What do a duck, a creek and a Hutterite colony have in common?
Well, first, you probably are asking, “What is a Hutterite?” Good question. The Hutterites are a religious group (anabaptist) that emigrated entirely from eastern Europe over a century ago to the Usa and Canada. Persecuted in the US, they moved to the western Canadian provinces, where they established themselves on fairly cloistered colonies of approximately 160 people. A few later moved back to North Dokota and Montana, but almost all only exist now in Canada.
These colonies constitute good neighbours and excellent farmers, but they also have developed small businesses from which they supply goods to outside communities.
Near Petersfield, the Netley Colony provides woodworked goods, particularly, cabinetry. Not far away, the Interlake Colony and the Rock Lake Colony also thrive.
Of course, the hamlet also is situated along a beautiful creek flourishing with wildlife, from fish to deer to ducks. To pay tribute to this bounty, the community erected its giant mallard duck statue at the junction of the highway through town and Netley Creek. Travel down the creek to two beautiful seasonal campgrounds or play golf at the Netley Golf Course.
It may be a small town, but it is in touch with nature in an enticing way.
