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Leisure Activities 

Organizing Leisure   Gendered Leisure   Leisure in the Home

In the early pioneer days, Canada's West was almost characterized by its lack of recreation or leisure activities, since developing a farm meant long hours and often little money. One of the greatest challenges of prairie life, especially for women, was loneliness. Unlike her husband who worked more outside and had the opportunity to travel into town and visit neighbors, a women was often stuck at home, caring for children and performing household chores. In particular, during the long winter months, the home for women could become a virtual prison. As communities grew, however, many attempts were made to alleviate this situation and often, it was women who made these attempts.

 

	Heritage Trails #198 Advent of Auto Camping, 1920 Between the years of 1905 and 1920 the Alberta government spent $13 million on roads. This gave rise to auto camping. Theses “auto camps” are described in all their amenities. Listen Now!   Read Transcript   Heritage Trails #208 Sylvan Lake Regatta, 1916 Albertans quickly fell in love with the lakes in Alberta. Popularly of Lake resorts grew as more and more people got cars. Sylvan Lake was one of the popular destinations. Sylvan Lake’s amenities and facilities are described along with a popular event called the Sylvan Lake Regatta. Listen Now!   Read Transcript