Body breaks but memories shine brightly
A new year had started, and as for all self-employed farm entrepreneurs, the risk of accidents was always lurking around the corner. The reasons for these accidents are numerous and range from fatigue,...
View ArticlePioneer’s memories kept alive
“I know, no more than you, how this story is coming out but I shall write it day by day and we shall see what we shall see with a wee bit of prayer that it may be brave and bright.” — Diary of Alda...
View ArticleChristmas day dinner in the ’30s melded cultures and traditions
The turkey in the oven was almost ready and Mother had just finished making a tray of baklawa and ghurayba cookies. Now, she was busy cleaning the house for our Christmas dinner guests. Christmas in...
View ArticleBeef ring provided fresh meat before days of refrigeration
LACOMBE, Alta. — Edwin Pierson Woodrow travelled west in 1907 to work on harvesting crews but found his butchering skills helped supply families with much needed meat. He was among the many farm...
View ArticleAlberta pioneer sells fleas to supplement farm income
BLACKFALDS, Alta. — Historian Judy Carleton says the book she’s writing about Arthur Douglas Gregson is “not your average settler story.” He’s known to be the first white man to settle the area known...
View ArticleThe ripple effect of war
The darkness of war had descended on England in September 1940. The German Luftwaffe attacks on Liverpool, this incalculably important port city, were leaving significant collateral damage already....
View ArticleSmall town gathers history for future generations
WALDHEIM, Sask. — Waldheim celebrated Canada’s 150th year June 24 with a car show, music, film, fireworks and its version of the popular TV show, Amazing Race. Canada and the Saskatchewan town’s...
View ArticleTown transforms cinema into performing arts centre
DRAYTON VALLEY, Alta. — Recitals, choral productions, dance festivals and plays used to be held in local churches, schools and community halls in Drayton Valley, Alta. Today, the Eleanor Pickup Arts...
View ArticleFamily provides comfort after crop disaster
Disaster can happen to anyone at any time. Both the memory of the event and the victims’ reaction to it will affect their decisions for the rest of their lives. Harold and Louise Hathaway, my parents,...
View ArticleWar challenged curious farmer, pilot
Military life suited Malcolm McLean’s restless curiosity and need for challenge. He was farming outside of Dewberry, Alta., in the fall of 1939 when Canada entered the Second World War. Of the first...
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