The membership newsletter of the
Historical Society of Alberta
Box 4035 Station C No.3 Calgary, AB. TIT 5M9 July 2006 Telephone: 403-261-3662 ISSN 1205-0350 Fax: 403-269-6029 PMA #400 10031 e-mail: [email protected]
City of Lethbridge Centennial - Cutting the Cake In this issue
City of Lethbridge Centennial prevailed and the community was officially renamed Pres ident's Report 3 Lethbridge on 15 October HSA Casino Notice 3 1885. Members News 4 Glenbow Museum's "Blog" 5 In 1890the NWT legislature Will iamsburg's Archaeology Dig 5 passed Ordinance No. 24 that provided for the incorpo HSA Annual Awards 6-7 ration of Lethbridge as a HSA AGM Highlights 8-9 town. Lieutenant Governor Jam es Bertra m Collip, MD 10-14 Joseph Royal signed the Publishing Made Easy 14 proclamation on 15 January 1891. The town's Major, by Boo k Reviews & Web Sites 15-16 acclamation, was Charles Chapter Reports 17-1 9 Alexander Magrath. HSA Calenda r of Events 20 L to R: MLA Bridget Pastoor; Senator Joyce Fairbairn; Crossword 20 Mayor Robert Tarlek; Ron Williams & Jean Johnstone
The Historical Society of HSA Pin Alberta was delighted to participate in celebrating the The centennial of the City of Historical Lethbridge. Society of Alberta pin When the community was is available. founded in October 1882, it was called City status for Lethbridge came with You can pick it "The Coal Banks" or "Coalbanks" after an Act of the Legislature of Alberta on up from the office the original Blackfoot name. The Post May 9, 1906. Mayor George Rogers or mail your cheque or money order in Office assigned the name Coalhurst, the amount of $5 plus $.50 postage and presided over the first meeting of however, the settlement's residents who handling to: Lethbridge City Council on May 26, were already calling the place Lethbridge The Historical Society of Alberta 1906. Box 4035, Station C after the North Western Coal & Calgary, AB. TIT 5M9 Navigation Company President William (Galt Museum & Archives) Phone: 403-261-3662 Lethbridge. The Post Office resisted, as Fax: 403-269-6029 there was already a town in Ontario E-mail: [email protected] called Lethbridge. In the end, the citizens Welcome to new members/subscribers The Historical Society of Alberta is a registered charitable organization. KenINora Gee, Calgary Norma Robinson, Calgary Susanah Windrum, Calgary Betty Anne Graves, Calgary Donations are gratefully received to help Margaret Clarke, Red Deer J. A. Forbes, Edmonton further the work of the Society which Deni J. Lorieau, Edmonton Bailey Neame, Calgary includes the publication ofAlberta Keith Rideout, Red Deer Mr. Justice William E. Wilson, Calgary History and this newsletter, History Richard J. Tanner, Calgary Valene Knaga, St. Albert NOW. Donations are tax deductible and Sedgewick Historical Society, Edmonton Evelyn Chemerys, Calgary will be acknowledged in History NOW, Carol Vandyk, Lethbridge Hal Williams, Edmonton unless otherwise requested. Shirley, DeBow, Lethbridge Dan McWilliam, Calgary Velda Sjovold, Lethbridge Jacquie Moir, Calgary History NOW is published quarterly. Hugh Delaney, Calgary Doris Balcovske, Lethbridge We welcome information about your DavidlPearl Murray, Edmonton Beatrice Tully, Calgary upcoming or past events, activities, Yetive Gibbs, Calgary Irene Moir, Edmonton publications, etc. They should be in the Darrayl Huddlestun, Edmonton Ruth Munro, Red Deer hands of the editor prior to deadline. Richard Graham, Red Deer Sean Moir, Edmonton Submission deadlines: Thank You for Your Donation to the HSA and/or Chapter Mar I for Apr-Jun issue Belinda Crowson Edward!Anita Kohse Jun I for Jul-Sep issue Robert Lampard J.D./Margaret Clay Sep I for Oct-Dec issue Helen M. Newton Hole's Donations Dec I for Jan-Mar issue Alan/Joan Vanterpool Prof. Bruce Proudfoot Send copy to: David Leonard (2) Dorothy G. McElroy Sherring Amsden, Allan Hustad Barbara Blackley Editor, History NOW, BrucelPeggy Ferguson John Eagle Historical Society of Alberta William Baergen (4) Joyce A. Neary Box 4035, Station C Dr. W. H. Coons David R. Cornish Calgary, AB TIT 5M9 Ron Williams (3) David Innes . email: [email protected] Brad McDonald (2) Jack Edworthy Phone: 403-261-3662 Fax: 403-269-6029 Donald Hepburn (3) Donald A. J. Cross F. Marie Dorsey Gordon Weisenburger Members of Council Jean Johnstone Doris Balcovske 2005-2006 Ralph L. Erdman Donna Clandfield President Ron Williams John McCluskey Lawrence Cherneski 1st Vice-President Linda Collier MurraylMarilyn Younger Bev Leggett 2nd Vice-President Vivian Sampson Jean Wells Henry Murzyn 3rd Vice-President William Baergen Secretary Geoff Wilson Silent Auction 2006 Treasurer Beverley Leggett The Historical Society of Alberta wishes to From Times Past Past President Don Hepburn acknowledge the following donors for their Frontenac House Ltd. Director at Large Belinda Crowson generous support of our 2006 Silent Auction. GranvilleIslandPublishing Director at Large David Leonard Your donations are very much appreciated and The Heritage Group Director at Large L. Douglas Rae were well received by our participants. Historica Committees: 2005 Centennial History Society Hole's Donations Altitude Publishing Alberta History Editor Hugh Dempsey Faye Holt William Baergen Jennifer Jack History NOW Editor Sherring Amsden Anne Birch LethbridgeHistorical Society Canada's National History Society Lone Pine Publishing For information contact: Canadian Cowboy Country Magazine Lougheed House Office Coordinator Canadian Plains Research Centre Helen Mackie The Historical Society of Alberta Chinook Country Historical Society #320 Barron Building McTavish & Nunn Publishing 610 8th Avenue SW Linda Collier The Prairie Journal Calgary, AB. T2P IG5 Coteau Books Scribner, A Viacom Company Detselig Publishing Bob Shore Phone: 403-261-3662 Fax: 403-269-6029 Duval House Publishing Southern Alberta Light Horse Regiment Marianne Fedori Foundation e-mail: [email protected] Fitzhenry & Whiteside The University of Alberta Press website: www.albertahistory.org Folklore Publishing Universityof CalgaryPress President's Report by Ron Williams
