Fonds 0343 - Art Menzies family fonds

Art and Inez Menzies and their four children arrived in Sexsmith from Saskatchewan early in 1938. Art had been hired by McDonald Grain Co. For the eleven years he was employed there, the family lived in a company house. The oldest two children, Helen and Malcolm, continued their schooling and the youngest two, Jean and Jim started school in Sexsmith. All four finished grade twelve in Sexsmith High School. In 1949, Art began a printing business and launched the Sexsmith Sentinel newspaper. In 1951, the Spirit River Signal was printed in his shop with Helen as its first editor. The business continued to operate in Sexsmith until 1954 when publication of the Sentinel was discontinued. The plant was moved to Spirit River where son Malcolm took over the business. Art and Inez left Sexsmith for High Prairie where they started the High Prairie Progress which they operated until 1959. At that time the publication rights of their newspapers were sold to an Edmonton publisher and the Menzies moved their printing operation to Gramde Prairie. While in Sexsmith, Inez was active in the Women's Institute, the "Hobo" club, misic festivals, school affairs, and was librarian in the Sexsmith Public Library for several years. Art served on the school board from 1942 to 1948. In 1948 he was elected to village council and was mayor from 1950-1954. In 1952 he saw Sexsmith join the gas grid, and water and sewer were installed in 1954. Art was also involved in the B.P.O. Elks and the Chamber of Commerce. Helen taught school in Webster Trail, Hardisty and Sexsmith. She married Desmond Achilles and they have two children and live in Edmonton. Malcolm learned the printing trade from his father and established Menzies Printers in Grande Prairie. He married Ann Lozeron and they have seven children. Jean taught school at La Glace, Beaverlodge, Ponoka and Grande Prairie. She married Bill Hoag and they own and operate Swan Buses Ltd. and Hoag Holiday Tours of Grande Prairie. They have four children. Jim became a dentist and practised in Potage la Prairie, Prince George and Penticton. Jim married Donna Leonard and they have three children.