Saskatoon: A History in Words and Pictures

In 1889, Saskatoon was no more than a few wooden houses and false-fronted shops. There were no bridges, no railway, or even a school. There was little reason to believe Saskatoon would be much different than any other Prairie town. Saskatoon not only survived, it thrived. Saskatoon tells the story of the dreams and determination of the people that built this city into the most dynamic city on the Prairies.

Amy Jo Ehman was born in Saskatoon and grew up on the family farm 150 kms away from there. Her first art gallery, first train ride, first perogie, and first picnic were in Saskatoon. She studied at the University of Saskatchewan and worked as a news reporter at the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix and CBC Radio & TV. She has two previous books, Prairie Feast: A Writer’s Journey Home for Dinner and Out of Old Saskatchewan Kitchens. Amy Jo lives in Saskatoon. Amy Jo loves Saskatoon.

Five questions with our authors

1. What inspired you to do a book about Thelma Pepper?

My publisher, John MacIntyre, heard Thelma speaking on CBC Radio and thought she had such an interesting life that I should write a book about her. And I agree!

2. What do you think people can learn from Thelma?

Thelma’s life story is a testament to the power of creativity and the joy it can bring to yourself and to others. She credits her long life (she’s 100 years old!) to her passion for photography.

3. Thelma is your fifth book. What was it like to work on the project?

Thelma is my fifth book but the first biography, which is to say, the first time I worked so closely with another person who has a vested interest in the project. That was both wonderful and scary. I loved the challenge and the pleasure of spending time with Thelma. She has strong feelings about photography and she wasn’t shy about sharing them.

4. What would you like people to take away from your book?

When you’re down and sad and not sure what to do, remember what brought you joy as a child, find that creative spark deep within and you will find yourself.

5. Who was the greatest influence in your life?

There have been many influences but the first was the greatest — my mom and dad, who told me I could do anything and supported me through everything.

Amy Jo Ehman is an award-winning author and journalist. Her previous books include Out of Old Saskatchewan Kitchens and Prairie Feast:A Writer’s Journey Home for Dinner, as well as a pictorial history of Saskatoon. She is the recipient of a Saskatchewan Book Award and was shortlisted for Taste Canada and High Plains Book Awards. As a writer, she loves to explore the intersection of history and the present day. Thelma Pepper provided that in spades.

No Reviews yet.

Related Books