People around Innisfail have been calling it Adams Lake for almost 95 years, but now it is official.
Alberta Culture Minister Heather Klimchuk has approved the recommendation of the Alberta Historic Resources Foundation, officially naming the 250-acre lake in honour of local pioneers David and Julia Adams. The recommendation was made after a review of a submission to Alberta Culture’s Geographical Names Program by Innisfail-area resident, Robert Nanninga.
The Adams family homesteaded on land along the eastern shore of the lake, 2 km south of the community of Raven and 35 km west of Innisfail, in 1913. The lake was transformed into a skating rink each winter and became a popular gathering place for local children, becoming known as Adams Lake.
David served with the 187th (Central Alberta) Regiment during World War I and returned to resume farming. After their children went on to establish their own farms and businesses in neighbouring communities, David and Julia chose to relocate to Calgary where David passed away in 1942. Julia Adams passed away in 1966.
“Alberta’s Geographical Names Program is a wonderful opportunity for Albertans to commemorate the people and events who have played a significant role in the development of our communities and our province,” said Klimchuk. “Through the naming of Alberta’s geographic features, Albertans are helping to share the stories of the special people and milestone events in our province’s history.”
Nanninga added he thinks it’s important that the pioneers of the community should be honoured for the contributions that they’ve made.
“This is a piece of our history and the naming of the lake is a nice way to document it so that it isn’t lost.”
Ken Adams, grandson of David and Julia said his family is pleased to have the lake named after his family. Ken still lives in the area and notes the significance of the naming to his aunt, Edith Hudson.
“My aunt is the only one left of the family that homesteaded on that land and she just turned 102, so it means a lot to the family.”
Albertans can propose names for a specific geographic resource by submitting an application to the Historic Resources Management Branch.
– Fawcett
