NEWSLETTER Lethbridge Historical Society The Southern Alberta Chapter of the Historical Society of Alberta

P.O.BOX 974 Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada TIJ 4A2 ®Copvtiahl1999_ INumba-l NbWt^Lfc 11 bti ISSN 0836-724^ Membership in the Historical Society of Alberta is $25.00 per year single or $30.00 a couple or family. It includes a subscription to the quarterly ALBERTA HISTORY, and members residing from Nanton south are also registered with the Lethbridge Historical Society and receive newsletters and notices. (Your mailing label expiration date will be highlighted when it is time to renew) Please send dues to the treasurer. LETHBRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OFFICERS Presktent Carlton R. (Barbara) Stewart Vtoe& Past President Wm. (Bill) (Juanita) Ungard Seaetary/Newsletter Editor Irma (Jake) Dogterom Treasurer David J. (Gerry) Dowey Council Member (1999 Richard Shockley (Leslie) Council Member (1999 Helen Kovacs Council Member (2000 Ernie (Goldie) Snowden Council Member (20CX» R. W. (Dick) (Theresa) Papworth Council Member (2001 AudreySwedish Council Member (20011 Robert (Emerice) Shore Book Distribution & Sales Ralph Erdman ^ Regular meetings are held in the Theatre Gallery of the Lethbridge Public Library at 7:15 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Notices From the executive meeting minutes: The annual meeting was held November 24 in the Suggested guidehnes for memorials for deceased Theatre Gallery of the Lethbridge Public Library. The members have been compiled as follows: new officers are noted above. 1. Such donations to be determined by the executive with The following notice of motion was made at the approval from the membership. meeting: "/ move the following Notice Of Motion to all members at large of the Lethbridge Historical Society. 2. The Society (Executive) wiU decide what projects in the This motion presented November 24th 1998 at the community it wishes to support. If one of these projects is "Annual General meeting" of the Lethbridge Historical approfaiate the Executive will recommend that support be made Society and will be subsequently voted on at the January as a memorial remembrance to the deceased member rather than 1999 meeting of the Society. 'That the Lethbridge state that a sum of money be donated in honor of a member and Historical Socioety spend not more than $5000.00 for then look for a project to donate it to. the purpose of publishing a book tentatively entitled: A proposal for reducing some of the inventory of slow Tales of a Mounted Police Oficer: Superintendent moving titles was discussed and passed. Some of these Deane of Lethbridge Division, 1888-1902 written by Dr. titles along with titles donated by the HSA will be William (Bill) Baker." Moved by Cariton R. Stewart. packaged and donated to schools in southem Alberta. A proposal re the Lethbridge Foundation will be brought The next regular meeting of the LHS will be held on before the members at a later date. Wednesday, January 27*, with Professor Malcolm The time slot for funds for the Somerville Film Coll. Greenshields of the University of Lethbridge as the donated in memory of four deceased members, has speaker for the eveidng. Please note the change of day. been extended to April 30 (or after the next Lethbridge Lottery allocation). Social Evening & Banquet! Mark your calendar for Monday, Feb. 22nd! It will be a social The HSA is looking for someone willing to serve on the evening at the Royal Canadian Legion. Donny White Millenium Com. or the Centennial Committee. Contact of the Medicine Hat museum will speak on "The Search Carly Stewart if you are interested. For Geraldine Moody". Geraldine Moody was an early A suggestion has been made re compiling a walking tour photographer in the Canadian west. This promises to or bus tour of historic buildings in Lethbridge. Input be an excellent program. from members would be welcome. The location of the March meeting may have to be -^°y decision on a plaque or marker project has been changed. Watch for information in the next newsletter. deferred to the next meeting Paul Bunyan in Southern Alberta by D. Tracy produced by W. N. Auden and the English Composer Anderson Benjamin Britten, ^ Prologue Elsewhere, Scandinavian, American Indiaii, the Hungarian steel worker Joe Mogerac and the pioneer The Paul Bunyan Story Nebraska wheat farmer Febold Feboldson became Paul Bunyan was a subject of folklore and eventually folklore heroes. he became a national legend^. There are two conflicting Civic festivals were held to attract tourists to suggestions concerning his origin. The most popular "Bunyan Land." Statues of Paul Bunyan stand on the indicates he sprang from the character of a real person. Lakefront in Bermidje, Minnesota, in Bangor Maine, and There was a French Canadian named Paul Bunyon, who in the giant redwoods of northem CaUfomia. was a lumber camp boss during the 19th century. He was bom in 1837 at the time of the Papineau rebellion in There is no record of when and how he passed away. what is now Quebec. The real Paul Bunyon was a hard worker, but a likable crew boss. His crew spun many Agriculture's Problem stories that exaggerated his unusual strength and As early as 1885 the fledgling Agricultural courage. These stories moved across the Great Lakes and Experimental Farm Service, in reports from Indian Head, by 1860 the legend about Paul Bunyan had filtered recognized the existence of damaging soil erosion by across the Great Lakes, into the Pacific North West and wind on farm fields. It was realized that the machines among the American Indians. Other evidence assigns brought into the prairies were mainly adapted to the origin to Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. mouldboard plow culture. In the early 1900's farmers in Manitoba experimented with new types of machines The legendary Paul Bunyan was reported to have left adapted to cultivation of soils for improved weed control one month after birth with his cradle over his shoulder. on land plowed initially with the mouldboard plow. Two He started his exploits in the forests, where he discovered his blue ox. Babe, as a calf. Babe broke down the forests of these are shown in Figure 1. in a wide-swath on her way over the mountain. Babe's A blade weeder was patented by R. D. Smith of blue eyes were reported to be from 24 ox-handles and a Franklin, Manitoba in 1909. The Guarantee Iron Works, plug, to 42 ox-handles apart. When Babe died Paul Winnipeg, advertised its "Murks Eradicator" for Bunyan excavated Puget Sound as a burial site for his controlling the persistent Canada thistle (the January companion. Paul Bunyan excavated the St. Lawrence 1914 Nor'West Farmer)*". It is recognized that these River and the Great Lakes to store drinking water to developments were the result of a critical weed control satisfy Babe's tremendous thirst for water. He is credited problem. Another example is the publication in 1926 in with excavating the Grand Canyon. Montana of a farmers' pamphlet, "Summer Tillage Implements"***. Items described included a duckfoot During his career as a lumber jack Paul would cultivator using worn disc blades, an improved harvest an entire forest, and with Babe's help, he would "Gooseneck Slicker" describing the best of the straight haul the logs into his camp. One of his best known feats blade weeders. The horse-drawn slicker was used for of strength and ingenuity involved the account of the secondary tillage, but the driver had to dismount Whistling River. The following account is quoted from frequently from the tailboard to "dump" the collection Merit Students Encyclopedia, p. 438, Vol. 14. of weeds on the blade. "Paul had been using a certain river to float logs, but it persisted in rearing up on its hind legs, whistling Serious erosion occurred in southem Alberta in the and squirting water in his face. After thinking for 4 1920's. At that time protective measures were developed days and 23 hours, Paul invented a method for taming and adopted. The adoption of strip farming was initiated the river. He went to the North Pole, trapped a few in southera Alberta. The practice spread quickly and blizzards, brought them back in a sack, and unleashed was adopted early in its history by Montana farmers who them on the river. When the river had frozen, Babe was spread the concept into Saskatchewan. The value of harnessed to it. Paul and Babe together jerked the crop residue as a protective soil cover was first river loose from end to end and straightened out its recognized by A. E. Palmer<^>. He carried the concept to kinks." the Experimental Farm in 1921 and initiated research on trash cover farming. The "Dirty Thirties" proved the The transfer of Paul Bunyan from an object of need for trash cover farming and the need for improved folklore to a national legend began when James cultivators was recognized, if the battle against the MacGillivary published, "The Round River Drive," in desert*^* was to be won. Farmers made efforts to adapt the Detroit News and Tribune July 24, 1910. W. B. equipment, but the need for several tillage operations to Langhead began in Minnesota a long series (1914-1944) control weeds reduced trash cover below that level of pamphlets extoUing Paul Bunyan and the products of required for soil protection. the Red River Lumber Coy. Ltd. He also published story books for children. (They were noted in Canadian Farmers adapted mouldboard plows by removing books). In 1924 Esther Shepherd pubhshed his book, a mouldboards from their plow and used the plow share as collection of exploits "Paul Bunyan." James Stevens an undercutting blade. Named the "Scooter Plow" '^-^^' published collections of Paul Bunyan Tales (1925). '^ this was among the early efforts to adapt implements to trash cover farming. A successful adaptation of the Poets were active in promoting the tale of Paul large steam engine plows (Figure 3) occurred in the Bunyan. These included Robert Frost, Cari Sandburg, eariy 1930's. and Richard Wilbur. An operetta was written and A Potential Solution The Origin of the Paul Bunyan Cultivator Two Barons farmers must be credited with providing In the fall of 1931 <» John Tumer and Otto Wobick a potential solution. They were John Tumer and Otto discussed the concept of a needed cultivator. They sat at Wobick (Figure 2). Their story follows: the kitchen table on a Saturday night while a strong westerly wind blasted soil past the house. Tumer had his John Turner (1890-1957) 10 bottom gang plow but Wobick purchased an 8 John Turner's parents left England in 1892, first bottom plow. <^' settling in Idaho and they moved to the Barons district in Mary Fleming (Turnery*^* described the process as 1904 <*^'^ The family survived the hard winter of 1906- follows: "They removed every other beain and 1907 in which many cattle and sheep were driven into lengthened alternative so they would overlap in the coulees by blizzards where they perished ®. John and his cultivation. The frog where the plow shear formerly father Clayton broke their first farm land with a team of fastened on the frame was removed from each shear, horses and a single bottom walking plow. Later, they, with other family members, acquired a steam tractor and then two shears were butted together by acetylene torch a ten bottom gang plow. The outfit was used to do forming a large V. These were then welded to the five custom breaking for other settlers in the Barons area. In remaining standards of the plow frame. Each had two 1913 John Tumer went into partnership with A. P. separate levers to adjust the depth." Hughes in a custom harvesting venture. In the early Palmer reported that 16-in bottoms were selected, 20th century this required a large investment in hence the shears butted together and formed a 32-inch equipment and a crew of about twenty men. The sweep*^. John Tumer was happy with the result, the equipment included a cook car, a bunk house, several machine worked successfully, but individual depth bundle racks, a sheaf loader, a threshing separator, a adjustment and raising the units were a task, hence he steam engine and a water tank remarked, "It takes a Paul Bunyan to operate the machine." The name stuck with the machine. John Tumer was an accomplished blacksmith who carried out machinery repair work on his farm. He was The Wide Blade Cultivator Arrives inventive by nature. In the early 1930's he took a strong It was evident that successful practice of the concept interest in the problem of preventing soil erosion by of trash cover farming required a blade adapted to wind. Like many farmers in the Barons-Nobleford area, primary tillage. Lloyd Johnson was employed by John ' he recognized and accepted Palmer's plea to make every Tumer in the late 1920's. Lloyd was observed to be effort to carry out trash cover farming to prevent wind spending his Saturday nights at the kitchen table erosion. It was recognized that a better cultivator was sketching out his ideas for what eventually became the • needed that conserved surface plant residue while Johnson "Tillivator".*^^' It is conceivable that he and controlling weed growth.^ other farmers stimulated thought about the problem. Otto Wobick (1897 - 1988) Otto Wobick was interested in further development following his success with his 1931 machine. He The Ferdinand Wobick family came to the Barons initiated work on his new cultivator in 1933<" and was district from South Dakota in 1904»). Ferdinand Wobick pleased with the results. It was dubbed Paul Bunyan No. and his two oldest sons came by freight cars with horses, 2 (Fig. 6). In a Lethbridge Herald article dated March cattle, machinery, and household effects, arriving on the 31, 1967 based on an interview with Otto Wobick, the homestead October 1, 1904. Mrs. Wobick and the four writer described the machine as the "first on the younger children, Henry, Robert, Carol and Otto arrived about November 1. Otto worked with his father until continent." The machine now hangs on the wall of the 1921 when he started out to farm on his own. Sir Alexander Gait Museum. The work by John Turner and Otto Wobick In 1924 Otto and his brother George owned and successfully led the way to moving from plowed culture operated a large steam threshing outfit complete with to trash cover farming. Their efforts resulted in a cook car, bunk cars, coal wagon water tank and a crew of southem Alberta industry led by C. S. Noble and others about twenty-five men. They did custom threshing in in the manufacture and sale of cultivator blades for trash the district. About 1930 Otto threshed with a gasoline cover farming. John Turner and Otto Wobick were true outfit which required a much smaller crew (about twelve men). Otto did his threshing and cultivating with a 15-30 pioneers. McCormick Deering tractor. His steam engine gang plow Acknowledgment: The author wishes to thank many who have went into disuse in favour of tools more suited to the contributed to the preparation of this article. In particular Greg Ellis gasoline tractor. Like other farmers. Otto was concemed and other members of the staff of the Sir Alexander Gait Museum for about soil drifting off farm fields. helpful assistance. References Otto was active in farm organizations (the Barons '. Sir Alexander Gait Museum. Access document and personal history FUA), he was the President of the Southem Alberta Co­ provided with the Wobick cultivator when donated to the museum. op for 26 years, and had been a director since 1946. He 2. Barons Histoiy Committee, 1972. Wheat Heart of the West Histoiy of was active in organizing the CCF movement in Alberta Barons and District Standard book No. 0919212-14-X. Box 751, Barons. and ran as a CCF candidate in the 1945 federal election. ^. Gray, James H. 1967. Men against the Desert Western Producers Prairie Books. Modem Press, Sask. Otto was a municipal councilor for eleven years, the last ^. Encyclopedia - Lethbridge Library - Britannica p. 637-638. eight for the County of Lethbridge.^ - Colliers, p. 730 -Merit p. 238-439. Lethbridge Historical Society. Newsletter No. 2, Mar. 1997. Dr. Asael E. Wetherall, Donald and Elise Corbett 1993. Breaking New Ground-A Palmer. A Brief History, by D. Tracy Anderson. Century of Farm Equipment Manufacturing on the Canadian Prairies. Fifth . Ogaard, A. J. 1926. Summer Tillage Implements. Montana Agricultural House Ltd., Saskatoon STKORI. R. D. Smith, Franklin, Man. Blade Experiment Station. Extension Circular No. 79. weeder. Murks Eradicator . Palmer, Asael E. (no date). When the Winds Came. Personal publication. . Personal communication - A. Otto Wobick B. Mary (Turner) Fleming.

