After the war years, Alberta underwent massive economic and social alterations in such rapid succession that they could hardly be measured or predicted. Returning veterans starting families created a huge economic boom. These are the stories of Olympic organizers, philanthropists, collectors, Order of Canada recipients, wrestling promoters, painters, dancers, porters, and jazz musicians. The Post Haste theme demonstrates how some Albertans relish change and progress. The narratives of these Mavericks will facilitate student understanding of how diverse groups of people played a role in establishing Alberta’s identity and promoting social change.
The Mavericks
Scrupulously frugal, Eric Harvie was never extravagant on a client’s behalf, but by the end of his life he was wildly extravagant on behalf of the people of Alberta and Canada.
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Despite the obstacles Marion Nicoll encountered as an artist, she never regretted her profession. She looked beneath Alberta’s outward beauty to its bones.
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Born under Czarist rule, Morris Shumiatcher’s story is that of the quintessential immigrant experience paired with a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
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Regina Cheremeteff invented herself as the Madame of Russian ballet in Calgary.
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Music was the bridge Melvin Crump built between black and white. First trained in saxophone, Crump’s lungs couldn’t take the strain and he switched to drums.
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Stu Hart’s legacy was a bizarre but never boring sport: commercial professional wrestling.
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A builder and a booster, Bill Pratt could persuade anyone to do anything — but if they didn’t do it right, he’d fire them. He was the project manager for Calgary’s first shopping centre and the new Grandstand at Stampede Park, and was in charge of retooling McMahon Stadium, developing Heritage Park, and building the Olympic Saddledome.
