The Metropolis of Southern Alberta – Epilogue
While the ‘30s ushered in a decade of economic depression worldwide, the devastation and economic collapse wrought by drought was well into its second decade in southeastern Alberta. Ceaseless drought combined with infestations of grasshoppers, cutworms. wireworms, weeds, eroding soil and ominous “black blizzards” took their toll on farmers in the area.
Some perspective on “Potatogate”
Potato-lovers and tree huggers alike have no doubt been paying attention to the saga playing out north of Bow Island that has been dubbed “Potatogate”. A proposal from a potato grower to purchase 13,600 acres of Crown grazing lease (or 6,500 hectares, potato, potatoe) has come under fire from wilderness groups, politicians and the media. [...]
The desperate ‘20s
The decade of the ‘20s was time of desolation and desperation for many residents of southern Alberta. For the settlers along the Bow, a half-decade of drought, windstorms, insects and weeds, crop failure had precipitated an economic and social catastrophe crisis in the region. In some areas up to three-in four-residents were receiving relief for [...]
The Bow City Bridge
Perhaps no development greater improved the lives of settlers along the Bow in the first half of the 20th century more than the construction of the bridge at Bow City. For over two decades, the need for commerce and provisions required the locals to ford the river on their way to centres along the C.P.R. [...]
About
Drawing on over 100 years of family history in the southeast, this is my attempt to shine the spotlight on southeastern Alberta's forgotten history.
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