Gezicht op Strathmore, Altona 1900 - 1920

This photograph of Strathmore, Alberta, was taken by the Van Aken Studio of Calgary. It captures the architecture and layout of this prairie town, likely in the early 20th century. The image creates meaning through several visual cues. The wide, unpaved streets, the simple wooden buildings, and the grain elevators on the horizon all point to a young, agricultural community. The signs for "King Edward Hotel" and "Feed Stables" suggest a reliance on the British monarchy, and the importance of livestock. A church steeple rises above the other buildings, reflecting the influence of religion. This photograph is a product of its time, reflecting Alberta's identity as a burgeoning province. To understand it better, we might consult archival maps, census records, and local histories, to get a sense of the social and institutional forces that shaped its development.