The last weekend in May saw the were re-elected . We welcome them to a annual general meeting of the Society in new term on Council. Mr. Frank Norris Lethbridge. I am sure everyone who retired from Provincial Council after attended found the meeting and serving two terms as Third Vice programs both informative and President. Ms. Liliane Maisonneuve enjoyable. I think the members of the retired after serving two terms as a I hope everyone has an enjoyable Lethbridge chapter for their efforts Director-at-Large. Council wishes to summer and will be ready for a year of which made this meeting the great thank these two individuals for their activity. success which it was. service to our Society. They will be I offer special congratulations to all missed at the Council table. I also thank I also wish to thank all of the contributors who received awards at our Awards Mr. David Smith who left Council after to the silent auction . This was a very Banquet. They are named elsewhere in serving a term as Secretary. successful event because of the many this newsletter, but I congratulate each fine items donated . We look forward to a busy year and everyone personally. coming up. The first major activity is a Lethbridge was a great place to hold our Thank you.Ron Williams casino which is scheduled for Calgary on annual meeting. 2006 is the centennial September 6 and 7. Volunteers are year of the City of Lethbridge. Lethbridge needed . Please let the office know if you began as Coal Banks, the site of mines will be able to help out. owned by a company set up by Sir Alexander Galt, one of the Fathers of On Friday, June 2, Linda Collier, First HSA Casino Confederation. This company built Vice-President and I made a presentation September 6 & 7, 2006 steamboats and barges to transport coal. to the Board of the Alberta Historical The HSA is holding a Casino at the The flow of water in the southern rivers Resources Foundation. AHRF is the was insufficient to allow operations major source of funding for HSA so Deerfoot Inn & Casino beyond a very limited period so a narrow reporting to them is very important. We 1000, 11500 35 Street SE, Calgary gauge railway was built. This extended were well received. on September 6 and 7, 2006 into the United States to Great Falls. This I also attended the 25th anniversary of period which preceded the CPR is a little the Archives Society of Alberta. The We are looking for 30 volunteers to known part of western Canadian history. ASA is one of our partners on the Alberta assist with this Casino. The proceeds Later, Lethbridge became the centre of Heritage Council, so it was important for from the Casino are used for the publication of this newsletter, a large area of irrigated farm land with HSA to be part of this observance. History and for specialized crops. NOW, Alberta History Planning is beginning for our centennial If you are able to volunteer, please Lethbridge is an important and unique annual meeting. This will be a provincially call the HSA office at 403-261-3662 centre in this province. The HSA was organized meeting because 2007 is the or email : [email protected]. pleased to take part in the observation of centennial of the Society. the centennial of this important city. I look forward to a very interesting and Thank you for your support of this very important event. New members were chosen to join the exciting year as we observe our centennial; Provincial Council ; Dr. William Baergen looking backover 100years of achievement Expenses for out of town volunteers as Third Vice-President; Geoff Wilson and ahead with confidence in our future. will be covered by HSA. as Secretary and Belinda Crowson Any member having any suggestions for as Director-at-Large. We congratulate activities for this observation, should these individuals and welcome them to contact me or any other member of Council. Treasurer, Bev Leggett, and Council or the office. All suggestions Second Vice-President, Vivian Sampson, will be appreciated. < HSA Council 2006-2007 HSA Members President: Ronald Williams Treasurer: Beverley Leggett News 1st Vice-President: Linda Collier Past President: Don Hepburn 2nd Vice-President: Vivian Sampson Director at Large: Belinda Crowson Book Donations __----, 3rd Vice-President: William Baergen Director at Large: David Leonard Secretary: Geoff Wilson Director at Large: L. Douglas Rae Thank you to Ron Williams for donating the two-volume set Alberta Formed - Alberta Transformed. It is a collection of essays reflecting the Happy Birthday history of Alberta as seen by a generation of scholars of history To HSA Council writing during the last quarter century, Members who This book offers and opportunity for celebrated their Albertans to explore their history on birthdays at the their own terms.
AGM weekend. Also, we wish to thank Vivian Sampson for donating a copy of L to R: Jean Johnstone; Century of Service, The History of Brad McDonald and the South Alberta Light Horse. This Bev Leggett is the story of Alberta's senior militia regiment, which celebrated its photo by Vivian Sampson centennial in 2005.
Both books are available for view ing at the office.
