By 1912 the large-scale cowboy ranches of the Old West had been disappearing for years and the Calgary Stampede — along with other exhibitions, like Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show — was set-up to commemorate a fading way of life for younger generations and for those who still remembered the mythic era. The Canadian Northwest shared in that grand tradition, and the time was right for a great Canadian cowboy showcase.

After a century of international acclaim, the western dream continues and to commemorate the early days of the great Calgary Stampede, a collection of post cards from its enthusiastic youthful years illustrates the look and feel of those exciting times.

Taken from the vast post card collection held by the University of Alberta Libraries, these classic views capture all the excitement, from the championship cowboys, cowgirls, and horses, to the tragedies of defeat and injuries. The parades, the aboriginal camps, and all the lively hoopla are recalled in these images, with historical text to add context to those days of dust, sweat and glory.

Ken Tingley came to Alberta with his family in 1956, first living in Royalties, just over the hill from Longview, where his father taught school. Every morning he could see the Rockies from his bedroom window, and recalls being invited with his parents to a real roundup at the Bews ranch. Ken Tingley was named the first Historian Laureate of Edmonton in 2010.

Ken Tingley's profile page