HYTHE

Located just 54 km west of Grande Prairie, Alberta, along Highway 43 is the Village of Hythe, known as the Volunteer Capital of Alberta. The population is 781. (2006 stats)

MORE PHOTOS: Click on the mini-pictures above to enlarge photo.

The quiet tranquil streets of Hythe, 2005. Hythe has an arena, curling rink, campground, nursing home, library, outdoor swimming pool, gym, Riverbend Golf Course and Spring Lake Resort nearby.

Hythe was first known as Happy Valley named after "Happy Fletcher" one of the early homesteaders. It was officially named Hythe by its early settlers after their home town in England. In 1913, the first post office was established. Kelly Sunderman was another early settler in the region and was the first to dig a well and was soon known as "The Town of Flowing Wells". It is situated on top of a large underground water supply.

The first settlers came to this area in 1910. Tolief Omlid was one of the first settlers to arrive from Norway in 1915 and built a log house that was two stories and located 4 miles west of Hythe. In 1993 the house was donated to the Hythe Heritage and Historical Society. The house is now a museum and is used to house antique and museum items.

The Happy Valley School opened in 1915 and the Railway came in 1928. Some settlers moved up to a half mile east to accommodate the railway. Hythe was incorporated as a village in 1929. In 1947 the first hospital was built and around 1950 the first covered ice rink in the Peace Country was built and became home to the Hythe Mustangs Hockey Team for many years.

One of the early settlers homesteaded in the Valhalla-Hythe area. The Ronning 2 1/2 storey log homestead, built in 1914 by Halvar and his son Chester Ronning still stands today. The Ronning family played an important role to help settle the area. Halvar Ronning was the founder of the Norwegian Lutheran community in the Valhalla region while Chester served as a missionary to China, became involved with politics, the air force and participated in the international commissions on Korea, Laos, Hanoi, Saigon and Vietnam. For his accomplishments he was designated an Officer of the Orderof Canada in 1967, became a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1972 and inducted in the Alberta Order of Excellence in 1983.

South Peace Centennial Museum which opened in 1967, located 12 km south of Hythe has the only known operating 30 HP Waterloo Steam Traction Engine. Displays and artifacts of interest for the whole family.

The Annual South Peace Centennial Pioneer Days and Peace Country Opry happens the 3rd Sunday of July, includes pancake breakfast, demonstrations and entertainment. Displays and artifacts. Steam driven sawmill, thresher and lumber planer. Antique tractor, car, truck collection plus many antique buildings. Overnight camping for a fee, concession and playground. (780) 354-8869.
South Peace Centennial Museum Museum website.

Farming has played a big part in the economy over the many years as well as logging and more recently oil and gas.

Events:
Each year Hythe hosts an Agricultural Fair in early August. Newcomers Potluck Dinner is held each spring.
NOW POSTED:
2012 Events of the Peace Country

The old Hythe Elementary School is now the Hythe Community Centre.

Hythe Regional School, grades K-6 and 7 to 9. (780) 356-3934.
Hythe Regional School website
Senior Students are bussed to Beaverlodge.

Hythe Headliner, small community newspaper started in 1973 as a bi-weekly. (780) 356-2000

Public Library. 100013 - 100 Street (780) 356-3014.

Hythe Updates: In January 2006, the new Firehall opened. In June of 2008, a sod turning ceremony took place of the new Regional Junior High School in Hythe opened in February 2009. August 2009- Hythe Mayor is Gary Burgess.

Introducing The HYTHE MUSTANGS - 2011-2012 Team Players, Coaches introduce themselves on camera. PLAY VIDEO> 2:04 min