Bill, is a retired teacher of history; and after graduate (second from left) degrees in educa was born in Taber, tion and history at AB, and raised in the UofA, Bill Enchant, AB. Belinda earned a PhD at attended University the University of of Lethbridge and Oregon in 1982;a graduated with Past President of degrees in Education CAHS, he has (BEd. 1992) and written The Ku Biochemistry (BSc. Klux Klan in 1998). Central Alberta and the Pioneering with a Piece of Chalk, The She has been the One-Room Country Schools ofAlberta 1885-1982. He is one of Education and Visitor Program Coordinator at the Galt seven commissioners for the Alberta Human Rights and Museum & Archives since 2000 and a member of the LHS for Citizenship Commission. the past few years. Glenbow.s Library and Archives Celebrates 50 Year Anniversary
Glenbow Museum's Library and "In an age when letter writing and pen own comments inspired by Harold Archives is celebrating its 50th anniver manship seem a thing of the past, the Emma's correspondence. sary this month. In celebration of this "Dear Miss Griffis" blog presents histor Visit the "Dear Miss Griffis" blog at milestone birthday, Glenbow is launch ical letters in a format that makes them http://www.glenbow.org/connected. ing the "Dear Miss Griffis" blog with accessible to new publics," explains Glenbow's Archives, Canada's largest content drawn from its extensive archival Kirstin Evenden, Glenbow's Manager of non-governmental archival repository, collection creating new opportunities to New Media Initiatives. "The stories has extensive holdings of unpublished preserve stories from the past by bring about the First World War that Harold documents and photographs related to ing the voice of a First World War soldier tells in these letters are riveting.On the the history of Western Canada. back to life. blog, they become available to Glenbow's Library collection includes The "Dear Miss Griffis" blog will fea enthusiasts who can now respond to the over 100,000 books, pamph lets, ture the more than 200 letters written by letters and discuss them with one anoth journals relating to the history of the First World War soldier, Calgarian Dr. er online. The blog allows for two way southern Alberta region. interaction and communication in a way Harold McGill to his future wife Miss Glenbow Museum is one of Canada's not possible in the real world and the let Emma Griffis. The letters vividly largest and most entrepreneurial ters become a catalyst for discussions describe Harold's experiences during ums. Through a variety of dynamic exhi about love, war, and human tragedy." four years at war and reflect the opti bitions and programs and a broad collec mism he carried with him throughout this Each week Glenbow Museum will tion of artifacts, art, and historical docu dark period in history. With very few liv post a newly transcribed letter revealing ments, Glenbow Museum builds a ing Canadian First World War veterans, the fascinating correspondence between commitment to preserve western heritage this initiative provides a unique opportu Harold and Emma which vividly while simultaneously providing visitors nity to preserve the significant stories of describes this significant moment in time with a glimpse of the world beyond. the past and creates a new realm for as well as the progression of their rela Contact: Tanis·Shortt, Communications Glenbow visitors and users to interact tionship with one another. Glenbow Specialist phone: 403-268-4246. email: with the museum's content. Museum welcomes readers to participate [email protected] in the blog experience by sharing their
New Archaeology Dig in Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area Unearths Early 18th-Century site owned by Thomas Ravenscroft
Summer Field School in Archaeology Yard of the historic campus at the the Established in 1926, the Colonial Continues Excavations at Peyton Colonial Williamsburg's Department of Williamsburg Foundation is the not-for Randolph Property and Wren Yard at the Archaeological Research, in cooperation profit educatio nal institution that College of William and Mary's Historic with the College of William and Mary, preserves and operates the restored I Campus conducts yearly archaeological field century Revolutionary capital of Colonial Williamsburg's Department schools in colo nial archaeology for Virginia. Williamsburg is located 150 of Archaeological Research has opened a graduate and undergraduate students. miles south of Washington, DC, off new exhibition dig in the Historic Area at The Department also oversees the Interstate 64. the intersection of Botetourt and largest colonial-period archaeological For more information or reservations, Nicholson Streets. The excavation site is collection in the United States, consisting call toll-free 1-800-HISTORY or ' t open to the public 9 am to 4 pm Monday of several million objects and fragments Colonial Williamsburg on the Internet at - Friday through Augu st, weather recovered during more than 60 years of www.ColonialWilliamsburg.com permitting. excavation; exte nsive comparative Historic Area. Excavation will continue historic-period faunal and archaeobotanical at the Peyton Randolph property near collections; and the Martin's Hundred Robertson's Windmill, and in the Wren collection of early 17th-century material culture. HSA Annual Awards 2006
Award of Merit awarded to Gem of the West Museum Society Nominated by: Linda Flaman
Like-minded citizens from the community of Coaldale were organized with an idea to honour their community's ancestors by preserving and exhibiting the contributions made by the myriad of ethnic and religious groups who settled in their area. After much thorough research, the group formed the Gem of the West Museum Society in 1994. Their goal to restore an old church building for a museum site commenced with the Town of Coaldale purchasing the old Mennonite Brethren Church in April 1995. From the first fund-raising event held In Novemher IYY5, to the clean-up and restoration which began in 1996, to the Museum being L to R: Don Hepburn, Chair Awards Committee; Erna Goertzen, President, Gem of the West declared an Alberta Historical Resource Site in May 1999, to its official Museum Society; Dr. Irene Nicholson, Chair AHRF; opening in May 2001, these individuals have worked tirelessly to bring this Linda Flaman, Duncan Lloyd wonderful building back into a place of honour in their community. Thousands upon thousands of visitors from across Canada and from ten other countries have toured the site. Classes of local school children are included in these numbers. The Museum has been a venue for family reunions; musical evenings; various information' evenings; and the Coaldale and District Chamber of Commerce's Progressive Dinner.. Congratulations on a job well done!
Annual Award awarded to David Sly Nominated by: Chinook Country Historical Society
David Bly was born and raised in Magrath, Alberta, where his great grandparents settled before 1900. He has worked as an editor, reporter and photographer at newspapers in Idaho and Utah, and in Lethbridge, Taber and Calgary. He has worked for the past 17 years for the Calgary Herald. For the past five years he has been the Herald's heritage writer, covering a wide range of topics. He has interviewed those who have lived history. He has written about heritage buildings and heritage issues. He has been to Europe twice to write about the involvement of Calgarians and Canadians in the Second World War. He has been from one end of the province to the other - literally. One of his first projects after becoming heritage writer was a series called The Four Comers ofAlberta . David was one of the authors of Alberta: 100 Years A Home, the sold L to R: Don Hepburn; Georgia Fooks, accepting on out Centennial production by the Edmonton Journal and the Calgary Herald. behalf of David Sly; Senator Joyce Fairburn He has also published three photo books, and his award-winning young adult novel, The McIntyre Liar, inspired by his experiences as a farmhand on the McIntyre Ranch in southern Alberta, is studied in Alberta junior high schools. David Bly has made an impressive contribution to raising awareness of Alberta history and is very deserving ofour Annual Award. Honorary Lifetime Membership awarded to Ralph Erdman Nominated by: the Lethbridge Historical Society
Ralph Erdman has worked hard on behalf of the Lethbridge Historical Society for the past 25 years. From the time he joined the Society in 1981,he was a Councillor on the Executive until 1994. He joined the Book Committee in 1981, and took over book sales at that time, continuing tirelessly in that position until he retired in 1998 at the age of 84. Besides ensuring that the Society's publications were available in local vendor outlets, he travelled to various outlets in the south, taking the Society's new and old publications to venues such as Head-Smashed-ln Buffalo Jump and the Fort Macleod Museum. Lto R: Jean Johnstone; Ralph Erdman Ralph Erdman was born in 1913 at Barons, Alberta to Gustav and Magda Erdman. He attended school in Barons, and in 1930 graduated from the Claresholm School of Agriculture. He earned the degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University ofAlberta in 1936, and a Master of Science degree in 1938. In the early part of his career he used his knowledge working on soil surveys for the University ofAlberta, and as a soil specialist at the Lethbridge Research Station. In 1949he returned to farming in the Barons district where he became interested in exhibiting grain. His efforts brought him the 1961 World Wheat Championship at the Toronto Royal Winter Fair. Ralph was married in 1950 to Karen Suitso and they have one daughter, Katheryn Anne Beveridge, and two grandchildren. Ralph has received several awards in recognition of his work. In 1990 he received the Alex Johnston Award of Merit from the Lethbridge Historical Society. He also received the Historical Society ofAlberta Millennium Award in February 2000. Ralph Erdman is a man of many interests, including photography, archeology and banding Rocky Mountain Bluebirds. He is one of the world's best kept secrets, and richly deserves this Honorary Lifetime Membership.
