Glenbow

The Calgary Stampede is in full swing — which boots are you wearing? Here, we're sharing just a few eye-catching pairs from Glenbow's collection.

The first two pairs belonged to Bill Herron (1908-1989), former President of Okalta Oils and a passionate supporter of the Stampede. Herron had extravagant tastes and became known for the fancy cowboy outfits he showed off in each year's Stampede parade — including these stylish boots.

The third pair belonged to Evelyn Eagle Speaker (Locker) (1935-2016), the first — and to date only — Indigenous woman to be named Stampede Queen. She wore these one-of-a-kind boots when making appearances as Stampede Queen in 1954.

The final pairs, both dating to the early 20th century, boast intricate floral motifs. The fourth was custom-made for their owner, Margaret Fry (1889-1965), and worn in several Stampede parades. The fifth belonged to Pearl Moore (1889-1973), an avid horseback rider and community leader who became the first woman President of the Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies in 1933.

Images:
1) Boots, ca. 1950s - 1980s, Collection of Glenbow.
2) Boots, ca. 1950s - 1960s, Collection of Glenbow.
3) Boots, 1954, Collection of Glenbow. Gift of Evelyn Eagle Speaker (Locker).
4) Boots, ca. 1922 - 1924, Collection of Glenbow.
5) Boots, ca. ca. 1920s - 1930s, Collection of Glenbow.