Winter photos from the Glenbow Archives
The Royal Mail stage in the winter time on the overland trail, Yukon. Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: S-227-187.
We’re fortunate in this region of Alberta to be graced with the Chinook and its warm winds. That shot of warmth can do a lot to lift spirits during a bitter winter. It can make the difference between a long winter and an enjoyable winter; or at least a tolerable winter.
But when we get Chinooks rolling through in November it’s easy to forget that winter is just one storm away. And predictions across the Prairies so far are calling for above normal snow and below normal temperatures this winter.
So, to prepare for the incoming winter weather, a selection of winter-themed photos from the Glenbow Library and Archives is in order.
It’s a good reminder that not only does winter arrive every year, it brings with it everything we love and hate about this season: namely the cold and the snow.
But compared to many of the people in these photographs, we have it easy. We can disappear inside and stream movies all winter; however, not so long ago, people had to face winter head on every day. And it wasn’t all work, they found time to enjoy winter, too.
So, when winter finally hits, rather than hole up with a smartphone, head outside and enjoy all that winter has to offer.
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And please note that the Glenbow Western Research Centre is still closed. In the meantime, however, some research services are still available.
Winter people
- Two Nakoda men, Peter (last name missing) and Philip House with their horses. Ca. 1900 Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: NA-1122-10.
- Inuit camp, Kent Peninsula, Nunavut. Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: PA-3886-43-3.
- George Barclay Bruce family outside in winter clothing on Christmas Day, Calgary, Alberta. 1893. Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: NC-22-70.
- Violet Davis, Edmonton, Alberta. 1933. Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: nd-3-6539a.
- George Pocaterra doing laundry outside cabin, Longview. Alberta. Ca. 1907. Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: na-695-80.
Winter play
- Women’s hockey, Banff, Alberta. 1911. Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: pd-347-1-1.
- Women’s curling game, Banff, Alberta. 1903. Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: NA-1438-4.
- Fram ski club tornament, Camrose, Alberta. Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: NA-2537-13.
- Skiing at Lake Louise, Alberta. 1932. Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: NA-4868-172.
- A child sleighing, Edmonton, Alberta. 1929. Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: NC-6-12361a.
Winter scenes
- A motorcycle stuck in a frozen puddle, Calgary. 1954. Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: na-5600-7707.
- Ralph Connor Memorial United Church, Canmore, Alberta. Ca. 1910. Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: PA-4032-102.
- Main Street covered in snow, Vulcan, Alberta. 1914. Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: NA-748-7.
- Snowdrifts on Umscheid farm, Milo area, Alberta. Ca. 1925. Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: NA-1367-98.
- Francias St. Denis looks at a poster advertising Nassau in window of a travel bureau. 1957. Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: NA-5600-6773a.
Winter transportation
- Carl Madsen and Henry Pedersen coming to town for supplies, Standard, Alberta. 1948. Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: NA-3969-60.
- Ted A. Jensen at wheel. Additions to automobile chassis with runners attached to extended front. Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: NA-2877-2.
- Moose hitched to sleigh, Athabasca Landing, Alberta. 1909. Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: NA-2788-17.
- A horse-drawn cutter used by J.J. Wegner for hauling mail from Pendant d’Oreille post office to Abalon, Faith and Altoardo post offices. Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: NA-1546-15.
- Early bombadier type bus en route to Flin Flon mines, Manitoba. A horse-drawn sled is nearby. Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: NA-1497-44.
Winter work
- A hand-tinted lantern slide of the Chilkoot Pass during the Klondike Gold Rush. Ca. 1898-1900. Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: S-227-39.
- Prisoners cutting wood at prisoner of war camp, Kananaskis, Alberta. 1939. Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: NA-5474-5.
- Dennis Kaye shovels slush from the gutters, Calgary. 1954. Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: NA-5600-6624m.
- Winter feeding, Rawlinson Brothers Ranch, Calgary area. Ca. 1900-1907. Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: NA-963-8.
- Loading ice blocks at the Alberta Ice Company plant, Calgary. 1911. Glenbow Library and Archives, UCalgary: NA-1604-4.