~U)^d,^ ^^ji CcUt.:.,,-^MA^ /Q S 60^ Tf"nr MURK'S THISTLE ERADICATOR Tlitiiifl n new invention for smetherinc all" Obooitooa Wceda," and a-surs war, i&'fset tlw ooly way. T}ic Uircc-eornoiwI kntfe cm ho nm into the Xround any drpth.rrsm oa« to tw«|v« loehes. perfectly tiau 'Vlfr knife cuta li feet wide, takes four horses to pull i t when worked in tba t field. Start work.ta th* Sprint, not Later than th* middle of May. Ouradvicei«to*uaun«r [.tttow your land ,with this tn^=h*att. start!nc it ia tbe •tubhie.and also nottoplow orevltivats your land .because you tear up the blanketsnd- kt air andiieht to ths roots. The "Murk*^* does not tear up thedirt.bat makes »cood blankctthreotaehcs thick and hc=p« the air and It^ht from tho roots. NottiiQC caa live witiiout air or lichu Guaran- twd to kill every tivtnc root of " Caoada Thistles." Sow Thistles, and Quack Gntsa, if nin to direction. If sot wa will refund yourmoasjr. V/t-I-to -FOB- F»SMHblcs«-sl«kt-^

MANtrrACTtTSZD BT GUARANTEE IRON WORKS, 47 Gertia St., WINNIPEG

_Zfg.. •iO TO 00 1,1(3 J-••.•v.'r.tjs j^ ^i^ i: 1h» Specification hereto hhnnKsc,,^^

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Figure 1. (Left & Upper right) Two early farmers' attempts at making machines for use on soil for weed control (9). Both used "blades" for secondary tillage within a mouldtward plough sequence. R. D. Smith of Franklin patented his blade weeder in 1909. The Guarantee Iron Works, Wmmpeg advertised the Thistle eradicator in The Nor-West Farmer Jan. 20, 1914.

Figure 2. (Lower nght) Standing John Tumer right, Otto Wobick, left, the author kneeling, discussing good tillage practices in the stubble field in the Nobleford/Barons area. Background, a set of 5 Noble cultivators which have just been used in the standing crop stubble. It remains essentially undisturbed and in a position to blanket the soil from the wind. Photo: Canada Agriculture 50th Anniversary publication. Experimental Farm. Leth. AB. 1906-1956. i' ^i" y liBjiiiif "iiiphriii " • -^".^.„.-J2ii»pr .%»*' '*

Figure 3. The steam tractor and the engine gang plow was a common sight on the Canadian prairies during the first 25 years of the centary. During this time the gasoline tractor gradually replaced the steamers. The gang plow was the forerunner of the Paul Bunyan cultivator. Photo: Courtesy City of Lethbridge Archives and Records Management

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Sfel'optd^by'Xo'w^^^^^^^ This original blade cultivator, affectionately refeired to as the Paul Bunyan No. 2 was Gait Museum. ' ^ ^'^ °"^'"'' ^'"' ^""y"" "^^l^^^'^^- ^hi^ machine now hangs on a wall in tfie Sir Alexander NEWSLETTER Lethbridge Historical Society The Southern Alberta Chapter of the Historical Society of Alberta

P.O.BOX 974 Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada TIJ 4A2

©C0DViialTt1999 I Numt)er f NbWi^LI=llbmSSN6gS6-7^4d Marchldddl Membership in the Historical Society of Alberta is $25.00 per year single or $30.00 a couple or family. It includes a subscription to the quarteriy ALBERTA HISTORY, and members residing from Nanton south are also registered with the Lethbridge Historical Society and receive newsletters and notices. (Your mailing label expiration date will be highlighted when it is time to renew) Please send dues to the treasurer. LETHBRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OFFICERS Presklent Carlton R. (Barbara) Stewart VKe& Past President Wm. (BUI) (Juanlta) Ungard Seaetary/Newsletter Editor Imna (Jake) Dogterom Treasurer Davkl J. (Gerry) Dowey Council Member (1999) Richard Shockley (Leslie) Council Member (1999) Helen Kovacs Council Member (2000) Ernie (GokJie) Snowden Council Member (2000) R. W. (Dk:k) (Theresa) Papvrorth Council Member (2001) Audrey Swedsh Council Member (2001) Rot>ert (Emerice) Shore Book Distribution & Sales Ralph Erdman I Regular meetings are held in the Theatre Gallery of the Lethbridge Public Library at 7:15 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the monthT Notices The next rc^lar meeting of the Lethbridge Historical His book 'The Search for Geraldine Moody', is now Society will be held on Tuesday, March 23 in the in print. For information about orders, contact Richard Theatre Gallery of the Lethbridge Public Library. Shockley at Fort Whoop-Up. (1-403-329-0444) Farley Wuth of the Pincher Creek Museum will be our speaker for the evening. *************** NOTICE OF MOTION: Moved that the Lethbridge historical Society spend not Heavenly Father, more that $6000.00 (Six Thousand Dollars) to publish a As we gather this day to enjoy our final annual book which is not yet titled, being written by Georgia banquet of the 20th Century, we give Thee thanks for Fooks on the subject of the Lethbridge Detention Camp Thy many blessings, and for Thy guidance in keeping of World War I and Prisoner of War Camp #133 that viable the courageous accomplishments of the pioneers was established in Lethbridge during World War II. of this land. Moved by Carlton R. Stewart, President, February 22, 1999. To be voted on at our April 1999 meeting.

