Image: A film still of Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden (SPRA 0165.09.27, Fonds 165: Roland Pivert 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.
It’s Movie Monday today, and time for the second installment of our vacation series! This film comes from the Roland Pivert fonds and was taken circa 1967. The first half of the film features a visit to the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in Lethbridge, and the second portion of the film shows baby Kurtis Pivert in a Jolly Jumper.
If the Piverts’ trip to Lethbridge, Alberta did in fact take place in 1967, they would have been among the first visitors to the Japanese garden. Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden opened to the public on July 3, 1966 and held its grand opening ceremonies on July 14, 1967 as part of Canada’s centennial celebration. Prince and Princess Takamatsu of Japan attended the grand opening as an expression of the friendship and goodwill between the two nations.
A number of the structures on the grounds were built in Japan, then reassembled when they arrived at Nikka Yuko. The harmony between the many elements of the garden – the waterfall, pond, trees, flowers, rocks – is in keeping with traditional Japanese philosophies regarding beauty and peace, and it is no wonder that the Piverts chose Nikka Yuko as their destination!
Be sure to check back next week to find out what where we are headed next!