Rotary History-Ft Edmonton Park - Continued
The committee brought about the incorporation of the Fort Edmonton Historical Foundation which came into being December 18, 1969.
Its objectives are to promote the development of the park and restore the fort, "historically correct in so far as possible," to assist in preserving and restoring other buildings, artifacts, records which reflect and record the historical heritage of the Edmonton area and to establish a fund for these purposes. The 50 charter members were prominent citizens from the Edmonton area and included those Rotarians who had promoted the creation of the Foundation. In the first 10 Years' existence the Foundation has had several presidents from Rotary In addition to Mr. Wolfe are Ray Ludford of the West Edmonton Club and Walter Howard.
Every year the Foundation elects an Honourary Chief Factor from among those who have made a notable contribution to the park. From the Downtown Club have been Messrs. Dickson, Wolfe and Ward and from the South Edmonton Club Jack Edworthy.
Throughout the early '70s, Merrill Wolfe has a major role in seeing that the Rotary pledge was met and in raising funds from provincial and federal governments and from business and individuals and in seeing the work went forward. The fort was completed and the official opening took place on May 17, 1974.