Barn at Will Barker farm. Photo Credit: Carol and Barry Clayton.
The Barker Family Story
William L. Barker, known as Billy and later as Will, ventured west at age 19 during the Klondike gold rush. Diverted at a lumber camp in British Columbia, he returned to Calgary in 1899, filing a homestead claim just west of Chestermere (north of Frontier Road and west of 100 St SE) on NE Quarter of 6-24-28-W4. His family joined him in 1900, settling on adjacent land.
Will faced the challenge of breaking 10 acres annually while earning money as a cowboy. He participated in large roundups and broke horses. He also cut prairie wool for Calgary’s livery barns. Around 1904, he invested in a small portable steam engine for threshing, used for contract work. This engine, transported by horses, was fueled by coal, wood, or straw and reached a pressure of 50 pounds per square inch.
In 1910 or 1911, Will upgraded to a Reeves steam engine. Workdays began at 4:00 a.m. to clean the flues for the next day’s tasks. He also acquired a MacLaughlin car, notable for its match-lit headlights powered by a generator on the running board. It was in this car that he courted Anna Mabel Belyea. They married in December 1912 and moved into a modern house featuring acetylene gas lighting, running water, central heating, and an open fireplace, all for $4000. They had four children: Dorothy, Gordon, Allan, and Don. Tragically, a fifth child, Vera, died at birth.
The Barkers’ early years were marked by hard work and community spirit. Will invested in purebred Poland-China hogs, Suffolk-Punch horses, and Ayrshire milk cows. He was a founding member of the Southern Alberta Ayrshire Breeders Association in 1924, serving as secretary for 23 years. The association’s events, including livestock judging, calf shows, and picnics, were highlights for the community and the Barker children.
Will Barker house. $4000 including acetylene lights, central heating, and running water. Built in 1912. [Located on NE¼-6-24-28 W4M. Property purchased in 1935 by the Gillespies.]
The 1920s brought significant challenges, including a devastating hog cholera outbreak that forced the disposal of their livestock. Coupled with the Great Depression, these events led to the loss of their original farm. In 1935, they made a fresh start, undeterred by past hardships. The original property was purchased in 1935 by the Gillespie family. The house burned down in 2019.
Mabel Barker was also deeply involved in the community. In 1915, she joined the United Farm Women of Alberta (UFWA), advocating for women’s suffrage. In 1926, she became a charter member of the Conrich-Chestermere UFWA, serving in various leadership roles for over 50 years. She was also active in the Junior Farmer’s Union of Alberta, the Child and Family Welfare Association, and the Red Cross. During the war years, she chaired the Red Cross campaigns in Chestermere and Shepard and continued fundraising efforts into her 90s.
Mabel supported the Calgary Co-Op, helping it become Canada’s largest retail cooperative. Her son, Gordon, was the founding chairman. Mabel was also an organist and choir leader at Shepard Presbyterian Church and organized community events like turkey suppers.
In 1975, Mabel was inducted into the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame for her agricultural contributions. She continued her involvement into Chestermere community during her later years, despite moving to a lodge in Calgary after a fall at age 95. Mabel Barker passed away at 103, survived by her 4 children, 14 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. In 2018 Mabel was celebrated as a character in the Chestermere Historical Foundation’s play, ‘The Sunshine Café.” As a puppet representing the farm women of the area, she chatted on the ‘party line’ with Kitty Himmelman, another real person, her puppet representing the summer recreation people in Chestermere. See both puppets at the Chestermere Library where they are vacationing this summer.
Continuing to be part of the volunteer community, Mabel’s sons Gordon & Don Barker were members of the Chestermere Historical Society which published the 1971 history book, ‘Saddles Sleighs and Sadirons.’ Until recently some of the Barker family still lived on the original land. The Barker family’s dedication and passion for community service and volunteering laid a strong foundation for the spirit of community involvement that continues to thrive in Chestermere today.
