Another Esther Pioneer.

Ed Affleck was one of the early pioneers in the Esther Community, he came to the area in 1913 and set up his farming operation southwest of Esther. Ed, like so many other pioneers, played the violin and Marge, Leonard Westerlund and Ed played for many of the local dances. Ed met Mildred Purcell, on Dec.29 1938 they were married in Camrose. All the years they lived on the farm, they never had power in the house, only propane lights, propane fridge and propane stove. Ed was one of the true pioneers of the West. Pictured above is Mrs. Purcell, Mildred’s mother, holding her great-grandson, Delbert Pratt. The other is a photo of Ed cutting Frank Cartwrights hair.

Delbert now ranches on the Esther flat, raising a fine herd of cattle and even doing a bit of travelling with his lovely wife Sheila.

Esther, Alberta Artifacts.
Many Artifacts have been in the Esther, Alberta area over the years. First Nations people traveling through the area left behind a puzzle which has been a challenge to Archeologists for many years. One Artifact that was left behind is located North West of Esther a few miles, it is a human effigy consisting of stones placed upon the ground in the shape of a stickman, it is approximately 8 ft in length. Nearby there are also clearly defined tent rings which are also made of rocks. These vary in sizes, but are generally from two to seven meters in diameter, they were used to hold down the edges of the hides which made up the teepees.