Bless this food to our use and grant us renewed ^ ^ S|t 1^ 9fi ifC Ip ^ 3(6 !|C 3)C ^ 3|C 3fE sp enthusiasm to preserve the artifacts and recording of life out West in this great country of ours, to ensure that WILMA WOOD is the new Curator/CAO of The Sir descendents of those early peoples are aware of their Alexander Gait Museum and Archives. Wood took the great inheritance. reins on Feb. 1, 1999, and brings an extensive back­ ground to the post. The executive of the Lethbridge AMEN Historical Soc. would like to extend a warm welcome to The above grace given by Audrey Swedish, was the her. We look forward to working with her in preserving lead off to an excellent evening. The social evening with the history of Lethbridge and area. banquet and speaker Donny White was held Monday 4c :|< 4 il< * i|< >!'4c >C lie !|i 9ic :ic 3|c 4: February 22, in the Royal Canadian Legion. It was a great success with Mr. White giving a most interesting FROM THE EXECUTIVE MEETING: presentation on his research into the life of Geraldine Moody, an early female professional photographer and The proposed grant to the Sir Alexander Gait Archives illustrator. Mrs. Moody was the wife of a RNWMP has been matched by lottery money. Carly Stewart has officer who was stationed at Maple Creek for a portion consulted with Greg Ellis about getting the Somerville of his career. Her photographic documentation of the film collection transferred to video tape. life of the native people and the Inuit made for a The Lethbridge Historical Society has received a request fascinating program. for a donation to the Gait #8 Mine Historic Site Society sign project. The #8 Mine group is endeavouring to place markers indicating the location of some of the ALTORADO, ALBERTA many mines in the Lethbridge area at the turn of the century. Four signs have been erected and more or The following article was found in the Sir Alexander Gait Archives. It was not signed, but inference points to the writer being Dr. J.H. planned. A $1500.00 donation would assist the group Duncan as he speaks of babies he has brought into the world. I in placing an additional five signs. A motion was passed contacted Mrs. Florence Eklof, who is mentioned in it, and sent her a to bring the request to the membership with notification copy. She felt the article was basically correct except for perhaps the in the March Newsletter. number of people who attended the picnic. (1600) Editor *************** This history begins some months, maybe two years THE MENNONITES BV SOUTHERN ALBERTA before the country was homesteaded. The Federal Govemment saw the value of this land and decided it was From Marie Fraser far too good to be left to the rancher, and a vigorous In tracing the Alberta Mennonites from their propoganda campaign was launched. All Canada was beginnings, we need to start in Switzerland during the fully informed. North Dakota was not the only state 1500's when Martin Luther began the Protestant canvassed. The Atlantic coast, even to Texas, was Reformation. Many thousands of these Protestors, covered. So was the Pacific. Offices were opened on the known as the radical wing of the Reformation, fled to best comers in key cities. There were stacks of literature Holland under terrible persecution from the Roman and it was scattered with liberal profusion and a most Catholic Church. Here they helped build the dykes insinuating effect. Can you believe us? Why far less pushing the ocean further out to make more arable farm propoganda than that would start a war in Europe. land. Because of the lack of land, after about one Exlubits of Alberta products, oats from Edmonton on six hundred years, many left Holland led by Simon Menno, foot straw, that threshed a hundred bushels per acre; their leader, a converted, baptized priest. Hence the wheat from the farm of Johny Woolf, M.L.A., of name 'Mennonite'. Cardston, the world's record for a section, 40734 bu. Some went to the Vistula Delta of Prussia to drain the And the quality: Car loads of bundles were used and swamps and produce more farm land. When land again they sure looked fine in rast stricken areas. Yes, became scarce, a great number left Prussia invited by the anywhere. The C.P.R. entered - prospectors travelled for Queen of Russia to develop the dry arid land of the one cent a mile. newly acquired area called the Ukraine. In 1917 the Everything was so cheap. Dry-goods merchants from Bolshevik Revolution forced many Mennonites to escape North Dakota brought home enough woollens to run either to Siberia or Canada. They came to Manitoba their families for years. The odd one liked Canadian with financial help from the Ontario Mennonites who Hooch better than pe-runa and the ragged bootleg of had been established as prosperous farmers and business North Dakota. And the climate - a veritable banana belt people many years before. as far north as Edmonton, and no one knew how much During the first World War, Nationalism became a big further. Settlers from Texas brought along their cotton­ issue. The schools, language, and churches being held in seed. Even London sent her quota to the land rash. German were severely criticized and schools were forced Land Openings. to change to English. Many Mennonites left their well developed farms, going to Mexico or Samoa, and some There were several land openings; small affairs. The coming to Alberta, where homesteads were available at office staff was evidently getting its hand in to take care $10.00 per quarter section. Many more came in 1923 to of the great rush for the Last Best West. Great days for work on the sugar beet farms. Towns like Coaldale, Lethbridge! It was really intended to stage this in the fall Didsbury, Tofield, Dutchess, Grand Prairie, and Linden but the wave was gaining momentum. Ottawa feared it were settled by Mennonite farmers. Though cohesive in would disjoint their stay, or was it staged to hold a hoard their social and church life the Mennonites made a great of good spenders a few months longer? Anyway, contribution to the economic, social, and cultural life of January tenth, 1910 was the date set. Some years that Southem Alberta. Many became doctors, teachers, would have been quite effective, but even the elements musicians, and other professionals. Comie Martins is a conspired. A week before the opening, prospectors well known sculptor in Coaldale, the two Peimer brothers began to gather at the door. Three days before the office are dentists, and one (Ernie) practiced medicine, before opened there was some crowd who held their places, he died. The Mennonite Central Committee, known as night and day. Many didn't have even a top coat. the M.C.C. is known around the world for its outstanding Daylight on the tenth saw the line, half a dozen deep, all charitable work in third world countries. The around the city block, and the street in front quite Mennonites seem to be deleting the word 'Mennonite' impassable. Late arrivals drove a wild cow into the from their churches. One wonders why. One hopes they crowd hoping she would break the line. That failing, two continue to be proud of their heritage and the great hundred of them formed a solid square near the door contributions they have made to Southem Alberta, and and had a friend of mine feign drankenness to divert the to all of Canada. We listen with pride to the fourth world police. That, too, failed and then all was quiet. The line tenor Ben Heppner, and we respect and appreciate John began to move. They passed us through quickly giving Epp, the Healtii Minister in Ottawa for many years. The each our number card. When we were all registered then Mennonite choirs in Winnipeg are outstanding having we could demand attention in order at the wicket. One been highly commended by prestigious musicians such chap, for a fat fee in advance, took a host to Medicine as Ernest McMillan. Personally I am proud of my Hat subagency and wired the filings to Lethbridge, but Mennonite heritage. even a lawyer could not divert Mr. Stafford from the approved routine and they had to take tail end of the line '['here were a lot of squatters between the Chin and kicking, squealing brute was the best thing I have ever Kipp coulees. There were not so many below the Kipp seen in rodeo, and Tommy sat there till Billy was done. but Marsh Lynes and his two boys chose lands in the Don't think for one moment we didn't see a ball north east of township four, range ten, and had a good game. Our first choice of umpire ended in disaster when two story house and a large barn erected and the land he called strike four on the first man up and was going fenced before the filing. Of such stuff are North to carry on a bit further. Our battery, Boyle and Long Dakotans made. Medhurst and Becker did the same protested. A new man gave us the best of results. 5-10 where Foremost now is. We had some time to ourselves beat by a score of two to one. The Lucky Strike boys while waiting to file. Before leaving Lethbridge, Marsh knew we couldn't do it again. In that resolution was born began a move to have a post office established. We got the future of baseball for the south,. Is it a glorious sixty eight names on a petition, all of whom would be history? I'll say it is, but of this more anon. The game bonafide users. Mr. Simmons, now judge of the was played close by our house and I took a bunch of the Supreme Court, would help us. He could do nothing till losers over to wash and change. The man who was to we named a postmaster and a quarter section. Marsh have had water on the grounds failed. Everyone was wouldn't have it so it stood for a few days. But pressure, very thirsty. When in the house, Roy Whitney spied an the sixty eight names, and a short cut without his almost full case of lemons. Well, yes he could have them permission, prevailed. Mr. Simmons wired Ottawa and there were lots more at Warner, forty miles away. Then Marsh Lynes was postmaster. Then the name, one was he saw a hundred weight of sugar. Yes he could have submitted, but it was already on the map elsewhere. what he needed as there was lots more forty miles away. Soon Mr. Simmons announced Altorado. Then he wanted water. That was going a bit too far! I Haagen, a squatter, wanted a bridge over the Kipp, never did know where he got the water. He later told me near the range line between nine and ten. A petition got how much he enjoyed seeing Mrs. Duncan drinking her one hundred and nine names. We were all green and did own lemonade. He didn't tell her where he snitched the not know what to do with it. We felt we must have that lemons. Maybe it was just as well? The first picnic in bridge and that a businessman's petition would help. It the south was over and a thousand had met there that was horses those days and maybe forty miles to Bow afternoon, strangers in a strange land. After three Island.. We leamed there was great rivalry for our trade rousing cheers for the king, they went home friends, and between Bow Island and Burdett. Another two day trip Canada was theirs. and Burdett gave a good petition. We had maybe 300 names asking for a one span bridge that would cost Gettii^ Oi^anized. maybe one hundred dollars. We submitted all to the We soon found there was so much needed in a new Hon. A. McLean. Archy, himself a pioneer, knowing country, and some responsible organization was essential our needs lots better than we, gave us two bridges and to sponsor movements when they were presented at sent out an engineer to locate them. A Burdett livery was Ottawa or Edmonton. Mr. Mitchell suggested it. used and the bridges were placed two and a half miles Accordingly notices were posted at Faith for a meeting apart, as suitable for Burdett as possible, and the closest to study the question and take action. Only five, were to the crossing petitioned was six miles. Right there we present: Marsh Lynes, Austin Taylor, James Sergeant and decided to always do our own work and to never again Dr. J. H. Duncan. A week later the weather was better let any Tom, Dick or Harry drive our engineers. and an enthusiastic crowd met at Altorado and organized Conununity Picnic. The Southem Alberta Homesteaders Liberal Association. The officers were: Hon. Pres., The Senator Deveber, Getting acquainted was jolly enough but a bit slow. Hon. Vice-presidents the now Sen. W.A. Buchanan and So we must have a picnic. When? The fourth of July? the Hon. C. R. Mitchell; Pres. James Sergeant, vice pres. Why not? The police? They granted leave on the Marsh. Lynes, sec. - treas. Dr. J.H.Duncan. The general condition that we Americans would make the eagle committee elected was Phil O'Hara, Frank MacNeil, scream so loud he would be heard in Washington and Austin Taylor, Harve MacKenzie, Merl Thompson, Joe believe it or not, we did. Where ~ on Mack Churchill's Bristoe, Wm. Petermeyer and P. E. Baker. Others were homestead, S.W. 7-5-10-4 was a beautifully level and added as our activities spread. Later, because of his smooth piece big enough for baseball and not so many office, Lynes preferred to drop out and P.E.Baker badger holes. And it was so advertised. Oh, just orally. became vice president. Then some one called one for the coulee over beside Bakers but we had the baseball players and Texas We required lots of roadmaking. Harry O'Neil Tommy Owens engaged before announcing the picnic. organized a volunteer crew to make a practical grade on All north east of Mack's would play against the south the south bank of the Kipp at the Thompson crossing. west. Then Churchill owned Wild Billy, from westem In the mean time we approached the Hon. C.R. Mitchell. North Dakota and he never was rode. There were those He promptly told us to hold off for a few days and he who knew this was right. Tex knew he could, and would, would have an engineer on the job, and if we could be ride any hoss that ever lived in North Dakota, and believe patient till next summer he would be with us in earnest as me he did. Tommy stayed aboard for several times as this year he had promised the grade from Medicine Hat long as they ride nowadays and got down. Lots of us, to the Hooper lease. We then asked for a grade through new to the game, thought Tommy was throwd, for he the lake bottom and he asked us to delay till the C.P.R. really didn't dismount so gracefully. That made Tex located their villages and he would have a crossing of the mad and he would show them and he did. The way he Kipp south of each town awaiting the steel, and though bounded on to that infuriated, jumping, striking, biting. he was worried persistently by petitions and cross petitions, nothing turned him neither a mile nor a day from his promise. We had asked for a crossing of the Then, when the provincial election came wc Pendant d'(Jreille as near the Lake as practical. This was suggested adequate voting facilities. The constituency delayed. One fellow wanted it at his door. This had to executive refused and things were getting warm. be investigated, and let me say-right here there never was Mitchell arrived and promptly told us to draft what was a dollar misspent in all the enormous amount passed on needed as we knew what was best. We placed eleven the request of our S.A.H.L. Association, and the territory polls. Now, a quarter of a century later, they stand extended from Massinassin to Glen Banner to Pendant unaltered. Well, now Gahern has been added. There was d'Oreille. The crossing of the Kipp, near George quite a fight that year and in these districts where we Young's place and known as the Mackenzie crossing, was worked we won all and gave eighty per cent of all votes made at our request so as to spend a bit of money and cast. Mitchell was not elected. Ours was the only large ease up the rather strenuous times, and at that it was a group of polls that was solid for the liberals, and Mitchell legitimate investment on its own passed from among us, but his heart was still with us. Till he was elevated to the bench we could have no more The People. sincere or effective friend in Edmonton than he. It was I often mull over the babies it has been my privilige the same with our Liberal Association. In time il became to assist into this life. One, all on his own, runs a chain only a formality and it dropped out. but the group of of two hundred stores. Another went into the forrest men who made it flourish, kept on