'Prairie Wind' - Neil Young
Life for the early prairie settlers was tough. The Canadian government was keen to increase agriculture output and was also terrified that western Canada would be annexed by the US as it was so under populated. New immigrants, along with second generation families from the east, were incentivised to head west with the promise of land. An important part of this process was the building of the railroad. It was a staggering feat accomplished in a very short time.
Enormous numbers of Chinese were brought over to achieve this. They were paid $1 per day and had to provide their own equipment. White workers earned $1.50 per day and were provided with all they needed. The Chinese were also given the most dangerous jobs. Alas, life was cheap for them and, in one year alone - 1882, 2,200 were killed in the dangerous conditions.
We learnt a little of the conditions the early settlers faced today at the rather wonderful 'Heritage Park' in Calgary. It has expanded greatly since I was last there and has a fantastic new museum of old cars and gas pumps all donated by a private collector, as well as an evocative recreation of what life was like for these intrepid people. All of the buildings are originals moved from their original positions. It makes a wonderful, informative day out for the curious.
There were no trees on the prairie; hence, no wood to build a house. Ever resourceful, 'sod houses' were built from chunks of earth. In the harsh winter conditions the living would have been very tough indeed.
One wonderful thing that I learned today was gleaned from the Rectory House. There was a set of books on the shelf called 'Expositor's Bible'. Each contained a list of various verses from the Bible along with notes about the meaning. So, the Pastor had no need to think of an original sermon he just picked one from the book. All done for him. The cheat. Who would have thought it?
We owe a HUGE THANK YOU to super friendly Patrick and his team at Land Rover Calgary. Not only did they give our vehicle some tlc today, we also came away with a load of bounty!
Tomorrow we are bashing on north and staying near Jasper in the heart of the Rockies. Bear country- oh the thrill of it! I've seen many black bears in the wild before but never a grizzly; that needs to change. Just so long as any bear encounters are not too close.
Enormous numbers of Chinese were brought over to achieve this. They were paid $1 per day and had to provide their own equipment. White workers earned $1.50 per day and were provided with all they needed. The Chinese were also given the most dangerous jobs. Alas, life was cheap for them and, in one year alone - 1882, 2,200 were killed in the dangerous conditions.
We learnt a little of the conditions the early settlers faced today at the rather wonderful 'Heritage Park' in Calgary. It has expanded greatly since I was last there and has a fantastic new museum of old cars and gas pumps all donated by a private collector, as well as an evocative recreation of what life was like for these intrepid people. All of the buildings are originals moved from their original positions. It makes a wonderful, informative day out for the curious.
There were no trees on the prairie; hence, no wood to build a house. Ever resourceful, 'sod houses' were built from chunks of earth. In the harsh winter conditions the living would have been very tough indeed.
One wonderful thing that I learned today was gleaned from the Rectory House. There was a set of books on the shelf called 'Expositor's Bible'. Each contained a list of various verses from the Bible along with notes about the meaning. So, the Pastor had no need to think of an original sermon he just picked one from the book. All done for him. The cheat. Who would have thought it?
We owe a HUGE THANK YOU to super friendly Patrick and his team at Land Rover Calgary. Not only did they give our vehicle some tlc today, we also came away with a load of bounty!
Tomorrow we are bashing on north and staying near Jasper in the heart of the Rockies. Bear country- oh the thrill of it! I've seen many black bears in the wild before but never a grizzly; that needs to change. Just so long as any bear encounters are not too close.
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