As a young woman, Miss Elsie Redden came to Wetaskiwin for a visit, but stayed on to make this town her home for the rest of her life. She was born in Campbellford, Ontario, on July 21, 1889 to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Redden. She received her schooling and business education there and came west in 1914 to visit her sister, Mrs. E.T. (Jessie) Williamson, who had four small children. When Mr. Williamson enlisted in 1915, she stayed to help her sister.

In 1916, she secured employment in the Sheriff's office at the Court House and over the course of the next thirty-nine years she worked for several different Sheriffs. She spent a short period as acting Sheriff and Clerk of the Court and then was assistant Sheriff, assistant Clerk of the Court, Law Librarian and Registrar of Vital Statistics. Her duties were performed with great efficiency.

Miss Redden, an alto, joined the Methodist Church choir when she came to Wetaskiwin. After church union in 1925, she was secretary-treasurer of the United Church choir for forty years. It was a time when the choir was not only expected to make music, but also to make money to buy music and pay the choirmaster, She took an active interest in other church activities and was always available as a pianist.

Because of her position at the Court House, she was often aware of hardships and quietly responded to peoples' needs. One family told of being in danger of having their furniture seized by the Sheriff for non-payment of rent during the Depression. Miss Redden stepped in and made the payment and the grateful family kept their possessions and their dignity.

The Williamson children were a very important part of their Aunt Elsie's life. She experienced great joy in watching them grow up, make their way through school, have their first dates, journey on to various careers and establish homes of their own. Grand-nephews and nieces arrived in due time and were admired and fussed over by a proud great-aunt, who was known to leave candies in the kitchen drawers and little surprises here and there. It's a happy memory for them as they recall their childhood.

Miss Redden died February 13, 1978. Wetaskiwin was enriched because it was Elsie's home.

Information compiled in 1997.

Should you have feedback regarding any of these articles please contact the Museum using the information further below.
Great care is taken by the museum staff to ensure accuracy of the information posted. However it is understood that there may be other people with additional information that can add to what we have or correct any inaccuracies.
Please feel free to do so.