Town of Battleford Post Office

North Battleford Post Office - demolished 1972

More research into print and
book publishing has offered
more fascinating historical facts.

In this case, it relates to the watercolor shown early in this blog and below, incorrectly titled 'Watercolor of the neighboring Town of Battleford, Main Street' under the 2011 tab.

Watercolor by Fritz, 1969 Post Office North Battleford on the former King Street (101st Street)

Internet research shows that Canada Post had a similar architectural design for its post office buildings throughout Saskatchewan in the early 1900s. Many have since been torn down and others declared heritage sights. The similarities certainly explain the mix-up from the Fritz archives - no notes were kept for most of the works.

50 years ago

The Battlefords River Valley 1967

The Stehwien family's emigration from their native Germany began 50 years ago this summer. In 1967, Fritz traveled overseas (literally, sailing on one of the last journeys of the oceanliner Queen Mary) to visit his sister in North Battleford.
As always, he had his materials with him and came upon overwhelmingly large and infinitely spacious views of the prairies. The skies were alive with clouds and colour as as the peaceful, yet majestic North Saskatchewan River wound its way through the landscape. It was an overpowering feeling for a European citizen (and still is!), and an artist especially.
At the time, population density was likely fewer than 2 people per square kilometer in Saskatchewan, compared to the over 200 in Germany. Those statistics alone made for a good reason to consider immigrating.

Celebrating again

In honour of Fritz's 103rd birthday, here is a snapshot of a favourite painting! Very tricky to photograph, but in whatever light, those sunflowers shine. One could do an entire series of the Stehwien sunflower images, in oil, pastel and watercolour. Obviously an appealing subject for Fritz, in form and colour.

The challenge of not just documenting, but also photographing the Stehwien works continues. The larger oil paintings are definitely the most difficult. A large flatbed scanner is looking more and more like one of the better solutions. Very difficult get access to, however, and very costly for a private undertaking.

Time flies!

The year has gone by so quickly - high time for an update: Documentation is progressing well and a phenomenal 1,804 entries were added to the database over the past summer months. Thank you to Chantal, for the expertise, interest and patience in tackling that work!! Lots left to go though, with countless paintings still filling shelves and layered on tables in the basement. Is it safe to say that most of the pastels, watercolours and sketches are done? Will see what progress and new surprises this summer brings.

A very disappointing update is the disappearance of the little slideshows on this blog. Without notice the articles and the retrospective booklet that used to run on the lower right-hand side have vanished. Will have to invest some time to find a way to bring them back.

A total of 16 art cards are now published and all have been very well received! Interesting also, is the look of them as an art print in a simple frame. 

Sales are going very well, and the Stehwien name is re-emerging. There's a fresh new look to his works too, as the passing of time has made them a wonderful part of prairie history now.