Naming the West : Stories

Millarville Student Story 4:
Millarville - The MacKay Place

Hello I am a relative of a lady who owned the MacKay place and I am going to tell you about the story and history of the MacKay place.

John Turner who along with his wife, Wilhelmina, were the first owners of what is now known as the MacKay Place. At that time the MacKay Place was known as Balgreggan Ranch.  John and Wilhelmina were married in 1895 and had 4 children named Nelly, jenny, Russell and Dawson. 

The MacKay brothers came to the MiIllarville district in 1915. They bought the John Turner homestead, the southeast quarter of section 9-21-3w5.  Francis Wright bought the homestead before the MacKays. The Turners built a log cabin that still stands in good shape. The travelers were always welcome at the ranch and always were treated well. Mr. MacKay passed away at Claresholm in 1925. Mrs. MacKay lived on the ranch and died there in 1933.

My Nana and Papa, Robert and Doreen Chalmers bought the MacKay Place in 1979.  My Auntie Jackie restored the home and added on a commercial kitchen and bathrooms and turned it into a restaurant in 1991 and later operated it as a bed and breakfast while living in it.

Now you know that the MacKay Place is a very important and historical place. We should always respect and honor this landmark. 

Hey Sarah guess what?  What? I think there is a ghost in the McKay Place.
Really how do you know?
Because something happened to me when I was in there. Really what was it?
Well I was in the washroom and all of a sudden the shower turned on and I then I ran out really scared.

Wow that sounds scary. Yah it was scary but was brave enough to handle it.