The Engagement Letters of Sam Steele and Marie Harwood

A Book Launch

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review by J Kaur

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A sign proclaiming of “an enduring love affair between Sam and Marie” stood in the Rutherford Library at the University of Alberta. I was there to attend my first ever book launch, and although The Engagement Letters of Sam Steele and Marie Harwood didn’t seem like a book I would pick up, I was curious about the event.

Inside the room, there was a neat arrangement of chairs and scattered groups of people. Aside from a podium and projector screen at the front of the room, there was a table display of the book. I couldn’t help but feel out of place in a room full of what appeared to be older academics. Little clusters of people dressed smartly in blazers and dress pants stood around, shaking hands and talking about work. 

It wasn’t completely intimidating though. People were all smiles and I was feeling a little excited as the seats quickly filled up. We started with the head of the Bruce Peel’s Collection, Robert Desmarais. The Bruce Peel’s Collection is a department in the Rutherford Library at the University of Alberta where rare books and other material are housed. Sensibly, this is where letters from 1888 are also kept.

Desmarais introduced Dr. Merrill Distad, who is an Associate University Librarian for Research & Special Collections Services at the University. Dr. Distad provided a very informative timeline of how the collection of letters between Sam Steele and Marie Harwood was acquired, though I did get a bit lost in all the details. I had never really thought about the process of acquiring old artifacts but it seemed exhausting. Despite the influx of information, I was engaged by the commentary Dr. Distad provided along with his humorous quips and obvious passion for the collection. 

We were then introduced to Connor Thompson, a Ph.D student who had worked on transcribing and editing the letters for the book. A noble pursuit as Thompson showed us images of Sam Steele’s writing that looked near indecipherable. As for the contents of the letters, I have to admit I had no idea who Sam Steele and Marie Harwood were before this moment. I later learned that Sam Steele was a significant figure in Alberta history but I’m more than willing to let the education system take the blame for that. The presentation felt more like an educational lecture, albeit a rather interesting one. However, there were mentions of names and places, events and dates that I had no knowledge of. Judging from the nods and keen gazes of the audience, it felt I was alone in this. 

Since we were there to launch a book called The Engagement Letters of Sam Steele and Marie Harwood, it made sense that there was a focus on their relationship. It was almost dizzying to hear about all the things Sam Steele had been involved in, and it was my first hint that perhaps Sam Steele was more important than I initially thought. Thompson painted a picture of Steele’s character, using words like career-focussed, a good soldier, and a strict lawman. But most importantly, a romantic. 

Marie Harwood’s background was a little different. Though her family was not wealthy, it was a prestigious family with important family members. She was well-read and had been particularly picky about marriage. She was 29 at the time of the letters and had turned down a few suitors up to that point. She met Steele in 1888 when there was an “instant attraction” and presumably, the romance began. Very Victorian of course. They listened to music together, rode horses, and spent time with friends. At this point, I found myself getting quite invested in their story as these two people became more humanized.  

We were shown a part of a short film Dr. Distaad had produced. Watching the Sam Steele and Marie Harwood of the screen looking lovestruck over their letters was entertaining. But hearing the narration of the letters on top of that suddenly felt rude. Clearly these two had been in love love as these were intimate letters written only for the receiver. It made me question the ethics of making someone’s personal letters so public. If it had been me, there would have been hell. But then, I would also be dead so maybe there’s a discussion to be had there. 

Beyond the romantic and heartwarming nature of the letters, Thompson also pointed out that the letters were a wealth of information for the times. Steele included details of his duties, his daily life, and the people around him. There was ample opportunity to learn more about settler lives, the politics of the time, the class and gender dynamics, and so forth.

I, however, was more interested in the drama. I respect the history of the letters and their value in that regard. But I was more interested in hearing about how Steele applied for the position of assistant commissioner but was passed over for his brother instead due to tensions with the Commissioner. Also, as is typical of any healthy relationship, the two gossiped about the people in the community. I was intrigued. 

Thompson finished his presentation and then the floor was open for questions. Lastly, a representative of the Historical Society of Alberta spoke briefly on the sale of the books ($60.00), the proceeds of which would recuperate the cost of publishing the book and fund the printing of another. The book launch had been quite informative,which wasn’t what I had expected.

However, as academic as it was, I can’t deny it was interesting and that I now have a standard for the next book launch I go to.

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