VERMILION, Alta. – For many Albertans, the United Farmers of Alberta’s role in shaping Alberta’s history is a well-kept secret.
The farm supply and fuel retailer played an important role in developing the pro-vince, including running the government for 35 years.
Carolyn Foard, UFA’s history co-ordinator, explained the group’s role during a tour of UFA’s History in Motion travelling exhibit.
“People are mostly astonished they formed the government,” she said.
This year’s 100th anniversary of UFA will also be the last year for the 16-metre-long mobile museum’s celebration of the organization’s history and importance in Alberta.
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The exhibit has spent the past five years crisscrossing the province, stopping at rural fairs and exhibitions. During each stop, Foard customizes part of the exhibit to feature history from the local town. She also tries to display the UFA cookbook with a recipe submitted by a local resident.
“The cookbook is a big hit. I’m amazed how many women still have the cookbook.”
UFA began in 1909 when the Canadian Society of Equity and the Alberta Farmers Association combined. The grassroots political movement gave farmers a voice in the newly formed province.
In the early days, the UFA helped get reduced freight rates for shipping grain out of the province. It also lobbied to get free trade with the United States so farmers could buy less expensive farm equipment than what was available in Eastern Canada.
In 1913, farm women within the organization were given the right to vote on UFA business, three years before they received the vote in provincial elections. Foard said UFA was also key in ensuring health care and nurses with obstetrics training came to rural Alberta.
A museum display features a handbook for women about their rights. Another display shows the UFA provided translation of legal documents into plain language.
“Most women didn’t have a clue about their rights,” Foard said.
In 1921, UFA formed the government and stayed in power for 14 years.
As a farmer government, it was key to building much of the infrastructure now taken for granted.
Roads were built so farmers could haul grain and mineral rights were negotiated away from the federal government and became an important source of revenue for the province.
“Without the roads, farmers may not have been able to get grain out for the war effort. UFA and farmers really shaped this province.”
In 1935, UFA diversified from agriculture into the oil industry and now has one of the largest fuel distribution networks in the province. The first cardlock system was also introduced by UFA.
The museum features a gravity fuel pump, a popular exhibit with visitors.
“It’s a real source of pride that farmers shaped this province and made it what it is,” Foard said.
