as part of the Out Your Way program. The program aims to connect with smaller Alberta communities like Fort Macleod, to understand what truly matters in the community. This knowledge is then used to bolster content that reflects the diverse experiences of Canadians.

Next time you're in Fort Macleod, be sure to the visit the library and marvel at "The Tree of Knowledge" – a symbol of the town's rich history, community spirit and love of learning.

The Homestretch8:50Fort Macleod celebrations

The oldest community in Southern Alberta is marking a significant moment in its history this weekend. Elise Stolte drove down this week to find out more about the town's story.