People and Places: Irene Parlby and the 'Persons Case' © 1999

Irene Marryat was raised to be the proper young English lady. But as historian Merrily Aubrey explains, she gladly left behind the stuffy tearooms of Victorian England when she married an Alberta rancher by the name of Walter Parlby.

Rutherford House: Moving Up the Social Ladder Circa 1915 © 1999

The afternoon teas, or at-homes as they were called at Rutherford House, were not only important social events. They provided a necessary vehicle for moving up the social ladder. And as historian Lisa Mort-Putland explains, the role of women should not be underestimated.

 
Rutherford House: Mrs. Rutherford's "at Homes" on the Tea Party Circuit © 1999

In the early decades of the 1900's, a crucial part of the social circuit was the afternoon tea party. And according to historian Lisa Mort-Putland, none were more prestigious than those at Rutherford House in Edmonton.

Controlling Liquor In Alberta, Part III: Voice of Women and Temperance Movement, 1891 to 1916 © 2000

In the late 1800's, the movement to bring in prohibition of liquor was gaining momentum. The topic became a major issue in the Northwest Territories election of 1891. And as historian David Leonard explains, it also became the issue that helped women find their political voice.

Controlling Liquor In Alberta, Part IV: Voice of Women and Temperance Movement, 1891 to 1916 © 2000

At the time when the new province of Alberta passed its Liquor Ordinance in 1907, it also brought into effect provisions for "Direct Legislation." And as historian David Leonard points out, it didn't take long for the United Farm Women of Alberta to rally support for Prohibition.

A Woman of the West—Part I ©1967

Discusses Irene Parlby's early life in England and what brought her to India and later western Canada.
 
 
 

A Woman of the West—Part 2 ©1967

Irene Parlby talks about the isolation she first experienced on the Parlby ranch.

A Woman of the West—Part 3 ©1967

Irene Parlby discusses what motivated her and her neighbours to start a Country Women's Club and a local library in the Alix district.