Honorary Lifetime Membership Dear Ron, awarded to Thank you very much for giving me this Lifetime Marie Dorsey Membership in the Historical Society of Alberta I always Nominated by: Candas Dorsey enjoyed historical research, so the contributions I made to the work of the Society came from this love of history as well as my Marie Dorsey was born Francis Marie Dezall in Agassiz, BC, on official duties for Historic Sites and Geological Names. December 28, 1915and came to Alberta with her parents just 18 months As of this writing, it is unclear whether or not I will be able to later. She has lived in Alberta all her life. She trained as a nurse at attend the ceremony in Lethbridge. If I cannot attend, please 1938. 1940, Edmonton's Misericordia Hospital and graduated in In she express my appreciation to the Society. I recently turned 90, but married Jack Dorsey and they had three children: Jaclyn, Michael and I hope to make this Lifeftime Membership last a good 20 years! Candas. Marie Dorsey began her active interest in the place names ofAlberta as a philatelist, researching early post offices, postmarks and the history of Alberta post offices. This led her to work at the City of Edmonton Archives as a volunteer. Her work there grew into various research contracts, including compiling the first comprehensive inventory of Edmonton River Valley historic sites, an inventory which is still being used today to locate sites of significance. She worked on research for the reconstruction of Fort Edmonton, including studying the Hudson Bay journals in their Winnipeg archives to collect information about construction techniques and schedules. In the early 19705 she became Geographical Names Officer for Alberta, and was given two boxes of files and told to create a program to govern the naming of geographical features. She created a program of national renown and several other provinces/territories modelled theirs on the one she created. She placed strong emphasis on accurate and extensive historical research, finding the indigenous and early pioneer names, and was involved in the return of the name Castle Mountain and in the naming of Mt. Mitchener and Mt. Lougheed, among many others. After her retirement, Mrs. Dorsey served on the Historic Sites Board and the Canadian Permanent Committee on Geographical Names and that committee's subcommittee on alpine and glacial toponymy. She has received several awards, including the Edmonton Historical Board Award and the Namedropper Award of the Friends of the Geographic Names of Alberta. She has been a member of the HSA for many years, and we are pleased to award her an Honorary Lifetime Membership. Historical Society of Alberta - Annual General Meeting and Conference
James Bertram CaUip, MA, PHD, DSc, MD, FRS, FRCP, FRCS, FACP, CBE 1892-1965 by Dr. Robert Lampard
The Alberta Years: 1915-1928 weeks, he had isolated a potent extract. (physiology) and Dr.D.G. Revell (anatomy) HI experienced then and there, all alone Within a month his extract was powerful were full timers and Dr. Jamieson a part on the top story of the old Pathology enough to convert a diabetic coma into a timer. Provincial Laboratory Director Dr. Building perhaps the greatest thrill, which hypoglycemic state in a laboratory A.c. Rankin had arrived a year earlier and has ever been given me to realize " rabbit. The extract, which the team later left almost immediately to join the 1.B. Collip, January 16, 1922 named insulin, heralded the discovery of a RCAMC in late 1914. Introduction: Frequently omitted life saving treatment for diabetics. The third premedical class started their in the recounting of the discovery and After Collip returned to the UofA in training in September 1915. There were isolation of insulin in 1921/22 is the 1922, he continued his research on "internal about twenty students. The medical program contribution of Professor James Bertram secretions". Itbecame life long. He isolated at that time consisted of one year of Collip. If Collip had not been in Toronto in parathormone in 1925, before leaving to premedical studies and two years of basic December 1921, and Collip had not had become the head of the Department of medical teaching. The last two clinical the knowledge and expertise to concentrate Medical Biochemistry at McGill in 1928. years leading to an MD, were spent at the Banting and Best pancreatic extract, Collip's career, propelled by the 1921 McGill or Toronto. When Collip arrived as the discovery of insulin would have been isolation of insulin, became one of the an instructor, he was twenty-three, delayed and quite possibly the achievement most productive Can adian research younger than many of his students. would have gone to other researchers in careers, ever. Professor Collip 's first sabbatical came other countries. From Youth to PhD 1892-1916: James quickly. He journeyed to Toronto and on Collip spent his formativeyearsin medical Bertram "Bert" Collip was born in December 29, 1915 and married his research and teaching at the University of Belleville, Ontario, on November 20, fiancee Rae Vivian Ralph. It was not Alberta. During his thirteen years on the 1892. He skipped through school so fast before one Edmonton Newspaper advertised UofA Faculty of Medicine (1915-1928), that he was admitted to Uoff's Trinity that the young lawyer George Steer was to Dr. Collip received his PhD.(1916), iso College at age fifteen. Collip graduated marry her and Collip was to marry Steer's lated insulin (1921/22), and parathormone with an honors degree in Physiology and intended wife. (1925), earned an MD (Alberta, 1926), Biochemistry in 1912. He continued his When Dr. H.H. Moshier was mobilized received a DSc. (Alberta, 1924), and pub studies and received an M.Sc. before with the 11 th Field Ambulance in March lished seventy papers. More importantly presenting his first research paper, with 1916, he almost immediately went over UofA President H.M. Tory, approved his Professor Dr. A.B. McCallum, at the seas. Collip suddenly inherited an eighteen month "around the world" British Association meeting in 1913. It additional teaching load - the physiology sabbatical in 1921/22. His trip was made was published in 1914. Collip continued to and pharmacy courses, for the second year possible by a 1920 Rockefeller work on his Ph.D. His chosen topic was medical students. While he may have Foundation conditional grant to the UofA's the comparative biochemistry of vertebrates taught all day, Collip still found time to Faculty of Medicine. The grant required and invertebrates. He completed his Ph.D. work on his research projects at night. At that the UofA create a full four year degree requirements in 1915 and received his first he continued the research started granting medical undergraduate program Uoff degree in 1916. Collip's thesis was during his PhD years , on