From the Vaults: Audio from Edmonton's Past
89 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago -From the Vaults: Audio from Edmonton’s Past is a bi-weekly podcast that explores the early history of Edmonton through digitized audio recordings preserved in the City of Edmonton Archives. These recordings were made by the people who helped shape Edmonton and who bore witness to the community’s growth throughout the early twentieth century. Wearing headphones to listen is highly recommended!
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Episodes
An Interview with Pierre Cochard
March 08, 2022 18:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MBToday, John McIssac interviews Pierre Cochard, most well known as the founder of the Chez Pierre Cabaret. This interview took place on August 28th, 1981. Cover Image: EA-207-47 Chez Pierre Cabaret This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on January 14th, 2021. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Both social attitudes and language standards have changed since that time. Some opinions expressed and language u...
An Interview with Dr. Peter Frank Bargen
February 23, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 41.8 MBThis week we join John McIssac on August 17th, 1981 for his interview of former Chief Commissioner Dr. Peter Frank Bargen. As both a former School Board Intendant and Chief Commissioner, Dr. Bargen describes the evolution of his career and the development of the City. This recording has been shortened due to its length. This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on December 17th, 2020. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s...
An Interview with Alfred H. Savage
February 09, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 41.6 MBThis week we join John McIssac on August 14th, 1981 for his interview of former Commissioner Alfred H. Savage. This recording has been shortened due to its length. Cover Image: ET-28-264 https://cityarchives.edmonton.ca/dr-howell-left-commissioner-savage-right This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on January 7th, 2021. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Both social attitudes and language standards have c...
An Interview with Stan Hampton
January 26, 2022 08:00 - 57 minutes - 39.7 MBThis week we join John McIssac on June 12th, 1981 for his interview of former Commissioner Stan Hampton. Topics include the growth of the City's infrastructure, particularly the establishment of the Edmonton Convention Center. This recording has been shortened due to its length. Cover Image: EA-805-3 https://cityarchives.edmonton.ca/mrs-isabella-mossman-of-the-citys-social-service-department-is-presented-with-the-city-of-edmonton-personal-citation-certificate-by-mayor-ivor-dent This interv...
An Interview with Stan Williams
January 12, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 61.7 MBToday, we join John McIssac in his May 15th, 1981 interview of Stan Williams. A newspaper man from a very early age, Williams details his start in Vancouver's reporting scene before his eventual move to Edmonton and to the Edmonton Journal. This recording has been shortened due to its length. MS-221: Stan Williams fonds https://cityarchives.edmonton.ca/stan-williams-fonds Cover Image: EA-279-2 https://cityarchives.edmonton.ca/stan-and-margaret-williams This interview was originally recor...
An Interview with William B. Cairn
December 29, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 61 MBOn today's episode, we join John McIssac for his March 5th, 1981 interview of William B. Cairn. The former Director of Personnel for the City of Edmonton, Cairn describes his early life in Belfast before his eventual relocation to Edmonton. This recording has been shortened due to its length. This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on December 17th, 2020. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Both social attit...
An Interview with Lawrence 'Buck' Olsen
December 15, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 54.2 MBIn today's episode, we join John McIssac and Lawrence 'Buck' Olsen on their December 11th, 1980 interview. Olsen, a member of Edmonton's City Council for three terms, describes his time there and some of the large-scale projects he was involved in. This recording has been shortened due to its length. This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on December 10th, 2020. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Both soci...
An Interview with Terry Cavanagh
December 01, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 68.7 MBIn today's episode, join John McIssac and Terry Cavanagh, Edmonton's first native-born mayor, on their December 4th, 1980 interview. This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on December 10th, 2020. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Both social attitudes and language standards have changed since that time. Some opinions expressed and language used may be offensive to listeners today.
An Interview with Margery Allen and Mrs. Barker
November 17, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 46.6 MBIn today's episode, we join John McIssac, Margery Allen, and Mrs. Barker in their 1980 interview. The interviewees describe their time in Edmonton and the development of the City. This recording has been shortened due to its length. This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on December 10th, 2020. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Both social attitudes and language standards have changed since that time. Som...
An Interview with Dr. Ivor Dent
November 03, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 46.6 MBIn today's episode, we join John McIssac and Dr. Ivor Dent in their November 5/12th, 1980 interview. Dent describes his time as Mayor of Edmonton and delves into his experience bidding on the Commonwealth Games, which were successfully held in Edmonton in 1978. This recording has been shortened due to its length. Cover Image: Edmonton Public Library via Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ivor_Dent.jpg This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digit...
