Material Type

Recording

Date Range

1980

Fonds

Pioneer Researchers Association Oral History Project

Creator

Pioneer Researchers Association

Physical Description

1 cassette tape; digital copy

Physical Condition

Excellent

Acquisition Source

Pioneer Researchers

Scope and Content

Tape 1 Side A (approx 30 min) - Biographical information: Her father Bob Davidson was born in 1889 in Inverness Scotland, one of 5 sons. The family migrated to North Dakota around 1 900. In 1 909, Bob, 2 of his brothers and their father came to southern Alberta and took up homesteads 4 miles west of Bow Isand. In 1910 Bob returned briefly to North Dakota to marry. He worked on the gas pipe lines until he had enough money to bring his bride out in 191 1 . Ethel describes her mother's first impressions of Bow Island and the homestead upon her arrival. - In 1912 the family moved to Midnapore, and in 1917 to Hays. Ethel was born in 1915. In 1922 the family returned to Bow Island where they remained. - The Bow Island homestead had propane even though there were gas wells on their property. - Raised cattle, sheep, and turkeys. - Hardships: dust storms, grasshoppers. Side B (approx 30 min) - Continue with grasshopper problems. - General information about the homestead. House was located near the So. Saskatchewan River. - General information about growing up on the farm. - Food storage and supply on the farm. - Ethel graduated from Bow Island, then went on to teach children of Cypress Hills ranchers. She taught in the homes of the ranchers. Classroom instruction varied with each pupil. - Her husband, Bob, was born in South Dakota. He was also a teacher, but quit in the 1930's. Information about her husband's family. They were married in 1939. - General information about Bob & Ethel's family and their retirement years.

Access Restrictions

Public Access

Accession No.

19921008041

Collection

Archive

Less detail