the comparative and upgrade its teaching staff. Collip was published in pamphlet form in 1920. blood chemistry of vertebrates and the first applicant. The pre-insulin years at UorA 1915 invertebrates. From 1915 to 1920 he Collip 's sabbatical began in Professor 1921: Dr. H.C. Jamie son recommended produced nineteen papers and monographs J.J.R. Macleod's Laboratory in Toronto in Collip's name to his UofA colleague Dr. and had sixteen articles published in the April 1921. Eight months later in H.H. Moshier. Collip accepted Moshier literature. One article was seminal. It was December 1921, he was asked by Macleod and joined the Faculty of Medicine' on entitled "Internal Secretions" and to join the Banting and Best team, to see if September 15, 1915. He came as the appeared in the CMAJ in late 1916. It had he could concentrate their crude, ineffective lecturer in biochemistry and one of four first been presented to the 11 th Annual extract of pancreatic material. Within two faculty members. At that time Dr. Moshier AMA Meeting in September 1916. continued from page 10 assist Banting with his experiments to would have to precipitate and separate the inject pancreatic extract into pancreatec undesirable proteins. He found that 95% 1920 was a turning point year at UofA. tomized dogs. Banting had come to ethyl alcohol precipitated a very potent Dr. A.H. Downs arrived at the UofA from Toronto to test his cornerstone theory, that extract from its soluble lipids and salts. Montreal as the Head of Physiology and ligating the pancreatic duct would atrophy Collip then sterilized and injected the Biochemistry. Collip was displeased. He the pancreatic tissue, but leave the Islets of precipitated extract into norrnallaboratory had risen to Assistant Professor (1917)and Langerhans intact. From the Islet cells, an rabbits and dogs. By December 22, the expected the appointment. As a favor, extract could be prepared. Something from extract was sufficiently potent, for Collip President H.M. Tory appointed him head the pancreas, had already been proven to to inject it into the pancreatectomized dog. of Biochemistry, but did not create a have hypoglycemic properties. It cleared the dog's urine of ketones and separate Department of Biochemistry. Collip then went to the Woods Hole markedly lowered its blood sugar levels. That same year (1920) a five million Research Centre in Boston Mass. Back in When Collip autopsied the dog, he found dollar Rockefeller Foundation Grant to Toronto on September I, Macleod offered the storage of glucose in the dog's liver upgrade Canadian Medical Schools, was Collip a one year appointment in the had markedly increased. secured by the soon to be elected Prime Department of Pathological Chemistry at Collip's excitement was evident in his Minister of Canada MacKenzie King. UofT. He accepted. Then Collip wrote Dr. January 8, 1922 letter to UofA President Following a tour by a Rockefeller Team, Rankin at the UofA, informing him of the H.M. Tory. He closed it with the note, Alberta was given a conditional grant of proposed change of plans and asking him $500,000. Only the interest could be spent. HI onLy wish that the various papers that for an increase in his salary. Both Tory and will be published on this were comingfrom The conditions were that the Faculty of Rankin expressed disappointment, as they ALberta, rather than Toronto. A whoLenew Medicine course expand from a two year felt he should go "abroad". Collip fieLd hasbeen thrown open however; and I to a four year approved MD program, the will continue to work aLong these lines. " demurred and began to lecture for eight Faculty of Medicinebuildingbe constructed, hours per week. The rest of the time he On January II, 1922, Banting and Best a clinical faculty be retained, and the spent doing research in the University's convinced Macleod to allow their extract, faculty be upgraded. Pathological Chemistry Laboratory. Not precipitated with 65% alcohol , to be Collip's 1921/1922 Sabbatical: Seeing infrequently he would drop in to see injected into a fourteen year old boy, the opportunity to expand his skills and Banting and Best and inquire of their Leonard Thompson. Thompson's blood knowledge, Professor Collip applied for a progress. Often he offered to help. sugar dropped from .440 to .320%. A traveling scholarship. With the help of twenty-four hour urine collection showed Meanwhile Banting and Best sought to Dean Rankin, Collip convinced President a slight drop in glucose. The conclusion isolatethe activeextractfrom a fetalpancreas Tory to grant him a globe trotting year in was thatthe extractwasof noclinicalbenefit source. They found their extract could biochemical research. The year started in Then a sterile abscess developed, because restore high glucose levels to normal levels April 1921 at the JJ .R.Macleod laboratory of the impurities in the injection. in dogs. Then they switched to adult beef in Toronto. The Toronto laboratory was a pancreatic extract, which was precipitated By then, Collip had discovered that his world leader in the rapid measurement of with 65% alcohol. By December 1921 extract was much more potent than he first blood glucose levels. The time in Toronto Banting and Best's extract had kept alive a thought. He injected it into a rabbit and it was to be followed by six months with Van pancreas ligated, diabetic dog, for seventy caused a hypoglycemic convulsion and Slyke in New York and then four months days. But they could not maintain consistent death. Then he found that the hypo with Dr. Henry Dale, at the Medical control of the dog's blood glucose levels. glycemia could be quickly reversed by Research Institute in Harnstead, Britain. The dog died. Banting asked Macleod for administering sugar. Collip worked late May of 1921,ColIipattended a meeting In help to concentrate and purify the extract. into the night diluting, centrifuging and with Dr. Banting and Dr. Macleod. blending, solution after solution. The isolation of a potent extract in Banting had just arrived from the UWO in 1921/20: Macleod assigned Collip to the About January 16, 1922Collip made his London, Ontario. He needed an assistant. team on December 12, 1921. Collip went breakthrough. He found he could trap the After winning the toss of a coin, Collip to work immediately. On December 13 active extract by precipitating the protein elected to remain working with Macleod. Collip injected his first extract into a contaminants, with an ethyl alcohol con Medical students Nobel and Best flipped pancreatectomized rabbit. He knew he centration of less than 90%. Then he could another coin. Best lost and was assigned to continued on page 12 continued from page 11 Insulin 1922: In March 1922, the team medical school was closed for ten days. A precipitate the active extract by increasing chose the name for the