Category Archives: History
History provided playwright with inspiration The Romeo Initiative tells a tale of deceit and love
A spy agency psychologically profiles a West German secretary and delivers her perfect man to embark on a romantic relationship with her to elicit confidential information.
Sounds fictional, right? But this actually happened during the Cold War and Trina Davies, a playwright who lived for years in Edmonton, found inspiration in history. Continue reading History provided playwright with inspiration The Romeo Initiative tells a tale of deceit and love
Saying goodbye after forty-four years Triumphs and legends were created on NHL’s best ice
The seven men reminiscing on the Coliseum ice last month worked together for over 30 years at the former home of the Edmonton Oilers and Edmonton Oil Kings. Memories and laughter flowed. Continue reading Saying goodbye after forty-four years Triumphs and legends were created on NHL’s best ice
Honouring family and Remembrance Day My Father’s Cello brings popular wartime poem to life
One cello was destined to become a canvas when a 63-year-old musician with two cellos and an artist fresh out of high school regularly volunteered together at The Carrot. After all, Bernadette Alseth could not play both cellos simultaneously. During one of their conversations, Alseth asked the artist, Ariel Casapao Jr., to read John McCrae’s poem, In Flanders Fields.
Some people question the lasting importance of the poem. Those questioners may not know that Nov. 11, while honouring veterans of all wars, is really about the First World War. It commemorates the armistice signed between the Allies and Germany at Compiègne, France, for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front. The armistice took effect on the 11th month, 11th day, 11th hour, and 11th minute of 1918. Continue reading Honouring family and Remembrance Day My Father’s Cello brings popular wartime poem to life
Local historical home gets a facelift Achieving historical designation is giving the house new life
Knocking on the front door of the house 11425 95A St was tricky. The porch was being renovated, resulting in piles of broken concrete and earth. A deep pit was in front of the door. It would have taken the legs of an athlete to vault over the pit and knock. Walking to the back entrance gave me an opportunity to take in the historic exterior and find co-owner Sara Melli. Continue reading Local historical home gets a facelift Achieving historical designation is giving the house new life
Celebrate Canada Day with perspective Remember our history when celebrating our nation
Dominion Day was my favourite holiday as a child. My parents would load the family into the station wagon and we would drive off to watch the fireworks. That we were celebrating the founding of our nation didn’t factor into my jubilation. My joy was rooted in school being over for another year. That we were celebrating the founding of a nation that relied on a strategy of cultural genocide certainly didn’t cross my min Continue reading Celebrate Canada Day with perspective Remember our history when celebrating our nation
Discover the history of your old house Workshop offers opportunity to learn research skills
When thinking of historical houses, we usually imagine well-preserved old mansions where important people lived. But throughout our inner-city neighbourhoods are homes with histories that haven’t been uncovered yet.
Recognizing the importance of workers’ rights International Workers Day history led to labour laws
For centuries throughout the Northern Hemisphere, May Day has been a traditional day of festivities celebrating the arrival of spring. Towns and villages throughout Europe would hold gatherings. With seeding mostly completed, farmers would often give their labourers a day off. To this day, May Day is a national public holiday in several countries, many of which refer to it as Labour Day or International Workers Day.
In the late 19th century, the Socialists and Communists of the Second International May Day chose International Workers Day to commemorate the Haymarket Affair that took place in Chicago in 1886. What began as a peaceful labour protest ended with bloodshed and became an international symbol for workers’ rights. Continue reading Recognizing the importance of workers’ rights International Workers Day history led to labour laws
A labour of love for the benefit of all Hubert Hollingworth is part of our local history
Hollingworth’s Studio no longer exists, but photographer Hubert Alan Hollingworth left a legacy.
As a photographer, he documented life in Edmonton over three decades. As a volunteer at the City of Edmonton Archives, he also made huge contributions.
Alberta Avenue keeps an eye on the future Community league benefits from resident optimism
When Alberta Avenue Community League holds an Annual General Meeting (AGM), several dozen people attend. Its programs consistently attract volunteers and members.
That and the league’s location are a blessing, said Brendan Van Alstine, league president.