HYTHE

Located just 54 km west of Grande Prairie, Alberta, along Highway 43 is the Village of Hythe, known as the Volunteer Capital of Alberta. The population is approximately 750.

The quiet tranquil streets of Hythe, 2005. Hythe has an arena, curling rink, campground, nursing home, library, outdoor swimming pool, gym, Riverbend Golf Course and Spring Lake Resort nearby.

Hythe was first known as Happy Valley named after "Happy Fletcher" one of the early homesteaders. It was officially named Hythe by its early settlers after their home town in England. In 1913, the first post office was established. Kelly Sunderman was another early settler in the region and was the first to dig a well and was soon known as "The Town of Flowing Wells". It is situated on top of a large underground water supply.

The first settlers came to this area in 1910. Tolief Omlid was one of the first settlers to arrive from Norway in 1915 and built a log house that was two stories and located 4 miles west of Hythe. In 1993 the house was donated to the Hythe Heritage and Historical Society. The house is now a museum and is used to house antique and museum items.

The Happy Valley School opened in 1915 and the Railway came in 1928. Some settlers moved up to a half mile east to accommodate the railway. Hythe was incorporated as a village in 1929. In 1947 the first hospital was built and around 1950 the first covered ice rink in the Peace Country was built and became home to the Hythe Mustangs Hockey Team for many years.

One of the early settlers homesteaded in the Valhalla-Hythe area. The Ronning 2 1/2 storey log homestead, built in 1914 by Halvar and his son Chester Ronning still stands today. The Ronning family played an important role to help settle the area. Halvar Ronning was the founder of the Norwegian Lutheran community in the Valhalla region while Chester served as a missionary to China, became involved with politics, the air force and participated in the international commissions on Korea, Laos, Hanoi, Saigon and Vietnam. For his accomplishments he was designated an Officer of the Orderof Canada in 1967, became a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1972 and inducted in the Alberta Order of Excellence in 1983.

South Peace Centennial Museum which opened in 1967, located 12 km south of Hythe has the only known operating 30 HP Waterloo Steam Traction Engine. Displays and artifacts of interest for the whole family.

The Annual South Peace Centennial Museum Day happens the 3rd Sunday of July, includes demonstrations and entertainment. Displays and artifacts. Steam driven sawmill, thresher and lumber planer. Antique tractor, car, truck collection plus many antique buildings. Free overnight parking, concession & playground. (780) 354-8869. South Peace Centennial Museum website.

Farming has played a big part in the economy over the many years as well as logging and more recently oil and gas.

Events: Each year Hythe hosts an Agricultural Fair in early August. Newcomers Potluck Dinner is held each spring.

2008 EVENTS OF THE PEACE COUNTRY

Hythe has two schools. The Hythe Elementary School, kindergarten to grade 6. (780) 356-3934, and the Hythe Regional Jr High School, grades 7 to 9. (780) 356-3935.
www.pwsb33.ab.ca/~hrjhs
Senior Students are bussed to Beaverlodge.

In January 2006, the new Firehall opened.

Agriculture plays a big part in the community. In 1929 5 elevators stood in this small town.

Hythe is known for its Stock Car Racing on its 3/8 oval paved track. Races each year take place early May to September.

One of the many churches in Hythe.

Hythe Legion Hall and Lounge located on the east side of Hythe. Built in 1987 provides facilities for weddings and parties. Volunteers put on a supper every Friday, open to public. Card games held regularly. (780) 356-3972.

Hythe volunteer money, labor and equipment built a Pioneer Home for seniors that officially opened in 1970. The Hythe & District Pioneer Homes operates an 83 bed home, 32 self contained units, and 7 rural and native housing units. Other buildings for seniors include the Continuing Care Centre, an Apartment-style Seniors Complex, a Golden Age Centre, and Library.