When a Cochrane history book entitled Big Hill Country was launched in March 1977 — chronicling the history of the town up until 1945 — 4,080 copies sold out by June of that year.

Margaret Buckley, a member of the Cochrane Historical Archival Preservation Society (CHAPS), helped edit More Big Hill Country, a book that tells the stories of Cochrane and its people. Photo by Sarah Junkin

For historians, and the general public in the area, it’s always been the most loved account of the advent of Cochrane.

It tells of Cochrane’s development — the blossoming of its spirit — in no small part because it was written and edited by the early settlers and their ancestors families who have shared their best-loved stories.

A second volume has been a long time coming, but on Dec. 19 More Big Hill Country will finally be released, with 500 copies already pre-sold.

The book, which covers the stories from Cochrane and area from 1945-1980, is the result of the tireless work of some members of the Cochrane Historical Archival Preservation Society (CHAPS).

According to one of its members,  Margaret Buckley, CHAPS began calling for submissions in November 2006.
“I’ve been the copy editor . . . Basically I was appointed,” she said.

A committee, co-chaired by Marilyn Whittle and Bernice Klotz, was struck and they began the painstaking task of collecting and organizing the stories.

“Basically when you decide to do something like this, you give up your life,” chuckled Buckley.

She explained this book is in two sections — one dealing with Morleyville and Mitford, and one devoted to Cochrane up until the time the Glenbow subdivision was built.

As well, there are detailed chapters about the parks, politics, schools, and general history of the area.

Buckley added it was also very important to the group to have a section entitled Lest We Forget.

“We’ve included all the people who were killed, or who served in each of the wars,” she said, adding she worked closely with the Legion.

“We’ve got stories from people telling what it was like being on the farm during the war, and stories from war brides like Christina Mackay (who married Mackay’s Ice Cream founder Jimmy Mackay).

“It was a big problem making sure I hadn’t missed anything,” Buckley said.

“We also had wonderful pictures, but to get them all in the book you’d have needed a crane to lift it.”

Buckley who moved to the area to begin ranching and raising her family in 1957, said over 500 people contributed  anecdotes or memories to the book.

“Stories just fell on us,” she said. “I’d not known how many of the people and the families were related — such a diverse bunch of people.”

Funding for the book came from several sources.

“Groups and Cochrane and area businesses donated money, and we pre-sold the 500 copies,” Buckley said, adding they have also been lucky enough to receive  a bit of grant funding.

Those who have pre-purchased a copy may pick it up at St. Andrew’s United Church at 1 p.m. Dec. 19. There will be a limited number of copies available for purchase.

But if you don’t get there in time, a second shipment will be delivered in the New Year, Buckley said. She admits she’s proud of the success of the project.

And what about a third volume that will bring the story right up-to-date?

“Well, I don’t know who will do that, but it isn’t going to be me,” laughed Buckley of the mammoth project. “Put it this way — I did no gardening for three years.”

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