Ranching Under the Arch: Stories from the Southern Alberta Rangelands

by D. Larraine Andrews

A visually rich, historically epic tale of cattle ranching in southern Alberta, focusing on multi-generational family-owned ranches that are still in existence today. In the 1880s, a group of fledgling cattle ranchers descended on the plains of southern Alberta. They were drawn by the promise of the West, where the grass seemed endless and they could ranch under the arch of the Chinook—the warm Pacific wind that swooped down the eastern slopes of the Rockies to melt the snow and clear the land for year-round grazing. They came with wild optimism, but their ambition was soon tempered by the brutal reality of a frontier land. Ranching under the Arch is a tale of survival, perseverance, and prosperity in the face of struggle, loss, and loneliness. Following several ranches still in operation that have roots dating to the late nineteenth century, author D. Larraine Andrews recounts the culture that developed around this unique vocation. These ranches have endured as vibrant enterprises, sometimes into the fifth generation of the same family, sometimes with new faces and dreams to change the focus of the narrative. Drawing from historical archives, diaries, and personal accounts, and illustrated by informative maps, fascinating archival imagery, and stunning contemporary photography, Ranching under the Arch is an epic portrait of the “Cattle Kingdom” and its place in Alberta history.

302 pages, Paperback

Published May 21, 2019

Reviews

[Shauna Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a larger than average reading book which requires a commitment to sitting in a chair with it on your lap. Definitely no room for my cat! I liked the format of the pages being divided into two columns. It made for easier reading. Two small criticisms...Personally I don’t need to have references to other chapters regarding individual ranchers. That’s what the index is for in the back of the book. On P.54...photo of McIntyre steer....anyone who knows cattle recognizes it is a bull, and not a steer. That said, one of my favourite places in the world in on the Highwood. We were so lucky for 20 years as we had a family friend manage a ranch on the Highwood near Longview. We camped there many times during the summers and my sons grew up with a love for the land and this piece of paradise. As for the actual book, thank you Larraine for showing us the stewardship of these large ranches, and the continued protection of the native grasslands, the watersheds and the critters that call it home. Would definitely recommend this book as a great resource for Alberta history.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book which is about a beautiful and valuable part of Canada; the Eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta. I find it interesting that it isn't the politicians who are interested in saving this land for ranching families, wild life and for the water which supplies 45% of clean water for Alberta residents. I guess they get votes if they put in housing developments, golf courses and malls for the masses. The ranchers themselves have been excellent stewards of this land and now are letting large tracks of it go to the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Every time we, citizens, go into these areas to find Nature we spoil Nature. No, we don't have a right to be wherever we want.
I noticed in one review that the reader noted that a picture labeled, steer, was in fact a bull. I had noticed that immediately as well. I wondered how many will notice that. I am guessing the majority of readers will.

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this very much. I learned a lot and it was not boring at all.