Addison C.
From Log Cabins to Modern Homes
Addison C.
Moose Jaw Heritage Fair
Moose Jaw, SK
Life in Canada has changed greatly from the 1800s to today. In the past, people lived in small homes made from logs, stone, wood, or sod. They used wood furnaces for heat, oil lamps for light, and outhouses before indoor plumbing. Families had to work hard every day by growing food, making clothes, and collecting fuel. Even young children had chores and responsibilities. School was also very different because students of all ages learned together in one-room schoolhouses. Today, life in Canada is much more modern and convenient. Homes are larger and usually have electricity, heating, indoor plumbing, and clean treated water. Families now depend on grocery stores, technology, and modern appliances to make life easier. Canada has also created many important inventions that improved people’s lives. Inventors such as Alexander Graham Bell, Frederick Banting, and James Naismith helped shape the modern world. Overall, inventions, technology, and new ideas have made life in Canada safer, easier, and more comfortable than it was in the 1800s.
What sources and evidence did you consult for your project? What different perspectives did they provide on your topic?
My sources provided me with information on almost everything in my project. They also helped to show me how much different their lives used to be and how they used to live as well as the changes that have occurred in between.
What is the historical significance of your topic?
There were many changes including the invention of modern technology as this helped to vastly change life. I made models to provide a visual of directly how people lived in the past and compared it to how we lived today. There are specific models showing technology advancements, cooking supplies and art. I also provided a contrast between different styles of furniture and lighting. It showed a pioneer’s lifestyle and compared it to a modern home. My diagram discussed different changes that took place.
Why did you choose this topic?
I chose this topic because I have always been interested in history and wanted to learn more about how people lived in the past. Reading books and hearing personal stories made me curious about the lives of our ancestors and how they adapted to different challenges. I was especially interested in learning how homes and daily life in Canada have changed over time and what caused those changes. I am also interested in design and this was a way for me to apply this.
