LETHBRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY the LETHBRIDGE CHAPTER of the Historical Society of Alberta

LETHBRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY THE LETHBRIDGE CHAPTER Of the Historical Society of Alberta

P.O. BOX 974 LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA. TIJ 4A2

Number 1 NEl/JSLETTER ISSN 0382-9812 January 1989

Membership in the Historical Society of Alberta, including a subscription to the quarterly ALBERTA HISTORY, can be obtained for $15.00 per year. Those members residing from Nanton south are also registered with the Lethbridge Historical Society and receive the newsletters and notices. Newsletter subscription only: $7.50

LETHBRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OFFICERS FOR 1989 Telephone (403) 320-3957

President Carlton R. Stewart, 1005 - 23 Street North TIH 3T2 Past President D. Tracy Anderson, 953 - 21 Street South TIJ 3L4 Vice-President M. Jean Johnstone, 176 Sherwood Boulevard West TIK 5V5 Secretary Patricia A. Marshall, Box 2433, Lethbridge TIJ 4K8 Treasurer J.H. Carpenter, 2117 - 14 Avenue South TIK 0V3 Executive Director Alex Johnston, Box 815, Lethbridge TIJ 3Z8 Council Member (1991) Ralph Erdman, 1115 - 17 A Street South TIK 1Y2 Council Member (1991) Douglas J. Card, 1051 - 13 Street South TIK 1S6 Council Member (1990) Beatrice Hales, 2002 - 15 Avenue South TIK 0X3 Council Member (1990) Robert Shore, 937 - 16 Street South TIJ 3C1 Council Member (1989) Donna Coulter, Box 1001, Fort Macleod TOL 2G0 Council Member (1989) A. Douglas Smith, 37 Queens Road West TIK 3W1

Meetings will be held in the Theatre Gallery of the 1989 JOINT ANNUAL CONFERENCE MAY 12, 13, 14. 1989 Lethbridge Public Library at 7:15 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Program for the combined meeting of the Historical Society of Alberta and the Alberta Historical Resources JANUARY 24, 1989 Foundation includes: - A story session on native Indian life and culture. Lawrence Halmrast, well-known avocational archaeologist - Annual meetings of the two organizations. of Southern Alberta, will speak on "DINOSAUR DISCOVERIES - Provincial Museum presentation of the Doug Light IN DEVIL'S COULEE". Collection of Indian artifacts. Mr. Halmrast has documented on film, many finds made in - Bus and walking tours of the city. Devil's Coulee, including the exciting discoveries of - Featured speakers at luncheon and banquet. fossilized eggs of the Duck-Billed Hadrosaurs that - Post-conference tour through the Blood Reserve and yielded the first near fully-developed baby Hadrosaurs. visit to the Remington Carriage Collection, Cardston. The display and program at the Tyrrell Museum features bones of the adult Hadrosaurs which were discovered Please watch for more information in the newsletters of by Lawrence some years ago. Alberta Historical Society and Lethbridge Historical Soc.

FEBRUARY 18, 1989 NEW PUBLICATION: "Challenge of the Homestead: Peace River Letters of Clyde and Myrtle Campbell, 1919-1924". Chris Williams, Regional Manager of Interpretive edited by R.G. Moyles. 234 pp., illus., bound, dust Centres for Alberta Culture, will speak on jacket. $24.95 plus $2.00 postage. Available Histor "INTERPRETIVE CENTRES IN SOUTHERN ALBERTA—THEIR ical Society of Alberta, Box 4035, Station C, Calgary, HISTORY, FUNCTION, AND FUTURE". Alberta, T2T 5M9. THE OLD TIMERS' DANCE OF 1886 wrapped up in blankets, a bale of which had been loaned by the I.G.. Baker store. This was when the By James Stanley Kirkham expression, we presume, "coming home under wraps" was coined. The Medicine Hat people were thankful for the blankets—and even if the cold did nip them they were young people going home from a dance even if it was 100 miles or more and a full day's trip. We'll make the guess there wasn't a wet blanket in the bunch.

That was 40 years ago. New Year's Day, and You and I were young, Maggiel So many an old timer will say when he reads the list of the committee who were in charge and realizes that at least five of the ten have died (D).

Howard F. Greenwood, now of Edmonton, was chairman. Elias T. (Si) Saunders, editor of the News, was sec retary. The balance of the committee were Thomas Botterill (D), J.H. Cavanah (D), E. Walton (D), J. Curry, now of Battleford (his nickname was "Dude" Curry), Harry Bentley (D), J.D. Higinbotham, Tom Ptolimy and F. Stapl.

';.iMi:j.;:.- One of the young ladies present was Miss Kean, who afterwards became Mrs. E.T. Saunders.

The writer has tried to get a list of as many of those present as possible, but it is a long time, 40 years, a long, long time to send memory with any definiteness as we soon realized after asking one old timer after another and seeing them furrow their brows and try to think back but in the end having to s hake their heads and say, Weill I'm not sure! GoshI I'm in no wise certaini Let me think! I know I wasther e and so and so was there but. Gosh! man, that was 40 years ago. [JomeA Stantzy KiAkham MCU> a memb&A. oi a plontoA Leth- b>vidQe. (flm-ity, fon. a -fccme he. iswppo>vtQ.d. himi,el.l and kli However, here are some of the ladies: Mrs. Thomas iamlly by Miiting cohmm and ivponXi, ion. the LeXkb/vldge McNabb, Mrs. Greenwood, Miss Forbes (now Mrs. Hodder), HzHjxZd and bfu.efiy ai> ediiton. o£ a newipapeA o-^ hii, own. Mrs. William Stafford, Mrs. John Kean, Miss Kean (now He aAtlcle.d iv-iXh W.S. Ball, a local lawyeA, and. In the. Mrs. Saunders), Mrs. Hugh MacBeth, and Mrs. George eaJvty 1920i, woA admitted to the AlbeAta hat. TkLl, Houk. Others who might have been there but are not piece, the ofUgtnal oi which -u In the Gait aAchivej>, sure: Mrs. Thomas McPherson, Mrs. Kirkham, Mrs. Morris, moi-C ha\je been wnlXten -in mid-VecembeA /925,] Miss Playle--yet it was a long time ago.

The first dance of any pretentiousness took place in There was no jazz in those days, no two-steps, just a Lethbridge on the evening of New Year's Day, 1886. It few waltzes and a preponderance of quadrilles. The was held in the North Western Coal and Navigation Comp Charleston no--decidedly no—but the gallop had a kick any's boarding house, a large wooden building that in it. Fox trots, no, but there were a couple of stood until recent years down in the vicinity of the polkas. The tag dances of today had their inception woolen mi 11--between there and the present CPR round in the two ladies choice waltzes, we note on the progran house. Read the list and kick back the parlour rug and see how It has been the writer's privilege to see the program many of those old time dances you can remember. We prepared for the event. It is what we designate as imagine there would be a holler of woe, also whoa, if classy, a real jewel of the printer's art. It is in the committee this year will duplicate that program of the possession of Mr. J.D. Higinbotham who, we note, 1886. Here it is. Read it and weep: was one of the committee. Not only was the printing imported, but the bloods of the day must have the best PROGRAM procurable in the way of an orchestra and, believe it or not, an Italian string band was brought in from ClKcaiilan Circle Winnipeg to supply the music. Waltz ^ixadKllle There were guests from Fort Macleod and Medicine Hat, Polka a real bevy of them from the town later to be called Lanceii the Gas City. Schotttiche {Lad-lei choice] Waltz Q_uad>illle December 31, 1885, was a lovely mild day, as mild or Waltz milder than we have experienced in the earlier days of Caledonl& Qu.adA.llle the present week, but during the dance the wind switch Newpofit ed and, Zowiel, in no time at all it was 30 below. Qaadfillle

The people from Medicine Hat had arrived thinly clad, SUPPER at least without wraps or heavy coats. They left for Waltz home the next day on the tri-weekly turkey trail Macleod Lancefi-i> Polka Eight-hand Reel Van-iiovlenne foM.eman'i Vance Scottliiche Qaadnllle Waltz {Ladlei Choice] Lethbridge Reel Gallop Medicine Hat Cottllon

This is indeed the 40th anniversary and not many, very few indeed, of those who were hitting on all six in 1886 will be present to usher in 1926 at the Masonic Hall next New Year's Eve.

The tickets are $4.00. There has had to be a change in supper arrangements. It will likely be set in Wesley Hall and catered to by the Commercial Cafe, who took the job and handled it successfully a few years ago.

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SELECTIVE MEMORIES

"^ ""^-' -' i^ By Alex Johnston o < Two individuals upon whom we depend for information on early Lethbridge are Charles Alexander Magrath and ti John David Higinbotham. Magrath arrived in the North o west Territories in 1879, Higinbotham in 1884. Magrath arrived in Lethbridge in July 1885, Higinbotham in JOHN DAVID HIGINBOTHAM October 1885. Both made notes and kept diaries. Magrath left the city permanently about 1911, Higin Egerton Joseph Robert Walton may have the best claim to botham in 1929. being the first pharmacist in what is now Alberta. He arrived in Medicine Hat, District of Assiniboine, in Both summarized what they knew of the region many 1883 or 1884. He was well established in a "very neat years after the fact. Higinbotham in 1933, when he store" sometime prior to 4 June 1884. He may have been wrote "When The West Was Young", and Magrath around in business as early as 1883. Butcher & Haig operated 1944, when he realized that he had experienced some a drug store in Medicine Hat in 1883 and "were followed thing historically unique but that his earthly years shortly after by Mr. Walton". At least two researchers were running out. And both applied highly selective are looking into Walton's date of arrival in Alberta and memories to the material they put on paper. the opening of his first drug store. Walton himself went ranching in the late 1880s and never seems to have I am interested in Higinbotham at the moment because claimed any special status as an early Alberta pharmacist. we have compiled a list of druggists and drug stores in Lethbridge from 1885 to 1988. Higinbotham always Walton built Lethbridge's first pharmacy, the storefront claimed to be the first pharmacist in Alberta. And sign of which read: The Apothecaries Hall (on the NW most of us always have thought of him as the first corner of 5th St. and 2nd Ave. S.), The date of con pharmacist in Lethbridge. The first claim, at least, struction is not known but might have been as late as looks increasingly doubtful as time goes on. November 1885. There are indications that he operated it as a dispensing drug store until around March 1886, The first drug stores in Alberta were set up and op and possibly on a kind of absentee ownership basis until erated as part of their offices by medical doctors. December 1886. Dr. H.C. Wilson operated such a store in Edmonton in 1882. Dr. Andrew Henderson operated a drug store in Higinbotham came to Lethbridge on 2 October 1885 and Calgary from August 1883. Both men were pharmacists opened on 7 October for public business in The Medical as well as physicians. Drs. Butcher and Haig estab Hall (address unknown), a building he must have purch lished the first drug store in Medicine Hat in 1883. ased before his arrival. He dispensed his Prescription Dr. George A. Kennedy established the first drug store No. 1 for "Doctor" Herbert Percy Byers on 6 October. in Fort Macleod in 1884. From December 1885 to March 1886, two advertisements Higinbotham arrived in Fort Macleod, District of Al appeared in the Lethbridge News. These are summarized berta, on 31 May 1884 as the drug dispenser for owner below: Kennedy. He did not establish his own store in Fort Macleod until 29 August 1884. THE MEDICAL HALL Lethbridge - N. W. T. In May or early June 1884, Samuel W. Trott opened JOHN D. HIGINBOTHAM & COMPANY Calgary's first drug store that was not part of a Physicians' & Family Prescriptions carefully compounded physician's office. Trott also claimed to be Alberta's first druggist, a claim that was disputed by Higin botham as late as 1928. The second advertisement ran: FINANCIAL STATEMENT - 1 Nov. 1987 to 31 Oct. 19& REVENUE EXPENSES Cash Balance 1 November 1987 $38,138.09 E. WALTON Interest & exchange 2,649.36 APOTHECARY'S HALL Dues pro-rata from H.S.A. 1,330.17 Dealers in drugs and chemicals Dues collected for H.S.A. 1,252.50 Physicians' prescriptions carefully prepared Sales of Newsletter 105.00 LETHBRIDGE and MEDICINE HAT Sales of all publications 9,603.81 Donation G. & J. Watson 10,000.00 A 4 December 1885 news item in connection with the Individual Donations 5.00 latter indicated that "Mr. Walton's new building has been got ready and he has now got his stock into Alberta Culture Grant 4,900.00 position and invites the patronage of the public." Collected for Bus Tours 1,045.00 Dues sent to H.S.A. ------1,237.50 There is no indication of exactly when Walton left Offices & Postage expense - - _ _ . 360.37 Lethbridge to return to Medicine Hat. However, a news Book refunds and purchases ------288.30 item of 28 May 1886 described a sports day in Leth Laser Printer (Alta. Culture Grant) - - 7,870.00 bridge and went on to describe how "visitors from Computer (G. & J. Watson Centre) - - - 7,856.00 Medicine Hat returned home. Among them were Mrs. Plants and the Blackfoot (68x3000) - - - 8,930.00 Green, the Misses Botterill and Walton, Messrs. G. Lethbridge-Seed Fairs (20x1000) - - - - 2,505.00 McCuaig and E. Walton." Newsletter (Print-$944.32 Mail-$667.12) - 1,611.44 Summer Field Trips ------1,052.14 Monthly Meeting expenses ------245.35 It was not until 8 December 1886 that the following advertisement (also summarized) appeared: Donation (Mammoth School Museum Display) - 200.00 Bank Charges ------18.20 APOTHECARY'S HALL! GIC due Mar 1989 10%% $ 7,500.00 JOHN D. HIGINBOTHAM & COMPANY GIC due Feb 1990 8^% 10,000.00 Have the pleasure to announce that they have moved GIC due Apr 1991 9%% 10,000.00 into their New and Commodious store. G. & J. Watson Fund 2,144.00 Savings Account 222.37 JOHN D. HIGINBOTHAM & CO Current Account 6,988.26 Druggists and Stationers, Post Office, Lethbridge Cash Balance as of October 1988 - - - - 36,854.63 TOTALS $69,028.93 69,028.93 In sum, it appears to me that Higinbotham was not the first pharmacist in Alberta, but that he has a legit Book Inventory 31 October 1988 $18,813,90 imate claim to being the first pharmacist to open for Accounts Receivable 31/10/88 1,531.15 business in Lethbridge. Cash Balance 31 October 1988 36,854.63 TOTAL ------$57,199.68 ****** Certified correct: / YOUR MEMBERSHIP DUE DATE 11 November 1988. f/ ..Z-yt L-t^ ,' H. Carpenli treasurer. Bettie Holberton, membership secretary for the Hist orical Society of Alberta, advises that Canada Post This is to certify that we, the undersigned, will not accept for special mailing rate the quarterly having been appointed auditors, have examined ALBERTA HISTORY if the member to whom it is addressed the bank records, current & savings accounts, is over three months past due in membership fees. GIC certificates and have found that the above Because of this the M.S.A. computer is now set up for statement showsJ;he p^e assets of the Society all membership dates to be quarterly—i .e. March, June, September, November. New memberships will be Signed: -K. ^- gin on the date of the next quarter. Your membership R. L. Erdman Society Auditor. number and due date are on the mailing label. IF IT IS IN RED, your membership fee is due and should be sent in immediately. The renewal date is shown on Ross V. Bertrand Society Auditor the mailing label as the last four numbers, e.g. 8903 indicates year (89) as 1989 and month (03) as March.

