Answer

Introduction

Cultural heritage includes traditions, artifacts, knowledge, and places that individuals inherit from past generations.  Heritage can be tangible such camps, cows, or intangible such as ecological knowledge, stories, or poetry. ✓Ideally, heritage is part of the integrated method that ensures that knowledge is passed from one generation to the other. It provides a sense of identity and stimulates the younger generation to acquire and learn the ways of lives of their grandparents. Having the understanding and knowledge of how the older generations lived is important in inventing new ways of living such as technological innovations. For example, some of the technology that the current generation are enjoying were started long time ago but have been improved based on the knowledge that were provided by the older generation. For example, processing of milk started long time ago, from there, the current generation got idea and came up with machines that have made the processing quite easy.✓ In that regard, the significance of intangible cultural heritage is not cultural manifestation alone but the wealth of skills and knowledge that is conveyed through it from one generation to the next. ✓

One the heritage that has been kept by several communities is ranching. By definition ranching is the activity of running a big piece of land that is used to raise horses. Ranching communities transmit cultural heritage that include local ecological knowledge and folk stories, through their connections with the historic working landscapes. One of the ranches that has been identified as a heritage site, owned by a society who wants to restore it as it was historically for public visitation as an historic site is the AU Ranch. The ranch that was established in 1894 and is located on four acres in the foothills off Highway 22, 96 km south of Calgary is does not function since it stopped working around 1940.✓ As it is now, there are not artifacts on the site although there is a two-story four-square style ranch house (1912) and two large frame gambrel-roofed horse barns. It is important to note that this was among the historic ranches that South of Calgary that apart from its economic gain within the community also carried important heritage that should be carried to the future generation.✓ This ranch embodied different knowledge such as methods of rearing different animals within the same farm as well hospitality as people did not only visit the place to see the farm animals but also enjoyed certain recreational services within the area.  These are some of the skill, practices, and even traditions that should not disappear because the ranch is not operating. It is in this context that there is a need to restore the ranch so that it can resume its original shape and functions within the community.✓ However, this can only be done through a comprehensive research to identify the factors that contributed to its fall how it should remain operational for the future generation.  This document, therefore, provides a research plan✓ that shall form the overview of the research that will be undertaken in order to restore the ranch to it operational condition.

Approach and Methodology

Pannekoek (1990) defines the research methodology as the techniques, procedures, which are used to identify, select, process, and analyze the information about the topic. In this particular case, the topic focuses on the reserach startegies that will provide the historical information necessary to allow the restoration of the AU ranch to its original form. The research shall employ primary sources as well as secondary sources.✓ Primary sources have firsthand information that are free from distortion by the third parties. In this case, the primary source that shall be used are the archival materials. Archival research involves primary resources that are held in the archives and special collection libraries. ✓Archival research can be documents, record, manuscripts, and audiovisual materials. ✓In this case, I plan to use Glenbow website that provide useful information about AU Ranch.

Secondary Sources

Kelly, L. V. (2009). The range men: Pioneer ranchers of Alberta. Heritage House Publishing Co.

The book examines early ranching in Alberta by between 1751 and 1912. It includes an array of archival sources and material culture features which offer significant evidence of Alberta’s early ranching. Due to the above, the book would be very resourceful to the study as it would glean information which would an integral role in comparative analysis of ranching in Albert between 1751 and 1912, which is the main focus of the research. 

Lupton, A. A. (1967). Cattle Ranching in Alberta 1874-1910: Its Evolution and Migration. The Albertan Geographer, 3, 48-58.

The study assesses cattle ranching in Alberta amidst 1874 and 1910. This as well, comparatively, covers part of the scope for my study. This article is relevant to my study because it explores the evolution and progression of ranching in Alberta between 1874 and 1910. This would play an important role in informing the comparative analysis of my research particularly in relation to material cultures including ranching structures, clothing, saddle, and barns.  

Mather, K. (2013). Frontier cowboys and the Great Divide: Early ranching in BC and Alberta. Heritage House Publishing Co.