An Interview with Dr. Kenneth S. Penifold
October 20, 2021 07:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MBOn today's episode, we join John McIssac in his October 27th, 1980 interview of Dr. Kenneth S. Penifold. As the Director of Environmental Health Services for the City of Edmonton at the time, Penifold describes his interest in public health and how he came to that position from an interest in animal care. This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on November 17th, 2020. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Bot...
An Interview with Cecil 'Tiger' Goldstick
October 06, 2021 07:00 - 58 minutes - 40.3 MBOn today's episode, we join John McIssac and Cecil 'Tiger' Goldstick for their September 25th, 1980 interview. The son of Edmonton's first rabbi, Goldstick describes his perspective of the early Jewish community in Edson and Edmonton. In addition to his experiences during WWII, Goldstick describes his career in sports, specifically his boxing career. Cover Image: EA-600-209b https://cityarchives.edmonton.ca/cecil-tiger-goldstick-boxer This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch ope...
An Interview with William P. Wagner, Part 3
September 22, 2021 07:00 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MBToday we conclude David Leonard's interview series of William P. Wagner. Taking place on the same day, April 27th, 1977, Wagner completes his recollection of his career and explains some of his retirement projects. This recording has been shortened due to its length. Cover Image: EA-311-2 https://cityarchives.edmonton.ca/w-p-wagner This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on October 23rd, 2020. These interviews were recorded in th...
An Interview with Jessie Allan 'Scotty' Campbell
September 08, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 53.1 MBJoin Scotty Campbell and David Leonard in their May 30th, 1977 interview. Campbell, the brother of a previous interviewee, Jessie Campbell, describes his time working in botany and plant pathology. This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on October 16th, 2020. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Both social attitudes and language standards have changed since that time. Some opinions expressed and language u...
An Interview with Robert John (Ernest) Cook
August 25, 2021 07:00 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MBJoin Ernest Cook and David Leonard in their May 12th, 1977 interview on today's episode. Cook discusses his early life, especially the history and development of Taber, Alberta. This recording has been shortened due to its length. Cover Image: EA-600-570 https://cityarchives.edmonton.ca/newly-elected-executive-at-the-annual-ccf-provincial-convention-l-r-t-b-harold-bronson-john-h-king-w-margolus-j-ernest-cook-mrs-nellie-peterson-and-elmer-e-roper This interview was originally recorded on a ...
An Interview with William P. Wagner, Part 2
August 11, 2021 07:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MBIn today's episode, we continue David Leonard's interview of William P. Wagner on April 27th, 1977. Wagner continues his discussion of his teaching career. Due to an error in recording, the interview was cut short. Cover Image: EA-311-2 https://cityarchives.edmonton.ca/w-p-wagner This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on October 16th, 2020. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Both social attitudes and lang...
An Interview with Joseph Lamoureux
July 28, 2021 07:00 - 23 minutes - 16.5 MBOn today's episode, David Leonard interviews Joseph Lamoureux, a member of the Edmonton Police Service, on October 23rd, 1978. This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on August 28th, 2020. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Both social attitudes and language standards have changed since that time. Some opinions expressed and language used may be offensive to listeners today.
An Interview with Violet May
July 14, 2021 07:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MBOn today's episode, we join David Leonard and Violet A. May in their October 13th interview in 1978. May discusses her early life in Edmonton and her marriage to Wilfred May, who was best known for his career in aviation. This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on August 28th, 2020. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Both social attitudes and language standards have changed since that time. Some opinions ex...
An Interview with Grace McEachern
June 30, 2021 07:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBJoin David Leonard and Grace McEachern in their October 9, 1978 interview. McEachern discusses her time on her family's farm as well as her experience working as a teacher in the Edmonton area. McEachern's perspective is particularly interesting as she was the first teacher in the Oliver area, which was the first school in the Ellerslie district. This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on August 28th, 2020. Additional Sources: MS...
An Interview with Hubert Hollingworth
June 16, 2021 07:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBOn today's episode, we go back to October 31st, 1978 to join David Leonard and Hubert Hollingworth. Hollingworth discusses his career as a photographer, as well as the growth of the City during the 30's to 50's. Although many other interviewees have discussed the growth of Edmonton, Hollingworth was in the rare position to actually capture images of it on film, the majority of which are available online on the City of Edmonton Archives catalog. This interview was originally recorded on a 5 ...
