The Premier's Centennial Invitation Program's postcard invitations depict special times in our province's past when people have gathered together for companionship, fellowship and friendship. Through these postcards, the seemingly simple, everyday encounters of the past have become a reminder to all Albertans of the importance of maintaining meaningful friendships and family relationships.
All the photos used for the postcards were provided by the Provincial Archives of Alberta.
Come together.
You were happy. You couldn't be anything else. Especially outside, where the enormous Alberta sky and endless horizon invited you to come out to play. The gentle prairie wind carried the soft smell of the clouds, and the happy squeals of your brothers and sisters. Creating memories that travel with you, wherever you go…it was family.
» View the postcard full size
Photo courtesy of the Provincial Archives of Alberta (G.402)"Prized largest family", Smokey Lake Sports Day, 1938 (N.Gavinchuk).
Bring the home team, home.
You couldn't feel your toes. But it didn't matter. The ice was clean and new, the big old Alberta sun was shining and you were on "the pond" with your pals. The crisp sound of metal carving ice, the slap of sticks…cheers and laughter warmed your hearts and made frost appear on eyelashes and caps. It was magic.
» View the postcard full size
» Read the story behind the photo
Photo courtesy of the Provincial Archives of Alberta (G.435) Boys playing hockey, Smokey Lake December, 1939 (N.Gavinchuk).
Taste the good life.
You were full. Shoulder to shoulder, you shared the joy and passed the butter in the best place in the world. The late summer sun danced lightly on smiling cheeks as the whispering leaves gossiped around you. The conversation was warm, the laughter uncorked, and the hearty smell of the feast filled you up well before your first bite. It was delicious.
» View the postcard full size
Photo courtesy of the Provincial Archives of Alberta (H.750)Picnicking at Bowden, early 1900s.
Make some noise.
You couldn't hear yourself think. What with the kids running in and out, laughing, squealing and slamming the screen door. The house was hot under the summer sun, and a welcome breeze blew in past waving drapes, bringing summer with it. The sounds of sprinklers, lawn mowers, barking dogs and delighted little ones completed the symphony. It was heaven.
» View the postcard full size
Photo courtesy of the Provincial Archives of Alberta/Edmonton Journal collection (J.4580/4). Charles and Grace Clark of High River, May 23, 1979.
Light a fire.
You swore your knees were melting. But it didn't matter. You didn't have a care in the world, deliberately lost in a sea of lush Alberta wilderness. The crackling fire played its light, making shadows dance in the twilight while the sweet, smoky smell of the wood wrapped gently around you, and you licked the sticky, toasted marshmallow from your lips…it was paradise.
» View the postcard full size
Photo courtesy of the Provincial Archives of Alberta/Edmonton Journal collection (J.4577/5). Camping at Aspen Beach, May 22, 1979.
A proud supporter of the Centennial Invitation Program.