The book explores early ranching in Alberta providing its basic features. It not only includes resourceful images of the 20^th century ranches but also contains the pictures of bans as well as the buildings which occupied the ranches. In this regard, the information gathered from the book would be useful in my study in the implementation of comparative analysis as it will help in the establishment of historical contextual information regarding the AU Ranches.

Benson, K. (2000). Cowboys and Cattle Barons: Status and Hierarchy on Alberta’s Early Corporate Ranches. Alberta History, 48(4), 2.

The study explores the socio economic features of ranching in Alberta in the early 20^th century. It principally focuses on four major ranches comprising Cochrane, Walrond, Oxley, and Bar U. The study examines the everyday life in the ranch during the early twentieth century through centering on mid-level ranch management, ranch management, cooks and residence, task allocation among cowboys, business relationships, salaries, and, foremen. The aforementioned features essentially relate to certain subjects of my research, therefore making the article relevant to my study.

Carter, S., Yeo, B., Evans, Simon M, & Glenbow Museum. (2000). Cowboys, ranchers and the cattle business : Cross-border perspectives on ranching history. Calgary: University of Calgary Press.

This books provides a deeper understanding of the setup of cowboys who are the useful resources of ranches and cattle business. It actually provides the history of ranching and sites several ranches that have survived since their creation. It is important for this research since it provides information about the aspects of ranching management that shall be used to restore the AU ranch that has collapsed. It will also provide information about ranching business that is important for creating resources or running the ranch.

Herbert, R. (2017). Ranching women in southern Alberta (West series (Calgary, Alta.) ; 11).

This book researches and explores history of southern Albertan ranch women. Covering the years between 1880 and 1930, the book sheds light on the important roles ranch women played in the development of Alberta agricultural industry. The book summarizes the era of change on the Prairies, from the time of large cattle operations covering thousands of acres to family-owned ranches that subsisted on much less, but with arguably greater success.

Milke, M., Fretwell, Holly, & Fraser Institute. (2015). Ranching realities in the 21st century. Calgary?]: Fraser Institute.

This book covers years of one of the Canadian ranches since its commencement. Some of the highlighted areas in the book is the management and leadership style that has enabled the ranch to survive for that long. The book, therefore, provides reasons and strategies that managements have employed to ensure that it remains in operation for that long. Such strategies can be applied in the AU ranch by the heritage society so that once restored the ranch cannot collapse from operating again.

Brado, E., & Canadian Electronic Library. (2004). Cattle kingdom : Early ranching in Alberta (Canadian electronic library. Books collection). Surrey, B.C.: Heritage House.

This book provides the history of settlements of North American that began in 1880s when the Alberta grasslands that spread on east from west the foothills of the Rockies became the magnet for cattle ranching. The book is important for this research as it provides useful and colorful tales of the raffish characters, political partnerships and intrigues, and the fortunes made and lost in ranching. It also provides the mythic figures of the cowboy which are still prominent in Alberta up to date. Issues like political partnership, which is an important factor of sustainability of most projects can be employed in the AU Ranch so that it does not collapse.

Elofson, W. M., & Elofson, Warren M. (2015). So far and yet so close : Frontier cattle ranching in western prairie Canada and the Northern Territory of Australia. Calgary: University of Calgary Press.

The book provides an insight of ranges of revolution in ranching sectors. It actually provides areas of ranching in in western prairie Canada and the Northern Territory of Australia and the regions has ensured that despite challenges, most of ranching practices still exists. This book is useful in this research since it provides an insight of ranching revolution where different techniques can be used so that they remain sustainable.

Jameson, Sheilagh Somerville. (1987). Ranches, cowboys and characters : Birth of Alberta’s western heritage :. Calgary: Glenbow Museum.

The book provides the history of Alberta’s western heritage by concentrating on the ranches, cowboys, and their characters. The history of the ranches is important for this research since from it, evolution of ranches and aspects that make them remain operational for long periods can be known from the book. In addition, it also describes the characteristics of cowboys, an important factor of operations of ranches. This can be used to design the operation of the AU ranch.

