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Craig Baird - Canadian History Ehx Profile picture
Craig Baird - Canadian History Ehx
@CraigBaird
Settler living on Treaty 6 land. Host of Canadian History Ehx, From John to Justin & Canada A Yearly Journey. All part of the Curiouscast Network
3 subscribers
Nov 20 • 13 tweets • 5 min read
While we tend to think of the K*K*K as something that only existed in the United States, there was a period of time in the 1920s when the group was very large, and politically powerful, in Western Canada.
Let's learn more about this dark time.

🧵1/12 The image is a black-and-white photograph of an individual dressed in a ceremonial robe and hat, associated with a specific organization. The person is standing outdoors, with a background that includes trees and possibly residential buildings. The attire includes a long robe with a distinctive pattern on the hem and a hat with a cross emblem. The text at the bottom of the image reads, "Dr. W. K. Blair, Imperial Klaziff, Knights of Ku Klux Klan, Vancouver, B.C." This indicates the individual's rank and affiliation with the Knights of Ku Klux Klan, a historical organization known f... Throughout this thread, I will refer to the group as K3 since the other name may get flagged.
When K3 sprang up in Canada, it was a bit different from the American version.
Rather than focusing on Blacks, it focused mostly on French-Canadians, immigrants and Catholics.

🧵2/12 The image is a black-and-white photograph depicting a group of individuals dressed in robes and tall, pointed hats, associated with the Ku Klux Klan. The scene appears to be an indoor gathering or ceremony, with several Klan members standing in a line at the front, some holding flags bearing the Union Jack. Behind them, a large Union Jack banner is draped across the wall. The room is filled with an audience seated in chairs, observing the event. The setting and attire suggest a formal or ceremonial occasion, likely from the early to mid-20th century, reflecting the historical presence and a...
Nov 18 • 13 tweets • 5 min read
On this day in 1882, The Sherlock Holmes of Saskatchewan, Frances Gertrude McGill, was born.
She went on to influence the development of forensic pathology and solved several unsolved crimes.
Let's learn more about her :)

🧵1/12 The image is a black and white photograph of a person working at a desk with scientific equipment. The person is holding a human skull and appears to be examining or working on it with tools. There are various items on the desk, including what looks like a microscope on the left, several small containers, and other scientific instruments. The setting suggests a laboratory or research environment focused on anthropology or forensic science. Born in Minnedosa, Manitoba, both of her parents died from typhoid fever in 1900 after visiting a county fair and drinking contaminated water.
As an adult, McGill studied medicine at the University of Manitoba. She earned her degree in 1915 and worked in Winnipeg.

🧵2/12 The image is a black and white portrait of an older woman with short, wavy hair, wearing glasses. She is dressed in a dark-colored top with a light-colored blouse or shirt underneath. The photograph has a classic, vintage feel, likely from the mid-20th century, given the style of clothing and the quality of the photograph. The woman is looking directly at the camera with a slight smile.
Nov 17 • 17 tweets • 6 min read
Bluenose was such an icon of Canada that it now appears on our dime.
A champion schooner, she became the pride of Canada.
But then she was sold to work to work as a freighter, and left to rot on a reef near Haiti.
Let's learn more about her :)

🧵1/16 The image depicts a vintage photograph of a large sailing ship with multiple masts and sails fully unfurled, navigating through the water. The ship has the number "2" on its sail, indicating it might be participating in a race or regatta. The background shows a distant shoreline with some buildings and possibly other boats, suggesting it is near a coastal area. The photograph has a sepia tone, giving it an old, historical feel. The story of Bluenose begins in 1920 when she was designed by William James Roue to both fish and race.
Initially, she was designed with a waterline length of 36.6 metres, which was 2.4 metres too long for competition. She was redesigned to fix that problem.

🧵2/16 The image is a sepia-toned photograph of a sailing ship with multiple masts and sails, captured at a tilted angle, possibly due to strong winds or rough seas. The ship appears to be navigating through choppy waters, with waves visible in the foreground. In the background, there is a distant shoreline with some structures or buildings, indicating the ship is not far from land. The overall scene suggests a historical maritime setting, possibly from the late 19th or early 20th century.
Nov 15 • 14 tweets • 5 min read
Sometimes referred to as Main Street Ontario, Yonge Street is one of the most famous streets in Canada.
Running from the Holland River to Queens Quay, the street is 86 km long.
Let's learn more about its construction :)

🧵1/13 Wiki Commons - ZarlokX This is an aerial photograph of a cityscape, likely Toronto, Canada, given the prominent CN Tower visible in the distance. The image captures the urban environment with numerous high-rise buildings and skyscrapers, surrounded by green areas of trees and parks. The city extends in a linear fashion, with a mix of residential and commercial buildings, and the photograph is taken from a high vantage point, showing the contrast between the dense city center and the more spread-out suburban areas. The lighting suggests it might be taken during the golden hour, with shadows... In 1793, during the War of the First Coalition, Upper Canada Lt. Governor John Simcoe worried that the United States would attack Canada in support of France. Wanting a more defensible capital, he established York, present-day Toronto.

