Alberta became a Province on September 1st, 1905, when we split from the Northwest Territories and became the 8th Province in Canada. Our motto is Fortis et Liber (Strong & Free), our Flower is the Wild Rose, our Tree is the Lodgepole Pine, our Bird is the Great Horned Owl and our Stone is Petrified Wood. There are other emblems that represent the province, but I can't recall them right now.
Construction began on our Legislature building in 1907 and by November 30th of 1911 was complete enough to have the first assembly held there. The official opening didn't take place until September 3rd of 1912.
For those interested, this link has all sorts of info and on the left of the page a link to a virtual tour of the Legislature. I started it, but, I have an old machine and not enough virtual memory. What I saw though was very interesting, on the drop down menu in the centre of the page there is "Quick Access" find Citizens Guide and it brings up a PDF document that along with telling you how the gov't works has details (starts about page 78) about the construction, architect and where the stone and marble came from.
This is the Grand Entrance, on the North side with a fabulous park in front of it. The park, fountains and other grounds were started in the 1970's and completed in 1983. Locals refer to it as "Peter's Pissing Pool" after the Premier that had the work done. Some thought he was pissing away money on it, but it is well used by the public. Click to enlarge.
This art work is one of many that adorn the grounds around the bldg.
The central fountain and pool.
Looking North to downtown, to where the first photo was shot from.
A closer shot of the Grand Entrance, I appear to have cut off part of the dome - oops!
I have so many more photos, but I think this post is long enough already. I will continue this soon.
Have a Good day all.
14 comments:
Nice tour, Reb. Good pics.
Great photos, Sis. That's one place I've never actually visited.....
Thanks Leah.
Sis, I've only ever been as far as one of the pedways. We should actually visit someday .
Nice pics! Beautiful area. Looks a little bit like our Capitol and reflecting pool :-)
Missicat, thanks. The architect studied at the Rhode Island School of Design.
That's really nice. Lots of cool sculptures and the fountains. Looks like a cool place to hang out and take lots of photos.
Jay, it was a great evening in spite of the threatening clouds and we got a good walk in too.
I'm in love with that fountain. Nice photos!
Thanks FC, it is really very pretty there.
Wild roses & the Great Horned Owl...I love both of those, it's romantic with grit.
That's a beautiful pissing pool! All your photos are gorgeous...I love the angle on the long pool/fountain.
I enjoy learning the history of your area, Reb :)
Great shots, Reb. And you know how I love virtual city tours. Looking forward to the next part(s).
Thanks Jo! Romance with grit - I like that. Owls are such interesting birds.
Hilary, why thank you. Glad you are enjoying the tour.
Really nice pictures! And it's cool to know a little of the history behind the place too. Thanks for the virtual tour :)
Mamacita, thanks, glad you enjoyed the tour.
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