T Stands For is hosted by Elizabeth and Bleubeard
Calgary Alberta
The Famous 5 are five women, truly pioneers, who in Alberta in the early part of the 20th century shaped the future of the lives of all Canadian women to come. Because of their efforts, on October 18, 1929, the Privy Council declared in the famous " Person's Case of 1929" that women were persons and thus eligible to hold any appointed or elected office.
At the time of their victory, the media dubbed the group the "Alberta Five." Over time, as the case took on a privileged position in Canadian women's history, the group became popularly known as the "Famous 5." They have come to represent an entire generation's political activism, including an earlier, nationwide campaign for women's suffrage.
Emily Murphy. Nellie McClung. Henrietta Muir Edwards. Louise McKinney. Irene Parlby. Five Alberta women drawn together by the tides of history and a shared idealism.
Each was a true leader in her own right: one a police magistrate, another a legal expert who founded the National Council for Women. Three served as Members of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta — among the first female elected officials in the entire British Empire. And they did all this before they were even fully defined as persons under Canadian and British law.
Separately, these five women were champions of the rights and welfare of women and children. They worked hard and courageously in the face of the prejudices and resistance of the day. Together, they formed an unstoppable force that changed the world for women in Canada and in all Commonwealth countries.
Emily Murphy. Nellie McClung. Henrietta Muir Edwards. Louise McKinney. Irene Parlby. Five Alberta women drawn together by the tides of history and a shared idealism.
Each was a true leader in her own right: one a police magistrate, another a legal expert who founded the National Council for Women. Three served as Members of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta — among the first female elected officials in the entire British Empire. And they did all this before they were even fully defined as persons under Canadian and British law.
Separately, these five women were champions of the rights and welfare of women and children. They worked hard and courageously in the face of the prejudices and resistance of the day. Together, they formed an unstoppable force that changed the world for women in Canada and in all Commonwealth countries.
The Famous Five have been commemorated with individual and group plaques in the foyer and antechamber of Canada's Senate and two identical sculptures by Canadian artist Barbara Paterson. One at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, and the other at the Olympic Plaza in Calgary.
Yes, I'm wearing a cowboy hat, because it is the Calgary Stampede and everyone in town is wearing a hat.
WOMEN ARE PERSONS!
It's interesting to read about these high achieving women. We spent a short time in Alberta I can't say it appealed to me much after BC.
ReplyDeleteGreat statues and tribute to those women.
ReplyDeleteThe set on the Hill has been temporarily relocated with the work going on, but to an appropriate spot: outside the temporary quarters of the Senate.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read the famous five immediately thought of Enid Blyton who wrote the famous children's books.
ReplyDeleteMy husband went to Calgary when he was in the military, they went to suffield to the ranges and had a short time before flying back to Germany, we always say we will go but never seem to get the time
Happy T day
Jan
Good to hear about those fabulous women who fought for our rights. Thanks for sharing, happy T Day, Valerie
ReplyDeleteGood morning, thank you for the history, loved the statues-and the stampede-sounds fun to watch
ReplyDeleteHappy T wishes Kathy
What a fascinating story and great that the women get this large public tribute. Women are people, too. What a concept :)
ReplyDeleteHappy T Tuesday!
What a fabulous tribute and I love all the statues, such amazing detail and I love the teacups - perfect 😁. Happy T Day wishes! Hugs Jo x
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous statue and equally fabulous story. It is sad that women had to be g]claimed people-what a man's world it must have been in the whole world at that time. Thanks so much for sharing this, It was such an interesting read. Hope you're having a great T day Jackie. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteThank you for providing us with a history of these five famous women who helped change the lives of so many women, not just in Canada.
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful statues and they are so perfect for T this Tuesday, too, dear Jackie. So glad you called attention to these women.
I didn't know about the Famous Five, thank you for telling us about them. Very interesting, and the statues are fabulous. I love the expression on their faces, such great work.
ReplyDeleteWonderful statues and tribute to these ladies. I love the tea cups!
ReplyDeleteHappy Tea Day,
Kate
Wow, I have never heard of them, but my heart and thanks go out to them and their bravery, dedication, and hard work. I love the statues - such fun they are all having tea together as well. Perfect post for T-day. Thanks for sharing this!!!!
ReplyDeleteLoved learning the history and sculpture. Happy T Day
ReplyDeleteGreat information and sculptures and memorial Thanks for sharing. Happy T Day
ReplyDeleteOhhh very nice post. I have been to the Calgary Stampede a few times.
ReplyDeleteWow! Looks really striking, thanks for the information about these women! Chrisx
ReplyDelete