The Backcountry as Home: Park Wardens, Families, and Jasper National Park's District Cabin System, 1952--1972

This research examines home life as experienced by single and married National Park Wardens, their partners and children who resided year-round in the backcountry of Jasper National Park (JNP) between 1952 and 1972. Since the establishment of JNP in 1907, park wardens were responsible for maintaining, monitoring and patrolling large backcountry districts, and used cabins as home bases and overnight shelters. Although the district system officially ended in 1969 and no wardens have lived year-round in the backcountry since 1972, these historic cabins remain in the park and are maintained for use by current park personnel. I have drawn upon interviews with twelve retired park wardens and family members, archived and onsite cabin register entries and travel to three selected former district cabins to explore their sense of home and the challenges and pleasures of this way of life.