From the Archives of Western Newspapers

By Samantha Johnson
For Southern Alberta Newspapers

December 21, 1890 – The Times (Moose Jaw)

We would advise our town authorities to have the ditches at the ends of the sidewalks put into a passable state to avoid having to pay out for damages when no money is to be found in the treasury.

Canada has not yet had a large influx of the criminal population from Europe. The USA, as easily reached as Canada, furnishes a far wider field for the operation of criminals. It may safely be assumed that such people are not troubled with patriotic sentiments or the flag under which they pursue their questionable callings.  

The terrible working conditions of women in Paris has at last attracted the attention of the French government and inquiries are being made with a view to alleviate some of the sufferings. The working woman’s lot is not an easy one, but it is excessively hard in Paris. Only a handful of the trades women are engaged in are well paid, and these require expensive training.

December 23, 1910 – The Frank Vindicator

J. Hudson from the Department of Miners in Ottawa arrived in the Pass this week. He’s been sent by the Federal Government to investigate the recent disaster in Bellevue and discover the cause of the explosion.

Every year a million tons of oil of vitriol is poured into the atmosphere of London, chiefly from chimney and gas burners.

A team belonging to the Blairmore Livery ran away on Friday last, smashing up the wagon and doing considerable damage to harnesses, etc. Fortunately, there was nobody in the vehicle at the time the runaway started.

December 22, 1921 – Stony Plain Sun

Several protests have resulted from the recently passed Order of Council postponing the granting of title to holders of certificates for land purchased at the municipal tax sale in 1920. Normally, these titles would have been available in early December, but the order has named May 1 as the date, which could be made later at the next session of the legislature. The order was made to protect farmers in Southern Alberta, although leaves the holders of the certificates in a quandary as they bid on the lands with the understanding title would be issued after 12 months. 

Boot heels are of Persian origin and were originally attached to sandals in order that the wearers might keep their feet above hot sand. Heels as high as nine inches have been made and worn. When high heels were introduced in Venice, they were called chopines and were highly decorated. The height of the chopine proclaimed the rank of the wearer. 

Two men were found dead in the brush near Hargwen, 30 miles west of Edson. An inquest was held on Friday at Edson into the death of one of the men and it was determined he died by gunshot wounds inflicted by some person or persons unknown. An American trapper was taken into custody and is held pending investigations into the death of the second man.