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9*8d uod P!Ed aBeisod •P«»0 ISOd L tWOd ^ ^ LETHBRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY THE LETHBRIDGE CHAPTER Of the Historical Society of Alberta

P.O. BOX 974 LETHBRIDGE. ALBERTA. TIJ 4A2

Number 2 NEWSLETTER ISSN 0382-9812 March 19f

LETHBRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OFFICERS FOR 1989 Telephone (403) 320-3957

President Carlton R. Stewart, 1005 - 23 Street North TIH 3T2 Ph. 328-4669 Past President D. Tracy Anderson, 953 - 21 Street South TIJ 3L4 327-2761 Vice-President M. Jean Johnstone, 176 Sherwood Boulevard West TIK 5V5 381-7735 Secretary Patricia A. Marshall, Box 2433, Lethbridge TIJ 4K8 Treasurer David J. Dowey, 1102 Cameron Road South TIK 4B3 329-1671 Executive Director Alex Johnston, Box 815, Lethbridge TIJ 3Z8 320-3957 Council Member (1991) Ralph Erdman, 1115 - 17 A Street South TIK 1Y2 327-2764 Council Member (1991) Douglas J. Card, 1051 - 13 Street South TIK 1S6 327-4757 Council Member (1990) Beatrice Hales, 2002 - 15 Avenue South TIK 0X3 327-4154 Council Member (1990) Robert Shore, 937 - 16 Street South TIJ 3C1 327-8007 Council Member (1989) Donna Coulter, Box 1001, Fort Macleod TOL OTO 553-4369 Council Member (1989) A. Douglas Smith, 37 Queens Road West TIK 3W1 381-8425

Meetings will be held in the Theatre Gallery of the APRIL 25, 1989 Lethbridge Public Library at 7:15 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Brian Tyson, Martin Oordt, Mary Oordt and William Baker, all of the University of Lethbridge, will present FEBRUARY 28, 1989 "AN EVENING WITH R. BURTON DEANE",a docu-drama created by Martin Oordt and based on colorful reports filed by Supt. Chris Williams, Regional Manager of Interpretive Deane when he was CO. of the NWMP in the 1890s, Centres for Alberta Culture, will speak on (continued on back page) "INTERPRETIVE CENTRES IN SOUTHERN ALBERTA—THEIR HISTORY, FUNCTION, AND FUTURE". ANNUAL CONFERENCE MAY 12, 13, 14. 1989. The agenda and schedule of events of the combined meeting of the Histor MARCH 28, 1989 ical Society of Alberta and the Alberta Historical Resour ces Foundation, will be included in the next issue of the Alex Johnston, Executive Director of the Society, quarterly ALBERTA HISTORY. Please watch for it. will discuss a recent book on "LETHBRIDGE: ITS COAL INDUSTRY". The book is an historical inventory of the NOTICE OF MOTION. At the 24 January 1989 meeting the 72 numbered mines, the 98 shafts and drifts, the 197 following motion was moved and seconded, then tabled for mine names, and the 352 individuals, partnerships and discussion and vote at the 28 February 1989 meeting: companies that were involved. The time period is from June 1874, when Nicholas Sheran began quarrying coal "Moved that the Society authorize the spending of up to late 1982, when Fording Coal gave up its plans of to $12,508.00 for printing the book LETHBRIDGE: ITS mining thermal coal near Shaughnessy. COAL INDUSTRY." LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA "Also in Lethbridge, when at Higinbothams, young Harold waited on some ladies who wore long black dresses and "THE WICKEDEST CITY IN THE WICKEDEST PROVINCE" furs. They were playing records on the demonstrator gramaphone and decided to buy a few. To Harold's aston During the winter of 1921, a young man from Calgary was ished eyes, one hoisted her skirts to over the top of working with a survey crew near Lethbridge. It was a her stockings, where she kept her money. These two bitterly cold winter and the young man, Harold E. women, he was told, were prostitutes [from the Segregat Waterbury by name, thought seriously of returning to ed Area or Red Light District]. Main Street and 4th and his home. However, he was playing hockey with a Leth 5th streets had some 'Fancy Houses' which were kept busy bridge team and wanted to continue. He heard that due to the many coal miners near Lethbridge. J.D. Higinbotham & Company, druggists, wanted to hire a drug apprentice. Waterbury applied and got the job. "Some prostitutes dealt at Sid Jackson's store too. Harold knew one might be placing an order when he would On 2 February 1977, Kenneth Penley interviewed Water hear Mr. Jackson say something like, 'Hi, there, little bury, then living in retirement in Vancouver. Water one! Yes, Lysol. Yes, a dozen bars of germicidal soap. bury graduated in Pharmacy in 1927 and worked in Leth And how about some new perfume?' Sid often delivered bridge, Calgary, Dutchess, Queenstown, Blackie, and the orders himself, Harold said the fancy ladies were finally Three Hills. Excerpts of the transcription of always very nice and generous tippers. that interview follow: "The next year, probably 1922 [more likely 1923], Mr. "Mr. Waterbury recalls very clearly his days with Clarence Pickup, who had a store in Cardston, which he 'John D.' whom I gathered he had much respect for. He operated with a Dr. Stackpoole [Stacpoole in the 1923 tells that Mr. Higinbotham wore striped trousers and telephone directory], decided to open a second store in a cut-away coat to work daily as did his brother, Lethbridge. The Lethbridge store was not very busy and Arthur, who was also a pharmacist there at the time. Mr, Pickup decided to spend most of his time in Cardston [Arthur Higinbotham was the business manager, rather so hired Harold Waterbury to keep it [the Lethbridge than a pharmacist,] The Higinbothams had a coffee or store] open which required Harold to work there alone tea break daily, perhaps twice daily, which Waterbury contrary to law, as he was not a pharmacist. One day thinks might have been an unusual event for the times Mr, Pickup telephoned Harold [to say] that the RCMP and which might have been a first. The staff evident narcotics inspector, named Fyffe, was on the way over, ly could partake. However, in the afternoon some of Harold was told not to give him the keys and that Mr, the lady customers would drop in and take tea with the Pickup was on the way and would be there in an hour. Higinbotham gentlemen. Staff did not take part in The inspector arrived first, asked for the keys in order these tea times, to close the store, Harold refused but he and inspector had a pleasant visit awaiting Mr, Pickup, When Mr. Pick "One day at this store a large 500 lb, barrel of for up did arrive it resulted in a $25 fine. Mr. Pickup maldehyde was delivered and would normally have been later worked in Barons and still later became Registrar- lowered to the basement by a hoist or elevator. How general for the Alberta Pharmaceutical Association. ever, the hoist was not working so an attempt was made by those present to take it down the stairs. It got "Harold Waterbury saw a lot of pharmacy in Alberta and loose, though, fell and broke, spilling its volatile the following are some of his comments and observations contents. The odor persisted for a week and the fumes on the times and his colleagues. caused many an eye to water. "The work was much easier in some ways due to very little "Harold Waterbury was making $30 per month at the time record keeping being required. For example, many of to so an offer from another pharmacist in the city at day's narcotics preparations such as Tr. Opium could be double that [salary] caused him to move. The new em sold without prescription. There had been no income tax ployer was Sidney Jackson and at this store Waterbury [until 1917] and it was simply calculated when introduced. was taught dispensing. However, the hours were very long and the small town druggist was constantly on call, Harold had to set "In Lethbridge, which Harold considered to have the broken arms, mend axe cuts, although never any maternity reputation of being the wickedest city in the wicked calls. This was due to the lack of medical men in the area. est province in Canada, the young pharmaceutical app rentice found he was exposed to the seamier side of "Regarding prohibition, Harold found that, where he work life. While at Jacksons, he became a friend of a ed, he was selling from 12 to 20 bottles of booze a day, young man his own age who was a good dresser and play which might bring in up to $100. As Harold was only ed very good pool at the Alexandra Hotel. [The pool paid $60 per month, he thought it would be wise to get likely was played in the Arcade, across the street into the business for himself. However, by the time he from the Alexandra.] For four months they palled was in business, prohibition was over and so were the around together until one day he asked Harold if he profits obtained in that way. However, he did oblige his knew if Morphine was carried at the store. Harold friends who wanted some liquor, for example, at the said yes, he knew of the tubes of 25 x %-grain mor local dances. Harold would get some from Bassano, 35 miles phine [tablets]. The friend then asked Harold to do away [from Dutchess] and plant a bottle at several tele him a favor for $20, which would be to exchange the phone bases along the road, then sell it later. Harold narcotic tablets for some sugar of milk tablets, said he also did this when at Pickups in Lethbridge." which the friend had. Harold of course refused and the friendship terminated immediately. That the •k "k "k ie ic "k acquaintance was cultivating Harold for this soon became evident as he [the erstwhile friend] then Philosopher's Corner: As you grow old, you lose your found a more willing accomplice at Hedley's pharmacy, interest in sex. your friends drift away, and your who was a young graduate pharmacist. The switch to children ignore you. There are many other advantages, useless milk sugar was made perhaps to a larger degree of course, but these seem to be the important ones. than 25 tablets and they took off. However the phar macist was later caught in British Columbia. •k -k -k -k -k -k BREAKING THE SPITZEE TRAIL the quarrel was all about, but the police got the notion that from the way Avers fell. Burcell must have been (by Dr. W.S. Galbraith) standing at the other end of the corral, and that to shoot a man armed with a quirt was a pretty poor defense. In 1920 the Lethbridge Daily Henald hpomofied the mfvitlng o^ .ihort itorleA baied on actual Incidents Ojf Inquests and adjournments, experiments and measurements the eakly day& o^ -i,oathe>in AlbeAta. TheAe wexe -ieveA- of horse, man and corral kept Supt. Nead [Superintendent al pAlzei, Hanging ^Aom junloA to adult claiiei. R. Burton Deane] and his men pretty busy for the next WlnneA o{, Vlut Pnlze In the Adult Claii waA VA. Walter week or two, for Supreme Court with Judge Macleod [Col. StuoAt GalbnaiXh, ploneeA phaAnaclAt/medical doctor In James F. Macleod] on the bench, was soon to be held and the city. Hli entry wai publlihed In the 14 VecembeA he had a caustic way of finding holes in the work of the 1920 lA-iiue oi the Herald and appejon, below. Galbraith Body [North-West Mounted Police] he had done so much to baied hlM itory on the December 1S93 -bhootlng o{, David make. E. Akeu by Tom Purcell but he called them Dave Aven, and Tom BuAcell In hli itory. The tAial wai held In A new arrival, Grindley [J.H. Wrigley], had been secured Lethbridge In February 1B94, The ihootlng resulted to defend, and by the time Court had been sitting for a irom previous quarreli, over a coal mine, partneAAhlpi: day or two in the Hall across the Square [in the Opera In cattle, and likely a common IntereAt In running In House at the southeast corner of 7th Street and 2nd Avenue booze Irom Montana, South, opposite Gait Gardens Park], everybody was talking Anatomy, how the police proved that a man in a saddle "Hear about Dave Avers?" couldn't have just that particular part of his backbone "No," struck at less than thirty feet, and how the bifurcation "Killed by Tom Burcell. The Police and Coroner have of the aeorta and the umbilicus, called the navel for just gone out." short, stood in just such a relation to each other and that the doctors differed and gave the crowd lots of dope This was the rather startling announcement one cold on the ordinary human. day in the early nineties on the streets of Lethbridge and. accustomed as western towns are to real news, During the whole time of the trial it was noted that made the comments more than usually interesting. Old- Yellow Face, son of the late chief of the Bloods and timers in the hotel and livery stables, the clubs of another Indian were cons tantly there. The second Indian those days, shook their heads and talked of previous was not known, but said to be from Montana and although quarrels, of how it was Dave that had built old Fort none asked, all wondered at their interest in the case Whoop-Up in the days of the Spitzee Cavalry, that band for the Redman is not a frequenter of the White Man's of pioneer traders who ruled the country before the courts when he can avoid it. As the next case on the coming of the Mounted Police. Their oath was said to docket was a cattle-kill ing one, perhaps they were wait- be worse than that of the Bucaneers and revolved ing for that. around the keeping from the Indians of any firearms but flintlocks and shotguns and the penalty was death. As the end of the trial approached, interest became more It was said also, that of late he had been down on his acute, the defense having assailed the police experiments luck, and some even hinted that the free branding of with dummies and the police doctor and generally, had cattle was likely at the bottom of it. made Burcell out to be a veritable Santa Claus in dispos ition, as he might have been in appearance, if his whiskers Of course cattle were the most sacred thing in the had had a modern shampoo, but the six good men and true country anyway, and if a man couldn't leave his cattle proved worthy, and rendered a verdict of "Guilty" with a out-of-doors without his calves being mavericked, why recommendation of mercy on account of his age. Sentence a few examples had to be made and the sooner a rustler was deferred. or two were plugged the better. The cattle case came on and a sixteen-year old boy was Old Tom's reputation was none too good and there were found guilty of killing a calf. This concluded the big stories of his having shot a man in Montana over a cases and to let the Judge keep his dates, the balance card game, and he really didn't seem to have any firm were adjourned and sentences were pronounced. Burcell friends. was given four years in Stony Mountain [Penitentiary] and the sixteen-year old lad seven years. When the police got back next morning from their forty mile trip, bringing Burcell and the body of his victim, On the day the verdict was given the two Indians dis they of course came unannounced, for neither wires nor appeared from town, and if their actions had been wireless had invaded the cow country, but the details watched, they could have been followed to a river-bottom were soon common property, even to the night the men up on the St. Mary's just opposite Prairie Blood Coulee had spent in Jim Pearson's shack trying to conjure a where a teepee stood between clumps of Cottonwood and the meal out of his scanty cupboard. Burcell had given front of a small ranch house. Three or four cayuses were himself up and showed the Coroner and his jury how it tied to the fence of the corral behind the house, and happened or how he said it happened, kicking the dead within the corral a pair of strong looking ponies, partly body as he passed it. harnessed, were eating hay. The house from without did not show many signs of occupancy but it really was the He had been in his house when Avers rode up, called lone habitation of the murdered man. him out and began to abuse him, driving him into the corral and striking at him with a quirt, until in self- The teepee had evidently just been put up and no fire defense, he had picked up a rifle he had in the corral had yet been made when Yellow Face and his companion to be handy for coyotes, and threatened him, but Dave ambled down the coulee at the north end of the river- had almost ridden over him and hit him over the head bottom and rode up to the cabin. The news they brought with the butt of the quirt, before he pulled'trigger. was evidently satisfactory for grunts of approval and "oxy" "matoxy" and "SikokotoRi" were the principal comm It was a good story even if he did refuse to tell what ents of the three Indians and one half-breed who came from the teepee to greet them. to his Delilah the expected arrival of a shipment in which he hoped to find some good rifles. They never They looked at the sun, now getting pretty far down, arrived. and at the house a good deal, and the oldest Indian appeared to make a decision, to which all agreed, for Stolen on the trail, one was afterwards identified and two of them began to take down the teepee and pack it Burcell was the cause of suspicion resting upon Avers. on the back of one of the ponies, while the others were In those days Burcell traded along the St. Mary's Lakes into the house and began tearing up the floor of the and south, but coming north, prospecting, he also be front room which was also Avers' bedroom. The task came enamoured with the Indian maiden and offered many seemed easy and had evidently been done before. Two of horses and untold blankets and beads to obtain her for the beams had been spliced and when these were pried his squaw. He was eventually spurned, but in the loose and the earth shovelled up, they soon uncovered courtship she had boasted of her power over white men a leather-bound bundle which roughly resembled a mummy, and even that she had been able to obtain rifles for and was certainly the body of some shrunken human being her tribe from one of them. Remembering this after his in size. There was no odor and how long it had been rejection, he imparted the information to some friend buried could not be guessed but the untanned leather in the south, and the next season Avers had a close strips were hard and blueish-green with mould. The call, but the other traders believed that it was spite body was carefully lifted and reverently laid on the taking advantage of the incident and he got off. The floor, the earth thrown back, the boards replaced and Indian girl died soon after, under mysterious circum a broom brought from the kitchen swept up all signs of stances, and after a short time her body was found to the disturbance. have been stolen from its resting place—surely a true romance. By this time everything outside was ready to move, a wagon which had been standing beside the teepee and to When Burcell came north to ranch after trading days which the ponies were now hitched, was at the door and were over, he and Avers met and quarrelled over their into it the body was placed with blankets below and dusky flame. Avers boasting that he was the only one carefully covering it. The party were not in any hurry who knew where she was buried. The sequel is easily however, and evidently expected a long journey, for read. He passed the word to the Bloods and they to food was produced and leisurely eaten, but as soon as their tribe below the line to whom she was related the long shadows of the cut-banks opposite indicated and eventually the hiding place was found, but while that the sun was gone behind the mountains, they tight Avers lived none dare molest it and even until Burcell ened the girths of the horses, shut the door of the had been found guilty of his murder before disturbing house and began to move, the half-breed leading the way. it. That day came at last and it is reasonable to The trail was south, heading for the Ridge [Milk River suppose that the body of the Princess of Indian blood Ridge] and during the night crossing the "line" at now reposes in the burying place of her ancestors and Whiskey Gap and in the morning they reached one of the that her grave is held in high honor while the victims houses on the southern Reservation [near Browning,Mont.] of her intrigues suffered and died for their love.