🧵2/13 The image depicts a historical portrait of a man dressed in an elaborate military uniform. The uniform is red with gold epaulettes on the shoulders, and it features intricate gold braiding and buttons. He is wearing a white cravat and holding a cane or sword in his right hand, which is adorned with lace cuffs. The background is dark, which contrasts with the bright colors of the uniform, highlighting the figure's attire.
Nov 13 • 10 tweets • 4 min read
In the mid-1500s, noblewoman Marguerite de La Rocque was marooned on the Isle of Demons in the Gulf of St. Lawrence by her relative who wanted her fortune.
She survived for years on her own before she was rescued.
Let's learn her story :)

🧵1/9 The image depicts a woman standing on the shore of a body of water in a forested area. She is wearing a red dress and holding a long gun, possibly a rifle. The background shows a misty or cloudy sky, with dark, tall trees and a fallen log or driftwood in the foreground. The overall atmosphere is serene yet slightly mysterious, with the woman appearing contemplative or on guard. It is not known when or where Marguerite was born. It is believed she was born around 1515 somewhere in France.
Her relative (some sources say cousin, others brother or uncle) Jean-Francois de La Rocque de Roberval was made Lt. Governor of New France in 1541.

🧵2/9 The image is a sketch of a man facing slightly to the left. He has a beard and mustache, and is wearing a soft cap that covers part of his head. His attire includes a high-collared garment with a tie or clasp at the neck. The sketch is done in a realistic style, capturing the texture of his hair and clothing with fine lines and shading. The background is plain, focusing attention on the subject's face and upper body.
Nov 11 • 9 tweets • 4 min read
On this day in 1918, at 10:58 a.m., George Lawrence Price died after he was shot by a German sniper. His death came two minutes before the end of the First World War.
He was the last Canadian killed in the war.
Let's learn more about him and his life.

🧵1/8 The image shows an old black-and-white photograph of a man wearing a military uniform. The uniform includes a peaked cap with an insignia, a high-collared jacket with epaulets, and several buttons running down the front. There are visible badges on the shoulders and possibly other insignia on the uniform. The photograph appears to be aged, with some visible wear and marks. The background is plain and typical of portrait photography from an earlier era, likely the early to mid-20th century. Price was born in Falmouth, Nova Scotia on Dec. 15, 1892. Raised in Port Williams, he was the third child to his parents James and Annie Price.
On Oct. 15, 1917, he was conscripted to fight in the war with the 28th Battalion (Northwest).

🧵2/8 The image is a sepia-toned photograph of a man dressed in formal attire from an earlier era. He is wearing a suit with a high-collared shirt and a tie. The photograph has a vintage look, suggesting it might be from the early to mid-20th century. The man's hair is neatly combed, and he has a serious expression on his face. The background is plain, typical of formal portrait photography of that time period.
Nov 10 • 13 tweets • 5 min read
Each day leading up to Remembrance Day, I am profiling those who served in the armed forces of Canada.
Not all of Canada's war heroes are human. Today, I'm going to tell you the story of Sgt. Gander, the Hero Dog of the Battle of Hong Kong.

🧵1/12 This is a black-and-white photograph depicting a group of seven individuals dressed in military uniforms, sitting closely together on what appears to be military equipment or vehicles. They are wearing helmets and carrying backpacks, suggesting they might be soldiers or military personnel. In the center of the group, there is a large black dog, possibly a military working dog, sitting attentively. The setting looks like it could be a military base or a field operation area. The overall mood of the image suggests camaraderie and readiness. The story of Sgt. Gander begins in the 1930s when he was the pet of the Hayden family in Newfoundland and Labrador. At the time, he had the name of Pal.
Beloved by the family, he enjoyed pulling the children in a small toboggan.
Eventually, he grew to 130 pounds.

