Cochrane dollmakers’ labour of love has become a showcase piece at the Cochrane Historical Museum.
From dollhouses to grain elevators, the Hardimans dove head first into Alberta history when they agreed to build a miniature replica of the town’s CPR train station circa 1890 to 1920.
“We felt it was nice we could contribute,” said builder Dave Hardiman.
“We were up at 5:30 a.m. for some mornings,” said Diana Hardiman, Dave’s wife who helped with the miniature construction as well.
Originally from England, Dave took early retirement to build dollhouses for collectors as a hobby and discovered a passion for making minis.
After the couple moved to Cochrane a decade ago, Diana said the news of their miniature-making made it around town and they were approached about building a miniature of Cochrane.
Four weeks later, after several nights of research, the exhibit was born.
While it might be a mini model, it is not short on work, comprised of 368 separate wooden pieces glued together to make the siding for the grain elevator and water tower, 10 hours of painting and rigging together wheels for a miniature cart made out of vacuum tubing and toothpicks.
“It was fun to meet new people and be able to put an input into Cochrane’s history,” Diana said.
When asked an estimated cost of the project, Dave said it is hard to put “a price on a labour of love.”
The Hardiman’s work can be seen around the world including Germany, South Africa, California, London and now Cochrane with the recent seasonal opening of the Cochrane Historical Archival Preservation Society (CHAPS) museum.
“We’re very excited and we’re thrilled to have them here,” said Frank Hennessey, CHAPS chair.
Other new additions to the museum include a household chores display and a room with photos and information about flowers and plants in the area, in partnership with the Glenbow Ranch Herbarium project.
The museum is open Fridays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays noon to 4 p.m. or special admittance can be arranged.