Camping by the Little Bow one rainy summer night, I was ****** forced to seek shelter in the shack of a small rancher, and recounting experiences as old timers will, I learned that this was the lad, now a stalwart man, who had gone (continued from page 1) down for the killing of a calf, not by him however, but to save the reputation of a cattle king of that day, RICHARD BURTON DEANE was born in India in 1848, and and while in the "pen" together, Burcell's health had educated in England at the Royal Military College at failed very much and ultimately secured his release, Sandhurst. Commissioned as a lieutenant in the Royal but while he was ignorant of his fate, he had confided Marines in 1866, he served in the Ashanti war in West to this lad the story of his quarrel with Avers. Africa. Upon retirement with the rank of captain in 1882, he came to Canada to take up an appointment as an It was a love story and the Spitzee Oath. Avers was Inspector (and later Superintendent) with the North a member of the Spitzee Cavalry and his tall, lanky, West Mounted Police. One of his first assignments in form, with chin whiskers and Yankee drawl, was a power the Northwest Territories was to take direct charge of with the other traders, in word as well as action. His Louis Riel during his imprisonment and trial in Regina fort was a profitable venture, two or three thousand in 1885. Between 1888 and 1902 Deane was the Commanding skins being sent down each year to Fort Benton for which Officer of the Lethbridge Division before moving to he received never less than a dollar apiece. But he Maple Creek (1902-1906) and Calgary (1906-1914). He fell for an Indian Princess, the daughter of a chief, retired back to England, where he wrote his memoirs, and Sampson-1 ike, unconsciously we may believe, revealed MOUNTED POLICE LIFE IN CANADA, published in 1916.

av aoaiuaHian OSS 3SSV10 ssvno 3U3in3Ud iSUId ^1 NOTICE OF" MOTION

The Lethbridge Historical Society Executive proposes to present a Motion at the regular meeting in the Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery, Tuesday 7:15 P.M. February 28th, 1989, asking authority of the Society Membership to spend up to $12,600.00 to publish "LETHBRIDGE - IT'S COAL INDUSTRY" authored by: Dr. Alex Johnston. Keith Gladwyn & Greg Ellis.

CONVENTION 'SQ UPDATE

The Alberta Historical Society and the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation will ]ointly hold their Annual Meetings in the Lethbridge Lodge Hotel, May 12,13 & 14/89.

The convention will feature a display of selected items from the Doug Light collec tion of Indian artifacts from the Provincial Museum. This collection consists of mid 1800's culture items pertaining to the Plains Cree. Assiniboine, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Sarcie. Sioux and Plains Ojibwa Indians. This precious collection was purchased by the Historical Resources Foundation.

Historical societies from around Alberta are being invited to set up their own display tables during the convention.

Friday, May 12 will kick off the meetings with reserved tee times for golfing, with registration, a group dinner and opening ceremonies followed by a teepee story telling session featuring Blackfoot story tellers.

Consecutive annual meetings and a round table or lecture by a representative from the Provincial Museum will provide an interesting Saturday morning. All of this will be highlighted by a noon luncheon at which the Minister of Culture is being invited to speak. We hope he will also be present to participate in the awards program Saturday night.

A bus tour of Lethbridge's new river valley park system, walking tours of the City's heritage buildings, historic videos and a historic display on the HSA at the Gait Museum will be available Saturday afternoon. The annual awards banquet will feature guest speaker Dr. Howard Tennant, President of the University of Lethbridge speaking on the education of our Indian friends - the university level in Western Canada.

Sunday morning will feature a commentated bus tour of the Blood Reserve, of the Cardston Mainstreet Program and the outstanding Remington Carriage Collection. Members may wish to cellebrate mother's day with the Lethbridge Lodge Hotel.

Be sure to MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW and watch your mail, in with your Winter issue of Alberta History will be detailed information and your registration entry form.

D. Tracy Anderson, Chairperson The Convention Committee January 1989 LETHBRIDGE: ITS COAL INDUSTRY

Alex Johnston, Keith G. Gladwyn and L. Gregory Ellis

SUMMARY

The book is an historical inventory of the 72 numbered mines, the 98 drifts and shafts, the 197 mine names, and the 352 individuals, partnerships and companies that extracted coal from the Lethbridge area. All mines exploited the Gait seam, which is about 1.6 m thick. About 23.9 million tonnes of coal were removed during the period 1874 to 1964. Two separate coal fields are represented: the Lethbridge Coal Field and the Pothole Isolated Deposit. Proven reserves, which includes coal from all mineable seams in the field, as of April 1988 was in excess of 480 million tonnes. A map will accompany the book and will show the location of all coal mines and the extent and location of the underground workings. The latter will be shown in relation to modern Lethbridge. The study area takes In Townships 7,8,9 and 10, Ranges 21 and 22, west of the 4th Meridian. The period concerned is from 1874, when Nicholas Sheran began to quarry coal from shallow seams near Fort Whoop-Up, to 1982, when Fording Coal gave up its plans to mine thermal coal from near Shaughnessy for export to Pacific Rim countries and to Europe.

Coal mining at Lethbridge started slowly, grew and flourished, then declined and collapsed, mostly between October 1882 and January 1965.The book attempts to describe the setting, to outline the history, and to discuss the individual mines and the many owner/operators that made up the coal industry of the Lethbridge region.

The 148-page, illustrated book with color cover in softcover is available f romthe Lethbridge Historical Society for $10.95 per copy. Price includes postage and handling.

ORDER FORM

Please send me copies of "Lethbridge: Its Coal Industry," which is expected to be available about March 30th. I enclose $10.95 for each copy.