🧵2/12 This is a black-and-white photograph showing a snowy scene with a large, dark-colored dog pulling a sled. On the sled, there are three children bundled in winter clothing, sitting closely together. In the background, there's a two-story house with several windows, surrounded by snow-covered ground and trees, indicating a winter or rural setting. The overall scene evokes a sense of winter activity and perhaps a historical or nostalgic atmosphere.
Nov 10 • 14 tweets • 5 min read
In the summer of 1953, one of the most famous individuals in the world, Marilyn Monroe, was in Banff and Jasper filming River of No Return.
She nearly drowned, suffered a foot injury, and even got kicked out of the Jasper Park Lodge.
Let's learn more :)

🧵1/13 The image is a black-and-white photograph featuring a person standing on a railway track next to a train car. The person is holding a lantern in one hand and is posed with the other hand gripping the side of the train car. The train car has a logo that appears to be associated with a railway company. The background shows a natural landscape with trees and possibly mountains or hills. The person is dressed in dark clothing, including a shirt and pants, with a belt and casual shoes. The photograph has a vintage feel, likely from the mid-20th century. The text "JYMA PA 58-1" is visib... In 1953, Marilyn Monroe was at the height of her fame. Her film, Niagara, was a massive box-office hit. It was followed that year with Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, which was another commercial and critical success for Monroe.
She was also dating Joe DiMaggio.

🧵2/13 The image depicts a scene with a woman in a bright pink gown and long pink gloves, adorned with a sparkling necklace and bracelet, standing with her arms outstretched. She is surrounded by men dressed in tuxedos with white shirts and red-and-white striped bow ties. The setting appears to be formal, possibly from a film or theatrical performance, with a red background suggesting a stage or performance area. The men are positioned closely together, some looking at the woman, creating a dramatic and visually striking composition.
Nov 10 • 21 tweets • 8 min read
On this day in 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald sank beneath the waves of Lake Superior during a massive storm.
The sinking took the lives of all 29 men on the ship, and became immortalized in Gordon Lightfoot's song.
Let's learn more about this tragedy.

🧵1/20 The image shows a large lake freighter ship named "Edmund Fitzgerald" sailing on a body of water. The ship has a white superstructure with a red hull and is flying a flag from its mast. The sky is overcast, and there is a plume of smoke coming from the ship's smokestack, indicating it is in operation. The ship is well-known due to its tragic sinking in a storm on Lake Superior in 1975, which inspired the song "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" by Gordon Lightfoot. The story of the Edmund Fitzgerald began on June 7, 1958 when she was launched. The largest ship on the Great Lakes at the time, she was built by the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. She was named for the president and chairman of the company's board.

🧵2/20 The image is a black-and-white photograph accompanying a newspaper article titled "700 Men Are Proud of This Lady." The main headline is in large, bold letters, and there's a subheading that reads "But They're Still Careful." The article is written by Al Roark. The photograph shows the launch of a large ship, the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald, at the Great Lakes Engineering Works in River Rouge. The ship is prominently featured, with its name "Edmund Fitzgerald" visible on the side. The article mentions the excitement and pride surrounding the launch of this massive ...
Nov 9 • 13 tweets • 5 min read
On this day in 1868, Marie Dressler was born in Cobourg, Ontario.
She cast Charlie Chaplin in his first role as a leading man, endured career highs and lows, and won the third-ever Academy Award for Best Actress.
Let's learn more about her :)

🧵1/12 Woman with short wavy hair smiling and looking to the side, wearing a patterned blouse and a pearl necklace. Born Lelia Koerber to Alexander and Bonita Koerber, her father was a music teacher who encouraged Marie to develop her singing.
The family generally dealt with poverty and moved around often during her youth.
Eventually, they moved to Michigan.

🧵2/12 A black and white photo of a person wearing a large, feathered hat and a satin-like jacket, smiling directly at the camera.
Nov 9 • 15 tweets • 6 min read
On this day in 1913, the White Hurricane reached its greatest strength in the Great Lakes.
It was the deadliest and most destructive disaster to hit the Great Lakes in recorded history, sinking 12 ships and killing 250 people.
Let's learn more about it.

🧵1/14 Two bodies on the shore of a lake wearing life vests. One man is reaching down to pick up one of the bodies. Waves crashing on shore. November gales are nothing new for The Great Lakes. Due to their size, they stay warmer longer into the autumn than the area around them.
Dry air can come in from Northern Canada, meeting moist air from the Gulf of Mexico.
The collision creates powerful storms.

🧵2/14 A map showing weather patterns converging from Alberta, Colorado and the Gulf of Mexico on The Great Lakes.
Nov 8 • 19 tweets • 7 min read
The Hudson's Bay point blanket is an iconic part of Canadian culture. First created during the fur trade era, it continues to be sold today and is instantly recognizable.
But what is the history of the blanket?
Let's learn more about it :)

🧵1/18 Image Wool blankets were always a major part of the fur trade between the Hudson's Bay Company and the First Nations. By 1700, 60 per cent of traded goods were wool blankets.
In 1779, French fur trader Germain Maugenest brought the idea of a point blanket to the HBC.

