Apple pie was the focus of the annual Mossbank and District Museum fundraiser this year but the museum had another reason to celebrate.
Through a donation from lifelong Mossbank resident Leon Wuschke the museum has erected another building to house artifacts.
“Leon was one of the original members of the museum board and he wanted to do something for us and he built that beautiful building,” said museum chair Joan Bumphrey. “He did an amazing amount for the community.”
A district farmer Wuschke rented his land and took over the John Engels store in the 1970s in what is believed to be the oldest building in town on the main street.
“His store had pretty well everything, anything you needed to buy. It was there. He was always open just like the old day stores.”
Wuschke kept the L.A.W. General Store open until 10 p.m.
Aside from the business, Wuschke was immersed in improving his community, serving nearly 24 years as town councillor, and nearly 33 years as a director of the Badlands Recreation group.
“He did things like planting trees for shelter around the ball diamonds.”
He was the Mossbank director on the Rural Economic Development Association and on the Mossbank Library Board.
His desire to ensure Mossbank did well was so strong that when the Top Shelf Grocery opened a few years ago, Wuschke downsized his business to help the competition thrive.
He kept L.A.W. General Store open, restricting operations to the liquor outlet, lottery, STC bus agency and selling some convenience items in the huge store.
“When he decided to close he made sure the liquor licence was moved to Top Shelf because that’s a real money maker.”
One end of the still incomplete building will house a replica of L.A.W. General Store with the rest devoted to store vintage equipment.
Near his mid-80s, Wuschke still lives in town and cut the ribbon for the sod-turning in July.
Bumphrey said Apple Pie Day began 42 years ago when the museum was developed around the heritage Ambrosz blacksmith shop and house.
“There was an apple tree. They decided to bake apple pies and have an apple pie day. It just grew and grew. This is a great community. They support the museum.”
Apple Pie Day is held on Wednesday because all businesses used to close Wednesday afternoon.
Ron Walter can be reached at [email protected]
