From the Vaults: Audio from Edmonton's Past

In today's episode, we join Bruce Ibsen and Bryce Van Dusen in their September 6th, 1985 interview. The son of early western settlers, Van Dusen describes his life in early Edmonton and his work as an entrepreneur.  This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on March 26th, 2021. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s....

In today's episode, we join Bruce Ibsen and Ernie Smalian in their July 12th, 1985 interview. Smalian describes his work building the early hockey community in Edmonton.  This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on March 26th, 2021. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Both social attitudes and language standards...

In today's episode, we join John McIssac in his November 27th, 1981 interview of James F. Falconer. Falconer, a member of the Edmonton Public School Board among other positions, describes the changes he saw in Edmonton and Alberta during his career. Cover Image: EA-4-9 [James F. Falconer] https://cityarchives.edmonton.ca/james-f-falconer-2 This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch op...

In today's episode, we join Bruce Ibsen in his June 25th, 1985 interview of Doug Lychak, City Manager. Lychak describes his time before being hired as the City of Edmonton's City Manager, as well as crucial points in his carrier during.  This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on March 25th, 2021. These interviews were recorded...

On today's episode, we join John McIssac in his October 4th, 1984 interview of Elizabeth 'Betty' Hewes. An Alderman from 1974 to 1984, Hewes speaks to her time in Edmonton and her work with 22 public and community service boards. Hewes also speaks to her work as an MLA after her aldermanic career and election to the Legislature as a Liberal member, the first woman since Nellie McLun...

In today's episode, we join John McIssac and  Margaret 'Peggy' Farnell (O'Conner) for the second part of their September 20th, 1984 interview.  This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on March 24th, 2021. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Both social attitudes and language standards have change...

In today's episode, we join John McIssac and  Margaret 'Peggy' Farnell (O'Conner) for the first part of their September 20th, 1984 interview.  Farnell, a veteran of William Stevenson's security services during the Second World War and later librarian at the University of Alberta, describes her childhood and education as a child of one of Edmonton's wealthy pre-World W...

In today's episode, we join John McIssac and Thomas Elmer Adams in their September 25th, 1984 interview. As the Commissioner for Economic Affairs, Adams provides an insightful perspective of Edmonton's economic growth as Alberta's capital. Cover Image: ET-32-12 Commissioners and Mayor Dent (Adams on right end) This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was...

In today's episode, we join John McIssac and Una MacLean Evans in their 1981 interview. Evans describes her time working as an Alderman for Edmonton's City Council from 1966 to 1974, especially her advocacy for the LRT system and the 1978 Commonwealth Games.  This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on March 22nd, 2021. These int...

In today's episode, we join John McIssac and Michael Edward English in their October 20th, 1983 interview. English describes his life and career, where he eventually became the Edmonton & District Labour Council Executive Secretary.  This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on March 21st, 2021. These interviews were recorded in th...

In today's episode, we join John McIssac and Arthur Cload in their September 22nd, 1983 interview. Cload describes his time as an auctioneer, especially his experiences working in police auctions.  Cover Image: EA-600-3587 https://cityarchives.edmonton.ca/auctioneer-arthur-cload-conducts-auction-at-the-late-dr-egerton-l-popes-residence This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open r...

In today's episode, we join John McIssac and Paul J. Norris in their September 26th, 1983 interview. Norris describes his time working as an alderman for the City of Edmonton. Additionally, Norris describes the restructuring of Edmonton's downtown district in an effort to modernize it to bring in more people. This recording has been shortened due to its length. This interview was origina...

On today's episode, we join John McIssac and Kenneth Gordon Newman in their September 7th, 1982 interview. Newman, an Alderman for the City of Edmonton,  was previously a Mayor of Jasper Place before annexation and describes his time representing his community through it's changes.  This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on Feb...

On today's episode, we join John McIssac and Gerald Wright in the second part of their September 14th, 1982 interview.  This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on February 11th, 2021. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Both social attitudes and language standards have changed since that time.  Some opinions ex...

On today's episode, we join John McIssac and Gerald Wright in the first part of their September 14th, 1982 interview. Wright, an Alderman for the City of Edmonton, describes his support for the expansion of the LRT system as well as his work to preserve historically vital pieces of architecture around the City.  This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitiz...

On today's episode, join John McIssac and John Bamford in their November 16th, 1982 interview. A self-described 'odd-jobber,' Bamford describes his time working in the municipal airport hangars as a mechanic.  This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on February 11th, 2021. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, a...

On today's episode, join John McIssac and June Sheppard in their December 10th, 1982 interview. A CBC radio host and columnist for the Edmonton Journal, Sheppard outlines her work in media and her volunteer work advancing women in the workplace and society in general. This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on February 11th, 2021. Co...

On today's episode, join John McIssac and William Chmiliar in their September 7th, 1982 interview. A veteran of the Canadian Intelligence Operatives of World War II and eventual Alderman, Chmiliar provides an extraordinarily interesting perspective of Canada during the war years. There are some audio dropouts within the first four minutes of the interview. This section has been retained in or...

On today's episode, join John McIssac and Edith Rogers in their October 12th, 1982 interview. As a teacher, Social Credit Organizer, and School Board Trustee, Rogers was witness and driver of many changes in Edmonton's early systems of education.  Cover Image: EA-600-1923a A.E. Thornton and Mrs. Edith Rogers This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digiti...

On today's episode, join John McIssac and Frank Burrows in their September 21st, 1982 interview. As a former Chief Commissioner of the City of Edmonton, Burrows' responsibilities encompassed submitting reports to Edmonton City Council when requested for information. These reports would then form the basis of Council decisions. Cover Image: ET-28-165 - Chief Commissioner D.F. Burrows This...

For today's release, we join John McIssac on July 7th, 1982 for his interview of Arthur 'Art' Evans. A journalist for the Edmonton Journal, Evans was also married to Una McLean Evans, an alderman. This recording has been shortened due to its length. Edmonton Journal article featuring Art Evans This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an...

In today's episode, we join John McIssac in his interview of John C. Barford and his wife, Pat. The couple was interviews on June 21st, 1982. This recording has been shortened due to its length. This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on January 28th, 2021. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Both social attitu...

This week on the podcast, tune in to John McIssac interviewing Mary McAllister on May 28th, 1982. During the interview, McAllister describes the early social development of Edmonton. This recording has been shortened due to its length. This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on January 28th, 2021.  These interviews were recorded in the 19...

Join John McIssac and Clara Mintz on their March 9th, 1982 interview this week. Mintz describes her work as the first executive director of Edmonton Jewish Family Services as well as her early roots in social work. This recording has been shortened due to its length. This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on January 28th, 2021. These int...

This week, we join John McIssac in his 1981 interview of Thomas William Broad. Born in England, Broad describes his relocation to Canada and eventual positions as the President of the Civil Service Association of Alberta and as the first President of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE).  This recording was shortened due to its length.  This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inc...