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Nov 8 • 13 tweets • 5 min read
On this day in 2020, Alex Trebek died.
Before he hosted Jeopardy!, he had a solid career in Canada. From hosting Reach for the Top to losing out on a Hockey Night in Canada gig because he had a moustache.
Let's learn more :)

🧵1/12 Image Alex Trebek was born on July 22, 1940 in Sudbury, Ontario. His father, George Terebeychuk was born in Ukraine and worked as a chef. His mother Lucille was Franco-Ontarian.
Trebek grew up in a home where both French and English was spoken.

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Nov 7 • 10 tweets • 4 min read
Each day leading up to Remembrance Day, I am profiling those who served in the armed forces of Canada.
Today, it is Jeremiah Jones, a soldier who didn't get recognition for his bravery at Vimy Ridge for almost 100 years.
Let's learn more :)

🧵1/9 Image Jeremiah Jones was born in 1858 in Truro, Nova Scotia.
When the First World War began, despite being nearly 60, he chose to enlist. He joined as a private with the 106th Battalion of the Nova Scotia Rifles on June 19, 1916. He told recruiters he was 39, not 58.

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Nov 5 • 19 tweets • 7 min read
On this day in 2005, the final episode of The Red Green Show was filmed.
After 300 episodes and 15 seasons, the show would air that final episode in April 2006.
Let's learn more about this iconic Canadian show!

🧵1/18 Image While the show began in 1991, the character of Red Green emerged over a decade earlier.
In 1979, Steve Smith and his wife Morag began to produce Smith & Smith. The show ran until 1985 and it was on that show a proto-Red Green appeared as a character.

🧵2/18 Image
Nov 2 • 11 tweets • 4 min read
Each day leading up to Remembrance Day, I am profiling those who served in the armed forces of Canada.
Today it is Dr. Jean Davey, the first female doctor to be granted a commission in the medical branch of any Canadian armed force. Let's learn more :)

🧵1/10 Image Jean Davey was born in Hamilton on March 16, 1909. Her father was a Lt. Colonel in the First World War, serving as a medical doctor at a hospital in France. It was her father who inspired Jean to pursue her own dreams of becoming a doctor.

🧵2/10 Image
Nov 1 • 21 tweets • 8 min read
On July 23, 1983, Air Canada Flight 143 took off from Montreal on a flight to Edmonton.
Halfway through the flight, while at 41,000 feet, the Boeing 767 ran out of fuel, forcing a landing at a racetrack in Manitoba.
Let's learn more about The Gimli Glider :)

🧵1/20 Image During the 1970s, Canada made the move towards the metric system. It was a long process that required a lot of changes in several industries in the country.
One of those changes was changes from gallons to litres and pounds to kilograms.
Which brings us to 1983.

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Nov 1 • 13 tweets • 5 min read
Through Canada's history, we have had many war heroes. Each day leading up to Remembrance Day, I am going to profile several of them.
Today, it is the badass Leo Major, the man they called "the one-eyed ghost"
Let's learn more :)

🧵1/12 Image Born on Jan. 23, 1921, Leo Major grew up in Montreal, where he lived with his aunt after the age of 14 due to a poor relationship with his father. In 1940, he enlisted to fight in the Second World War with Le Régiment de la Chaudière.

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Oct 29 • 14 tweets • 5 min read
It is Halloween Week and here is a picture thread to brighten your day. Canadian animals in each province dressed up and out trick-or-treating. Enjoy :)

British Columbia:
Otter as a sailor

🧵1/14 Image It is Halloween Week and here is a picture thread to brighten your day. Canadian animals in each province dressed up and out trick-or-treating. Enjoy :)

Alberta:
Bighorn sheep as a cowboy

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Oct 28 • 17 tweets • 6 min read
It is Women's History Month and each day this month I am sharing the stories of Canadian women who have left their mark on our history.
Today, it is June Callwood, the woman who was called Canada's Conscience.
Let's learn more :)

🧵1/16 Image June Callwood was born in Chatham, Ontario on June 2, 1924. Her mother was the daughter of a bootlegger and her father was the son of a local magistrate.
The family was poor and often moved in the night from one house to another.

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Oct 28 • 20 tweets • 7 min read
Since we are approaching Halloween, I thought today would be the perfect time to explore the history of one of the spookiest children's shows.
The Hilarious House of Frightenstein!
Let's learn more about this iconic show :)

🧵1/19 Image The story begins with Riff Markowitz, who was working for CHCH-TV in Hamilton in the late-1960s. He wanted to produce new shows for the station.
To come up with ideas, he held a brainstorming and spaghetti party at the Windsor Arms Hotel in Toronto.

🧵2/19 Image