The Saskatchewan Council of Archives and Archivists (SCAA) celebrates Archives Week Feb. 7 to 13 this year. To mark the occasion the Council reproduced 8 images on postcards and bookmarks from some of the archives in the province. The City of Yorkton Archives contributed the photo of a Sadie Hawkins dance at the Yorkton Collegiate Institute February 29, 1950. This year happens to be Leap Year which means that we have a 366 day year — the extra day being February 29. (This will serve as a notice for people to plan a good old fashioned “Sadie Hawkins” dance!) — The Saskatchewan Council for Archives and Archivists (SCAA) represents the Saskatchewan archival community in the Canadian archival system encouraging the establishment of new archives in Saskatchewan and promoting understanding and use of archives and historical resources in the province.
Sadie Hawkins celebrations originated after 1937, when Al Capp, creator of the comic strip “Li’l Abner” depicted life of hillbillies in a place called Dogpatch. The main character, Sadie Hawkins, a rather unattractive gal had trouble finding a husband. Her rich and powerful father decided that on Leap Year day, February 29th unwed women could be allowed to chase men. He held a race of eligible bachelors, and when he shot off his gun, they ran for their lives and freedom, while unattached women ran after them in hopes of catching one. Hence, the custom of women being allowed to approach a man for a date or to propose marriage on February 29th.