Send to:

Address:

City, Province: Postal Code: Make checks out to "The Lethbridge Historical Society." The Lethbridge Historical Society, Box 974, Lethbridge AB TIJ 4A2 Phone 1-403-320-3957 LETHBRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY THE LETHBRIDGE CHAPTER Of the Historical Society of Alberta

P.O. BOX 974 LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA. TIJ 4A2

Number 3 NEWSLETTER ISSN 0382-9812 May 1989

LETHBRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OFFICERS FOR 1989 Telephone (403) 320-3957

President Carlton R. Stewart, 1005 - 23 Street North TIH 3T2 Ph. 328-4669 Past President D. Tracy Anderson, 953 - 21 Street South TIJ 3L4 327-2761 Vice-President M. Jean Johnstone, 176 Sherwood Boulevard West TIK 5V5 381-7735 Secretary Patricia A. Marshall, 2712 South Parkside Drive TIK 0C5 320-5134 Treasurer David J. Dowey, 1102 Cameron Road South TIK 4B3 329-1671 Executive Director Alex Johnston, Box 815, Lethbridge TIJ 3Z8 320-3957 Council Member (1991) Ralph Erdman, 1115 - 17 A Street South TIK 1Y2 327-2764 Council Member (1991) Douglas J. Card, 1051 - 13 Street South Tlk 1S6 327-4757 Council Member (1990) Beatrice Hales, 2002 - 15 Avenue South TIK 0X3 327-4154 Council Member (1990) Robert Shore, 937 - 16 Street South TIJ 3C1 327-8007 Council Member (1989) Donna Coulter, Box 1001, Fort Macleod TOL OTO 553-4369 Council Member (1989) A. Douglas Smith, 37 Queens Road West TIK 3W1 381-8425 Editor Newsletter June Carpenter, 2117 - 14 Avenue South TIK 0V3 327-2081

Meetings are held in the Theatre Gallery of the Nine organizations will have displays of books and Lethbridge Public Library at 7:15 on the fourth artifacts, including the Foundation, Alberta Culture, Tuesday of the month. Provincial Museum, local Archaeological and Histor ical groups. APRIL 25. 1989 Welcoming ceremonies will highlight Lethbridge's "AN EVENING WITH R. BURTON DEANE" a docu-drama, popular Mayor David Carpenter and Indian legends will be presented by Brian Tyson, Martin Oordt, told by Blackfoot storytellers. The annual banquet Mary Oordt, and William Baker, all of the will feature Dr. Howard Tennant, President of the University of Lethbridge. University of Lethbridge, and presentation of awards to nine individuals and groups, among them our own MAY 12, 13. 14, 1989 CONVENTION UPDATE Jim Carpenter and the Lethbridge Health Unit. by Tracy Anderson Plans for the annual meetings of the Alberta Historical The enclosed registration form is your ticket to an Resources Foundation and the Historical Society of exciting weekend. Mail before the April 28 deadline. Alberta in the Lethbridge Lodge Hotel are complete. We'll be watching for you. All we need now is your participation. The agenda includes guided bus tours of the City of Lethbridge NEW PUBLICATION: "LETHBRIDGE—ITS COAL INDUSTRY" and through the Blood Reserve to see the Cardston Main by Alex Johnston. 150 pp. Available April 7 Street Program and the unique Remington Carriage Price $10.95 Wholesale price 5 for $33.00. Collection. Walking tours of civic historic areas and guided tours (with historic videos) of the Gait NEXT REGULAR MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 26, 1989. You will Museum are planned. receive notice of any summer field trips. SEX AND THE MINISTRY Lethbridge MEWS. ;/ FebruoAy 1904 The Rev. John Stanley Chi vers' Story "LOCAL TOPICS"

By Alex Johnston "The induction of Rev. J.S. Chivers to the rectorship of St. Augustin's parish took place at the English INTRODUCTION: The story that follows is a sad story. church last Sunday, the Right Rev. Bishop of Calgary It involves lust, adultery, betrayal, separation, dis officiating. grace and a Reno divorce, the latter followed by a marriage which, presumably, made it all worthwhile for "A very pleasant social function took place in Oliver's at least two of the participants. Unfortunately, we hall Monday evening, when the ladies of the Guild of do not know—likely we will never know—the rest of St. Monica and the Wardens of St. Augustin's church were the storyl Why? Because it all took place in Leth "At Home" to the parishioners and friends of the church bridge about 80 years ago at a time in our history for the purpose of bringing together members of the when death and desertion, rather than the-then stigma church and becoming better acquainted with Rev. Mr. of divorce, were the main factors involved in the Chivers and Mrs. Chivers. The attendance was very grat breakup of many marriages. ifying to the promoters and only the best of feeling and kindness of thought prevailed. Short addresses The principals were the Reverend John Stanley Chi vers, were delivered by the Right Rev. Bishop of Calgary, rector of St. Augustin's Anglican Church, his wife, Revs. G.J. Coulter White and J.E. Hughson, and the kind and Mrs. George Rogers, a member of the choir. The wishes expressed reciprocated by Rev. J.S. Chivers. affair was the talk of the town for years—certainly Several gentlemen contributed songs and instrumental the major scandal of the first decade of this century music." in the City of Lethbridge. Whoop-Up Country Chapter Newiletter, January 19S7. Here, then, is the story as revealed by a selection of newspaper clippings of the time. "CITY OF LETHBRIDGE COAT-OF-ARMS"

* * * NEWSPAPER REPORTS * * * "Lethbridge was incorporated as a city on 9 May 1906. On 2 July 1907 a council Committee of the Whole approved Mooie Jaw TIMES an offer by alderman Charles Broughton Bowman to donate Reprinted In Lethbridge NEWS, 11 febmary 1904 a $25 cash award for the best city coat-of-arms design. The Secretary-treasurer was directed to arrange for ad "Departure of Rev. J.S. Chivers" vertising and to receive the submissions.

"Rev, J.S. Chivers, A.K.C., who for the past five years "Seventeen designs were submitted, ten by the same per has been rector of St. John's parish, preached his son. The winner of the contest was the Rev. J.S. Chivers, farewell sermon last Sunday and on Tuesday left with rector of St. Augustin's Anglican Church. In the opinion Mrs. Chivers and family for his new charge at Leth of the judges, his design captured the essence of what bridge. Lethbridge considered itself to be. A crown above the coat-of-arms signified Canada's allegiance to the British "Mr. Chivers took charge of the parish in September Crown. The symbols in the centre medallion represented 1899, succeeding Rev. William Watson, his former charge the foundations of the city's economy in 1906-1907: coal being at Broadview. During his ministry the congrega mining (arm with miner's pick), transportation (loco tion has made much progress. All debt has been wiped motive), and agriculture (wheat sheaf). The dates 1890 off the church building, a new $3,000 parsonage has and 1906 were the dates of Lethbridge's incorporation, been bought and paid for, and all preliminary steps first as a town and then as a city. A panoramic view have been taken for the building of a parish hall and below portrayed the wheat fields and mine working build Sunday school this spring at a cost of $3,000, and be ings of southern Alberta against a background of mount sides the congregation has become self-supporting. ains and foothills. The Latin motto, "Ad Occasionis Januam" meant "Gateway to Opportunity". The Chivers "In addition to his clerical duties, Mr. Chivers found design, which incorporated a brawny arm holding a miner's time to take an active interest in matters pertaining pick in a striking position, was formally adopted by to the social and material welfare of our city. He motion of council on 16 September 1907. The 1907 City organized the Boys' Brigade, and was most enthusiastic Coat-of-arms is known today as the City Crest." in all legitimate sports and in the encouragement of musical and literary societies. Lethbridge DAILY HERALD. 1 May 1909 "He was an active member of the local lodge A.O.U.W. "CITY LOSES A FORMER MAYOR" and last year was chosen District Deputy Grandmaster. "George Rogers, Leading Citizen, Is Dead" He is also a prominent Free Mason. "The city was pained this morning to learn of the death "Before leaving a member of the congregation placed in of one of its most prominent citizens, George Rogers. his hand a cheque for a handsome sum as a slight token It was known that the deceased was fighting a brave of the high esteem in which he is held. The choir fight against tuberculosis for a number of years, and it also presented him with a beautiful upholstered oak was with great sorrow a few weeks ago that it was learn chair, and Mrs. Chivers was made the recipient of a ed that the enemy would probably conquer in a short time. gold bracelet, set with amethysts, from the Ramblers' The end came this morning at half past two at the Gait Club. Hospital, where Mr. Rogers went immediately after his recent return from Colorado. "Mr. and Mrs. Chivers take with them the best wishes of the people of our city and we join in wishing them "George Rogers was born in 1857 in a farming community continued happiness in their new field of labour." Rigaud, Quebec, a few miles north of Montreal, of North of Ireland parentage. After receiving his public and Editorial, Lethbridge DAILY HERALD. 13 May 1909. high school education, he attended McGill University where he took an honor course in natural science and "The Late George Rogers" graduated. He then entered and graduated from the Montreal Diocesan College, being a contemporary with "The death of George Rogers removes from the scene of the late Bishop Carmichael of Montreal, and of Bishop action a man of the type that Lethbridge can ill afford Du Molin of Hamilton. to lose. He had a supreme faith in Alberta in general and in Lethbridge in particular. His life was spent "Having been ordained, he became rector of St, Luke's during his residence here in the interests of this city church, Montreal, and later became rector at Brandon, and district. He was a success as a businessman and he Manitoba. He was there only a short time when he reinvested the proceeds of his success in this district was made Canon Missioner of the Diocese of Rupert's showing that he believed in the country and its future. Land. In this office he achieved a most notable What he was and what he had was devoted to the building success. But the arduous duties of such pioneer up of the place in which he lived. As a citizen of work were too much for his constitution and it was this city he richly deserved the honors the city gave in this work that he contacted the illness which re him and the trust the citizens reposed in him. As a sulted fatally today. In the interest of his health, municipal ruler he had good judgement and was strong in he resigned this position and went to Denver, Colorado, standing by what he believed to be right. Lethbridge a position he held with signal success until the was fortunate in having him for a citizen and is much college burned down and the institution given up. poorer because of his death."

"His health still continued unsatisfactory and Mr. Lethbridge DAILY HERALD, 11 October 1909 Rogers felt that he had to give up the work of the ministry. He came to Lethbridge in 1902 and purchased "RESIGNS HIS CHARGE AS RECTOR" the lumber business of Colpman Bros., which he conduc "Rev. J.S. Chivers Is To Leave St. Augustin's Parish" ted under the name of George Rogers Lumber Co. until January 1907 when he entered into partnership with "Rev. J.S. Chivers has resigned his position as rector E.A. Cunningham, the firm being known as the Rogers- of St. Augustin's parish. Last evening after service Cunningham Lumber Co., Mr. Rogers being president there was a meeting of the vestry to consider the not and Mr. Cunningham secretary and manager. There will ification sent them by Mr. Chivers that he had sent his be no change in the management of the company. resignation to the Bishop at Calgary, the resignation to take effect on January 31, 1910. The vestry after "The deceased after his arrival in this city at once considering the matter in the light in which it was took an active interest and part in municipal affairs. submitted and the reasons given by Mr. Chivers for his In 1904 and 1905 he was an alderman of the town, and action, could do nothing but accede with sincere re in 1906, the year the town became a city, he was mayor. grets to his determination to take a rest after his He refused the promise of re-election by acclamation earnest and laborious efforts in the church work of owing to the condition of his health. the parish for the past six years. All the members of the vestry expressed their regret for the step taken "Besides having interests in the lumber business, Mr. by:Mr. Chivers, but as he had placed the resignation Rogers was intimately associated with some of the with the Bishop there was nothing else for them to do largest enterprises in southern Alberta, notably the but accept the rector's notification. Taber Coal Co., afterwards sold to the Canada West Coal Co., the Lethbridge Collieries and Rogers Mines, "The following resolution was passed by the vestry both of which are being developed across the river showing the estimation in which the rector had been from the city. held: "Whereas Mr. Chivers' letter had been received ad "His interest in the affairs of the church was always vising the vestry of his having sent his resignation active. He was a member of the vestry of St. Augus to the bishop, and whereas Mr. Chivers had adminis tin's and took an active interest in the work of the tered the affairs of the parish for the past six church in the diocese. years with marked success and, whereas we of the vestry of St. Augustin's are indebted to him for the "He leaves to mourn his loss a widow and two children, church hall and the church building extension and, Dora and Clarence, all of whom unfortunately were whereas the present condition of the choir and away at the time of his death. Mrs. Rogers had gone musical part of our services are due to his indefat to England to bring home Miss Dora, who has been att igable efforts; therefore be it resolved that the ending a finishing school there. They are on their vestry places on record its sincere regret of the way home, having landed from the Empress of Ireland step taken by the rector." at Quebec yesterday and will be home on Tuesday. Clarence has been attending Upper Canada College, "Mr. Chivers intends taking an extended holiday after Toronto. The deceased leaves two brothers, Hon. January 31st, when he will have completed six years of Ronald Rogers, Minister of Public Works for the work with St. Augustin's." Province of Manitoba, and Dr. William Rogers of the General Hospital staff, Winnipeg. Lethbridge DAILY HERALD. 26 June 1911.