Primary Sources

Thomas Jackson homestead, Killarney district, Calgary, Alberta, (NA-1629-2) [ca. 1880s]

The photo shows several cattle, cow boys, and a barns. The photo is important for the research as it provides how the structures of the barn should look like and the space that is required for an operational ranch to avoid overcrowding that can lead to injury of the ranch animals.

Frank A. Mead Ranch, north of Pincher Creek, Alberta, NA-1755-2.  [ca. 1880s]

The photo provides an aerial overview of the area covered by the ranch. It also shows the structures from a distant. This photo provides an important information about the area and the location of a ranch. It will be important for this research to find out the benefits of the size of land needed for the AU ranch. It is important to note that a small piece of land may create overcrowding.

 “Konrad”, thoroughbred Kentucky stallion, NA-2084-14. [ca. 1880s]

The photo shows not only a huge but also a healthy horse in front of a cowboy. This photo is important for comparison analysis about the health of horses in the ranch. It provides a picture on how a healthy horse should look like hence can be used to as a health target of horses that will be in the AU ranch. It is important to note that the health of the ranch animals is among the most important factors of operating a ranch; therefore, the horse in the picture can be used as a target.

Frank Lowe, on “Polecat”, Oxley Ranch, Alberta, NC-19-6. [ca. 1880s]

The photo shows a man comfortably sitting on a horse with completes equipment that include stirrups, bridles, halters, reins, and bits. It demonstrates how the horses should be tacked up to avoid injuries that lead not only to stress but may also cause death of the farm animals. This source is important in providing useful information about tacking up the horses in order to ensure that they are healthy.

Buildings on Chipman ranch, [later Elbow Park Ranch] Lakeview district, Calgary, Alberta, NA-3136-1[ca. 1880s].

The photo provides an overview of Chipman ranch currently known as Elbow Park Ranch. The photo shows different buildings that include barns and the grazing field for ranch animals. The photo is a useful resource for the research since it provides an overview of a plan of a ranch. It shows how barns are positioned and the space required between each of them. This is important for comparison reasons.

“Ginning” cattle, Wyoming, U.S.A, NA-4118-4. [ca. 1880s]

The photo shows a huge number of horses in the field that are being taken care of by the cowboys. The position of the cowboys becomes an important factor in this photo that can be used for comparison analysis. It shows six cowboys in different positions, putting the horses in the middle for proper observations. This is important and can be used in the research to ensure that farm animals are taken care properly.

Joan Oliver feeding cattle on Diamond L Ranch, Millarville area, Alberta (NB-37-28)

This photograph, which was taken in 1930s, shows Joan Oliver feeding cattle. This source will be employed in performing a comparative analysis of ranching practices of ranchers, particularly ranchers in AU Ranch, in 1930s.

Ranch buildings, North Dakota, USA, NA-1533-51. [ca. 1870s]

The photos shows several building materials that are used for construction of a ranch. The photo has timbers and roofing materials that are significant in establishment of the ranch. This is an important source as it provides useful information about building materials that shall be used to restore the AU ranch.

Cowboys, Calgary, Alberta PA-3603-2.

The photo shows four cowboys in their full attires in readiness to take care of the farm animals. They are dressed in boots, caps, and long jumpers. This is an important source for the research since it provides information about how the cowboys should dress and prepare for taking care of the farm animals. They are important aspects of the operation of the ranch.

Cowboy cavalry at Calgary during Riel Rebellion, 1885.

The photos shows the role that horses, the ranch animals played in the Riel Rebellion. One of the most important factors of the ranch and its animals there uses. The uses of ranches and the animals is a factors that must be considered in order to restore the AU ranch.

Preliminary Visual Images

Figure I: Roping a steer on round-up, southern Alberta in 1890s.

Source: Glenbow Archives PA-3966-1

This photo will be used to analyze ranching practices in AU Ranch including roping steers.

Figure II: Spaying heifer on scaffold, Maple Creek area, Saskatchewan in 1897.

Source: Glenbow Archives NA-3811-96

            This photo will be used to compare heifer spaying in 1897 and how it is currently done.

Figure III: Butchering a beef, Waverly Ranche, Cochrane, Alberta in 1900s.

