Handy historical and genealogical resources for Albertans
As Albertans we are truly fortunate to have a wealth of free digital resources with which to explore our community or family histories. A couple of exciting new initiatives have recently debuted which, had they existed in their current form five years ago, would have saved me a few trips up the QEII.
Sentinel Trees provide a glimpse into the past
Last summer, while researching the history of the village of Bow City, I came across an article referencing something called the “Sentinel Trees”. In a July 1984 Lethbridge Herald piece entitled “Cottonwoods among most favorite of trees”, the “Sentinel Trees” were described as a group of plains cottonwoods situated in the former Kinnondale district, north [...]
“Well that is that, and God bless them anyway”
The story of Francis Miller of Medicine Hat has captured the imagination of the many who are anxiously awaiting the upcoming Royal Visit by Prince William and his new bride, Kate. If you haven’t caught it, Ms. Miller has been afforded the opportunity to meet William and Kate (no word on whether they will henceforth [...]
The 2005 Forgotten Alberta Road Trip – Day One
Two years after our inaugural Forgotten Alberta road trip in August 2003, my wife and I set out again, this time adding one to our party (Greg) and a day to our trip. On day one we set out from Lethbridge, travelling to Medicine Hat via New Dayton, Warner, Foremost, Manyberries, Onefour and many points [...]
4gotten_Alberta is on Twitter
Hello everyone and anyone! While posts have been, well, non-existent as of late, I have entered the Twittersphere, and will be making a concerted effort to maintain a presence on the web (albeit a very limited one) until time permits me to post again on a more regular basis. I invite you to follow me [...]
Boosterism and Bow City
A key component in the growth of Western Canadian urban centres during the late 19th – early 20th centuries was the phenomenon known as “boosterism”. The boosting engaged in by promoters and communities during the two decades preceding the First World War has been well chronicled by Western Canadian historians, including Artibise (1981), Jones (1987), [...]
The Inaugural Forgotten Alberta Road Trip
Happy belated New Year to everyone! Owing to a career change and relocation over the Christmas break, I have been unable to post until today. My sincerest apologies. With 3-5 feet of snow piling up in my yard at the moment, now is a nice time to reflect on the first Forgotten Alberta road trip [...]
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 [...]
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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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