"In politics Mr. Rogers was a Conservative. He was a "REV. J.S. CHIVERS HAS DIVORCE, member of the North Star Lodge A.F. and A.M. of the I.O.F. BUT QUERY IS HAS HE MARRIED AGAIN" "People of Lethbridge are Gossiping Again About Anglican "Funeral arrangements will be announced later. Pending Minister—It is Said By Many That He Married the Widow of the arrival of the family the remains will be at the Former Member of Rogers-Cunningham Lumber Company" undertaking parlors of T.S. Fetterly, Ford Street west." "Lethbridge people for the past two months have been busy talking about the reported marriage of the former and now the rather stormy romance has come to a close rector of St. Augustin's Anglican church, the Reverend with the announcement of the marriage." J.S. Chivers, to a prominent social leader, the wife of the late George Rogers, senior member of the Rogers- Lethbridge DAILY HERALD. 26 June 1911 Cunningham Lumber Company, The marriage is supposed to have taken place at Long Beach, California, the "WERE MARRIED IN CALIFORNIA" day before last Easter. "Intimation of the marriage of Rev. J.S. Chivers, "Rev. Mr. Chivers resided in Lethbridge for more than formerly of this city, and Mrs. George Rogers, also six years and during that time won the confidence and formerly of Lethbridge, in a city in California, has love of the members of his congregation. He also was reached the city. Mr. Chivers recently obtained a popular in social circles and was extremely successful divorce at Reno, Nevada, from his wife, who is now a in getting up clever theatricals for the benefit of resident of Victoria, B.C." the church. His wife and little daughter were popular also and everyone thought the home life of the family ****** ideal. ABRAHAM DODD, MINER by Alex Johnston "Mrs. Rogers, who took a great interest in church from LETHBRIDGE: ITS COAL INDUSTRY work, was a member of the choir, and a faithful worker in all branches of the church work, besides being one During the 90 years that the Lethbridge coal of the most popular matrons in the city. With her field was in operation, thousands of ordinary miners husband who during the last year of his life was an came and went. We seldom hear of them because we tend invalid, she was a great friend of the Rector and his to concentrate on the activities of bosses and managers. family until after the death of her husband about two Miners came mostly from Europe but also from years ago. Then Dan Cupid began shooting his sharp many other parts of the world. The Gait company hired little darts into the preacher and the fair one simul men of Scottish descent from Nova Scotia, and brought taneously and in a short time the contingent of in miners of eastern descent from the Pennsylvania coal gossips that flourish in every community 'got busy' fields and Hungarian men who had homesteaded in the and the rector's wife received the condolences and at Esterhazy district of Saskatchewan. At one time, the same time 'pumpings' of would-be friends, who Lethbridge had members of 43 ethnic groups, many in insisted that these parochial calls to the widow were volved in coal raining. too lengthy. One such miner was Abraham (Appy) Dodd, born in Wales in 1855. He entered the pits in that country "Then one day Mrs. Rogers left for an Eastern trip, as a boy. He married 17-year old Mary June Thomas in the rector's wife secured a legal separation, sold 1874, and in 1875 they became the parents of a baby her furniture and left with her little daughter for girl called Margaret. He was involved in a dramatic the coast where ever since she has been providing for rescue at a pit near Porth, in the Rhondda Valley in herself and child. The rector still has a number of 1878. Soon afterwards, Abraham Dodd got into trouble staunch friends in Lethbridge who believed him a much- with the police for fighting in public, and he decided abused man and on the day of his departure from the to emigrate to Canada. city displayed their loyalt/^ and trust by saving him By 1885 he was a resident of Lethbridge, NWT. a severe lecturing which was to have been adminis The family lived in a shack, assessed at $150, and kept tered by the major portion of the members of his livestock which was assessed at $200. Their religion parish. was Presbyterian. As only the riverbottom drift mines were operating in 1885, Abraham Dodd probably worked in "Mrs. Rogers returned to Lethbridge last summer, gave Drift Mine #1. Drift mines closed in 1893 and he would a large house party for her son and daughter who were then have been employed in Gait shafts Nos. 1 and 3. both college students, entertained lavishly, and her The family can be traced in Lethbridge from functions were attended by the very people who had a 1885 to 1899. In 1900 they moved to Belt, Montana. few weeks previously so severely criticized her conduct. There is some indication that they returned to Lethbridge that year. And family tradition has it that Mary June "In the fall she left for California, chaperoning a Dodd died soon after and was buried in Lethbridge. As party of young girls, friends of her daughter. A few cemetery and church records have survived, this beautiful cottage at Long Beach was taken and a gay cannot be confirmed. winter spent. Wild rumors of the life the rector was And that is all we know of one of the many early leading reached the home town. 'Tis said he went upon workmen, and his family, who helped to build the prairie the stage and made a flattering reputation, at any community we call Lethbridge. rate he went to the famous 'Reno' and secured a divorce.

av 'aoaidaHian ose 3SSV10 SSV1D 3U3IW3Ud ISUId

f •Pmas Mod ^i LETHBRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

P.O. BOX 974 LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA. TIJ 4A2

Number 4 NEWSLETTER 0838-7249 July 198£

LETHBRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OFFICERS FOR 1989 Telephone (403) 320-3957 President Carlton R. Stewart, 1005 - 23 Street North TIH 3T2 Ph. 328-4669 Past President D. Tracy Anderson, 953 - 21 Street South TIJ 3L4 320-2761 Vice-President M. Jean Johnstone, 176 Sherwood Boulevard West TIK 5V5 381-7735 Secretary Patricia A. Marshall, 2712 South Parkside Drive TIK 0C5 320-5134 Treasurer David J. Dowey, 1102 Cameron Road South TIK 4B3 329-1671 Council Member (1991) Ralph Erdman, 1115 - 17 A Street South TIK 1Y2 327-2764 Council Member (1991) Douglas J. Card, 1051 - 13 Street South TIK 1S6 327-4757 Council Member (1990) Beatrice Hales, 2002 - 15 Avenue South TIK 0X3 327-4154 Council Member (1990) Robert Shore, 937 - 16 Street South TIJ 3C1 327-8007 Council Member (1989) Donna Coulter, Box 1001, Fort Macleod TOL OTO 553-4369 Council Member (1989) A. Douglas Smith, 37 Queens Road West TIK 3W1 381-8425 Editor Newsletter June Carpenter, 2117 - 14 Avenue South TIK 0V3 327-2081

CONVENTION '89 by Tracy Anderson On Saturday, the annual meetings were followed with an illustrated review of native Indian history given by The Lethbridge Historical Society hosted a very success Dr. Philip Stepney of the Provincial Museum. About ful CONVENTION '89—the annual meetings of the Historic 150 delegates had lunch and were addressed by the al Society of Alberta and the Alberta Historical Resour Honourable Douglas Main, Minister of Culture and ces Foundation, on May 12, 13 and 14. About 220 dele Multiculturism. gates and guests were registered. In the afternoon, two bus loads of delegates toured On Friday evening. May 12, proceedings opened with a Lethbridge and about 40 visited the Gait Museum and traditional benediction given in Blackfoot and English, went on a walking tour of historical buildings. followed by dinner. Words of welcome were brought by representatives of the civic and provincial governments The evening banquet featured Dr. Howard Tennant's and the two societies. After dinner, delegates were discussion of native education, and the granting of invited to four 'tipis' where they were entertained by eight awards. James H. Carpenter of Lethbridge was talented Blackfoot storytellers, who recited native lore given the Historical Society's Annual Award. The and legends and answered questions. Lethbridge Health Unit was given the Foundation's Group Award for the Unit's preservation of the CPR About 15 displays were set up by organizations in the train station in a useful form. convention room at the Lethbridge Lodge Hotel. Featured was a selection of items from the Doug Light Collection On Sunday, two bus loads of delegates toured the of 1850s Indian artifacts mounted by the Provincial Blood Reserve, studied the Cardston Mainstreet Program Museum. and visited the Remington Carriage Collection. ALEX JOHNSTON

In Loving Memory Of

"ALEX" ALE>CA.Nr)ER JOHNSTON

Born January 26, 1920 Passed Away April 12, 1989

Memorial Service In Southminster United Church Lethbridge, Alberta Tuesday, April 18, 1989 At 3:00 P.M.

Reverend Norman Thomas Officiating

CREMATION

SPEAKERS: Dr. Ed Andrews Hugh Dempsey Jim Carpenter SOLOS; Be Thou With Me - J.S. Bach Holy Art Thou - G.F. Handel SOLOIST; Michael Kaufmann ORGANIST: Harry Jansen

EULOGY by Dr. Ed Andrews of Saskatchewan in 1937 and graduated in 1941 in Field Husbandry and Botany. In 1945 he completed a Masters Alexander Johnston was born in 1920 at Webb, Saskatch Degree from the University of Montana. His research ewan, where his father had homesteaded in 1909. He career began at the Swift Current Research Station attended a little country school for his elementary where he was employed during the summer seasons of education and later graduated from Webb High School. 1938 and 1939. It continued after graduation in 1941 at the Research Station at Lethbridge. The experience of growing up in southwest Saskatchewan during the late 20s and early 30s, no doubt, had a last It was a very productive career. Research scientists ing influence on Alex Johnston's later career and int are expected to publish their research results in erests. There were a few years when crops were good scientific journals to make these results available to and the bounties of nature resulted in prosperity for other scientists both in the present and in the future. farmers and other residents of the region. However, Also to make the results available immediately to farm most years, by Alex's own description, were bad. The ers and ranchers to be integrated with and to improve delicate balance of nature was upset by farming prac existing practices. tices that were unsuitable to a region of low rainfall and high winds. Alexander Johnston was effective in both areas. By the time he retired from the Research Station in 1980, he Crops failed, soil erosion became intense, the era of was the author or co-author of 65 publications in the dust bowl and the great depression began. It had a scientific journals, 122 popular articles and five per devastating and long-lasting effect on the people of sonal publications. In addition, he made the results the area. Perhaps, however, and, at least in part, it of his research known to farmers, ranchers, extension had a positive effect on the future research career of staff and agribusiness, through his effective speaking Alexander Johnston which was devoted, to a large extent, ability, at many public meetings. to studies related to the reclamation of eroded soils and to the development of management practices that His achievements were widely recognized by peers in the would allow ranchers and farmers to utilize the land for scientific community, as well as by local citizens, as economic production while, at the same time, conserving evidenced by his many honours and awards. The most sig the soil and the ecological environment for the optimum nificant of these were: co-existence of plants, animals and human population. 1. Fellowship from the Agricultural Institute of Canada Despite the severe economic times and largely through 2. Fellowship from the Society for Range Management the influence of his mother, Alex entered the University 3. Honourary Doctorate, University of Lethbridge 4. Honourary Life Member, Western Stock Growers' achievement and in the history of Southern Alberta. Association 5. Membership in the Alberta Order of Excellence ****** (perhaps his most cherished award) 6. Induction into the Kainai Chieftainship EULOGY by James H. Carpenter 7. Alberta Achievement Award 8. Distinguished Graduate in Agriculture Award, I have been asked to speak as a representative of the University of Saskatchewan Lethbridge Historical Society. Our Society has 300 members and they all join with me in this tribute to He also received a Canada Centennial Medal; a Citation our most distinguished member. Dr. Alex Johnston. and Certificate of Merit from the American Society of Range Management; a Certificate of Merit from the Can I first met Alex over thirty years ago when he asked adian Historical Association; the 1973 Annual Award of me to speak to the Historical Society on the history the Historical Society of Alberta. In 1974, he was of the Police Force. Over the years we became friends made Lethbridge Citizen of the Year. and today if I had to name those people in my life whose respect and friendship I cherish most, Alex Alex was a member of a large number of societies, Johnston would head the list. associations, councils, boards, and special committees. The list covers several pages. Perhaps I can summarize Alex gave generously of his time and talents to other by stating that he never failed to serve willingly and historical writers both in and outside of the Society. effectively. His reports were always well prepared and This became evident to me when I embarked on a written on time. His advice was well received. The more he history of the Lethbridge Police Forces. I started served the more his services were in demand. this in 1971, the year that I retired, and I soon found out that Alex's encouragement was not just 'lip Because of his scientific expertise in range management, service'. Frequently Alex would send me in the mail Alex Johnston was well-known and in demand as an adviser such items as newspaper clippings, photostats, photos internationally. In addition to short term advisory and comments that he felt I might be able to use in trips to Africa and Asia, he served for a year in 1961- my book. 1962 with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Org anization in Pakistan on studies of range improvement. Alex didn't initiate many telephone calls. His comm unication with us in the Historical Society was done His close associates at the Research Station noted quite by letters. Those of us on the executive and others a change in Alex after his return. He had been shocked involved in historical research can attest to receiving by the difficult living conditions in rural Pakistan, one, two, and sometimes even three envelopes in one day, and alarmed how over-population and over-grazing of several times a month, all with pertinent and helpful land had destroyed vegetation and caused widespread suggestions. erosion. Perhaps this inspired him to renew his re search efforts in range management practices. There Alex explained, "When I was growing up we didn't have was, also, a new maturity in his attitude and deport a telephone and it just seems more natural for me to ment. From a young scientist who often dressed casually write a note or letter." Perhaps that is why Alex's and was engaged in the varied social activities of a forte was the written word. young adult, he changed, and now was seldom seen with out shirt and tie and in well-tailored suits. His The reason I am telling you of my experience of re activities after work were devoted more and more to ceiving help and guidance from this most unselfish historical studies. historian is because I know I am only one of many he has helped. From the time Alex became president in The transition or evolution of Dr. Alex Johnston from 1966 and then took over the special position of Exec outstanding scientist to effective historian was, per utive Director, the Lethbridge Historical Society pub haps, a natural one. Scientists, by training, are lished four full-sized books, 20 Occasional Papers, partly historians because they review the research numerous articles and pamphlets as well as publishing history and accumulated knowledge in their field before a newsletter six times a year. Nine of these public starting research projects. During extensive travels in ations and several articles were written by authors Southern Alberta on range management studies, Alex made that Alex helped and inspired as he did me. They many observations that stimulated his interest in his- encompassed many aspects of our local history and Alex tory--evidence of the wagon road from Fort Benton to was interested in every one of them. The subjects Fort Whoop-Up, road signs, historical markers and names covered people, street names, schools, city police, of old towns and villages. His studies of wild plants old forts, city firemen, seed fairs, early airplanes of the prairies led him to studies of their use by the and pilots. Alex had the enviable faculty of being native people as herbs and in medicines. able to remember what each author was interested in and he contributed to each through his own research. By the time he retired from the Research Station in December 1980, he did not lose a step as he became a The remaining publications were either written by Alex, full time historian. co-authored, compiled or edited by him. These included:

It has been personally rewarding for me to have been The Battle at Belly River; Boats and Barges on the associated with Dr. Johnston during a major portion of Belly; The CP High Level Bridge; Lethbridge Chamber his research career. It has been a distinct honour to of Commerce; Lethbridge's First Citizens, Nicholas & have been present at special events at which he received Marcella Sheran; Lethbridge: Place Names & Points of his major awards of recognition and to have participated Interest; Lethbridge: A Centennial History; The in this memorial service. Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge; The Development of the Sir Alexander Gait Museum; A Short History of The name of Dr. Alexander Johnston has been firmly and Lethbridge; To Serve Agriculture: The Lethbridge Re permanently established in the records of scientific search Station; Plants and the Blackfoot; History of the Chinook Club; Herbert Percy Byers: Lethbridge's In my long years of association with Alex, I knew him to First 'Physician'; Gait Gardens Park; Egerton Joseph wear many hats. First and foremost was the one he wore Robert Walton: Alberta's First Independent Druggist; in relation to the Historical Society of Alberta and the Charles Ross: Lethbridge's First Chief of Police; Lethbridge Historical Society. In many ways, Alex was Lethbridge: Druggists and Drug Stores; Lethbridge: the Historical Society in Lethbridge. He provided the Physicians and Surgeons 1883-1988: and finally, the leadership, the inspiration, the continuity, and the book that was launched last Wednesday, 12 April 1989 direction needed to sustain the organization through the —Lethbridge: Its Coal Industry. years. And during his term as President of the provin cial body--the Historical Society of Alberta--he could I know of no other author who has produced so many get through an executive meeting faster and more effic first-class papers on the history of an adopted city. iently than anyone I knew. He did not suffer well the long-winded or the fuzzy-minded. He was a man of action The office of Executive Director of the Lethbridge His and he expected results, not idle chatter. torical Society was created expressly for him because the ordinary positions could not begin to describe the In Lethbridge, he was like a one-man dynasty. Oh, there various duties he performed for us. He was our mentor, have been others who have put in many hours of devoted our personal encyclopedia, the brains and the heart of service, but everyone looked to Alex for leadership. our organization. He will be greatly missed.

Although Alex may have regarded the telephone as a tool Alex's scientific mind naturally took him into histor to be used sparingly, he was most enthusiastic about ical research, and from there into writing. I believe the technology of the computer age. At his own expense that one of the first things he published for the Histor he provided a computer for the Historical office in the ical Society was "Uses of Native Plants by the Blackfoot Museum. It was Alex who proposed that the George and Indians" which appeared in the Autumn 1960 issue of Jessie Watson Memorial should take the form of a com Alberta Historical Review. His two booklets. The Battle puter centre. of Belly River and Boats and Barges oh the Belly, both of whicn appeared in 1966, heralded the beginning of a Alex's main concern and top priority was to set up and long line of publications dealing with the history of promote the Gait Museum Archives. The Lethbridge His Lethbridge. In my view, his greatest triumph was Leth torical Society contributed $10,000 towards this object bridge: A Centennial History, published in collaboration ive. I am sure that future Society members, museum with Andy Den Otter. Alex will live on through his many staff, historians and researchers will acknowledge the writings. establishment of the archives as his greatest legacy. Another hat worn by Alex—or perhaps I should say, a Alex was ever ready to adopt new ideas to enhance his headdress—was as an honourary chief of the Blood tribe. writing--such as the judicious use of 'side bars' for In 1973, Alex was given the name of Sotaina, Rainy Chief, added interest and colour in the Centennial book and in and inducted into the Kainai Chieftainship. Here again ensuing publications. New ideas intrigued him. At our he showed his leadership qualities, serving a term as very last Historical Society meeting in March of this vice-president of that body. His recent work in organ year, Alex spoke on the new book Lethbridge: Its Coal izing a bus tour of the historical sites on the reserve Industry. He was introduced by the President, Carly was appreciated by Indians and non-Indians alike. Stewart, in a novel way. Carly accredited him, using each letter of the alphabet, with 26 qualities. Alex There were many other hats worn by Alex as we shared was amused and delighted, not with the praise, but with conmon interests. There were boards, committees, and the innovative and imaginative use of words and the one term when Alex served on the Board of Governors of style of the introduction. the Glenbow Museum.

Dr. Alex Johnston was indeed a man who deserves the But to me, the most important hat Alex wore was that of full complement of tribute and praise from A to Z. a friend. We constantly had interests to share, know ledge to exchange, and I always knew he was there when ****** I needed him. I treasure the friendship we shared.

EULOGY by Hugh A. Dempsey His passing is tragic and sad, but let me say this: Alex had a full life. He had more successes, more honours, We are here to say farewell to Alex Johnston, a man who and made more achievements than any dozen people I know. did so much to preserve the heritage of Lethbridge and He has left this world a much richer place than when he district that he himself has now become part of its entered it. history. Farewell, Alex. We'll all miss you. ******

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epeuso ^i r LETHBRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY THE LETHBRIDGE CHAPTER Of the Historical Society of Alberta

P.O. BOX 974 LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA. TIJ 4A2

Number 5 NEWSLETTER ISSN 0838-7249 September 1989

Membership in the Historical Society of Alberta, including a subscription to the quarterly ALBERTA HISTORY, can be obtained for #15.00 per year. Those members residing from Nanton south are also registered with the Lethbridge Historical Society and receive the newsletters and notices. Newsletter subscription only: $7.50. Send membership dues to: Historical Society of Alberta OR Lethbridge Historical Society Box 4035, Station "C" P.O. Box 974 Calgary, Alberta Lethbridge, Alberta © Copyright 1989 T2T 5M9 TIJ 4A2

LETHBRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OFFICERS FOR 1989 Telephone (403) 320-3957 President Carlton R. Stewart, 1005 - 23 Street North TIH 3T2 Ph. 328-4669 Past President D. Tracy Anderson, 953 - 21 Street South TIJ 3L4 320-2761 Vice-President M. Jean Johnstone, 176 Sherwood Boulevard West TIK 5V5 381-7735 Secretary Patricia A. Marshall, 2712 South Parkside Drive TIK 0C5 320-5134 Treasurer David J. Dowey, 1102 Cameron Road South Tlk 4B3 329-1671 Council Member (1991) Ralph Erdman, 1115 - 17 A Street South TIK 1Y2 327-2764 Council Member (1991) Douglas A. Card, 1051 - 13 Street South TIK 1S6 327-4757 Council Member (1990) Beatrice Hales, 2002 - 15 Avenue South TIK 0X3 327-4154 Council Member (1990) Robert Shore, 937 - 16 Street South TIJ 3C1 327-8007 Council Member (1989) Donna Coulter, Box 1001, Fort Macleod TOL OTO 553-4369 Council Member (1989) A. Douglas Smith, 37 Queens Road West TIK 3W1 381-8425 Editor Newsletter June Carpenter, 2117 - 14 Avenue South TIK 0V3 327-2081

Meetings will be held in the Theatre Gallery of the NOVEMBER 28. 1989 Lethbridge Public Library at 7:15 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Georgia Green Fooks will speak on "CENTENNIAL OF THE LETHBRIDGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE". OCTOBER 24. 1989 Georgia Fooks is a well-known historian of local Bosco Baptista, Assistant Secretary of Lethbridge events and places. She was born in Lethbridge of a Catholic Separate School District No. 9 will speak on pioneer family and is the author of a number of books "LETHBRIDGE CATHOLIC SEPARATE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 9— and articles. THE FIRST ONE HUNDRED YEARS, 1889 - 1989". The meeting is also the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. Mr. Baptista is able to give us an insider's view of Annual reports will be presented, and there will be the Lethbridge Separate School system in this, its election of officers for 1990. centennial year. His awareness of the value of good record keeping and the preservation of historical data Members of the executive are planning to make this will make his presentation interesting and timely. November Annual General Meeting a supper or banquet event. Full details will be in Newsletter No. 6, Please join us when Mr. Baptista speaks at the October November 1989. 24, 1989 meeting. ****** ****** COALDALE'S MENNONITE COMMUNITY ago. He then thanked Colonel Dennis who made favorable intercession for the Mennonites in the office of Pres by Alex Johnston ident Beatty. Heartfelt thanks on behalf of the congre gation were also extended to Elder David Toews for his On Sunday. 19 September 1937, a Festival of Thanks labor and trouble in helping us. giving was held in Coaldale in the first church built by the Mennonite Brethren Congregation. Presentations "Then ten young girls, aged ten to twelve years, all were made to Sir Edward Wentworth Beatty, president of born in Russia, came in pairs and laid bouquets of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and to Colonel John flowers at the feet of the guests. One of the girls Stoughton Dennis, retired commissioner of colonization said, 'You saved our lives', and another said, 'We for the Canadian Pacific. The two men were instrumen thank you'. The unpretentious heartfelt gratitude ex tal in establishing the Mennonites in western Canada pressed by Brother Janz had already made a deep impress some ten years after they had been stripped of their ion on our guests. And now a glance at these children lands and possessions in southern Russia by the Soviet brought tears to many eyes and Colonel Dennis was policy of collective farming. The spirit of thanks noticeably moved. giving which pervaded the ceremony was accentuated by decorations of flowers and grain about the chapel "A short inspiring poem written by Brother H. Braun platform. and pleasingly recited by Jacob Toews, and an inspiring hymn by the choir, 'There is One Who Does Not Fail', In 1926. 20,201 Mennonite people left Europe to come further heightened the spirit of this occasion. to Canada. They had been subjects of the Czar of Russia. The Soviet revolution left them stripped of "Then Elder Toews with deep emotion, recounted how their rich wheat lands in southern Russia and they fourteen years before, through the efforts of Colonel had been forced out of the country. Their appeal for Dennis and authorization from Sir Edward Beatty, the help came to the attention of Colonel Dennis. As a CPR had extended credit of [$2,400,000] so that the result of his intervention, the Mennonites were brought Mennonite emigration out of Russia could be accomplish to Canada and settled on lands in Alberta and Saskat ed. Canada offered a new home for these plundered, chewan. persecuted people. Elder Toews then thanked the two guests and expressed confidence that they would never In his book. The Vanishing Land, Robert West Howard have cause to regret the great trust they had placed writes "The Mennonites are credited with introducing in the Mennonites. He assured them that our people into North American agriculture an important wheat crop. will pay their debt and become good citizens in their Two hundred refugees from Russian Crimea brought with new home. them twelve square boxes double wrapped in sail cloth and sealed with red and black wax. When the group "Brother Janz then read from a 'scroll of thanks' and reached their destination, Topeka, Kansas, in 1874 the handed it to Sir Edward Beatty. President Beatty in contents of the boxes were planted in the fall. Thus dicated that the CPR had nothing to regret in bringing winter wheat was introduced to the great central plains. new people who were law-abiding, peaceful and hard Winter wheat (developed by the Mennonites) is today working to Canada. He had no doubt the Mennonites recognized as the grandfather of all types of winter would do everything in their power to pay the debt. He wheat grown in the USA and Canada (Southwest Alberta)." had been deeply moved by the thanks expressed to both him and his company, the CPR, He wished the Mennonites The events of the Festival of Thanksgiving in 1937 were at Coaldale and at other locations success in their described in an article by Peter H. Regehr, later trans endeavours. lated by his son, Jacob M. (Jack) Regehr. long-time Customs officer at Coutts. Here is the article: "Colonel Dennis also received a scroll which Brother Janz read out loud to those assembled. Now this eighty- FESTIVAL OF THANKSGIVING one year old gentleman, deeply moved and filled with emotion, stood up. He recalled that he had become A Singular Unique Experience acquainted with the Mennonites in his youth during the 1870s in the Red River area of Manitoba. These poor "Among the many celebrations held in Coaldale, the people, under very trying circumstances, had repaid a Festival of Thanksgiving held on September 19, 1937 in $100,000 government advance. When fifteen years ago the first church built by the Mennonite Brethren Cong he had been asked to advocate the emigration of mostly regation must not be overlooked. The proceedings were poor Mennonites out of Russia, he had not hesitated. as follows: He had recommended them to his senior officer. Sir Ed ward Beatty, as honest, credit-worthy people. He was "In late summer in the year 1937 Sir Edward Beatty of pleased that Sir Edward Beatty had approved the credit. the Canadian Pacific Railway was touring western Canada. With special emphasis he stated he had never regretted Since he was in Calgary and would be passing through and would never regret having been privileged to lend Lethbridge he wanted to see a Mennonite settlement for personal assistance to find new homes for persecuted himself. Coaldale was the logical place. Colonel people. He didn't doubt the Mennonites would in hon Dennis, the past Chief Commissioner of the CPR. was esty do everything necessary to repay the debt they also invited and came from Victoria for the visit. In had incurred. He closed his remarks with good wishes addition, several other CPR officials from Montreal, to all the immigrants. Winnipeg and Calgary were among the visitors. "Elder Toews again expressed our attitude in prayer to "In preparation for the visit of these prominent guests, God. The congregation then sang 'God Save The King'. the chapel was lavishly decorated with flowers. An The chapel, filled to overflowing with people, couldn't estimated 600 persons were seated in the chapel and contain the tremendous sound. It broke forth and faded many others remained outside. The guests arrived at in the distant stubble fields. Sir Edward spoke briefly 12:30 p.m. Brother J.B. Janz, speaking in English, to the flower girls. Then our guests hurried to Leth extended his greeting and thanked President Beatty for bridge where Sir Edward boarded a special train for the credit extended to the Mennonites some fifteen years Calgary. The flowers given him by the young girls were placed on a table in the rail car's drawing room, families of Mennonite people came to Coaldale. Of evidence of the modest manner of the people for these, 110 families took up land in the irrigation whom, under God's guidance, the CPR provided a tre block, mostly paid for by 1937 in spite of the Dep mendous service. ression. Sixteen families were on rented land, and 141 families had not yet secured land but were working "The flowers have now faded, but the memory of the steadily. Several of the Mennonite families mentioned celebration will burn brightly in the hearts of those are discussed in the book, "Coaldale: Gem of the West that were present. Nothing happens by chance, not 1900-1983". even that assembly in Coaldale." ****** Sir Edward Beatty's special train had arrived from the Crowsnest Pass at noon and planned to leave for Calgary HOW IRRIGATION CAME TO LETHBRIDGE at 2:15 p.m. Included in the president's party during the visit to Coaldale were W. W. Neal of Winnipeg, The original intent of the Gait companies was to bring vice-president of western lines; Rt. Hon. Reginald Mc- irrigation water from the Kimball headgates only as far Kenna. ex-chancellor of the exchequer of Great Britain as the Stirling-Raymond vicinity. It cost the Town of and a director of the railway; Hugh Campbell, press Lethbridge $30,000, paid as a subsidy to the Gait comp representative; W.H. Ruthven, Lethbridge railway super any, to get the company to run an irrigation canal intendent; Robert Livingstone, general manager of Leth through the hilly Lethbridge Moraine between the town bridge Collieries Ltd; S.G. Porter, manager CPR depart and Stirling-Raymond. It began with a 17 January 1898 ment of natural resources; Frederick G. Cross, super letter from the Lethbridge Board of Trade to the Mayor intendent of the CPR irrigation district; Senator W.A, and Council, Town of Lethbridge: Buchanan and Mayor David Horton Elton of Lethbridge; Robert Barrowman, chairman of the Lethbridge Board of "I beg to submit for your consideration the following Trade; and other Lethbridge civic and Board of Trade resolutions passed at a meeting of the Board of Trade officials. on 14th January 1898.