extract, insulin. The month later it reappeared from behind the alcohol concentration to over 95%. HI researchers read six short papers on their Collip's shelf of flasks. experienced then and there, all alone on work at the annual meeting of the Royal In January 1923 the Nobel Prize for the top story of the old Pathology Society of Canada in May 1922. One was physiology and medicine was granted to Building, perhaps the greatest thrill, which on Banting and Best's initial extract. One Banting and Macleod. The prize totaled has ever been given me to realize". was on Collip 's more potent extract. $24,000. Banting and Macleod volunteered Another one was on the first clinical cases. Collip sent his extract over to the clinic, to share half of their purse with Best and to be used on Leonard Thompson. On In September 1922, Collip completed Collip. January 23 the injection was spectacularly his eighteen month sabbatical and returned In the summer of 1923 Dr. H.C. successful. The testing was expanded to to his position at the UofA. Before leaving Jamieson organized a three day course, on other patients. Sometime between January Toronto, CoUip succeeded in developing a the clinical use of insulin. Injectable 17 and 23 there was a vociferous standardized assay for measuring the insulin was less than one year old. CoUip confrontation between Collip and Banting. potency of insulin extract. helped Jamieson present the course. Dr. CoUip said, HI have found it" but HI have The patent for insulin was taken out in John Scott, who was a new general decided not to tell you ". He had already the names of Banting, Best and CoUip. practitioner in Edmonton, attended the discussed his extraction process with One half of the royalties remained with refresher. It excited him. Collip suggested Macleod. Banting was incensed. He went Connaught Laboratories and one sixth that Scott work with him for a year in the toMacleod.Theend result wasanagreement, went to each investigator. In Collip's case, Department of Biochemistry. That concluded by January 25 between the four his royalties went to the University where experience he said, would be a good basis researchers, that future efforts would be he worked. Initially it was the UofA, until for studying Internal Medicine. One year collaborative and the extract would be he moved to McGill. became five. When Collip went to McGill developed in cooperation with the Back in Edmonton 1922-1928: On his in 1928, as the first Director and Head of Connaught Laboratory. The four agreed return to Edmonton, Collip was named the the Department of Biochemistry, Dr. Tory to not patent or develop the process Chairman of the Department of asked Dr. Scott to stay for a year and run independently of the others. Biochemistry. In his absence, the UofA the Department, which he did. Then the unexpected happened. Collip had completed its new medical school Then Dr. Scott continued his research in lost the recipe. The variables weremultiple: building. A start had been made to expand London, England. No sooner was he there controlling the temperature, the pH, and the 112th Street Strathcona Hospital. The than Collip wired him twice, trying to the alcohol concentration to precipitate the hospital had been returned to the UofA by convince him to come to McGill for a year extract; then determine when and how fast the Federal Government Soldiers Civil to teach biochemistry. Scott declined. Dr. tocentrifugeittoseparateit fromthesolution. Re-establishment Commission, in October Scott completed his Internal Medicine Work stopped. Collip no longer had a 1922 and renamed the UofA Hospital or training and returned to UofA as an formula that could make insulin in usable UAH. After a satisfactory medicalcurriculum Associate Professor in Internal Medicine. amounts. Clinical testing was suspended. audit, the UofA Rockefeller grant condi He would become the third UofA Dean of Following the death of a diabetic patient, tions were removed in December 1923. Medicine from 1948 to 1959. the struggle became frantic. Finger pointing Collip was enthused and focused. In his Sometime after 1948, UofAendocrinologist started. The team quickly realized that research he sought to extract glukinin from Dr. DR Wilson, inherited the second and more help was needed. vegetables to control glucose levels. third diabetic patients,who had attended the Help came when Banting and Best went Initially, he thought he had made a break first CoUip and Jamieson Diabetic Clinic. to Indianapolisto apprise the very interested through but was unable to replicate the The second patient went for twenty years Eli Lilly Company, of what they knew. results. without another visit to a physician. The Later that year researchers at Eli Lilly With his new found fame, Collip was third one lived to age sixty-five without discovered how to precipitate the insulin the recipient of considerable attention. developing any complicationsat all. fraction, by adjusting the acid base balance This included the donation of a six foot Not to be an MD in 1925: Wanting to and the isoelectric point. This led to the long banana snake "for research purpos become an MD, Professor Collip applied large scale production of insulin. es" . Before he could use it, he lost it. The continued on page 13 continued from page 12 action in placing the discovery at the In 1941 Dr. Collip became the Head of disposal ofthe public, has placed it within the McGill Institute of Endocrinology and and was accepted into UofA's first full MD reach ofall suffers at moderate cost". in 1946 he became the first Director of the class, the Class of 1925. He took all the In 1925 Collip was elected to the Royal Division ofMedical Research of the NRC. necessary courses, but was unable to com College of Canada This was followed by Collip also created the Western Canadian plete his obstetrical casebook. Despite a his election to the Royal Society of Regional Research Group. protest by Dr. W.A. Wilson with Dr. t,c London in 1933. Conn over the number of deliveries required, Dean of Medicine at UWO 1947-1961: Collip's graduation was deferred for a year. In 1927 Dr. Collip resigned from the In 1947 Dr. Collip accepted the offer of UofA, during a trip to the Mayo Clinic. He President Dr. G.E. Hall, to become the By 1925 Collip was receiving $8,000 was taking his wife there for medical Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the per year in royalties. The funds went reasons. Collip rescinded the letter two Western University of Western Ontario. toward his research at the UofA . The weeks later. In December 1927 he Dr. Collip was also appointed the Director Alberta College of Physicians and submitted his resignation again, having of the Collip Medical Research Surgeons gave him another $9,000 spread decided to accept a position as the First Laboratory. He remained Dean at UWO over