One hundred years ago, feather hats, flapper dresses and dancing the Charleston were just a few of the big changes to come during the decade that would become known as "The Roaring 20's".

Residents can get a glimpse back in time by visiting the new "Roaring Twenties" display at the Okotoks Museum and Archives.

Kathy Coutts, Museum and Archive Specialist at the Okotoks Museum says, the displays depict life in Okotoks as the new decade began an era of change for our community.

Coutts says, in order to capture all of the aspects of this active time, the museum will feature different elements all year long.

"Throughout the year the themes will change. Right now it's all about fashion. What people wore and what they did for fun." she says, "Later on we will be focusing on what people drove and also where people worked."

Coutts says the displays show how life was after the end of the war, when women made some very large changes in the 1920's, with shorter hair, wearing pants and dancing. She says the 1920's began a path toward independence for women and altered many social and economic barriers.

"Women in the 20's broke all barriers, they became a bit rebellious with the short hair, flapper skirts, going out dancing and driving,"

One of the more notable changes in the 1920's was the end to alcohol prohibition.

"Prohibition ended in 1923 following a plebiscite in Alberta." she explains, "From 1916 to 1923 no alcohol was sold in the province. Then in 1923 prohibition was over and there was great cause for celebration, particularly by the hotels in Okotoks, who I think had a really tough time during prohibition. This could be one of the reasons it was dubbed "The Roaring 20's." laughed Coutts.

Coutts says the 1920's was not only about the end of prohibition and dancing the Charleston, it was a decade that brought big changes with the invention of motor vehicles and electric appliances.

"The 20's was all about change and not just the social changes but also the change in inventions and time saving appliances."

Coutts says Okotoks was just heading into an economic boom following the discovery of oil in Turner Valley which led to many of our historic buildings being built at that time, like the Elks Hall and Masonic Hall, plus many homes were also built.

There are several rooms filled with memorabilia depicting many facets of this decade of change, including a video for those interested in learning the Charleston and a craft station upstairs to make your own flashy 1920's feather headband.

Getting a glimpse into the Roaring Twenties is as easy as a visit to the Okotoks Museum and Archives.