The Story of Per and Lilly (née Christensen) Falkenberg-Andersen
Drying Grain
At Per and Lilly's farm near Spruce View, harvesting was a drawn-out process.
In fall, the heavy morning dew can linger until nearly noon. A stretch of cool or wet weather puts everything on hold. They needed warm days and drying winds to dry the grain. If the grain was damp when it went into the bin, it would spoil or heat. The price for heated grain was very low and, even worse; it could start a serious fire.
Per had heard that in Denmark's humid climate, grain is dried right in the bins. He looked for similar technology in Canada. It took a while but he finally tracked down a Lethbridge company that sold grain dryers.
Per arranged for a demonstration. The results were so convincing that Per and Lilly ordered one. It was the first in the area. Now nearly every farm has a grain dryer.
The Dickson Store Museum Project
Lilly and Per were active members of the Danish Heritage Society of Dickson for many years. They and their neighbours worked hard to promote the idea of a Dickson Store Museum and get it off the ground.
Per and Lilly were heavily involved in planning and preparing for the visit of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, who would officially open the museum. Per presented her with a handcrafted gift with mysterious origins.
Adapted from the 2007 Heritage Book,with permission from the Federation of Danish Associations in Canada
More Immigrant Stories:
• Find out about Per's gift and its mysterious origins