and did better work with a rifle and a few traps and bought, discovered and when unfettered. With Mitchefl gone, and the U.F.A. at consolidated many mining properties into a three hun­ the helm there was more work to do. Ten years after dred million dollar concern, but none gives me a greater P.E.Baker became Minister of Education he told a hall thrill than the little tad I left on the Bristoe doorstep for full of people in Manyberries that he was not our that wonderful mother, the greatest heroin of our representative, never had been and never had represented .'Vmerican frontier. us. He was the Minister of Education. He didn't mention it, but he had cashed ten checks of $2000.00 Politics and Politicians. each for such service. The reciprocity campaign was fought in 1911. Roaming Animals. Outside people thought there were no votes to bother with, but many Canadians had returned from North In 1910 Alberta had a Pound Law ordinance. But Dakota and were repatriated on one years residence. no mral district existed this side of Calgary. So much There were such terrible reports about our Liberal loose domestic cattle was to say the least, inconvenient. doings that a scrutineer was sent in from outside by the And stray bands of range animals occasionally roamed. conservative candidate, and he boldly stated he was sent Hal Stinson, in his heavy wagon, was caught in the midst there to challenge every foreigner, and he did. It was of maby twelve thousand head. And they resented the bad policy. Many hesitate to swear in their vote, but intmsion. One big fellow charged the wagon and got his when we heard that, we mshed in, stood up like men and horns tangled in a wheel. But with four horses the pesky took the oath, and though we were all sincere, yet none thing kept on a tuming. A band of eight hundred was should have sworn. Only one chap refused. We held held in the Kipp for weeks. Mr. Long was absent for a him near the door ready for a rush. About two hours day and Mrs. Long took the shotgun and thirteen shells after dinner the objectionable agent stepped out for a with her when doing the evening chores at the bam. The breath of fresh air. Gersh Green, the first conservative cattle took possession of the yard. Mrs. Long cleared a agent, disapproved of all this challenging. Our man passage. It took all her shells, but she got back. Mike rushed in and voted for Buchanan. That scratineer had Grossman had twenty acres of crop. He fenced one side his lunch with him and I was blamed for putting the and his money ran out. He had to stand twenty four calomel in the chicken sandwich. Really, do any of you hour guard on the three sides till the crop was threshed. who know me believe such a charge? Altorado had a Something had to be done. Wolff, M.L.A., of Cardston, more numerous list, polled more votes and gave was quite sympathetic. A Pound district was established Buchanan a larger majority that did Warner. In fact, all by the process of Initiative, Referendum and Recall. The through that country we gave him over eighty percent of Hon. Mitchell introduced our petition to the Executive all votes polled. The election had been called in a rush Council. The initiating petition was popular. But when and Deveber had much to do with getting repatriation it was referred back to the electorate a counter petition proceedings through in time and the several polls was circulated and there actually was a small bunch established. When Parliament assembled the Laurier signed it. Most strenuous opposition was registered at club in Ottawa debated very thoroughly how to get votes. Edmonton. But we won. The original district was 4-10, They decided unanimously that the Southern Alberta Homesteaders Liberal Assoc, was the best vote getter in 5-10, and 5-11. Soon several new townships were added. all Canada. At that, with such men as Phil O'Hara, Frank And let me record right here that the large ranchers MacNeil, Joe Bristoe, Mr. and Mrs. Nate Kingsbury, Merl never caused much trouble that way. "Thomson at the wheel, it might be more truth than A Theory of Govemment. fiction. Not everything depended on the eloquence of our advocate, W.A.Buchanan; M.P It is not widely The Initiative, Referendum and Recall, as a theory of known, but it was an act of very laudable statescraft in government was much discussed by some members of southeastern Alberta, that defeated Laurier. Sunk by his our U^F.A. unit. Oh, it would bring the millennium. virtues! Poor Laurier! Then they staged a debate. P.E. Baker, its most enthusiastic proponent, led the argument for the affirmative, and Charlie Sullivan assisted him. Dr. Duncan was finally prevailed on to oppose the ideal. And Bert Collier seconded him. On the debate evening H.W.Woods and his cohorts. Ben Ross thought it could the stork called on Mrs. Olof Jackson. And Bert had to be a good instrament through which to establish buying fight the battle alone. And amid the continuous and and selling agencies. And he asked us to organize a uproarious applause and laughter The Initiarive, U.F.A. unit for him. We posted notices and soon it was Referendum and Recall took wings and passed into an accomplished fact. Then after we were organized oblivion. such men as P.E. Haker came in. And it speeded up sociability splendidly. Later the meetings were held in Persevering at Farming. Doondale school. And that was handy. If business were Few things could so well gauge the independence of slow or acrimonious we would adjoum and have a dance. character of the homesteaders when they first arrived as Or we might have a song from Baker. He was a past the item of relief. The winter of January 1910 had been master in the art. spring-like all through. And we most all built End of Part I. To be cont'd. accordingly. Oodles of people did not line their houses. Next year it was different. All houses were lined. Stan About Altorado! Boyle led the fashion. His was finished in tar paper. There were local coal mines and we would just haul as The name may have come from a combination of needed. And the govemment was responsible, at least in Alberta and Colorado, or it could have been misspelled part for the inaccurate, yes even false picture before us. intending it to be El Dorado, who knows. Initial November 5th gave no hint. We arose on the 6th in settlement in the area was highly Mormon. eighteen below zero and a dense blizzard. There was no The town was located three miles east and six miles chinook all winter. The snow kept coming and drifting south of the present town of Foremost, on Etzikom and the temperature dropping. Cattle, yes, not even Coulee on the SW 1/4 of 36-4-10-W4.. In 1913 the domestic horses could rastle. Many died. There were population was an even one hundred. The post office, no trails. Good horses were scarce and not for hire. All opened May 16, 1910 was established on the farm of together our plight was bad. We got work to Winnipeg. Marshall Lynes, one of the squatters from Devil's Lake, The Commissioner of Immigration rashed to the scene, North Dakota. The mail was brought out from Wamer he got to my place just after daylight. He would honor twice a week by George Quick. The first postmaster was our draft for any amount for human comforts and stock M.E. Lynes, followed by Mrs. J. Cooke. The post office feed. In all this territory, ranges four to twelve inclusive, was closed Feb. 28, 1918. only three accepted help. And in 1914 almost everyone got and took help. But almost all took seed for 1911 There were two general stores in the village, the crop. And right there begun one of the greatest Altorado Trading Co., operated by James Sergent, and a problems of the south. Free distribution of most all general store owned by Grady and Whitty. Dr. J.H. necessities became a wartime measure. The result was a Duncan a medical man, had been lured there the real mess. No one has studied the matter so thoroughly previous year to care for the health needs of the as the late Judge Green. And none was so competent. community, while Mr. David Tariff filled in as And he assured me that the amount of grain grown from schoolteacher. The village had three blacksmiths Tustin government seed was so enormous that it had a Neresen, Will Smith and J.P. O'Neil. measurable effect in closing out the war. Accordingly The town and its inhabitants had been instramental that policy was fully justified and the govenmient, at the in pushing for a railway, but when the line was pushed termination of the war, should have cancelled the entire east from Stirling in 1913, it avoided Altorado and set up debt rather than let it hang as a millstone on the farmer, its own town at Foremost, and marked the end of crashing scores of very good men. So thought Judge Altorado. The stores, and many of the houses, were Green. moved to Foremost and the townsite was relegated to the Things were a bit crade in the early day. A bailiff role of swimming hole and picnic area for the district. came out to serve a sheaf of papers for a collecting Several local histories have photographs showing the agency. Those days a bailiff might charge full mileage large attendance at a picnic such as the one mentioned in for each service even if he covered the ground but once. the article. Whether there was more than one is not He had two hundred papers to serve and the closest was known. W.A. Buchanan was the speaker at a picnic held fifty miles at twenty cents per mile. He called at each July 1, 1912. house once. And with any kind of luck he had to call two or three times on lots. He charged up maby four tfL S|C 3|C «|C ^s 'I* n* ^ •I* ^ *•* •I* ^ *•* n* thousand dollars for that week. We protested to Mitchell. LH Apr. 28, 1909 -- Our Point of View Column And we also asked to have an officer out in the country. Harvey MacKenzie was appointed. And later Fred Thiel don't be a croaker. The wind doesn't always blow. served. And this calls to mind that we recommended a « ^ ^# ^ ^ *f^ r ^rf* ^^ 4f*^ ^J^ 4*^^ ^*^ ^*^ 4sn * 41!* ^e"^ score of two candidates for office such as coroner, pound-keeper, postmaster, justice of peace, notaries etc. Sages's Bridge: in the territory from Comrey to Minda, Fertile Plains, Lucky Strike and Pendant d'Oreille and every Robert W. Sage came to Lethbridge in 1885. He was appointment recommended by the S.A.H.L.A. was first employed as a bookkeeper in the Colliery office of made. the NWC& N Co. Later he went into partnership with T.H. McCredy in a drag and book store, then in business We always had a bunch of very aggressive farmers. on his own until 1915. He became cashier at city hall in The agrarian movement was being developed by 1915. Just how come the 9th St. bridge became known as that area. I can still visualize it in my mind. It was a one 'Sage's Bridge' is not clear. The bridge, constructed in room complex painted white with green trimmings 1911-1912 replaced a level crossing at 2"* St, and Our teacher's name was Miss Moore " probably led to the demise of the Woolen Mill as it I would have liked to go on to sewing school, but was became less accessible when the level crossing was not able. Another child was bom and Mother really discontinued. could make use of my help and was glad to have me at home LH July 11, 1935 "Emanuel (Flaig) and I were married in 1921. We rented a farm for two years. Then the town of Hilda "I believe few have had the ssmie contact with our westem came into being. We moved in and started another way pioneers on the land and in the hamlets as myself. It was to get on. We built a little house and opened a small amazing the confidence and courage of most of them, business, a livery bam and dray work which was done by especially the women, and that led me to the belief that horses and hard work. Emanuel hauled lumber, cement, colonization is the woman's problem. If the woman and bricks for the store keepers, flour and all kinds of weakens the straggle will be short. Hence I say seek the families with the woman who has some ambition for her groceries and dug basements which was all done by pick children; no matter how poor she and her husband may and shovel. Also we drilled a well which was the first one be, there are always some evidences in the shack to in town also done by horse power. We fixed up our two indicate her type. room shack when Emanuel was off work in the evening and were very happy to have a place of our own. C.A. Magrath In 1931 the hard times showed. The depression ***********^-Sfi/i-Jti was upon us. Those were trying times. Naturally it was becoming hard to make a living and make ends meet. Rosma's Story 1900 to 1989 Prices were very low and work was hard to get and An excerpt money was scarce. So everyone had to live accordingly. Introduction: Rosina Ruff and her parents left Odessa to find Our children had to wear clothes made over from hand- a new life in a new land "We are going to America where we will me-downs from adults, which we were very happy to get eat white bread". The journey took about 13 days. From the at the time to say the least. landing in New York, the family went to North Dakota., and later The drought lasted ten years. The women in the to Morse, Sask. Still not settled tbey travelled on the Vemon, neighborhood were very busy with ripping old coats and B.C. and later on again to Hilda, Alberta. clothes and sewing for their families. Some of them "Now this was all virgin prairie, no roads, very few were not very capable in sewing so they really had to buildings nor fences, very few wells for drinking water, learn. I remember a lady saying to me, "Perhaps it's ah, those were the pioneer days. We stayed with kind good for us to live this way. We do leam a lot from each relatives for a few weeks. Dad got busy to build a new other. Also we have leamed to share with each other." sod house so we moved into that place with our meager Uoyd Flaig of Lethbridge is a son of'Rosina.' The story of fumiture. To say least, everyone was starting from his parents and grandparents, paints a graphic picture of the scratch. Everybody was poor. Some people had cows hardships early pioneers endured. I'd like to thank June & Doug but we didn't have even one so we got our milk from Smith who were kirui enough to submit Rosina's story for us to good neighbors which was paid for by doing some work for it in return. Must say everyone was starting in a share. Editor. small way and nobody felt inferior. The neighbors were happy to have a small home and sowing crops and gardening was progressing. Dare say all the people Poll Tax: worked hard with poor equipment and old machinery. In 1918, both the city school districts agreed to levy a poll tax of $4.00 which the city was asked to enforce. So now Father built his shop and got his tools. I The boards would bear the cost in proportion to the remember when he went to Irvine to get his anvil, smith amounts collected for each. The poll tax required that forge, hammers, sledges and tongs. When he had the every male resident at least 21 years old and who has necessary tools he opened his shop. The people were resided in Lethbridge for more than a month, provided very glad to have him sharpen their plowshares and other he is not in the Assessment Roll, must pay $4.00 per year jobs. They brought their work and he was right in it. for school purposes. The Minister of Education We had several people in the district with well diggers, approved this tax on Nov. 14, 1918. and when they needed repairs they came to him and were happy as well. Really, in those days one needed the From: Lethbridge Catholic Separate School District #9, by B. other and whenever they got a fair tum it was indeed Batista. No publisher, no date. appreciated. A poll tax was also collected from employees of the Lethbridge Experimental Farm (The Agricultural ..... There were no schools yet built and we children Research Station today), and the Lethbridge Jail for the just missed out again. We lost over a year ...until a school support of McLean School, as neither Federal institutions was built. In Sept. 1912, the Flat Valley school was paid taxes. finished and we kids had the opportunity to attend. We were indeed happy to go and we tried our best to get ahead. To say the least, this building was a highlight in NEWSLETTER Lethbridge Historical Society The Southern Alberta Chapter of the Historical Society of Alberta

