Edmonton Newsletter (September 30th)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

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Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Upcoming Edmonton Oilers home game

  • AI art of the week

  • A deep dive into the life of Alexander Cameron Rutherford

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

“Poetry is an awareness of the world, a particular way of relating to reality.”

― Andrei Tarkovsky

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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!

Which river flows through Edmonton?

A) Bow River

B) Red Deer River

C) North Saskatchewan River

D) Athabasca River

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The City of Edmonton was officially incorporated in B) 1904

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Amazon Aims to Reshape How Hockey’s Super Fans Watch the NHL.(link)

Fundraising campaign launched to save Edmonton's Earth's General Store.(link)

🏦Finance

Most non-homeowners in Edmonton feel buying own home is out of reach.(link)

🏒Sports

Oilers Make First Cuts, Send Four Rookies Down to Juniors.(link)

Evander Kane eyes 2025 return to Edmonton Oilers after successful surgery.(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

🏒 Edmonton Oilers vs. Vancouver Canucks
Rogers Place Edmonton, AB
Monday September 30 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🤠 Canadian Finals Rodeo powered by ATB
Rogers Place Edmonton, AB
Wednesday October 2 | 6:30 PM | (more info)

Concerts

🎶 Nico Paulo
The Aviary, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Monday 30 September | (more info)

Family

🎨 Family Paint Party
Swirl Cafe & Games 6825 177 Street NW Edmonton,
Monday, September 30 | 6 - 8pm MDT | (more info)

🎃 LEGO Jack-o-lantern & Halloween Activities
Staples St. Albert Sq Store 111
Wednesday October 2 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 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 “Edmonton with domed buildings.” 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

Late 1700s - Early 1800s: The Establishment of Fort Edmonton by the Hudson's Bay Company.

In the late 1700s and early 1800s, the establishment of Fort Edmonton by the Hudson's Bay Company marked a pivotal moment in the history of Edmonton, Alberta. This fur trading post was strategically situated along the North Saskatchewan River, serving as a key hub for the fur trade in Western Canada. The fort facilitated the exchange of furs and goods between European traders and various Indigenous nations in the region.

Fort Edmonton played a significant role in shaping the growth and development of the Edmonton area. It not only served as a vital economic center but also as a point of cultural exchange and interaction between European settlers and Indigenous peoples. Over time, Fort Edmonton evolved, with several iterations and relocations, eventually leading to the establishment of the modern city of Edmonton.

The establishment of Fort Edmonton by the Hudson's Bay Company laid the foundation for the city's future growth and its role as a regional trade and cultural center. Today, it stands as a historical landmark, offering insights into the early history of Edmonton and the complex relationships between Indigenous peoples and European settlers during the fur trade era.

Famous Edmontonians

Alexander Cameron Rutherford (1857–1941): The first Premier of Alberta.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1857 in Osgoode, Ontario, Alexander Cameron Rutherford was well-educated, attending McGill University. This foundation nurtured his intellectual growth, preparing him for significant future endeavors in law and politics.

Legal Career and Move to Alberta

Rutherford began his legal career in Ontario before moving to Alberta, then part of the Northwest Territories, in 1895. In Alberta, he quickly established himself as a respected lawyer and an active community member.

Entry into Politics

His political career started in the Northwest Territories' Legislative Assembly. Rutherford's advocacy for the western territories' rights and development marked him as a leader with a vision for the region's future.

Becoming Alberta's First Premier

When Alberta was formed in 1905, Rutherford was chosen as its first Premier. This period was pivotal for Alberta, and Rutherford's role in shaping the province's early legislation and institutions was crucial.

Contributions as Premier

As Premier, Rutherford focused on education, infrastructure, and economic development. He was instrumental in founding the University of Alberta in Edmonton, highlighting his commitment to education and research. This initiative was significant for Edmonton, establishing it as a center of academic excellence and innovation.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite his accomplishments, Rutherford's tenure as Premier faced challenges, including political controversies that led to his resignation in 1910. However, these did not overshadow his substantial contributions to Alberta and Edmonton.

Life after Premiership

After his political career, Rutherford continued to contribute significantly to public life, particularly in Edmonton. He remained engaged in various civic and cultural initiatives, solidifying his legacy in the city and province.

Death and Legacy

Rutherford passed away in 1941. His legacy, particularly in Edmonton, is marked by his role in establishing key institutions and his vision for Alberta's development. He is remembered as a foundational figure in the province’s history.

Rutherford and Edmonton

Edmonton was central to Rutherford's career. As Premier, his decisions and initiatives greatly impacted the city, particularly his role in establishing the University of Alberta, which became a cornerstone of Edmonton's identity as an educational and cultural hub.

Key Achievements :

  • Served as the first Premier of Alberta, shaping its early governance.

  • Founded the University of Alberta, a significant contribution to Edmonton and Alberta’s educational landscape.

  • Advocated for infrastructure development and educational advancement in Alberta.

  • His political and civic engagement had a lasting impact on Edmonton's development.

  • Rutherford's vision and leadership were instrumental in defining Alberta's early years.

Alexander Cameron Rutherford's life reflects a legacy intertwined with the growth and development of Alberta, particularly Edmonton. His contributions to education and his role in shaping the province's early days remain pivotal chapters in Edmonton's history.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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