NOVEMBER 25, 2020
News Advertiser PAGE 5
www.NewsAdvertiser.com
Carter Collection Pays Tribute on 60th Anniversary of Bus Accident
Newspaper clippings documenting the aftermath of the bus accident. (Carter Collection/Submitted Photo)
Allen Carter Submitted To many of our Chipman and Lamont residents the date of November 29, 1960 is just a heartbeat away. Anyone 70 years of age or more is instantly reminded of the community’s tragic loss when a school bus and a Canadian Nation Rail engine collided on the east side of Lamont. Ten years ago, Chipman held a 50th Anniversary Memorial where the community gathered to remember those lost, those surviving, and those who continue to suffer from memories past. When the gathering ended there was an accumulation of memorabilia collected from impacted area residents. As the collection needed a permanent home, the Carters were offered the distinction of displaying these treasures in what A tribute in remembrance of the bus accident victims. (Carter Collection/Submitted Photo) is known as the Carter Collection. Since that time, we have proudly displayed the newspaper history, pictures and personal memoirs of area residents. This bit of history has been part of Aldon Auto Salvage since that time. Occasionally it has been open to the public for celebrations such as clubs, reunions, photo ops as it is part of an operating business. Arrangements must be made well ahead of such requests. Due to COVID-19 the display is all but closed to the public so it is our hope that this contribution to the Vegreville News Advertiser recognizes this time in history. In retrospect was this the community’s finest moment? At a time when the only ambulance was a multi-use hearse, this little town did what had to be done. Classmates, Air Cadets, Doctors and the public with their station wagons farmers and their trucks using grain car doors transported all the victims Newspaper clippings documenting the aftermath of the bus within the hour to our hospital. Those prompt actions accident. (Carter Collection/Submitted Photo)
Terry Cossey and his wife Diane. (Cossey Family/Submitted Photo)
Bus accident survivor John Winnick. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)
surely saved lives. Lamont’s School of Nursing had been a source of pride since 1915 when we had the first graduate. Since that time a class had completed their three years training every year. With the training school came the best in educators. Nursing grads from Lamont were well known worldwide as the best. Dr. Morley Young, Dr Roland Young, Drs. Weatherilt and Dobson. The talents of L. Marie, Ex-military, Director of Nursing put all their training to the task at hand. The multitude of grads and student nurses made immediately available was the saving grace on that day. Professional, well trained, dedicated. This is why they were trained by the best, only to be the best. Almost half our students were lost on this day. The other half have survived to be parents, grandparents, friends and neighbours. For this we shall be eternally grateful.
Newspaper clippings documenting the aftermath of the bus accident. (Carter Collection/Submitted Photo)
