Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Tori Kelly performs at Midway Edmonton

• Oilers Captain Hits 21st Century Milestone

• A deep dive into the life of Hilda Neatby

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough."

—Albert Einstein

Edmonton Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What is the name of the professional Canadian football team based in Edmonton?

A) Edmonton Oilers

B) Edmonton Elks

C) Edmonton Eskimos

D) Edmonton Wildcats

Last Week's Trivia:
What unique architectural feature is the Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton known for?
Answer: A) Its glass pyramids

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Edmonton's office vacancies are coming down, but office-to-residence redevelopment talk continues to swirl. (link)

Crews battled a fire at a northeast Edmonton business. A fire damaged a commercial building on Fort Road. (link)

Business is booming for the NHL, which has bounced back in a major way from the pandemic. (link)

🏦 Finance

Bursary funding to help attract students to promising careers in construction. (link)

Planned Edmonton recovery center seeks to provide financial relief for lung transplant patients. (link)

🏒 Sports

Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid became the fourth player in NHL history to record 100 assists in a season. (link)

An Edmonton brewery is honouring one of the city's favourite sports icons with a limited edition Joey Moss. (link)

Edmonton Oil Kings to Mutually Part Ways with Assistant Coach and Manager of Player Development, Serge Lajoie. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚽🏀 April Girls Multi-Sport Mini Camp
Calder Elementary School 12950 118 Street Northwest Edmonton,
Saturday, April 27 | (more info)

🚴‍♂️ Edmonton Cyclist Meetup
The Colombian Coffee Bar & Roastery 10340 134 Street Northwest ##1 Edmonton
Saturday, April 27, 2024 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM MDT| (more info)

Concerts

🎤 Tori Kelly – Purple Skies Tour
Midway Edmonton
Mon Apr 22 2024 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎸Bellamy Brothers
Century Casino Edmonton, AB
Friday April 26 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎤 Pouya, Terror Reid, Fat Nick
Union Hall Edmonton
Saturday April 27 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🖤 Emo Night Brooklyn
Midway Edmonton
Saturday April 27 | 10:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🦕 Jurassic Quest | Edmonton EXPO Centre | Edmonton, AB
7515 118 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB AB T5B, Canada
April 26-April 28 | (more info)

👗Toronto Kids Fashion Week 2024 Season 19th - Edmonton
Fringe Theatre 10330 84 Ave NW Edmonton,
Saturday, April 27, 2024 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM MDT | (more info)

🎨 Family Paint Party
CCT Indoor Centre - Kingsway
Tuesday, April 23 · 6:30 - 8:30pm MDT | (more info)

🎶Karma Concerts Cabaret Drew Gregory & Special Guest Sheyna Gee
Leduc Recreation Centre
Saturday, April 27, 2024 5:00 PM - 11:30 PM MDT | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Post-apocalyptic Edmonton reclaimed by nature.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Edmonton History

1914 - 1918: Edmonton during World War I.

During the tumultuous years of World War I, from 1914 to 1918, Edmonton, like many cities across Canada and the world, experienced profound changes and challenges. The city found itself deeply intertwined with the global conflict, contributing men, women, and resources to the war effort. Edmontonians from all walks of life rallied to support the cause, with thousands volunteering for service overseas in the Canadian Expeditionary Force. This period saw a remarkable outpouring of community spirit and patriotism, as the city organized fundraising drives, enlisted volunteers for the front lines, and supported war-related industries. The impact of the war was felt in every corner of the city, touching the lives of families who waited anxiously for news from the front.

The home front in Edmonton was marked by a significant transformation as the war effort necessitated shifts in the social and economic fabric of the city. Women stepped into roles traditionally held by men, working in factories, offices, and even in agricultural capacities to keep the home fires burning. This shift not only contributed to the war effort but also initiated changes in societal attitudes toward women's labor and independence. Meanwhile, the city's infrastructure and resources were strained by the demands of supporting the war overseas, leading to innovations in production and conservation efforts. Edmonton also saw the emergence of patriotic and community organizations aimed at supporting the troops and their families, reinforcing a sense of unity and collective purpose.

