Darwell, Alberta facts for kids
Darwell is a small community called a hamlet in central Alberta, Canada. It's part of Lac Ste. Anne County. Darwell is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of Highway 16. It's also about 74 kilometers (46 miles) northwest of Edmonton, a major city in Alberta.
Contents
Discovering Darwell's Past
Darwell has an interesting history, especially with transportation and schools. It was once located along the old Yellowhead Trail. This trail was an important route for the fur trade, connecting areas like Lac Ste Anne to Jasper.
Railways and Roads
Later, the Canadian Northern Railway built tracks right through Darwell. The railway generally followed the path of the old Yellowhead Trail. A railway station opened in Darwell in 1912, making it an important stop. In the mid-1930s, the railway tracks were removed. The old railway path then became a road, which is now known as Highway 633.
Schools in Darwell
Education has always been important in Darwell. In 1947, a new, larger school opened. This school brought together students who used to go to eight different small, one-room schools nearby. Sadly, that school burned down in 1954. But a modern new school was quickly built to replace it, showing the community's dedication to learning.
Community Life and Services
Darwell offers several important services and places for its residents. These facilities help the community stay connected and provide opportunities for learning and activities.
Important Places in Darwell
- Darwell Community Hall: This is a central place for community events and gatherings.
- Darwell Public Library: As a member of the Yellowhead Regional Library, it provides books and resources for everyone.
- Darwell School: This school offers education for younger students, from kindergarten up to grade 7.
Famous People from Darwell
Even though Darwell is a small hamlet, some notable people have connections to this area. They have made contributions in different fields, like art, politics, and writing.
Bettie Jean Campbell (1933-2023)
Bettie Jean Campbell was a talented painter. She was born in 1933 and passed away in 2023. Her artistic work is part of Darwell's history.
Oneil Carlier (1962-)
Oneil Carlier is a Canadian politician. He was born in 1962. Mr. Carlier was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta in the 2015 Alberta general election. He represented the area of Whitecourt-Ste. Anne. During his time in government, he served as the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry until April 2019.
William Patrick Kinsella (1935-2016)
William Patrick Kinsella, often known as W.P. Kinsella, was a famous Canadian writer and author. He was born in 1935 and passed away in 2016. W.P. Kinsella lived on a farm near Darwell until he was about 10 years old. His early experiences in this area might have influenced some of his stories.