P.O.BOX 974 Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada TIJ 4A2 e CoBYrighi I9gg Numbers NEWSLETTER ISSN 0838-7249 May 19991 Membership in the Historical Society of Alberta is $25.00 per year single or S30.00 a couple or family. It includes a subscription to the quarterly ALBERTA HISTORY, and members residing from Nanton south are also registered with the Lethbridge Historical Society and receive newsletters and notices. (Your mailing label expiration date will be highlighted when it is time to renew) Please send dues to the treasurer. LETHBRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OFFICERS President Carlton R. (Barbara) Stewart Past President Wm. (Bill) (Juanita) Lingard Vice-President Wm. (Bill) (Juanita) Lingard Secretary/Newsletter Editor Irma (Jake) Dogterom Treasurer David J. (Gerry) Dowey Council Member (1999) Richard Shockley (Leslie) Council Member (1999) Helen Kovacs Council Member (2000) Ernie (Goldie) Snowden Council Member (2000) R. W. (Dick) (Theresa) Papworth Council Member (2001) Audrey Swedish Coundi Member (2001) Robert (Emerice) Shore Book Distribution & Sales Ralph Erdman May meeting will be held in the Sir Alexander Gait Museum at 7:15 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday May 25th. ] Notices Fall Tour: A fall tour of the ammonite mine near The new expiry date code introduced for Historical Society Magrath, followed by a stop at the Raymond Museum, a members as seen on your mailing label will be in quarterly segments visit to Stirling village and a drive by a historic bam in the as follows: Readymade area is planned The usual spring tour was New Code Indicates membership expires deferred because of the HSA annual general meeting in the last day of - northem Alberta set for the middle of June. *************** 1999*03 March 1999 1999*06 June 1999 A RETLAW-CRESCENT SCHOOL REUNION is 1999*09 Sept. 1999 planned for July 23rd, 24th, & 25th, 1999. AU former 1999*12 Dec. 1999 students, teachers, relatives, residents are invited to attend. 2000*03 March 2000 Camping is available in Retlaw, and there are motels in 2000*06 June 2000 Vauxhall and Taber. For more information contact John 2000*09 Sept. 2000 Parkinson at 1-403-654-2646 or Ethel Broderson at 1-403- 2000*12 Dec. 2000 654- 2676. 2001*03 March 2001 **************iti 2001*06 June 2001 etc. The Enchant, Sundial, Retlaw, Circle Hill, and in************** Stone Lease area are going to publish a history book. A May program will be held at 7:15 P.M. on May They would like your story and any pictures you have 25th 1999 in the Sir Alexander Gait Museum. which could be included. It is hoped the book can be Wilma Wood and staff will provide a guide to "New completed by the year 2000 so promptoess in sub-mitting Collections & The Future" of the museum and archives. We your story would be appreciated. MaU your story to: Leona will also have a short discussion on your ideas for exhibits Wright (History Book), Box 218, VauxhaU, AB, TOK and directions for new research into the new millennium.. 2K0. *************** The Annual General Meeting of the Historical Society of Alberta will be held at Grouard, at the Tales of a Mounted Police Officer, by Professor westem end of Lesser Slave Lake the weekend of June Wm. Baker is now available. Copies can be purchased 19th. Registration forms were included with your recent at meetings or ordered through our address above. Alberta History mailing. Any members wishing to attend Members Cash & Carry prices $6.25 each or $26.00 for should make their reservation directly. Let Carly know if five copies. you have registered and are going. The Perry House years some windows have been changed. The building is in remarkable condition for its age. The walls During some recent research, 1 discovered a small home in Lethbridge built in 1885 or 1886.1 first found appear straight and the roof is sound. the house in the Pioneer Pemmican Club History book I have checked the available Henderson Directories where it states it was built in 1887 for James and for the intervening years, and have found a Perry listed Lattice Perry. When I checked with the assessment as owner or resident for the years up to and including department of the city I was told the house is on city 1983. The document in the archives, gives ownership records as having been built in 1886. A document in as the years 1885 to 1982. That means the family the local archives gives the date of 1885. ownership extended for 97 years. A rare record indeed. A grandson of James Perry still lives in the Larger homes built by the well-to-do in those early city and I hope to have the opportunity to talk to him days have been kept in good repair and passed from about his former home. hand to hand. The Perry house is a very small home (746 sq. ft.), which now has one bedroom, a living While looking around the area to see if other room, kitchen, bathroom, and a 'cellar'. Oh yes, it similar homes existed, I found another which looks also has 'a main floor laundry room'. At the time of very much the same, but when I inquired as to the date construction this little homestead cottage, did not have it entered the tax rolls, I was told 1941. Fifty five plumbing, had two bedrooms, and a small kitchen. years after the Perry house was built, the same style of Yet it has survived for 113 years. Of course it also had home was still an acceptable dwelling. the little house out back as no homes in the area had running water for many years. I have not found any When I initially heard of this historic house it was houses in any area of the city which predate this home. intended for demolition. The new owners had selected a house plan and were going to demolish the house. The present owners, Gordon & Ruth Olson While I was not happy to hear this, I realized it would purchased the property in August of 1998. They asked not be possible to save the dwelling without money the city about possible renovations, and were told the and a plan in mind for its existence. I thought the next house is too close to the street so renovations to the best thing would be to save the house if we could not front which brought the structure closer were not save the site. With the Olson's consent, I approached allowed. (Actually the house was there before the the Lethbridge Exhibition organization to see if the street.) The property transfer documents included one house would fit in with the historic main street which which showed an easement still existed against the has been started on the exhibition grounds. The house property. (The agent said he could have it removed for was built as farm home, and would not require great a nominal fee.) The easement allows for "a mine, effort to restore it to its original appearance. If it did roadways, railway tracks or sidings, station, or any not fit in with the Board's plans, I was going to talk to other such construction as may become necessary for the Picture Butte Tractor & Engine people to see if it the mine". The document for the easement is signed could go there. The Sir Alexander Gait Museum has by C.A. Magrath, Elliot T. Gait, and James Perry, about thirty artifacts from the Perry's. My thinking who was purchasing 40 acres at $5.00 per acre, for a was it would make an excellent display vehicle for total cost of $200.00. The Notary Public is Alex artifacts such as these or others which fall into the Moffat. (The Olson's declined paying to remove the same era easement. It may exist on all the property on that portion of the avenue) Well, as Robbie Bums said "The best laid plans of mice and men gang aft aglae!" In the meantime, Mr. In 1886 the city of Lethbridge was contained in a Olson had a medical and was wamed by his physician few blocks clustered about the downtown business against becoming involved with the stress of building a district. According to notes left by Alex Johnston, the house, so they have put the property on the market and "Perry Addition" was subdivided on 8 Oct. 1907. The will buy something more in line with their final plans. farm became 40 one-acre lots located between Twelfth Demolition is on hold for the present. I will endeavor and Thirteenth Streets and Ninth and Fourteenth to keep track of the building, and if the new owners Avenue North. A few scattered houses along Ninth have similar thoughts of demolition in mind, continue Ave. joined the Perry Addition. A store was opened to pursue other options. If any group or person can by Simon Swedish in the nearby Pearce and see a possibility of saving this historic property, it Hammerburg Additions in 1902. This area, would be worth looking into. It has to be the oldest subdivided in 1901, soon came to be one of the most house in Lethbridge, though it wasn't in the Lethbridge heavily populated parts of the village of Stafford. At city limits when it was built, and it has a rare record in the time few houses were to be found between the terms of ownership which adds to its unique history. railway tracks and this area. Editor's note: If you know of a house or houses in the city or Through the years some improvements were made near vicinity, which you feel reflect something important about our to the small home, a lean-to was added on the back, a history, I would be very interested in hearing from you bedroom was tumed into a bathroom, and in recent *************** ALTORADO, Part 2 found the men indifferent and the women about evenly divided. There was no mistaking the voice of the quiet Continued from the March 1999 issue. The style of the writer has workers of Altorado. Next copy of the Edmonton been mainly left intact. (Sentences are often short ) This portion of the article covers Railroads; The Telephone System; Women's Bulletin announced Universal Suffrage as a plank in the Suffrage; W.A. Buchanan; Religion & Sports; Elevator Companies; Liberal platform. And this was an unbelievable surprise Antelope Park; Municipal Organization; and Weather. Nothing to the militants. None of whom, by a freak of fate, had remains of Altorado today but the memories. been consulted. Railroads. W.A. Buchanan. Railroads were a popular topic. And there was Mr. Grady, the Warner merchant, established a delay. Then W.A. Buchanan got busy. And he got a branch in Altorado. A celebration was staged that promise of twenty five miles of grade each year for a summer. We instructed the Herald to give us their best time. But the stream of petitions kept on. According to in posters. Heavy snow-white sheets, near a yard square them we dried out; hailed out; burned out; and froze were fumished. The lettering in three colors blended. It out. Foremost was finally on the map and still the was a wonderful creation, quite in harmony with the petitions. Then in 1915 Flowery Plains had a picnic. event, entirely worthy even of Altorado. Mr. Buchanan Nelson M. Spencer was speaker of the day. He was a was the speaker of the day. The old rivals. Lucky Strike pleasant talker and entertained us nicely for a long time. and 5-9 would play baseball, and the usual small sports, Mr. Mitchell and Dr. Oliver Boyd accidentally came and everything free. Bow Island was celebrating the along. And Mitchell followed Spencer on the platform. same day. Our posters in Bow Island were tom down. He had been travelling with Grant Hall for two days. He When you saw their rags you wouldn't blame them. The had suggested an itinerary for Hall to follow next week; great day arrived. Mr. W.A. Buchanan took train to from the Hat through Manyberries and Pendant Bow Island. He couldn't hire a livery to take him to d'Oreille to supper and breakfast with Mrs. O'Hara. Altorado. Nor could he get a citizen. Why did he want Mitchell was a hero. He had a way of his own. He to go out onto the bald prairie? There'd be nobody could say more in two minutes than some can in two there. But C. E. Caswell of Flowery Plain, heard of the hours. Hall was amazed at the wonderful new empire. trouble. It wasn't for nothing he had climbed in the He had known the country only from the picture prize ring. If some farmer would take them halfway, he painted by the petitions. And he found wonderful would get Buchanan to Altorado if he had to carry him. crops, fifty bushels of wheat was common. And they all And he did. Well now, he got him there. And was said that Frank Warren's garden was one of the best they Buchanan pleased? His voice was good. His temper just had ever seen. Buchanan went to Montreal and reported right. And those sixteen hundred throats cheered him to back an extension of the steel beyond Pakowki. He the echo. always was the first to publish the extension policy of the C.P.Ry. east from Stiriing. And he always first Religion & Sports. passed it to the Altorado correspondent of the Herald Our spiritual needs were well and generously cared who would put it in the Altorado News items. And thus for. Several denominations were represented by he was the first to give to the public the extension policy of the Railway. And everything given by us was lived missionaries. And several clergymen homesteaded in up to to the day and foot. And public gossip to the the neighborhood. Services would be held in the contrary notwithstanding. homes. Mrs. Fulton's was a popular meeting house for the student missionary, the Rev. Ayers. One Sunday the Telephone System. boys were not at home when he arrived so he stabled his horse. The boys retumed and had the broncho Wild Telephones were interesting. The Provincial line ran Billy. They changed the horses and put Billy in his own to Etzikom. And we wanted extension to Manyberries. stall. In the twilight Ayers did not notice the change and But Mitchell felt the expense was too great. But if we carelessly threw the saddle on to the broncho. And what would put up the money they would furnish all at cost a raging fur>'! The first burst threw the saddle across the and lend an expert to supervise construction. bam. How the Rev. Ayers got out of it scatheless, onlj' a Manyberries would find the money; but preferred to merciful providence could tell. have Etzikom interested. Mike Salmon and Al West would take care of half the cost. Then the department The first baseball team in the country was the 5-10. decided to keep out all opposition and put Manyberries And Lucky Strike was next. The 5-9 (Doondale) was on the system. Then we wanted several branch lines out third. And the 5-10 soon dropped out, our battery of Manyberries. The last one asked for would be done going to 5-9. Seldom will you see two teams fight it out if we would wait our tum. There were two hundred and so long, so bitterly, so sportsman like and so close. We fifty six ahead of it. had a trifling lead over Lucky Strike. Our line was Walter Jackson, Will Long, Gersh Green, Harve Woman suffrage: MacKenzie, Lee Miller, Fay Jackson, Stan Boyle, Roy Douglas, Asa Quackboemer, Jim Flynn, John Nolan, Jeff It seems odd, but women did not always have the Henny and Tony MacMillan. Bert Collier was secretary ballot. But the spirit was fostered among us and kept treasurer and Dr. J. H. Duncan was manager. We had no alive by such militants as Mrs. Paul Carr. Such other regulars but occasionally had to put on a pickup. enthusiasts seem to have been useful. But maby the And don't say we were just locals. The year Taber lead quiet workers accomplished much more. The cabinet the Warner, Lethbridge League, Medicine Hat was in the studied the subject and sent C.R.Mitchell to canvass the Edmonton, Calgary, Regina league. Bow Island was country. He finished at Atorado and before that he had champion of the Crow. And beat Medicine Hat 10-4. own took up the idea. But they could not sell enough We beat Bow Island both games of a double header. We stock. Headquarters sent a man out to interview us. shut them out the last fourteen innings. Boyle pitched And after considerable study we made plans that met the both games in one day. Bow Island using our pitcher requirements and the forty shares were taken and shut out Taber. And it is not well to feel that Taber Foremost charter was no. 5. didn't play ball. The Cooks are one of the outstanding athletic families of Canada. And there were four of A bit later we wanted one further east. The U.F.A. them on the line that Boyle shutout. I then challenged chose Etzikom. A long canvass sold only a third of the Taber to play one or more games, they to name the stock. And failure was imminent. Motor cars were not number, places of play, and the dates. But they so common then as after the 1915 crop. Committeemen declined. But our outstanding athletic accomplishment Maddow, Jackson, Collier, and MacKenzie came out in was by the Manyberries Swifts, a girls softball team. Of my car and we held the trail till enough was sold. Some course it is recent. But in 1928, Mrs. Rorence Eklof, days later committeemen Garrison and MacKenzie came now of Nemiskam, then a little tad in the grades at out and we sold a lot more. And Etzikom got an Manyberries, organized a team of grownups. For nine elevator. The delay in Manyberries getting a U.G.G. years she managed and coached the team, they played house was a different sort. And after we ironed out the one hundred and four games, she pitched all but one, difficulties for their representative a line house was and the team never lost a game. And she sometimes promptly bought. allowed her opponent to pad her lineup with three or Antelope Park. four of their men's team. This is an all-time world's record for any athletic team, and coach, manager or There is a story goes that when Ed McHugh first pitcher. And don't say they didn't play ball. They had contacted Ottawa to establish an antelope park at several players who would have a place in any company. Nemiskam a number of boys were engaged to corral a herd. And after a hard week, torrents of oaths, great Buchanan was a busy B. We might need seed grain, prodigies of horsemanship, the antelope were beginning relief, better mail service at Birdshome, interest on to get shy and they hadn't treed one. Then Ed was preemptions cancelled, delays in homestead patent commissioned. He fenced the park leaving the wires office speeded up. But why go on? He was always down on one side. And when there was a large enough available. And I had, on my own, ordered those posters, band of his pets at the spring he leisurely stapled the not knowing such elaborate creations were ever done loose wires. But poor Ed is gone. Those antelope will here. Months later, with fear and trembling I sure miss him. approached the Herald office. Only to find that Mr. Buchanan had ordered them charged up to his personal Municipal Organization. account. And that was lucky. Everything was free. Quite early we wanted municipal organization. We Trae, a racketeer picked up a gate fee of twenty five proceeded along the approved lines. Then Wamer cents before I got there. It was said he got four hundred wanted a unit in the homestead country. But our and seventy six dollars. boundaries had prior claim. Then the Executive World War I. Council asked for delay and they woiild make a checkerboard of the province. And it is better so When the call came for volunteers the response was Foremost influences organized Burlington. What a prompt. Tom Dawson, a quiet, inoffensive, even bashful cloud on democracy! The municipality was soon chap, could not pass the medical board without new bankrupt. teeth and other work. He sold everjiihing and improved his health. He fell in front of the trencies, was taken The size of the farms in the south was always a prisoner, was tortured for six months before death problem. The department thought to make them a half mercifully claimed his soul. The Rev. Wilkin of section. And we approached them to let a family have a Doondale and Foremost, who was in the same prison, section. And they seemed to regret we had not spoken finally got word to Washington. President Wilson sooner. J.W. Stafford, the Lethbridge agent, had us investigated, reported to the Kaiser and the inhuman canvass the settlers to see if they wished him to get us a monster was disciplined and the prison camps more community lease. At that time it had no appeal. Some carefully supervised. Perhaps 5-10 gave as freely as any one said that ninety percent of the preemptions retumed township. The following enlisted: Thomas Dawson, to the crown. Then the Hon. Charles Stewart, Minister G.C. Cook, Bernard Cooke, Ken Johnson, Harry O'Neil, of the Interior at Ottawa, saw the error and tried to George Webb, J. Sullivan, Billy Wooley and Stan Boyle. correct it. He was turning the resources over to the And to Tom Dawson, G.C. Cooke, Bernard Cooke, Ken province, and his suggestion was not acceptable to the Johnson and Harry O'Neil it was the land of no retum. U.F.A. regime at Edmonton. That put the whole burden on the people here. We had to make a very thorough Elevator Companies. canvass of the coimtry. We went to Calgary and got tie Provincial Liberal party to adopt the plank. But the Cooperative elevators seemed to be a pressing need. U.F.A. formed the next government. In approaching After a good deal of propaganda we got action. We them we could not use Mr. Baker. Charles Pingle, contacted headquarters. Yes, we could get a charter. M.L.A., gave very valuable aid. In fact, much of the Foremost was the end of steel. And yes, the farmers office details was suggested by him. With his around Foremost would help. But one could not hold understanding our task was lightened greatly. And in stock in two units. And we wanted one later at time we triumphed over all difficulties and opposition. Nemiskam or Etzikom. Then Foremost boys, on their And though we didn't get all things as we wished, yet the settlers who remained on the farms most all got extra $100,000,000.00 worth of diamonds spread before him. lands and at a price not so very much too high. Oh, it In eariy Febraary, 1910, on the trail from Burdett to the should have been given to the fellows. homestead the prairie was covered with ice Crystals, a thousand to a blade of grass. And in the beautiful clear So many young people growing up we were still too sun these danced, sparkled scintillated with crowded. We petitioned to have the vast tracks of kaleidoscopic wonders. Then there was a halo close by, grazing lease thrown open for homesteading. We got of refracted light, all the colors of the rainbow. It bent, near to a thousand petitioners. The Hon. P.E. Baker it waved, it waxed and waned, it rolled along with you. refused to help. Finally the U.F.A. government As far as you could see towards the sun the spectacle was amended the Act so as to clear up some disputed points. the same and any square yard equalled the Rhodes And sent a man, long connected with the branch, out to Bamato creation. And ours continued for miles. study the questions with us. He would have placed maybe two hundred families on farms quite large And the writer, driving south from Bow Island in a enough. And this land that now does not pay one cent dense fog saw, when a breeze had cleared the air, a thick per acre he would have put on a basis of many times that ribbon of fog level with the prairie. The Fortymile. At much tax. And just then the govenunent was changed. Thomson's we dropped down into the coulee. And lo! There was a rainbow, small but distinct and oh, so close, Weather. it lead us on and on till three miles down we entered a In 1914 Mrs. Duncan put a two story house on the draw to get on the bench. And as the banks drew closer townsite of Etzikom. She hoped it might serve as a the arc grew smaller and nearer till the feet were only a hospital when the railway constraction crew came. In rod apart and just beyond the horses. It was so personal: midsummer 1915, the same day as the Grassy Lake- What an omen! We optimists felt our future worldly Redcliff disasters, a huge black cloud rolled over the success assured. And the pessimists paled at the prairie and across the townsite. And the first house in waming. And who was right? Many have gone, crushed Etzikom was gone. Mrs. Dolf Morris was chasing a in finance and in spirit. And numbers have remained washtub over the prairie two miles away and a timber and accumulated lots. And mental accomplishments therefrom hit her, knocking her down. excelled nowhere else awaited others. And above all, where can you find an environment where the Our greatest snowstorm was on October 2nd and accumulation of years sits with such easy grace on our 3rd, 1916. We were holding an agricultural fair in shoulders? Yes, the optimists have it. Etzikom on the 3rd and 4th. It was to be quite elaborate. We advertised a twenty seven hundred dollar Altorado: Nothing but a bit of bald prairie. And prize hst. And we had the cash in hand. And we had a yet more vital, and more widely, and more intimately special train from Lethbridge for which the C.P.R. had known than any other such spot Canada has ever seen. sold two hundred and sixty eight tickets. It had been Altorado, the Great; Babylon, the Great! Where are they! storming for two days and the fourth dawned clear. *************** There was no place less than six feet of heavy, wet, snow from the station on down into town. Everything was From Estonia to the Victory Blade blocked. We stopped the train as we could not get from by D. Tracy Anderson station to town and the town was isolated from the country. Prologue: The Trek to the Crimea and Alberta The bald prairie offers but little in scenery. And yet The people of Estonia ostensibly lived as a free the first season gave a very fair rainbow by moonlight. society, yet they could not own land. They lived as Some places this is rare. In fact it was so exceptional farmers—serfs operating farm land owned by Germans. that the Northwest's greatest daily, the St. Paul Dispatch, By 1860 the Estonian people had gained some freedom published a detailed account of it. of movement. Russia abolished slavery in 1816, reinforced in 1819, and emigration to the Crimea Clear, pure atmosphere, intense cold and a bright became possible, after the Crimean War left land sun can produce a rare, and magnificently grand previously operated by Turkish farmers available for spectacle in the heavens. And one occurred at settling. Manyberries in Febraary 1918. No words can describe it. Any attempt would only fog the picture. The In 1860 between 23 and 70 families applied for and Scientific American described a rare one. But ours had were granted permission to take up land in Crimea. one more link in the chain of circles, arcs, and pendants. Their German landlords extracted a fee for leaving their Rainbows are never so clear, so dazzling. These simply farms. The fee was either 20 lashes or money. They beggar description. chose the lashes, bore up under the cruelty of the imposition, and headed out for the Crimea. A trek, Cecil Rhodes once owned all the undistributed mostiy by foot, of about 1,500 km. The ancestors of the diamonds in the world. And the Jewish Barney Barnato Victor Erdman family were included in this group. would have them. To Rhodes the most magnificent spectacle that could be created in nature was the Life in the Crimea was good. The emigrants tended glistening of a great mass of diamonds. Bamato would to establish their own villages. The various groups fill them all into a bucket and then spread them on a included Estonians, Germans, Russians and Turks. The table. And the deal was closed. And that gesture cost Estonians were industrious. They enjoyed their new Bamey $30,000,000.00. And tiie great Rhodes feasted freedom and became prosperous land owners. Schooling included speaking Russian and learning his eyes to satiety on the inconceivable spectacle of Estonian grammar. Then the Russian government initiated army conscription for men at 18 years of age, farmers. During this period Victor formed a mental and additionally, new land for settlement was no longer image of his own cultivator. available. These two factors led to an Estonian decision to leave the Crimea and emigrate to the USA. They The Victory Blade Cultivator settied in St. Pierre, South Dakota in 1901. In 1904 they Victor built his first prototype in 1939 and settied travelled by "settler's train" to Alberta. The emigrants his basic design in 1940. During the war years he built settled by Sylvan Lake, the Stettler area, and a small one or two blades each year to improve his machine by group, including the Erdman family, established farms trials on his own farm. He went into commercial within three miles of what became the village of Barons. production in 1947 with the blades, sold mostly in the Victor Benjamin Erdman Claresholm area. Production increased to 36 machines in 1948 and to 100 machines in 1949. In 1950 he incorporated Victory Equipment Ltd. with Lawrence Edward and Wally Strohm (the brother of Premier Strohm) as partners. The operation was moved from Barons to the old technical school building in North Lethbridge.

