Beginning as two humble columns in 1910, Miladi was a women’s section in the Lethbridge Herald, which quickly grew to a whole page later in the year. “Miladi” included everything from personal happenings to sewing patterns to Aunt Sal’s Handy Hints, which was an advice and information column written by Sara Nelson. As the years went by, Miladi became The Herald’s Page for Women and then Women’s World, until it faded in the late 1960s to become a family page. 

Miladi was originally edited by “UNO” until it became more established, and Irene Cumming (formerly Irene McLachlan) was named as the face behind the pseudonym. Then in 1929, Betty Bletcher, sister-in-law of Hazel Bletcher, started as the editor. 

While it may seem frivolous on the surface, this section was far from. The Herald’s Page for Women featured Hazel Bletcher, Lethbridge’s first full-time librarian and Lillian Parry, Lethbridge’s first woman city councillor. Hazel Bletcher was reported on October 31, 1946, stressing the need for “larger quarters for the Public Library.”

She explained further, “…the library of the future should be the community centre for all types of cultural activities… and be the headquarters for local educational organizations, especially in the field of adult education.” Hazel would be proud of what has become of the Lethbridge Public Library today.

Alderman Parry was reported to have given a speech at the Galt Alumnae Banquet on May 16, 1952. She stated, “In times of war, women have always proved their ability to step in and take over to replace men…they have opened new fields and are becoming more recognized in world affairs…”

These statements show that the women in Lethbridge’s history have consistently pushed for development and growth in this city. 

May this be an invitation to imagine what would be in today’s Miladi section. Perhaps a list of Councillor Belinda Crowson’s extensive publications, sewing patterns for “vintage” apparel, or an Ask Tess section? No matter how the paper may progress, it is crucial to recognize the powerful women who brought it to where it is today. 

For more information on the history of the Lethbridge Herald, visit galtmuseum.com/research and check out the new exhibition Extra! Extra! The Eras of Photojournalism in Lethbridge on display now until August 4, 2024, at the Galt Museum & Archives | Akaisamitohkanao’pa (eternal gathering place).