Serving on APEGA Council is a huge time commitment. That was especially true for early councillors like electrical engineer and Strathmore resident Theodore Schulte, P.Eng. To attend a one-day meeting in Edmonton in 1921, his obligation to self-regulation governance required a four-day round trip at a cost of $16.85, including meals, lodging, train tickets, and 50 cents to tip the porters.

That’s the equivalent of about $200 today.

We know this cost from his original, typewritten expense report. It’s one of dozens of rare letters, annual reports, and other treasured APEGA memorabilia saved by Schulte, passed on to his son (a civil engineer also named Theodore), and later donated to APEGA by his grandson.

Courtesy of the Schulte Family

Receipt for 1921 annual membership dues

Courtesy of the Schulte Family

Schulte APEGA acceptance letter

Courtesy of the Schulte Family

1925 Membership Card

Courtesy of the Schulte Family