An Interview with Eva McKitrick
June 02, 2021 07:00 - 55 minutes - 38 MBOn this episode, join David Leonard on October 25th, 1978 for his interview of Eva McKitrick. McKitrick, a long-time resident of Edmonton, discusses her time as a teacher and her role as a member of the Edmonton Historical Board. Eva McKitrick is very soft-spoken in this interview. We have tried to amplify it as best we can, but headphones are highly recommended as the audio signal dips in and out. Cover Image: Eva McKitrick 1978 Edmonton Historical Board Award, RG-21, Series 2.3. This ...
An Interview with George Cooper
May 19, 2021 07:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBOn today's episode, David Leonard interviews George Cooper on December 16th, 1977. A former employee of the Edmonton Journal, Cooper discusses his time working as a journalist. This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on October 14th, 2020. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Both social attitudes and language standards have changed since that time. Some opinions expressed and language used may be offensive ...
An Interview with Edgar E.C. Tall
May 05, 2021 07:00 - 51 minutes - 35.4 MBToday's episode consists of David Leonard's conversation with Edgar E.C. Tall from December 14th, 1977. Tall discusses his career as a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) as well as his eventual relocation to Edmonton. The recording is quite faint in segments due to the recording equipment utilized in the interview. This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on October 14th, 2020. These interviews were recorded in th...
An Interview with John Hogan
April 21, 2021 07:00 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MBOn today's episode, we travel back to December 6th, 1977 to join David Leonard in his interview with John Hogan. Hogan, a prominent member of the Edmonton Ski Club, describes the beginning of skiing in Edmonton and his record-breaking ski jumps at various hills around the city. Cover Image: EA-160-911 https://cityarchives.edmonton.ca/ski-jump-capilano-ravine This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on October 14th, 2020. These int...
An Interview with Eva Johnston
April 07, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 50 MBJoin David Leonard and Eva Johnston on December 2nd, 1977 for their interview. The mother of then Alderman Robert Matheson, Johnston describes her early life in Edmonton and the development of Edmonton's social communities north and south of the river. This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on October 14th, 2020. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Both social attitudes and language standards have changed ...
An Interview with Thomas Candler
March 24, 2021 07:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MBFor today's episode, we join Danielle Bugeaud in her November 7th, 1979 interview of Thomas Candler, long-time resident of Edmonton. Candler describes working in and around the City during the oil boom, as well as his time working to clear snow during harsh winters. This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on August 27th, 2020. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Both social attitudes and language standards ...
An Interview with Jessie Campbell
March 10, 2021 08:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBOn today's episode, we join David Leonard and Jessie Campbell in their September 1st, 1977 interview. Campbell compares her early life in Scotland with her later experience living in Canada. Campbell also describes her experience working in the south side post office. The picture of the post office which Campbell describes is linked below, along with the names of the individuals in the image. Cover Image: EA-10-652 https://cityarchives.edmonton.ca/post-office-sorting-room-south-side This...
An Interview with Maisie Hamilton
February 24, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 50.2 MBJoin David Leonard and Maisie Hamilton in their August 30th, 1977 interview where Hamilton describes her experience as a newcomer to Canada from Liverpool in the late 1910's. Hamilton also describes the building of many landmarks around the City's downtown that still stand today. Cover Image: EA-71-3 https://cityarchives.edmonton.ca/maisie-hamilton Related Records: https://cityarchives.edmonton.ca/hamilton-family-fonds This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and...
An Interview with Maude Page
February 10, 2021 08:00 - 41 minutes - 28.9 MBOn this episode, David Leonard and Maude Page discuss her marriage to J. Percy Page and the evolution of the Edmonton Public School system in their August 2nd, 1977 interview. Page also provides some insight into the Edmonton Grads and their travels to Europe. Maude Page is very soft-spoken in this interview. We have tried to amplify it as best we can, but headphones are highly recommended. Cover Image: EA-715-133 https://cityarchives.edmonton.ca/klondike-breakfast Associated Records: ht...