Source: Glenbow Archives NA-1092-22

This image has been chosen show practices such butchering in AU Ranch between 1900 and 1905, for example, they were carried out.

Figure IV: Charlie Millar at the Bar U Ranch, Pekisko, Alberta.

Source: Glenbow Archives NA-335-24

This image has been chosen to highlight some of the importance of a ranch such as horse riding

Figure V: Ranch buildings, North Dakota, USA.

Source: Glenbow Archives NA-1533-51

This image has been chosen to show how barns should look like once the restoration is complete

Figure VI:

Source:

This image shows the functions of the cowboys and cowgirls and how they should be managing or looking after the farm animals.

Figure VII: Malcolm T. Millar ranch, Millarville, Alberta in 1890s

Source: Glenbow Archives

This image will be used to conduct analysis of the types of structures in AU Ranch in 1890s.

Figure VIII: Bar U Ranch buildings, Pekisko, Alberta

Source: Glenbow Archives NA-466-12

            This image will be used in analyzing the types of structures in AU Ranch through relating the ranch to other ranches that were there during the era.

Figure IX: Cattle round-up, High River, Alberta

Source: Glenbow Archives NA-118-6

            This image will be used in analyzing the types of horses that were reared in AU Ranch in early 20^th century.

Figure XI: George Bell Ranch, Kew, Alberta

Source: Glenbow Archives NA-1158-3

            This image will be used to analyze the nature of houses in AU Ranch in early twentieth century.

Figure XII: RL ranch of John D. Norrish, about eight miles west of Nanton, Alberta

Source: Glenbow Archives NA-54-2

            This image will be employed to analyze the kind of structures, for example, cowsheds, in AU Ranch in the early twentieth century.

Figure XIII: Heifer just after spaying on scaffold on ranch, Maple Creek area, Saskatchewan.

Source: Glenbow Archives NA-3811-97

            This image will be employed to analyze the ranching practices in AU Ranch.

Figure XIV: Lambs on the Merino Ranch, Mitford, Alberta in 1893.

Source: Glenbow Archives NA-237-27

            This photo will be used to carry out comparative analysis of ranchers’ practices including animal watering.

Figure XV: Mount Sentinel Ranch, Nanton area, Alberta

Source: Glenbow Archives NA-2467-33

This photo will be used to analyze the types of barns in AU Ranch in 1931.

Initial Themes and Topics

• Management strategies of ranches during 1900s- This is an important factor in evaluating the factors lead to continuity of operation of ranches.
• Major impacts of ranches in 1900s- This evaluates the importance ranches in 1900s. it also determines the reason the led to the collapse of AU ranch, an information that can be used during restoration.
• Social impacts of ranches in 1900s- The social effects of the ranches are important themes to know.
• Use of Barns during 1894 and 1940s- This relates to the various function of the barns during this time.
• Ownership of ranches during 1894 and 1940s

List of Potential Material Culture Resources to Support Furnishing the Site

• Water Points-This is for storing water in various parts of the firm after pumping
• Treatment parlor- this is the area where farm animals get regular checkup. They include cattle deep.
• Office room: a good ranch must have an office within the farm for purposes of documentation and record keeping. The office room has got several functions but keeping records is the ultimate purpose.
• Board and batten siding. Board and batten siding is a type of pre-cut wood siding responsible for giving old-fashioned barns their distinctive appearance.
• Metal sheet- these are roofing materials that can be used to repair the old roof of the barn. They should be hard and free from rusting. That is they should be aluminum in nature.
• Sliding doors for the main entrance. Barn doors are available in both swinging and sliding styles, though sliding doors are far more common. The sliding doors do not occupy a large space and is also easy to operate. The doors should be made of steel.
• Artifacts- Examples include stone tools, pottery vessels, metal objects such as weapons, and items of personal adornment such as buttons, jewelry, and clothing.
• Cowboys and cowgirls clothing. One of the identity of a ranch is how workers and other employees dress.
• Farm animals (horses). Animal rearing forms the major function of a ranch hence such animals should be ready as long as restoration is done.
• Barns
• Ranch houses
• Ranch Structures
• Saddles

Schedule

Budget Breakdown