Increased mobility and the relative isolation of Markerville
continued to affect its overall viability as a commercial centre
through the 1920s and 1930s. Serviced at the time by rural roads,
connecting highways bypassed the community. As motor vehicles
became more common, nearby communities such as Innisfail became
important commercial centres. Increased farm mechanization
affected rural communities as the need for labourers generally
decreased. With no additional immigration from Iceland, the use of
the Icelandic language fell dramatically as the first generation
of Icelandic settlers died. The arrival and establishment of other
cultural groups exceeded the community's predominantly Icelandic
population.
During this era, the presence of Icelandic descendants increased
in Alberta's urban centres of Calgary and Edmonton. The
community's high regard for learning and education led many to the
colleges and universities of the larger centres. As well,
Icelandic descendants from the Manitoba and Saskatchewan
settlements moved to Alberta's major cities, particularly during
the post-war era. It is in the urban centres where a rejuvenation
of Icelandic cultural expression has thrived. Unlike other
cultural societies, the Icelandic societies formed in Calgary and
Edmonton are largely comprised of the Canadian born generations of
the first Icelanders. In addition, new Icelandic immigration has
been minimal, although significant in terms of creating interest
in the ancestral homeland and traditions of Canadian born
generations.
These Icelandic societies were central to reviving interest in the
Icelandic cultural heritage in the Markerville district. This
rejuvenation led to the formation of the Stephan Stephansson
Society which helped develop and guide the restoration of
Stephansson's home as a provincial historic site. The Icelandic
National Day celebrations in June and until recently, the Tombola
bazaar have resulted in important commemorative occasions in the
life of the community. Festive occasions celebrating the lore and
literature of Iceland have been organized. Icelandic language
classes and camps have also emerged to encourage cultural
learning. The Markerville Creamery serves as a museum and
interpretive centre for the dairy industry that was central to the
early settlement
Importantly, the interest of Icelander nationals in the experience
of the so-called 'West Icelanders' has led to increased visitation
of homeland and settlement. While the Icelandic presence at
Markerville was small in comparison with the Manitoba and
Saskatchewan settlements, the naming of Stephan Stephansson as
among Iceland's esteemed Poet Laureates has led to sustained
interest in the Alberta experience by both Icelanders and
non-Icelanders alike.
Source
Palmer, Howard and Tamara. 'The Icelandic Experience in Alberta. '
in The Peoples of Alberta: Portraits of Cultural Diversity.
Saskatoon: Western Producer Books, 1985.
Heritage Community Foundation Presents
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