Tag: prohibition

Dried out: Prohibition in Alberta

Jared

Written by: Sara King, Government Records Archivist, Provincial Archives of Alberta

In 1915, Alberta embarked on a social experiment that would impact the lives of everyone in the province: prohibition.  A century after the repeal of prohibition in 1923, the Provincial Archives of Alberta (PAA) is pleased to present Dried Out: Prohibition in Alberta, on display until February 2024.

Alexander Bourassa, Frederick Plamondon, Arthur Bourassa and Benoit Plamondon drinking and smoking inside the Plamondon store owned by the Chevigny Bros., M. Corbière, manager, c. 1920. Source: PAA, PR1982.0157 (A7781).

The exhibit explores how the temperance movement took root in Alberta.  The moral and political crusade to ban alcohol would have unintended consequences, both good and bad. It spurred the push for women’s suffrage, led to the creation of the Alberta Provincial Police and prompted experiments in direct democracy. But it would also lead to people flouting the law at all levels of society, which would shape politics, policies and communities for years to come.

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Law & Order in Coleman: The Alberta Provincial Police Building

Law & Order in Coleman: The Alberta Provincial Police Building

Erin

Even before Alberta became a province, communities were in need of a local police force. The Crowsnest Pass in particular saw an increase in crime as the area began to develop as a coal mining community in the early 1900s. With the introduction of new settlers to the area, it wasn’t long before Coleman requested a police presence from the Canadian Government. A North West Mounted Police office building was constructed in 1904 and shortly after, an officer arrived to the area to establish law and order. This blog post will look at the introduction of a formal police presence into the Coleman area and highlight the importance of the still existing Alberta Provincial Police Building that was built for their use. Read more →