Victor B. Erdman (1911-1996). (Photo courtesy Irene Erdman). He was bom and raised on a farm in the Barons area, where he attended school. He eamed the money he needed during his high school years to purchase a yellow "Ford Cabriolet" with a rear rumble seat, and The original eleven-foot, 3 shovel wide-blade cultivator built on was frequentiy seen cruising the Barons' streets with the Barons farm in the early 1940's. (Photo The Erdman family). company in the car. On one occasion he nearly lost it when it sank almost to the roof top through the ice on By the 1960's, the trend towards supplying Keho Lake. He escaped, had the car pulled out and machines built in hydraulically operated folding continued cruising the streets. He went on to attend sections, facilitated movement on highways and to and SAIT in Calgary where he studied agricultural from fields to the home park areas (Figure HI). The mechanics. After establishing his own farm, he eight foot, eleven foot, and fourteen foot Victory Blade purchased a used 32 volt generator from the Village of models became the basis for multiple units of sixteen to Nobleford, coupled it with a Model T Ford engine and forty-two foot fold-up units. In the 1970's Victory set up a sign on his farm gate "Welding done here." Equipment manufactured one only sixty-four foot He had the only welding shop south of Calgary. This hydraulic fold-up wide-blade cultivator. occurred in the pre-rural electrification era. Later he took over the Barons Harness Shop and established an The Victory Blade Air Seeder auto repair and welding business. In 1952 Victor built what is arguabh' the first successful adaptation of the blade cultivator as an air His business attracted attention from farmers seeding machine (Figure IV). The seed box was anxious to undertake the Turner and Wobick idea of pressurized by a small engine-driven fan mounted ahead converting engine gang plows into Paul Bunyan of the box. Seed was moved by a standard fluted cultivators (LHS Newsletter, January, 1999). Victor mechanism that moved seed directly into seed cups undertook welding on several machines. In the spring within the pressure chamber. The tubes were clustered of 1936 C.S. Noble returned from his famous trip to in front of two blade supports that were used on the two California pulling his original straight-blade cultivator. blade eight foot cultivator. The tubes were arranged He approached Victor to work on his machine. Victor under the blade to spread seed in wide rows below the delayed saying yes until he had improved his machine ribbon of soil that passed over the cultivator blades. by adding a better engine. He went to work for C. S. Some 15 air seeders were built in 1952. One unit was Noble in the eariy spring of 1937. Initially he used No. still in use in the early 1980's (per. comm. Victor 9 wire for welding rod, but converted to coated rod Erdman). when this became available. Victor did the welding work on Noble's first group of 17 machines which went The Victory Blade seeder was tested in seeding trials out to Alberta and U.S. demonstration farms and to at the Lethbridge Research Station in 1952, and also at the Swift Current Research Station. These trials indicated that the machine was a useful seeder for trash-cover farming and that some form of packing mechanism improved its performance. The Victory Blade Air Seeder was ten years ahead of the adaptation of heavy duty cultivators to air seeding. This occurred in the mid-60's and led to the eventual development of the complex air seeder now being used to apply seed and fertilizer in one pass, and was a needed stimulus to the next stage of development of the practice of trash-cover farming that was needed for soil erosion protection. Other Developments Victor was active in developing a field cultivator equipped with a rock-trip mechanism that allowed individual spring shanks to lift over a large rock and then retum to normal working position. He also A fold-up wide-blade Victory cultivator. This machine was built developed a no-drive self-rotating rod weeder. It was in the Lethbridge facilities during the 1960's. It illustrates the pulled into the soil behind a field cultivator by chains trend to wider machinery adapted to travel along highways. attached to each of the cultivator rear-shanks. The rod (Photo Irene Erdman). uprooted weeds and levelled and helped firm the soil to give a good seedbed. Victor held patent rights on improvements to the brush-type swath pick-up. He patented and used nylon pick-up teeth for a rabber belt used to replace the metal pick-up spring teeth formerly used on the combine swath pick-up unit He developed a completely new pick-up which proved to be a "good seller" on the agricultural market (See Figure V). Among other activities, he obtained a pilot's licence. He flew a 2-place Piper PAH, and later a 4-place Piper Clipper. He used the plane to fly in to service Victory - • ** J ft. blades he had sold to farmer customers in southern Alberta. In one trip he flew solo to Ontario. He loved flying and on more than one occasion he was acconipanied by his brother, Ralph. Victor was active in the oil, mining, and prospecting business. He sold Victory Equipment Ltd. in 1977, but continued in a counselling role with the company. The company is still •'J ** * active in Lethbridge. Victor Erdman was a true pioneer A Victory Air Seeder, based on an 8' wide-blade Victory in soil conservation farming. machine. Adapted for seeding crops into trash-covered fields. The small engine and fan mounted ahead of the seed box powered seed Postscript: The first Estonians came to Canada 100 movement through seed tabes clustered in front of the blade years ago and settied in Alberta. Commemoration supports. This machine is shown while under test trials at the festivities are planned for Stettler June 25, 1999. This Lethbridge Research Station in 1952. (Agriculture Canada festival will honor the Estonian pioneers who settled in Research Station photograph, Lethbridge, Alberta). Alberta in 1899. Festivities will take place in Linda Hall, the site of the original community hall built by settlers in 1911. References: Juri's Children—The Generations of the Erdman Family. Compiled and edited by Barbara Gullickson. Published by Barons Advertising, Barons, Alberta. Copyright @ 1989 by Barbara Gullickson. Graphcom Printers, Lethbridge, AB Nov. 4, 1989. Personal communications. Taped interview with Victor Erdman 24 May, 1984. Assistance acknowledged. Recorded interview with Irene Erdman and Ralph Erdman, March 1999. Barons History Community, 1972. Wheat Head of the West. History of Barons and District Standard Book No. 0919212-14-X Box 751, Barons. Wetherall, Donald and Elise Corbett, 1993. Breaking New Ground~A Century of Farm Equipment Manufacturing on the Canadian Prairies. Fifth House Ltd., Saskatoon STK GRJ. (Air Seeders page 145,146). The Victory swath pick-up developed by Victor Erdman and sold Lethbridge Historical Society. Newsletter No. 1 January, 1999. Paul by the company as an attachment to a combine harvester. (Photo Bunyan in Southem Alberta by D. Tracy Anderson. y Irene Erdman). Lethbridge would be approached. Moved by Bill Lingard: 'That the LHS proceed with marker project From the min. of the Exec. Mtg. April 14/99 for Pearce airfield. Total cost to be not more than Discussion re 'Establishment of a Historical Society $2000.00, half of which cost must be obtained from Fund within the Lethbridge Foundation' is set aside for other sources'. Sec. by Audrey Swedish. Carried. the present. LHS has several activities underway, and The motion re the book on Lethbridge POW Camps expenditures coming up. by Georgia Fooks will be presented to the members at Re: Memorial to Doug Card, Clarence Geiger, at the April 27tih meeting. Chris Gibson, and Geo. McKillop - The Archives have Copies of the Whoop-Up Trail book are low. received the matching lottery grant. LHS will have the Decided to defer discussion on republication to Fall. opportunity to view the tapes first, perhaps at the Nov. meeting. A tentative tide frame was offered for HSA - Bob Shore and C. Stewart will be attending inspection, but not discussed. a meeting in Red Deer shortly. Ross and Fran Bertrand are planning to attend the HSA annual Dave Dowey noted some laxity has occurred in meeting in northem Alberta. Have declined assistance. presenting major expenditures to the general membership for approval. Examination of past The HSA Merit Award (Georgia Fooks nominated) minutes failed to find membership approval for this has not been voted on as yet. $2000 expenditure. The project has been brought up and discussed but has not had formal approval. Programs: Suggested we bring the oversight to the attention of the May/June ~ Magrath field trip to Ammolite mine, members at the April meeting with proposed cheque in Raymond, Stirling and perhaps swing through hand to seek formal approval. Motion to this effect Readymade to see historic bam. Decided to defer made by R. Shockley, seconded by D. Papworth. field trip to Sept. Carried. (This oversight may have happened because of the cancelled meeting last March 17 when the issue Oct. ~ Tim Johnson (Editor of the ATA Magazine). was due to be brought to the general meeting.) Formeriy of Lethbridge. He has had a strong interest in the Pearce Airfield and has written a short story Bill Lingard and Carly met with members of the based on the School's diaries. Story could be Mathesis Club. From this meeting they came to the subject of talk. conclusion the LHS should not proceed with reprinting Jim Carpenter recentiy passed away. Recognition to '100 Women - 100 Years'. Not likely enough be considered. Perhaps jointiy with Archaeological demand. Society. Tales of a Mounted Police Officer is moving well. The Award of Merit Committee will be comprised of Otiier avenues to boost sales are being investigated. Cariy Stewart, Helen Kovacs, and Tracy Anderson. Pres. C. Stewart wrote a letter to Prof. James Tagg Recommendations to go to H. Kovacs. To be included who is the current Univ. of Lethbridge representative in future newsletter. for the Alex Johnson Lecture Series. This year's lecture should be under consideration now, but no meetings have been held. No reply as yet. Carly will Trivia: follow up. Present LHS committee members are C. Pioneer Pemmican Club Book Stewart, Georgia Fooks, and Tracy Anderson. Early residents wanted to have a picnic area in the A Japanese Canadian group has requested some river valley but their were too many rattlesnakes. financial assistance with a publication. The book George Rowe tumed a load of hogs loose in the area. committee will investigate further. This cleaned out the snakes. Dave Dowey circulated a financial report. In the From the Gait: past year we have spent more than we made. The Sir Alexander Gait Museum & Archives is Consensus seemed to be to show caution with currently looking for people to act as volunteers or to be expenditures in coming months. part of a 'Friends of the Gait' fund-raising organization. Marker Project for 1999. Cariy and Emie Snowden If you can give some time or efforts to these endeavours, please call and leave your name with the curator, Wilma have investigated possibilities for a marker for the Wood. Telephone Number 320-3898. The Gait Pearce Instructional Flying School. The present Museum and Archives was initiated by the LHS before it owner, Harvey van Dieren is agreeable to having the was tumed over to the city in 1972. The recent funding marker placed on his gateway. (He is using some cuts implemented by the City of Lethbridge is causing remnants from the airfield for gateposts.) Assistance is severe constraints for staff and programming. Lets get likely forthcoming from the Air Force Assoc, of behind it and show administration the value we put on Canada through Grant Whitson, and the County of this preservator of Lethbridge and southern Alberta history. NEWSLETTER Lethbridge Historical Society The Southern Alberta Chapter of the Historical Society of Alberta

