‘Old West’ Museum Of Miniatures Is A Rare Jewel.

During our visit to southwest Alberta, we stopped by the outstanding Museum of Miniatures in nearby Cardston, Alberta. 1-403-653-1142. Roy and Carol Wittman are owners/creators of the most impressive historic ‘Old West’ miniature displays we have seen anywhere. Although Roy is a retired BC Ferryboat captain of 35-years, his first love was to create things.

Six years before retirement, Roy created and sold 1/12"-scale, ‘Wells Fargo stages’ and ’Prairie Schooner wagons’ to customers as far away as South Africa.

He personified his ‘Old West’ with 1/12” scale miniatures of covered wagons on the move, Indian villages, a herd of buffalo, wild animals, logging, rodeo and marine exhibits.

His active western town includes stables, school, church, general store, blacksmith shop and hotel – personified of course with numerous figurines; Indian carvings and paintings.

A functioning Fort was soon added to the mix,

Roy slowly added more pieces to his showpiece.

A mixture of buildings were each covered with a shake roof – (25,000-miniature shakes were applied by hand) and 700-planks make up the boardwalk that joins the buildings.The ‘tufts’ of grass in several scenes are made from human hair and the oat fields consist of 12,000 plants.

Each garden vegetable is made from ‘Fima’ - a pliable material that is shaped, baked in an oven and painted.

Their collection also includes 150 authentic scale model cars and trucks that further enhance his displays.

The ‘Old West’ exhibits surround the perimeter while the ‘centre showcase’ features animal figurines, Indian heads, a circus scene, a Christmas house, a flower shop, bakery – the list goes on.

‘Westward Ho’ Museum of Miniatures opened in May 2001. Since creation of his village is ongoing - frequent visits will always be a new experience. This is definitely a 'must-see' creative collection if you are near Cadston Alberta. Travel safe. Peggi