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MICHEL-NATAL - CLUBS -
Changing
Times
Unfortunately, many of the clubs and organizations of
Michel-Natal disappeared with the relocation of the twin
communities to Sparwood in the late 1960s. Sadly, some of the
oldest clubs in the area, such as the Buffaloes and the
Oddfellows, were disbanded at the time of the move and never
re-established. Many of the ladies clubs, such as the Catholic
Women's League and the Mount Carmel Society still meet
regularly, organizing bazaars, bake sales, and craft fairs.
Part of the problem was that many citizens spent the
early part of the 1970s building their new homes and lives
in the suddenly booming Sparwood region, while other
former club members left the Elk Valley region altogether.
In addition the large influx of new workers and their
families who came to the area, took away the close-knit
familiarity that Michel-Natal residents felt towards one
another.
Not all of
Michel-Natal's clubs died with the two towns - the Eagles,
founded in Michel in 1909, remain an active part of Sparwood
today.
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