The aftermath of World War I left an indelible mark on Edmonton, shaping its post-war identity and community dynamics. The return of veterans brought both celebrations and challenges, as the city grappled with providing adequate care, rehabilitation, and reintegration services for those who had served. The war had catalyzed significant population growth and urban development in Edmonton, setting the stage for further expansion in the decades to come. Additionally, the shared experiences of sacrifice, loss, and resilience during the war years fostered a strong sense of community and civic pride, contributing to Edmonton's evolving character as a city. Reflecting on this period offers insight into the ways in which global events can profoundly influence local histories, leaving legacies that resonate well beyond the years of conflict.

Famous Edmontonians

Hilda Neatby (1904–1975): Historian and educator, known for her influence on Canadian education.

Early Life and Education (1904–1925)

Hilda Neatby was born in 1904 in Bury, England, and immigrated with her family to Canada, where they settled in Saskatchewan. Growing up in a pioneering environment, Neatby was instilled with a strong sense of independence and a love for learning. She pursued higher education with vigor, attending the University of Saskatchewan, where she earned her Bachelor's degree, laying the foundation for her future career as a historian and educator.

Advanced Studies and Early Academic Career (1926–1940)

After completing her undergraduate studies, Neatby traveled abroad to further her education, earning a Master's degree from the University of London. Upon her return to Canada, she embarked on an academic career, teaching history at the University of Saskatchewan. Her early career was marked by a commitment to rigorous scholarship and an innovative approach to teaching.

World War II and Its Impact (1941–1945)

The outbreak of World War II profoundly impacted Neatby, as it did many of her contemporaries. She contributed to the war effort through her academic work, focusing on contemporary history and the implications of global conflict. This period honed her analytical skills and deepened her commitment to education as a means to foster understanding and peace.

Post-War Educational Reform (1946–1955)

In the post-war period, Neatby became a vocal advocate for educational reform in Canada. She argued for a curriculum that emphasized critical thinking over rote memorization and sought to promote a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to history education. Her efforts during this time laid the groundwork for significant changes in Canadian educational practices.

"So Little for the Mind" (1956–1960)

Neatby's most influential work, "So Little for the Mind," was published in 1953. In this book, she critically examined the state of Canadian education, advocating for higher standards and a return to a more liberal education that would prepare students not just for careers but for citizenship and life. This publication sparked nationwide debate and established Neatby as a leading figure in Canadian education.

Connection to Edmonton (1961–1965)

Neatby's influence reached across Canada, including a significant connection to Edmonton, where she was involved in educational initiatives and lectured frequently. Her work in Edmonton reflected her broader commitment to improving education nationwide, influencing both policy and practice in Alberta's schools and universities.

Later Career and Honors (1966–1970)

In her later career, Neatby continued to teach, write, and engage in public discourse on education. She received numerous accolades for her contributions to Canadian history and education, including honorary degrees and awards that recognized her pioneering role in advocating for educational reform and excellence in historical scholarship.

Legacy and Death (1971–1975)

Hilda Neatby passed away in 1975, leaving behind a legacy as a formidable critic of educational complacency and a champion of liberal education. Her work influenced generations of educators, historians, and policy-makers, and her writings continue to be cited in discussions on education reform in Canada and beyond.

Key Achievements

• Authored "So Little for the Mind," a seminal critique of Canadian education.

• Advocated for educational reform and a liberal approach to curriculum development.

• Played a pivotal role in shaping Canadian historical scholarship and education policy.

• Received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to education and history.

Hilda Neatby was a trailblazer in Canadian education and history, known for her incisive critiques and advocacy for reform. Her work, especially "So Little for the Mind," sparked significant debates and led to changes in educational practices across Canada. Neatby's legacy endures in the ongoing discussions about the purpose and approach of education, underscoring her impact on shaping the minds of future generations.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen 

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