two years. The Carnegie Foundation Chairman of the Department of until 1961, when he retired. gave him $10,000 for the Outpatient Biochemistry in Canada, at McGill. Insulin Clinic, to be used for those who Retirement 1961-1965: At the end of a had insufficient funds to pay for it. The He left the UofA department in the trust very full life, with 249 publications to his grant covered a supply for future Dean J.J. worthy hands of the future Dean, Dr. John credit, spread over a fifty-one year period Ower, whom Sir William Osler had W. Scott in 1928. His departure was from 1914-1965, Collip had a world wide diagnosed as having pancreatitis and momentarily interrupted, when his car reputation. Twelve Universities including subsequently diabetes in WWI. John D. broke down in the middle of Edmonton's nine in Canada, granted him honorary Rockefeller Jr. gave a personal cheque for High Level Bridge . Doctorates. He received five Fellowships. $5,000 to buy insulin for the clinic. The Montreal and MRC Years 1928 Banting, Best and Collip were awarded the first FNG Starr Medal by the Canadian By the end of 1925 Collip had switched 1946: Specializing in endocrine research, Medical Association for exemplary and his research to the parathyroid gland. It Dr. Collip's McGill laboratory isolated and humanitarian services to medicine in started with the knowledge that some purified chorionic gonadotrophin, premarin 1936. Collip received a CBE in 1943 and extract from it could control blood sugar and ACTII. The latter he used to treat his the Banting Medal in 1960. Dr. Collip levels. He isolated parathormone using 5% wife's asthma, which improved it but the passed away, following a stroke on June hydrochloric acid in 1925 and established dose was so high that she developed 19, 1965, at age seventy-two. a bioassay for measuring serum calcium. Cushingoid features. As Dr. G.E. Hall would modestly say in Collip and Edmonton pediatrician Dr. In 1934 he presented a paper at the his obituary, "He was unusual in that he D.H. Leitch, felt they had successfully CMA Annual Meeting in Calgary. Dr. didn't make just one significant discovery treated a case of tetany with parathyroid Banting attended and gave a speech as in his life but many more thereafter". extract, and recorded the accomplishment well. In 1938 Dr. Collip was appointed to in the 1925 literature . Collip's parathyroid the Associate Committee for Medical Collip's research approach was charac experience was presented in the Harvey Research of the National Research terized as restless, rapid and incisive, Lecture Series. Council (NRC). The Chairman was Dr. mixed with frequent changes of topics. He (Sir) Frederick Banting. Following would drive across the country to attend Awards: As early as 1924, academic Banting's airplane death on February 21, medical meetings because of a fear offlying. accolades were being accorded Collip. 1941, Dr. Collip was appointed to replace His driving record would remain accident The UofA awarded him a D.Sc . in 1924 him. During WWII Collip was occupied free. A reticent speaker, he could captivate for his work in isolating insulin. The performing research on wartime problems, an audience when he spoke exte1TJIXX
Programming
111 March, at uur general meeting, we were fortunate to have Rev. Joyce Sasse Central Alberta Historical Society Write to c/o Red Deer and District Museum by Don Hepburn 45-47AAvenue, Red Deer, AB T4N 6Z6
June marks the end of another busy Cree Ancestry, Vern Wishart tells of his Laboucaine. In Edmonton Frank Norris and successful year for the Central long quest through the historical told us about his Norris forebears and Alberta Chapter. Program Coordinator records of Western Canada for the took us to see the historic Black Mud Shirley Dye provided us with nine good complicated truth about his family. Creek Ranch. monthly speaker programs, ending with Vern situates his family story within a But perhaps most interesting of all a very interesting talk by Linda Many series of historic events that influenced were our visits to several sites where Guns . Linda helped us better to under the shape of Western Canada, and in a Metis of today are doing exciting stand the Blackfoot culture by introducing thoughtful and personal way, he reflects things. We were guests for a morning at us through picture and story to her "ten on an unspoken racial divide that the Fishing Lake Metis Settlement, we grandmothers" project and the ten endures in Canada to this day. The visited the new Metis Crossing inter women who were at the centre of it. Chapter is offering the book until mid pretive centre south of Smoky Lake, Shirley has next year's program already September at a pre-publication special and we spent a morning at the head planned, ready to be posted on our price of $19.95 (plus $4.00 shipping quarters of the Metis Nation of Alberta website in the fall. and handling). To purchase a copy at learning about MNA's many programs this special price, send your cheque to A number of members of our Chapter and accomplishments. Wherever we The Central Alberta Historical Society took advantage of the bus organized went we were warmly welcomed (and - Publications, 4525 - 47A Avenue, from Edmonton to go to the HSA fed generously). By the end of the four Red Deer, Alberta T4N 6Z6. conference and AGM in Lethbridge. days we had indeed discovered the It was a great conference, and we This year's June bus tour was our Metis, and it was a very positive appreciated the warm hospitality of the Metis Discovery Tour, the eleventh tour experience. Lethbridge Chapter. We were that our Chapter has organized to visit particularly pleased that the Lethbridge sites of historical interest in Alberta and Chapter chose to launch their latest adjacent provinces and states. For four publication, Five Celebrated Early days, thirty-three of us travelled in the Surgeons of Southern Alberta, at this country north and east of Edmonton, conference. It was authored by our own searching out the contributions that Board member and Past President Dr. Mixed-blood people have made to the Bob Lampard. development of the West. We started with a visit to the Aboriginal Gallery at Another of our Board members (and the Royal Alberta Museum to give us a incoming Third Vice President of HSA) better appreciation of the Metis' Native Dr. Bill Baergen has also recently roots. We visited the fur-trade sites published his second book, Pioneering Fort Assiniboine and Fort George with a Piece of Chalk: The One Room -Buckingham House to remind us of the Country Schools of Alberta, 1885 to important role of the fur trade in Metis 1982 . Bill has a standing offer to any development. We had lunch in St. one: if you know of a one-room school Albert Place, designed by Metis archi registered in Alberta during that time tect Douglas Cardinal. In Slave Lake that is not in his book, he'll pay you a we were entertained by a Metis fiddler loonie. So far he still has all his money. and fellow musicians. In Heinsberg we Our own Chapter's publication visited a wheelwright who makes Red committee will be launching our next Driver carts. We included visits to his book in the fall. In What Lies Behind toric Metis settlements at Lac la Biche the Picture? A Personal Journey into Mission, Victoria Mission and Write to Edmonton & District Historical Society Queen Alexandra School, Bradley McDonald 7730 106 Street NW, President, EDHS Edmonton, AB, T6E 4W3