The illustrated scroll presented to Sir Edward Beatty "This Board having learned that the Alberta Irrigation read as follows: Company are about to construct an Irrigation canal, which is to stop for the present at a point about 20 "To Sir Edward W. Beatty, C.8.E. K.C. miles from Lethbridge and believing that it would be of Eiteemed Sir Edward Beatty:- great benefit to the Town if the canal were continued towards the Town, so as to secure the settlement of "It will ever be recorded on the pagei o^ hl-i,- lands in the immediate vicinity, and further believing tory and engraved on 20,000 living, grateful that the construction could be secured upon terms and hearti that the aaoclatlon with the Canadian conditions favourable to the Town if action were taken Pacific Railway wai an ei-ientlal and Indlipen- on behalf of the citizens. ilble link In the chain o{, clrcumitancei by which our people were -iaved {,rom spiritual and "THEREFORE be it resolved that this Board would strongly moral death. Under the guidance o^ Divine urge the Council of the Town of Lethbridge to take Providence a meam oi excape wai opened ^or action with a view of securing this object, by arranging our people by the Canadian Pacific Railway, with the Irrigation Co. for the continuance of the canal and iubieqaently by the government and people to a point within a few miles of the town, within a def ol Canada. In tkli land oi adoption we have inite period, and for the sale of the lands adjacent to iound liberty, peace, security, dally bread the canal, at a reasonable price, so as to facilitate and a home. their settlement, and to consider the advisibility of granting the Irrigation Co. a bonus [ov $30,000] as "All thli wai accomplished on the ba.i,li o^ good consideration therefor." ialth. We on our part ihall alwayi endeavor to do all In our power to juitl^y the confidence The second resolution, which eventually resulted in placed in ui and we hope that the Canadian Mountain View Cemetery, was: "The Board of Trade beg Pacific Railway Co., the Government, and the to bring to the attention of the Town Council the pres people oi Canada will never have reaion to ent condition of the Protestant [now Pioneer] Cemetery withdraw their conildence. Our people, men oi and suggest that a plot of ground for burial purposes ialth and conscience, will guarantee thli. be secured in a more desirable location."

"Your personal decision iavorable to this move C.B. Bowman, Secretary, ment, esteemed Sir Edward Beatty, was a deter Board of Trade mining iactor In the deliverance oi our people. [In 1893 Elliott Gait concluded an agreement with the "Neither the present nor the iuture generations Mormon Church to begin the irrigation project. However oi our people will ever iorget. God be with you. investors were reluctant to back the venture at this time. The contract was renewed six years later and on The Mennonite Settlers 26 August 1898 Charles Ora Card plowed the first ditch. at Coaldale, Alberta" By 1900, 95 miles of canal were completed from the St. September 19, 1937. Mary River to Stirling and Lethbridge.

Reports listed Mennonite leaders as Brother Benjamin B. In April 1908 the city bought land south of where the Janz, leader of the Coaldale community, assisted by Anglican and a private cemeteries were situated. This Bishop Jacob Toews of Rosthern, Saskatchewan, the became the Public Cemetery, and after the city finally spiritual head of all Mennonites in western Canada. obtained title to all the cemetery land, was renamed Brother Janz briefly discussed the history of the Coal Mountain View Cemetery in January 1945.] dale community. He pointed out that a total of 267 ****** EUGEN£ (PADDY) HASSON with coal, the rest of the pit with cracked limestone rocks. The coal was ignited with air provided by a by Alex Johnston flue connecting the bottom of the pit and the nearby cliff face. The heat drove water from the limestone, CARVSTON RECORD, June 1899 resulting in cement. (The procedure was well-known at the time as "burning limestone" and resulted in a "Eugene Hasson. familiarly known as 'Paddy' was in town product that was sold semi-commercially across the from Pot Hole this week. Although he was all over this prairies.) The cement was then used with sand, gravel country nineteen years ago and has lived here for that and rocks to build a concrete barn and a couple of length of time, this is his first visit to Cardston houses, all of which are still standing. Labor was since the town was laid out. Mr. Hasson is a noted supplied by Hasson's wife's relatives from the nearby character in history, having been a government scout Blood Reserve. under General Crook in the Indian troubles in Wyoming and Montana, before and after the Custer Massacre." * This story has a sad ending. There is no indication in contemporary accounts that Hasson was ever in This individual was listed as E. Hasson in the book trouble with the law. On the contrary, he seems to "The Range Men" by L.V. Kelly; as Patrick Hassan in have been generally admired. Yet. at the 19 November Dominion censuses of 1881 and 1891; aind as.E. Hassen in 1903 sitting of the Supreme Court at Macleod, Eugene Lethbridge NEWS reports of 19 November 1903 and Hasson of St. Mary's was sentenced to five years in 7 April 1904. Stoney Mountain Penitentiary by the Hon. Justice Arthur L. Sifton for possession of a stolen horse. Dominion census entries in 1881 and 1891 for this in The sentence seemed brutally harsh in view of the dividual and his family are confusing, to say the least. circumstances, which involved a rider from Montana The family name, as listed in both Dominion censuses of exchanging a jaded, worn-out horse for one of Hasson's the region, was 'Hassan' and the individual's Christian fresh animals. The rider returned a few days later name was 'Patrick'. Patrick Hassan, age 32, was listed and arranged to make the trade permanent. Hasson put as living in the Pothole area in the Dominion census of his brand on the new horse, which turned out to be 1881. At the time of the 1891 census, Patrick Hassan stolen. [See L.V. Kelly's "The Range Men", page 348, (again listed as age 32) and two children, Jennie for details of the caseJ.1 Hasson, then aged 55 accord (8 years) and Daniel (2 years) were listed as living in ing to the 1881 census, died in Stoney Mountain Pen the Pothole district. I assume that the census-takers itentiary on Thursday 31 March 1904, only four months were given the name 'Paddy Hassan' and jumped to the after his arrival there. He was buried in Lethbridge's conclusion that the nickname was an abbreviation for St. Patrick's Roman Catholic cemetery on 8 April 1904. 'Patrick'. According to the registration book for St. Patrick's cemetery, he was buried under the name 'Paddy Hasson' Eugene (Paddy) Hasson was a contemporary and friend of in the ONW [Old North West] part of the cemetery, in George Washington Houk. Both were frontiersmen, both row 4, grave 4. His age was given as 50 years in the married Blood Indian women, both spoke Blackfoot, both cemetery record. settled in the Pothole district—Hasson at the mouth of Pothole Creek, Houk a mile or two to the north. The Hasson place was acquired by George Frank Russell Both started small drift mines. Both registered brands and is now in the hands of Russell's grandson, Frank at an early date, Hasson an E H and Houk a Half Circle H. A. Russell of Lethbridge. Hasson was American Irish, Houk was Pennsylvania Dutch. * [The Custer Massacre occurred in 1876.] In the early 1880s, Hasson constructed the first con crete buildings in the region. He did this by gather ****** ing limestone rocks from the surrounding glaciated prairie. Then he dug six-foot [1.8 m] deep pits near [Alex Johnston wrote this article for the newsletter a cutbank along Pothole Creek and half-filled the pit in April 1989.]

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•pcuto (SOd ^i LETHBRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY THE LETHBRIDGE CHAPTER Of the Historical Society of Alberta

P.O. 80X974 LETHBRIDGE. ALBERTA. TIJ 4A2

Number 6 NEWSLETTER ISSN 0838-7249 November 1989

Membership in the Historical Society of Alberta, including a subscription to the quarterly ALBERTA HISTORY. can be obtained for $15.00 per year. Those members residing from Nanton south are also registered with the Lethbridge Historical Society and receive the newsletters and notices. Newsletter subscription only: $8.50.

LETHBRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OFFICERS FOR 1989 Telephone (403) 320-3957 President Carlton R. Stewart. 1005 - 23 Street North TIH 3T2 Ph. 328-4669 Past President D. Tracy Anderson, 953 - 21 Street South TIJ 3L4 320-2761 Vice-President M. Jean Johnstone, 176 Sherwood Boulevard West TIK 6C9 381-7735 Secretary Patricia A. Marshall, 2712 South Parkside Drive TIK 0C5 320-5134 Treasurer David J. Dowey, 1102 Cameron Road South TIK 4B3 329-1671 Council Member (1991) Ralph Erdman, 1115 - 17 A Street South TIK 1Y2 320-2764 Council Member (1991) Douglas A. Card, 1051 - 13 Street South TIK 1S6 327-4757 Council Member (1990) Beatrice Hales, 2002 - 15 Avenue South TIK 0X3 327-4154 Council Member (1990) Robert Shore. 937 - 16 Street South TIJ 3C1 327-8007 Council Member (1989) Donna Coulter, Box 1001, Fort Macleod TOL OTO 553-4369 Council Member (1989) A. Douglas Smith, 37 Queens Road West TIK 3W1 381-8425 Editor Newsletter June Carpenter, 2117 - 14 Avenue South TIK 0V3 327-2081

Meetings will be held in the Theatre Gallery of the JANUARY 23, 1990 at the Lethbridge Library Lethbridge Public Library at 7:15 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month. The speaker will be Mr. R.W. (Dick) Papworth, Reeve of the County of Lethbridge. NOVEMBER 28. 1989 at ERICKSONS FAMILY RESTAURANT The county will celebrate its 25th anniversary this Georgia Green Fooks, Lethbridge teacher and writer, year. For 20 of those years, Mr. Papworth has served will speak on "CENTENNIAL OF THE LETHBRIDGE CHAMBER as Reeve or Councillor of the county. OF COMMERCE". ****** This is the Lethbridge Historical Society's Annual Meeting and will feature a sociall hour 6:00-7:00 p.m., The LHS would appreciate receiving articles of histor followed by the banquet at 7:00. The business agenda ical interest, of suitable length to be used in the will include election of officers for 1990 and annual Newsletter. Clear black and white prints and documents reports, and will begin at 8:00 p.m. relating to Lethbridge and district are especially interesting. It is important that all members, including those who are unable to come to the banquet, attend the annual If you have such material to share, please phone or meeting at 8:00 p.m. and hear our outstanding guest write the editor or any officer of the Society. speaker, Georgia Fooks. LETHBRIDGE PROVINCIAL GAOL Blaine A., Report from Ottawa, April 1987) indicated that nearly 85 percent of voters favor capital punish ment, with lethal injection the favored method.