P.O.BOX 974 Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada TIJ 4A2

IB Copyright 1999 I Number 4 NEWSLETTER ISSN 0838-7249 July 19991 Membership in the Historical Society of Alberta is $25.00 per year single or $30.00 a couple or family. It includes a subscription to the quarterly ALBERTA HISTORY, and members residing from Nanton south are also registered with the Lethbridge Historical Society and receive newsletters and notices. (Your mailing label expiration date will be highlighted when it is time to renew) Please send dues to the treasurer. LETHBRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OFFICERS President Carlton R. (Barbara) Stewart Past President Wm. (Bill) (Juanita) Lingard Vice-President Wm. (Bill) (Juanita) Lingard Secretary/Newsletter Editor inna (Jake) Dogterom Treasurer David J. (Gerry) Dowey Council Member (1999) Richard Shockley (Leslie) Council Member (1999) Helen Kovacs Council Member (2000) Ernie (Goldie) Snowden Council Member (2000) R. W. (Dick) (Theresa) Papworth Council Member (2001) Audrey Swedish Council Member (2001) Robert (Emerice) Shore Book Distribution & Sales Ralph Erdman I Regular nfieetlnqs are held in the Theatre Gallery of the Lethbridge Public Library at 7:15 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Meeting Notice: The Early Days of Lethbridge The next regular meeting of the LHS will be held October Mounted Police Life In Canada, by Captain R. Burton 26, 1999 in the Theatre Gallery of the Lethbridge Public Deane, was published in 1916 by Funk & Wagnalls Co. of New York. Library. Program to be announced in next newsletter. Captain Deane was posted at Lethbridge in command of K Division at the tum of the century. I have taken the liberty of extracting a few details from his book pertaining to his life in early Lethbridge. From LHS Executive -- "On April 30, 1888, my fortieth birthday, the "Turkey Plans for a plaque for the Instmctional Flying School at Track" (so was the narrow gauge railway known) from the Pearce are going ahead. Funding has been secured from Canadian Pacific took me into Lethbridge, a village of about two additional sources, the Air Force Association and the 500 or 600 people - many of them miners - a place where I Royal Canadian Legion. was destined to spend fourteen happy years thenceforward. Spring Tour is moved to September in hopes we There my boys and girls grew up into men and women, and could have better weather. June has proved to be somewhat when the inevitable time of parting came, we were all sorry rainy lately. More inforaiation will be forthcoming in the to sever our connection with the people we like so much, next newsletter. and among who we had lived so long. There was in those days a camaraderie about life in the North-West which is entirely lacking now, and life was a great deal more worth living. "Live and let live" was the principle upon which we Short report on: June 1999 HSA Grouard, conducted our business; we constituted a little oasis in a Alberta AGM meeting. - Carly Stewart desert, and were as happy a little community as one could It was approved to ad three new positions to the HSA find on the broad prairies...." Executive. Farley Wuth of Pincher Creek was elected to fill this new position from Southem Alberta. "/ never shall forget the night of my arrival at A small increase in membership fees (effective Lethbridge. There was only one hotel in the place, and one beginning in October 1999). From $25.00 to $30.00 single did not expect very much, but I sat down opposite my bed membership and from $30.00 to $35.00 for family was and for at least five minutes wondered how I could put in approved. The increase was an necessity due to increased the night. There was a clean pillow-case on the bed, but costs and the lack of increase in the AHRF Grant lo the this only served to intensify the mahogany colour of the Society. sheets. In desperation, at last J wrapped myself up in my blue cavalry cloak, and was glad when the morning came. The year 2000 AGM meeting will be held in Red Deer The Police Post at that time consisted of nothing more than a where die Central Alberta Society will host. See your next number of houses dumped upon the open prairie, forming issue of History Now for a fuller report on the AGM. the four sides of a sufficiently spacious square, with the guard-room and cells at one end and two stables, each water facility at command, I obtained permission from the capable of containing forty horses, at the opposite, the north Coal Company to take seventy-five suitable saplings from end " their property in the river bottom and to transplant them on the barrack site. For each tree, I prepared a hole measuring, "... All water in the town had to be delivered by water- roughly, three feet each way, and loosened up the bottom cart in those days, arui used to cost ten cents per barrel. The with a little rubble for the sake of drainage. With the year 1888 was the first of a dry period that lasted for seven exception of about six inches of top soil the rest was clay, years. Dry summers and hard winters went together, and very hard to work, which was all taken away. With each each year became a little drier than its predecessor. Farming tree I brought a cubic yard of the soil that it had been was out of the question, even if anyone had thought of it, growing in, and, prior to planting the tree, the hole was kept which rw one did. That would have been far too much like full of water, with the idea of making the walls of clay more work. Riding long hours after cattle or horses on the prairie negotiable by the roots. I could rwt foretell that we were was rwt looked upon as work. There was a story told of an simply wasting our time, but so it turned out. As each old-timer in the Macleod district who would not take a successive year became a little drier than the last, so the clay contract for digging a well because he could rwt do it on subsoil became more and more impervious. Some of the horseback. The country was intended by Providence for trees lasted one year, some two, some three, but, in spite of stock-growing, and anybody connected with stock who was the water that we gave them, they succumbed one by one, worth a second glance swore tremendous oaths, wore and of all the seventy-five saplings that I set out in 1889, Mexican spurs andschappes, and possibly a buckskin shirt and nursed assiduously there is only one alive to-day. It with a fringe. I myself did a lot of work which if it was not stands at the turnstile entrance to the barracks in a slight hard, was steady, for I determined to have a garden at all hollow, where the snow gathered in the winter and the rain costs. Experience taught me that the only way in which the drained at other times, and as the subsoil was thus kept seed could be induced to germinate was to make the moist the roots were able to take hold. That experience, necessary drills, saturate them with water, then sow the however disheartening, is one which the pioneer in a new seed, cover it up and keep on watering. As I had about half country has to put up with. ..." an acre of garden and did the work myself, it used to keep my spare hours pretty well occupied. Now and again I used ". . . The first year 1 went to Lethbridge I called for to get a prisoner out of the guard-room to help me. There tenders for 300 tons of hay. The only offers 1 received was one to whom I used to give a "horn" of whisky the last were from twenty-two to twenty-five dollars per ton. This thing. He was the cleverest and most successful horse-thief price being exorbitant, I purchased the amount at five in the country. He was a BA. of Dublin University, and dollars per ton at Pincher Creek, sixty miles west of lived with a squaw on the St. Mary's River. He had a Lethbridge; the haulage by I.G. Baker and Co. brought the bunch of 500 or 600 horses running at large on the prairie - price to twenty-two dollars per ton. As a consequence no most, if rwt all of them, stolen - and once or twice a year he further cornering for hay was attempted at Lethbridge." ... would round them up, cut out some of the likely ones, and drive them across country into Manitoba, where he would ... "/ should rwt omit to mention an historic old place sell or trade them for cattle. He had rwt only a merry life, where I quartered a couple of mounted men, and which has but a long one, for it was years before we could get a clear now passed into oblivion. It was known as "Fort Whoop- case against him, and when at length he was convicted for up" (a characteristic name), and was the principal the first time the judge gave him only six months in the stronghold of the whisky smugglers, whom in 1874 the guard-room. Mounted Police were sent to suppress. With a strong palisade all round it, and substantially built of stout logs, it It was during this temporary "retreat" that he "used to withstood in the early days many an attack by Indians who learn gardeningfrom Captain Deane" (as I found he told his had become maddened by 'fire-water". It may interest my friends afterwards), and earned the little drop of "Oh ! be readers to know that the price of the Winchester rifle in Joyful" which always sent him happy to bed. Poor "Pat," those days was determined by the length of the weapon. as he was known, did not profit by his experience, for at a The butt was placed on the ground and became the property later date he came under the notice of Chief Justice A.L. of the purchaser when he had piled up on the floor sufficient Sifton, who had no sympathy with horse thieves, and sent skins, laid out flat, to reach the height of the muzzle. In my him to the Manitoba Penitentiary, where he died. I had rw day the fort had fallen into bad repair. A good deal of the fewer than seven barrels, conveniently disposed round my material had been used for firewood, and the property had garden fence, which the water-cart man used to keep filled passed into the hands of one Dave Akers, one of the old- from day to day, and that, to anyone unconnected with the time smugglers, who made a precarious living by illicit Mounted Police, meant a daily expenditure of seventy cents. means and by growing a little honest produce. His holding It was no wonder that people could not afford to have was situated in the river bottom of the St. Mary's, where the gardens in those days, for every little onion had an soil was fairly good arui moist, and he used to grow the best appreciable value, and my old wife's principal enjoyment in cabbages in those parts by utilizing the numerous empty tin life was to drive about in her phaeton with a goodly basket cans to be found in the neighbourhood. He would melt the ()f vegetables arui give them to her friends. Of cucumbers I bottoms off these at his leisure in the winter time, arui when always had an (Sundance, and they were the first of the he set out his plants he would protect each by pressing a can particular brand to be grown in that country. I had almost round it into the soil to the depth of something less than an forgotten to mention my first tree-growing experiment inch. This would keep the winds and the cut-worms away which turned out so unfortunately. To the south and east from his young cabbages, and when they wanted water he there was for many miles, nothing but a waterless used to fill up the cans by hand. This ensured the water wilderness, with no habitation whatever arui without any sinking down to the roots, where it would do most good. . semblance of a tree or even bush. Having prison labour and For a monthly consideration Dave Akers was able to give us accommodation for a couple of men arui horses, and Alberta Centennial Project they remained with him until the old place caught fire, from Lethbridge has a new street. The new development on some unexplained reason, and the men were burnt out of the city's eastem edge has a street sign for W. T. Hill their lodgings. We then bought twenty sound logs of what Boulevard. (Hill's feedlot occupied the site for the major were left and used them for our buildings on the St. Mary's.par t of Lethbridge's past.). No one had to lobby to have At a dollar apiece they were not a bad buy - sixteen to this piece of our history recognized. However, one part of eighteen feet long and from eighteen to twenty inches our history has been neglected and a committee has been through. struck to rectify the situation. The Centennial Committee for the Recog'nition of Women held their I had my own cows (generally two in milk) and first meeting on June 17. In attendance at the first meeting chickens, and the two messes had their cows, so that we were: I. Dogterom; G. Fooks; M. Oordt; P. Marshall; L. had an abundance of milk and cream in the barracks.". Cody; T. Hagan; & Alderman B. Lacey. Several others Captain Deane paints a clear picture of life in early were imable to attend because of previous commitments, but Lethbridge in its fledgling days. He was an active member have voiced their approval and willingness to help. of the Anglican Church, serving as churchwarden, and helping with all aspects of the service, even to reading the "Whither thou goest I will go" Early pioneer lessons and prayers when the parson had a bad throat. He women made many sacrifices in travelling to a barren took part in numerous theatrical activities, allowing the use land to make a home for their husband and family. of the police mess hall for programs. They lived in primitive conditions, with few amenities. Captain Deane was transferred to Maple Creek in 1902, In 1935 C.A. Magrath made the following statement in retribution for prosecuting a friend of a prominent "I believe few have had the same contact with our member of the govemment of the day for cattie rustiing. Lethbridge's civic leaders were very sorry to see him go, western pioneers on the land and in the hamlets as and asked if they could intervene on his behalf to keep him myself. It was amazing the confidence and courage in the city, however Capt. Deane requested they not of most of them, especially the women, and that led interfere and the transfer went through. me to the belief that colonization is the woman's *************** problem. If the woman weakens the struggle will be short. Hence I say seek the families with the woman who has some ambition for her children; no matter how poor she and her husband may be, there are always some evidences in the shack to indicate her Sti-ength." (From the Lethbridge Herald, July 11. 1935^ Women were largely responsible for the social fabric of the time, and in most cases were the people involved in pushing for churches, schools, and assistance for those in need. Yet, in our early history it is difficult to find their first names. Women were known as Mrs. Stafford, or Mrs. Bowman. Georgia Fooks has been researching Lethbridge's early women and in some cases has been unable to find their first name, no matter what their accomplishment. Alberta is celebrating its Centennial in 2005, and the Centennial of the incorporation of the City of Lethbridge in 2006. What better occasion to recognize tiiis significant contribution? The object of the Centennial Committee for the Recognition of Women is to have the part women have played in our city recognized in a tangible way. Women have long been known as 'the power behind the throne', but have had little recognition of their importance to our city's history. The suggestion has been put forward to have a subdivision named honouring women, with streets and avenues recognizing specific women and their contribution to our history. The committee is willing to take any other suggestions under advisement and consider all options. If you have suggestions or are willing to work on future committees, please call 327-9439. end Here are the basic facts about our 'High Level Bridge' in verse. The cranes with many flagswer e draped The poem came from Larry Varty of Stirling with permission to Their arms were lifted high. publish it in our Newsletter. 1999 is the 90th anniversary of the And whistles" shrieked the gladsome news building of the bridge. Inviting all come nigh. Viaduct in the Sky, by Larry Varty The dignitaries of the town Were taken for a ride,'^ Some twenty' wooden bridges stood They were the first across the steel On C P's Crowsnest Line^ That Unked the chasm wide. From Lethbridge West to Fort Macleod' Before 1909 Can one resist a thoughtful pause At its simplicity? Within this space two* riversflowe d While feeling of the rhythm in With valleys deep and wide Its continuity. The line ran through the coulees here To reach the other side. And when upon observing it One must a wonder feel 'Twas here the many bridges stood To see the lacy pattem in On undulating hills. Twelve thousand tons of steel." The way, though scenic, challenged all The engineers' fine skills. In Lethbridge stands a railway bridge That holds the wand'ring eye, Down to the valley floor below The highest longest'* of its kind. It snaked and wound its way To pass across the river'sbe d Our viaduct in the sky!'^ Where a low trestle lay. Copyright Larry Vaity May 1999 The grades were steep, the costs were high, Incredibly there were 20 wooden bridges on this portion of the The path was long and slow line, having a total length of 12,063 feet. They contained 15 A new bridge must the railway have million board feet of stress grade timbers. To cross the Oldman's' flow. The Crowsnest Line started at Medicine Hat where it left the transcontinental main line. One high and long, one made of steel At this time Fort Macleod was known as Macleod. To span the canyon's sweep Before 1909 the line ran Soiith of Lethbridge crossing the St. In one straight line across the top. Mary River and the Belly River on the Wet edge of the Blood In one gigantic leap. Indian Reserve. Surveyors with their transits came The river at Lethbridge was called the Belly River until 1915 To scmtinize the land. when its name was changed to the Oldman. And after many surveys said, The bridge was designed by the CPR's bridge department in "Lethbridge is where 'twill stand." Montreal. To Schwitzer, Assistant Chief Engineer, is given credit for the original concept. For his work on this bridge and The concept for the great bridge lay the famed spiral tunnels at Field B.C., and other important In John E. Schwitzer's* mind; accomplishments, he was promoted to the post of Chief An engineer with C.P. rail. Engineer, effective January 1, 1911. Unfortunately he died three By him 'twas first designed. weeks later of pneumonia. Owing to the design of the steel work, it was found necessary to With great precision'' now were laid have a precision of 1/8-inch in the finishing of the top of the Each massive pile and pier*. piers. On these they'd build the mighty bridge, The bridge abutments, piles, and piers, required 17,090 cubic On these the steel they'd rear. yards of concrete. Relentlessly by slow degrees The bridge deck is supported by 33 rigidly braced towers which Advanced the tow'rs' in rank. stand on 132 piers. The piers contain 1,676 concrete piles. Upon each pier they safely strode The first span was laid June 24, 1908. The first pile was driven Toward the westem bank. October 26, 1907. The whistles on the various pieces of equipment used in It took a hundred men one year'" construction of the bridge were sounded when the last girder span To raise the high steel frame. was placed. Our best known landmark they produced About 100 local citizens stood on open flat cars, and had the It's brought our city fame. privilege of being the first to cross the bridge in the aftemoon of the same day the last span was laid. It was opened for commercial The twenty second day of June use in October 1909. There was rejoicing made; There were 12,436 tons of steel used in its construction, along For on that day in Nineteen Nine with 328,000 rivets. The final span was laid. From abutment to abutment the bridge is 5,327.625 feet long. At A jubilation now was held. its highest point it rises 307 feet above the river bed. It is still Steel spanned the broad expanse the highest, longest bridge of its type in the world. Across the canyon's mile wide breadth. To the CPR this bridge is known as The Lethbridge Viaduct, or as With graceful elegance. Viaduct 1.1 Lethbridge subdivision, viaduct being the name that best describes this type of bridge construction. "Those who have further interest in the bridge would be well 'contribution'. A doll house modeled on the home was served by the publication "The C.P. Rail High Level Bridge at another prize. Where is the doll house today? The wirmer Lethbridge," written by Alex Johnston, and published by the had the option of taking the house and contents valued at Lethbridge Historical Society. It offers a wealth of information $11,000 or $10,000 cash. The 'five room air-conditioned on the construction of the bridge. The rare old photographs are a house' was won by a Calgary banker in May of 1945. The delight It is available from the Sir Alexander Gait Museum and Herald states the banker had purchased a house in Calgary Archives in Lethbridge, Alberta." or from your Society. the previous year so it is likely he took the cash. The first owner of the house listed in tiie Henderson Directory is L. Varty. Charles Beny and a grandson lives in the house today. The Book Review money raised was used for a North Lethbridge swimming Behind Canadian Barbed Wire, written by Rev. David pool since demolished and re Carter a member of our Society. This volume first published in In 1917, a home at 420 Fourteentii Street South was die 1980 is again available in a updated version. first house advertised for sale in the Lethbridge Herald Mentioned, are the many different POW Camps in Canada using a photograph. That house looks much the same including Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, the murders that today. Further down the block, at 413 Fourteenth St. occurred, the subsequent ttials and eventual hangings. Over the South, a house was used as the Lethbridge Red Cross intervening years David has continued to research in Canada, Garrison Hospital during World War II. Germany and elsewhere interviewing many former WWII prisoners for the new material. He mentions the Lethbridge Historical Society 1997 site marker for POW Camp #133 erected n^FOR SALE^ at 5 Ave and 28 St No. in this latest edition Unfortunately high publishing cost these days, has permitted but 20 photos covering all of the Canadian POW program, it is too bad that many many more could not have been added. crs Available from Gait Museum, or from Rev. David Carter, Box 39, Elkwater, AB TOJ ICO Phone or.Fax. 403-893-2470 for pricing.