An Interview with William P. Wagner, Part 1
January 27, 2021 08:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MBToday, join David Leonard and William P. Wagner for their April 27th, 1977 interview. Wagner describes his childhood in Edmonton, the festivities surrounding the creation of the province of Alberta, and his early forays into teaching. Due to a malfunction of the tape recorder during the interview, the audio was cut short. Cover Image: EA-311-2 https://cityarchives.edmonton.ca/w-p-wagner This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on ...
An Interview with Edmund McDougall
January 13, 2021 08:00 - 58 minutes - 40.1 MBOn this episode, we join David Leonard and Edmund McDougall for their interview in 1977. McDougall describes Edmonton's massive growth from a small town with few two-storey homes to a metropolis with high-rise buildings. This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on July 24th, 2020. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Both social attitudes and language standards have changed since that time. Some opinions expr...
An Interview with Mabel Clark
December 30, 2020 08:00 - 55 minutes - 38.2 MBOn this episode, we journey back to 1976 to join David Leonard and Mabel Clark on their December 15th interview. Clark describes hardships growing up and living in early Namao as well as her experiences visiting Edmonton, where she would live later in life. This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on July 24th, 2020. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Both social attitudes and language standards have change...
An Interview with Christina McKnight
December 16, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 48.8 MBThis week we join John McIssac in his interview of Christina McKnight on July 11th, 1979. McKnight discusses her family, the McQueens, and her perspective on Edmonton's growth since her birth in 1898. This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on July 24th, 2020. Cover Image: Christina McKnight 1975 Edmonton Historical Board Award, RG-21, Series 2.3. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Both social attitudes an...
An Interview with Willa Lundy
December 02, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 50.8 MBListen in this week to John McIssac's conversation with Willa Lundy on July 16th, 1979. Lundy discusses her experience raising horses in Edmonton as well as her father, Charles Sandison, the builder of the Sandison Block. This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on July 13th, 2020. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Both social attitudes and language standards have changed since that time. Some opinions expr...
An Interview with Rev. Metro Ponich
November 18, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 54.8 MBThis week, we join John McIssac and Reverend Demetrius 'Metro' Ponich on May 11th, 1979. Originally from Bukovina, Austria, Ponich immigrated to Edmonton where he served as a Methodist minister. This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on July 10th, 2020. These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Both social attitudes and language standards have changed since that time. Some opinions expressed and language used ma...
An Interview with Noel Dant
November 04, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 63 MBOn this episode, we go back to April 3rd, 1979 to join John McIssac and Noel Dant in their interview regarding Dant's early life in Edmonton as well as his role as Edmonton's first City Planner from 1949 to 1955. Dant discusses some of his work in developing the neighborhoods of Sherbrooke and Dovercourt, as well as some details regarding moving to Edmonton from Chicago. This interview was originally recorded on a 5 inch open reel tape and was digitized by an archivist on July 9th, 2020. ...
An Interview with Dr. William Carlyle
October 21, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 55.2 MBToday, we join John McIssac and Dr. William Carlyle during their July 17th, 1979 interview. Carlyle discusses his time as a veterinarian, as well as the use of animals in and around the Edmonton area throughout the twentieth century before mechanization spread throughout the City. William Carlyle at the last meeting of the Edmonton Archives Auxiliary: EA-746-107 https://cityarchives.edmonton.ca/the-last-meeting-of-the-edmonton-archives-auxiliary These interviews were recorded in the 1960s,...
An Interview with John Ducey
October 07, 2020 07:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MBWelcome to our first digitized recording! Today, we join John McIssac and John Ducey, Edmonton's "Mr. Baseball," as they discuss the arrival of Ducey's family to Edmonton. Although this interview was cut short, Ducey retells his early experiences in baseball and how it would influence his later career. Cover Image: EA-600-3785 https://cityarchives.edmonton.ca/john-ducey-changes-name-of-the-citys-baseball-club-from-eskimos-to-oilers Image of Renfrew Park's sod being laid: EA-600-451 http...
Season 1 Trailer
October 07, 2020 07:00 - 4 minutes - 3.16 MBWelcome to the podcast! For this introductory episode, join Dylan as he lays out the background and details of the Oral History Project and its recent digitization. Thanks for listening! Cover Image: EA-600-1441 https://cityarchives.edmonton.ca/army-week-technicians-at-the-prince-of-wales-armouries These interviews were recorded in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Both social attitudes and language standards have changed since that time. Some opinions expressed and language used may be offensiv...