The HCF Reacts to the Because a development permit has yet The Foundation applauds those Demolition of Edmonton's to be issued, members of the Community municipalities that have implemented Lessard House Group of Oliver continued to work in policies which prevent the issuance of The Heritage Canada Foundation good faith to find a preservation solution demolition permits prior to site plan (HCF) was dismayed to learn of the for the 93-year-old house. Although approval and encourages other municipal recent demolition of the historic Lessard plans were under way to relocate the and provincial jurisdictions to consider House in Edmonton, Alberta. After a building, the developer demolished it implementing similar measures. demolition permit was issued to the without notice late last week. The Heritage Canada Foundation is a WAM Development Group last fall, the "This situation is not unique to national, membership-based, non-profit Foundation included the distinctive Edmonton. It's an unfortunate example organization with a mandate to promote Queen Anne style building on its 2006 of what is happening in communities the preservation of Canada 's historic Top Ten most endangered places list. The across Canada," said HCF executive buildings and places. house is also noteworthy for its builder director Natalie Bull. Carolyn Quinn , Director of and first occupant, Prosper Edmond "As is so often the case, outdated Communications, cquinn@heritagecana Lessard, a leader in the city's francophone planning decisions and zoning bylaws as da.org. Telephone: 613-237 (1066); Cell: community who served in the Provincial well as weak heritage legislation stack up 613-797?7206; Fax: 613-237?5987; Legislature and the federal Senate. against preservation." www.heritagecanada.org
Write to Chinook Country Historical Society 311, 223 12 Avenue SW Calgary, AB. T2R 009 by Carrol Jaques
Chinook Country Historical Society the board as past president, and I will available on the web site: www.alber has a new board, made up of the be depending on her for advice. tahistory.org/Chinook. Plan to attend as president , Carrol Jaques , who served as Stepping down from the board after a many of the events as you can. Many, CCHS treasurer for the past three years ; long run as a board member, vice pres many thanks to Walter DeBoni and the first vice-president, Peter Bate, also a ident, president, and past president, is committee. former treasurer and board member; Vivian Sampson. Chinook Country Tom Hamp, Chair of the Programs second vice-president, Henry Murzyn , Historical Society owes a huge debt of Committee, is in the midst of preparing a board member who has served for gratitude to Vivian for her many years the 2006-2007 programs which take three years; treasurer, Janet McMaster, as supporter and cheerleader for CCHS . place between September and May at an archivist with the Archives Network The Historic Calgary Week Ft. Calgary. Thank you, Tom. of Alberta; and secretary, Irene DeBoni , Committee, under the chairmanship of who served on the Historic Calgary Thanks to everyone who is working Walter DeBoni, has been working hard Week Committee last year. The seven hard to promote Canadian and Alberta to organize the annual event taking board members are Brenda Everitt, history in Chinook Country. place this summer from July 28 to Tom Hamp, Sheila Grogan, Frank August 6. We are very excited about the Miklos, George Milne, Haifa Selo, and program, "City of Treasures: Calgary's Laurel Halladay. Historic Gems ", which includes the I would like to take this opportunity Official Opening at Lougheed House to thank Diana Ringstrom for her hard and the Final Celebration at work as president. Diana remain s on Mewata Stadium. Information will be HSA Calendar of Events - 2006
Jul 28-Aug 6 CCHS Historic Week "City of Treasures: Calgary's Historic Gems"
& ~..'-.•...... -...'~ " . July 22 30 EDHS Edmonton Athabasca ( District ...... " ~ . ,":"::.;r Historic Festival.
Sept 6-7 HSA Casino - Deefoot Inn, Calgary •
Enjoy your summer
Across I. The firstEuropean to visitthe region now knownasAlberta, David? HSA Crossword This crossword puzzle devised by Jennifer Prest 4. Henry Marshall ? who opened Canada's first 'supermarket' in 1918 in Calgary Answers to last newsletter crossword: 8. Stooped or bent, as a mark of respect Across 1. Irvine; 4. Gibbons; 8. Pelts; 9. Northwest; 10. Oxo; 11. Unify; 9. William van ? of the CPR 12. flame; 13. Edson; IS. Empress; 18. Nordegg; 19. Drake; 22. Ranch; 10. 'One' for Fritz 24. Brown; 26. HBC; 27. Volcanoes; 29. India; 30. Sanders; 31. ESPN II . Age; period; epoch Down 1. Implode; 2. Val Jobson; 3. Nisku; 4. Garry; 5. Bah; 6. Opera; 12. Calgary 's fifth police chief, Alfred ?, 1912-1919 7. Sutter ; 9. Naivete; 12. Field; 14 North; 16 Pigeons; 17. Smashed-in; 20. 13. ? Hills, in the Peace River country Enchant; 21. Travis ; 23. Nolan; 24. Buoys; 25. Nails; 28. Age. 14. John 'l, leader of the American Fur Company 16. The Winter ? Games, held in Calgary in 1988 19. Attachments (abbr.) 20. A village on Highway 14, southeast of Tofield 23. To bring together 25. ? Christian Home in Calgary 27. Rancher, poet, and balladeer,? Tyson 28. ? Nolan, one of early Calgary's more colourful characters 30. A popular Beatles song, "Let it 'I" 31. Edith Cavell 's occupation 32. An Affirmative response 33. Hockey great, Bobby ? 34. Calgary philanthropist, ? Smith Down 1. An Indian community southeast of Edmonton 2. A city in the north east of England 3. An Alberta institution that deals with alcohol and drug addiction (abbr.) 4. Indian guide? Potts 5. A term seen in society columns; meaning born 6. Famous five member, Mary ? Parlby 7. A town on Highway 27, 77 km. southwest of Red Deer 9. Very ugly; horrifying 13. A prank or a seasoner IS. ? Mountain House 17. A common summer visitor, the? rumped warbler 18. A coal mine 21. Americans (slang) 22. Famous Five member, Emily ? 24. A hamlet on highway 22X, southeast of Calgary 25. President of the HSA 1975-77, Grant ? You have plenty of time to complete this crossword puzzle which was devised by a 26. Underwater sound ranging member of HSA. The answer will be published in the next issue of History Now. 29. Authorand contributorto "RememberingChinook Country",Bill ?