Image: A film still showing the Tiemans cutting the cake at their 50th wedding anniversary (SPRA 1985.3.82B, Fonds 039: Bert & Miriam Tieman fonds)
Movie Monday highlights videos from the Archives’ film collection. Every week, an archival film will be featured on our YouTube channel and here on our blog. The Movie Monday project is made possible with the generous funding support of Swan City Rotary Club of Grande Prairie.
Today we are featuring our second film from the Bert & Miriam Tieman fonds. This video documents the celebration of their golden anniversary. It is inspiring to see that although the Tiemans had no family in Canada, they were surrounded by a generous community that gathered with them to commemorate the momentous occasion.
One of the décor elements that can be spotted in the film is a pair of swans, perhaps made of some type of paper or cardboard. Swans symbolize attributes such as grace, love, and devotion, and are often associated with weddings and anniversaries. Interestingly, swans are also the official bird of Grande Prairie, adding another element of significance to the décor at the Tieman’s celebration.
In 1926, swans were discovered to be nesting in the Grande Prairie area. A combination of protective legislation and effective wildlife management was introduced, leading to the eventual removal of swans from the endangered species list. After Grande Prairie received its charter in 1958, the city was declared the “Home of the Trumpeter Swan” and is often referred to as “Swan City”.
If the remainder of the Tiemans’ films are any indication, the couple thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors and the creatures that inhabit it. Visit our YouTube channel to view more of their films and see how many different types of animals you can spot!