The first hangings in Alberta took place on makeshift gallows at North-West Mounted Police barracks. Char coal, the Blood Indian murderer, was hanged in 1897 at the Macleod barracks while sitting on a wooden kitchen chair as he had lost the use of his legs. There were 29 hangings at the Fort Saskatchewan Provincial Jail between 1916 and 1960. Two of these hangings were of interest to southern Albertans, namely those of Emilio (Emperor Pic) Picariello and Florence Lassandra of Coleman on 2 May 1923. Mrs. Lassandra was the only woman ever executed in Alberta.

The five individuals identified as having been execut ed by hanging at the Macleod Mounted Police barracks are:

Charcoal aka Bad Young Man 19 March 1897 (Burial place unknown) Mah Hong 05 January 1908 (Buried in field near RNWMP Barracks) Samuel Willinsky 26 July 1912 (Buried in field near RNWMP Barracks) Joe Smith 25 September 1914 (Buried in Gait Archives Photo field near RNWMP Barracks) Afancy Sokoloff 25 September 1914 (Buried in On 22 July 1989 a headline in the LETHBRIDGE HERALD field near RNWMP Barracks) proclaimed "First Alberta Jail, site of 18 hangings, falls to wrecker's ball." Convicted felons once were hanged in Lethbridge. The first such hanging took place within the city limits And so, the red brick building covered in creepers, when, on 14 January 1911. Wasyl Chobator was hanged in looking more like an ivied hall of learning than a a barn at the Royal North-West Mounted Police barracks jail, is no more. (now the Civic Centre) for the murder of Alex Lazaruk. The hanging took place in one of the stables, where a The Lethbridge Provincial Gaol was built in 1910-11 at seven-foot deep hole was dug in the floor under the a cost of $250,000, on a 240-acre parcel of land near gallows to provide room for the drop. Chobator's body the eastern outskirts of the city. It was opened for was buried in quicklime in the seven-foot deep hole. occupation for the first time in July 1911. A large The Lethbridge Provincial Gaol was opened later in 1911. sign at the entrance gates read "LETHBRIDGE PROVINCIAL Eighteen hangings took place there between 1912 and 1956. GAOL—KEEP OUT" which provided one British newspaper with the banner headline "Good Advice from One of Our The individuals executed by hanging at the Lethbridge Colonies." Provincial Gaol (now the Lethbridge Correctional Centre) are: [POW denotes prisoner(s)-of''war] The land surrounding the gaol was put to good use as a farm, worked by the inmates, supplying the institution Frederick L. Carlson 19 June 1912 with produce, poultry and meat. (Burial place unknown) Adam Neigel 22 March 1918 In 1913 the building was enlarged and a residence for (Burial place unknown) prison guards was built. A 6-bed hospital was opened Tom Bassoff 22 December 1920 in 1925. (Burial place unknown) Ottis Dortch 11 April 1923 In 1983 a new $28 million dollar establishment capable (Burial place unknown) of holding 275 men and 18 women was constructed, and Bertram A. Jones 10 June 1931 this modern facility is known as the Lethbridge (Body sent to U. of A.) Correctional Centre. Mike Radko 10 June 1931 (Buried in prison compound) Alberta prisoners under penalty of death, from Edmonton Fred Baldwin 10 June 1931 south, were hanged in the Lethbridge Provincial Gaol. (Body claimed by parents) The last hanging at the gaol took place in July 1956. Peter Abramowicz 25 May 1944 (Buried in prison compound) APPLICATION OF THE DEATH PENALTY IN SOUTHERN ALBERTA Weiner Schwalb (POW) 26 June 1946 (Buried in compound) By Alex Johnston Heinrich Busch (POW) 18 December 1946 (Buried in compound) The last hanging in Canada took place in Toronto's Don Willi Mueller (POW) 18 December 1946 Jail on 11 December 1962. On 14 July 1976. the House (Buried in compound) of Commons narrowly voted to abolish capital punishment. Walter Wolf (POW) 18 December 1946 However, brutal murders and all too-frequent killings of (Buried in compound) police officers h?ve created support for the reimpos- Bruno Perzanowski (POW) 18 December 1946 ition of•the death penalty. A local poll (Thacker. (Buried in compound) Donald Sherman Staley 18 December 1946 the very location has been paved or cemented over. (Buried in compound) Lloyd William Smith 09 April 1948 REFERENCES (Buried in compound) Stanley James Marshall 30 March 1949 Carter, David J. 1980. Behind Canadian Barbed Wire: (Buried in compound) Alien refugee and prisoner of war camps in Canada Robert James Sims 29 June 1954 1914-1946. Tumbleweed Press, Calgary. Pp.334. Illus. (Buried in compound) Peter Morrison 17 July 1956 Carlson, Daryl-Lynn et al 1987. Dying to Bring Back (Buried in compound) The Noose. The Calgary Sunday Sun. April 26. Pp.24- 25. [Includes account of Peter Morrison trial, execution.] Although found guilty in a trial fairly conducted under Canadian law, there was considerable doubt as to whether Stockland, Peter et al 1987. To Die Or Not To Die. the five POW should have been executed. The murders The Edmonton Sunday Sun. April 26. Pp. 26-27. [Dis for which the five were hanged are described in David cusses Picariello-Lassandra executions.] Carter's book "Behind Canadian Barbed Wire." (Crimes for which other listed men were hanged are described ****** in newspapers of the period.)

Local RCMP officers were much involved in the inves tigation, trial, conviction and eventual hanging of the ALDERMAN, ALDERPERSON, OR COUNCILLOR? German POWs. For several months in the pre-trial period, one of them took Magistrate Arthur Beaumont to the Leth Lethbridge was declared a city by act of the Alberta bridge Internment Camp every eight days so the POWs Legislature, assented to on 9 May 1906. Very little could be remanded in custody. (They were confined in notice was taken at the time of this civic milestone. the Detention Barracks within the Internment Camp.) Mayor George Rogers and council did not even bother to Two nights before the final four POWs were to be hanged. call a meeting until 21 May. Warden Herbert Holt came into an office at the Jail being used by the RCMP officer on duty. Holt was very The most noticeable change seen in city minutes was excited and asked that the officer immediately get a that Councillors of the Town of Lethbridge were listed doctor, two or three nurses, plasma, and bandages. as Aldermen of the City of Lethbridge. The term alder These things were procured quickly even though it was man has been used in Lethbridge since May 1906. 2:00 a.m. In recent years some have tended to see terms such as It turned out that one of the POW (Perzanowski) had chairman and alderman as sexist. Chairperson and arranged for a razor blade to be smuggled into his cell, alderperson became common and attempts were made to concealed in the cover of a book. He broke the blade use the term councillor once again. Attitudes changed into four pieces and each of the four men took a piece. to the point that, with tongue in cheek, some advocated After going to bed, presumably on signal, they all cut personhole cover instead of manhole cover, personkind their wrists, first pulling the bed clothes well up or humankind instead of mankind, while individuals were over themselves. And there they lay bleeding to death urged to "Put your trust in God. She will provide." until one of them, in pain and light-headedness, groaned and was overheard by a guard. The guard investigated In late January 1987, according to the London Sunday and saw huge puddles of blood on the floor under each Times, an English judge ruled that the word chairman of the POWs beds. Holt was alerted and medical help was not sexist. He felt it was a kind of job descript was summoned. Doctors worked frantically all that ion, rather than a statement of gender. His ruling night and the next day to save the four men so that was greeted with cries of outrage by more militant fem they could be hanged the following night. inists. But it was viewed as simple commonsense by most people. [Information provided in April 1987 to an Edmonton SUN reporter, presumably by the Solicitor General's On 17 February 1987, Calgary's city commissioners stated department, suggested that only three POW managed to that, despite complaints it was sexist, the "man" should cut their wrists and that their injuries, when discov not be taken out of the word alderman, A suggestion ered, were not serious.] that the title be changed to councillor also was ruled out. The commissioners concluded that, "Alderman The RCMP officer, who attended as an observer, said stands out historically as the most appropriate term." the hangman at the POW and Staley hangings was a small obnoxious Englishman. He took a particular dislike to The issue was raised in the past due to similar concerns Perzanowski, who had nearly done him out of most of his about sexism. A survey found that alderman was in use fee. in all Alberta cities and in most Canadian cities. The term councillor was used exclusively only in Winnipeg, The four POW were hanged two-by-two, back-to-back on Montreal, Quebec, Fredericton, St. John's and Whitehorse. the night of 18 December 1946 with their wrists heavily Toronto elected a councillor and an alderman from each bandaged. Earlier they had asked to be shot but the ward. The study suggested that the term alderman implied request was refused. Also, they objected to dying with higher status than the term councillor, since in juris Staley, a pervert who derived some kind of sexual satis dictions such as Toronto where both titles were used, the faction from strangling children and watching them die. alderman was the senior officer. (Staley had killed a couple of small boys in Vancouver and one in Calgary, I believe, before detectives caught Alderman Diane Hunter of Calgary's city council said: "I up with him.) am happy to stick with the title of alderman. It has historical significance. I am not offended by its app The graves in the Lethbridge prison compound where many earing to be sexist. I don't think it is." of the hanged men were buried are unmarked. We believe ****** THE MARQUIS HOTEL Sir Alexander Gait was the promoter of the North Western Coal and Navigation Company, which came into THE LETHBRIDGE HERALD 25 February 1928 the region in 1882 with competent staff and English money and began the large-scale exploitation of the "The program at the hostelry is going forward at such Lethbridge coal field. Stanley Baldwin was the Prime a pace that a name must be settled upon immediately Minister of Britain on three occasions--briefly in and the directors are asking for suggestions. They 1923 and again in 1924-1929 and 1935-1937. Freeman may be sent either to the Herald editorial department Freeman-Thomas, First Marquess of Willingdon, was the or to the Lethbridge Community Hotel directors direct. Governor-General of Canada from 1926 to 1931. The Suggestions should be sent at once as a decision must name finally chosen for the new hotel was The Marquis, soon be reached. after the world famous, high quality, hard red spring Marquis wheat, which was developed by Charles Saunders^ "The Stafford and the Sheran are two names that have of the Ottawa Experimental Farm and was released in met with some favor, the former being in commemoration 1909. of William Stafford, first superintendent of the Gait Mines, and the latter for Nicholas Sheran, pioneer The hotel, on the corner of 4th Avenue South and mine operator of Alberta, who, in 1872 [1874] started 7th Street South, opened in June 1928. It closed in the first coal mine in the Lethbridge field. The November 1985. Sir Alexander Gait, the Baldwin, and the Willingdon are also suggestions." ******

Fellow Members: DID YOU EVER WONDER WHAT HAPPENS TO \DUR HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP FEE OF $15.00?

ALBERTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY DUES PORTION $9.75 LETHBRIDGE CHAPTER PORTION $5.25 Expenditures per membership: Expenditures per membership: - ALBERTA HISTORY & Prov. Newsletter printing - Lethbridge Hist. Soc. Newsletter printing costs, handling, postage (4 issues & $2.95) $11.90 cost, labels, postage (6 issues per year) $7 73

- Other expense items are office, honorariums for LHS members volunteer their services without editor, bookkeeper and others, travel expenses remuneration for editing, typing, handling, etc.

SHORTFALL per member $2.15 SHORTFALL per member $2.48

To make up the shortfall: To make up the shortfall: 1 HSA Executive applies each year for a grant from 1. REVENUE FROM BOOK SALES. Books, occasional papers, Alberta Culture to assist in publishing the articles, written by Alex Johnston and other members quarterly ALBERTA HISTORY. (Grant received is have been the basis of our income. less than 50% of costs) 2. The Chinook (Calgary) Chapter sponsors a casino in Calgary, assisted by Edmonton and Lethbridge In recent years the LHS has provided funds for: members. A share of the proceeds is given to the HSA. - $10,000 archival reco"ding Gait Museum. (Matched by Provincial CR/C grant) - $5,000 for additional equipment for Watson Computer Centre, Gait Museum. (Matched by CR/C grant) - $2,000 to Gait Museum and Glenbow Alberta Institute to microfilm newspapers from Raymond, Alberta. A copy was supplied to the Gait Archives.

YOUR MEMBERSHIP FEE AND PARTICIPATION ARE VITAL TO THE PRESERVATION OF THE HISTORICAL RECORD OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA.

We would appreciate any comments or suggestions from members, Names, addresses, phone numbers of executive officers are listed on the newsletter heading. - Carlton Stewart, President.

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