Lethbridge Historic Homes As you walk, bicycle or drive through Letiibridge, take time to consider some of the older homes still looking rather grand tiioughbuil t in the first quarter of the century. Spring is the best time to see the detail of these fine old houses, before trees leaf out and obscure the view, but they are worth a look at any timeo f the year. LDQ^UWANTAHOMS 7] Con^Ietefy Fx

You mrm inTttod to ta«p«ct thU fia* modal horn* dallr 2 to 5 WMI 7 to 9 P»M^ Sunday 2 to 5 p.M. only. FOR roUR CONVENIENCE USE THIS COUTOtt Comer 13th.5t. mnd Lethbndia Uoi» Club, 5th Av«^ 5. PlarzTounil and Swimming Pool Committee, Lothbriflf. 102-lM FUth St S.. I^tlibridM-'Alberta. |/V. to TOW VteTCwad ud SwIaamlBr fMI rtaod Sot vtalGta.nalt^ 420 14 St. South. The first house advertised for sale with an J«w flCndal-SMtlpl -^ - - --- Xn^dditSoo • bouti- illustration. d«l IB.UI« form of a Riverview at 2 7 Avenue South was tiie home of C.A. doU'a hooM tor MOM otliOT coBtfiDntor* Magrath, but was traded to Chas. F. Conybeare for tiie building known as the Regal Confectionery building after Magrath's wife died. Riverview was restored with -Valueiof House and Contents jtfjj govemment grants in 1980, Alberta's 75th atmiversary. Reproduction of Lions' House Draw Ticket, 1944. Now stories are floating about the possible restoration of the At 432 Thirteentii Street South you will find the first Regal Confectionery building as well. house 'raffled' in Lethbridge, although it was not called a The Lethbridge Herald carried a story a few days ago raffle at the tune, likely because of anti-gamblmg laws. All about an American who has purchased the former bank the advertisements c^ed it the 'Lion's House Draw" and building across from the Southem Alberta Art Gallery with tickets sold for one dollar, which was called a restoration in mind. A Pioneer Remedy My mother-in-law had small jars of salve she kept on hand for the treatment of exzema or other skin rashes. The salve was very successful in clearing up the problem, its only drawback being that it was black and soiled clothing if not covered. After her death we found the recipe in her recipe box. Black Salve Render fresh sheep tallow from a young animal, strain. Put a cup full in a littie pan or some type of pail which can be thrown away, add not quite 3/4 of a cup of pine tar. Stir while still hot and mix thoroughly. While warm put in jars. If salve gets to dry after a while I add a little pure olive oil. If used on baby's arms, etc, cover with a soft cloth to avoid scratching. Clean of(f) with olive oil. Mr. Lingard saved the fat for me, he said it was from around the kidneys of the lamb. You can render the fat in any pan but you mix it in something you can throw away. 1 used a can from fmit and took a smaU tin and put 3/4 cup of water in it and marked it, then threw the water away and used the marked tin to measure the tar, it was easy to make.

h^fLrA ..a,,J/t^ 14 St. S. Lethbridge Garrison Red Cross Hospital ca 1940 Lethbridge has lost many fine buildings but perhaps the story is beginning to tum around and more thought will be ^lu.^^'^M.Ui ^J^ y(i^iuji y^UMf-!^! .An<-^ given to preservation and restoration. Many fine buildings still exist in the city and it is hoped they will be conserved.

f..>-^u^,

"Finding Our Way Home. Alberta's <^a^ yf^ Disappearing Grain Elevators" An Exhibit at the Provincial Museum of Alberta Society member, Ross Bertrand submitted a photograph of the Cayley elevators to the selection committee for the Heritage Prairie Grain Elevator Photo Contest at the Provincial Museum. Of the 5000 photographs submitted, jy /uiA^ !?'^^. '^ ^'^^ only fifty were selected for exhibition. Ross was notified in January his photograph had been selected for inclusion in ULiHajL/LLJ::^.. . their exhibit "Finding Our Way Home: Alberta's Disappearing Grain Elevators". The exhibit will run from 22 May to 6 August, 1999. Congratulations Ross!

Pioneer Recipe Irish Whiskey Sauce 1/4 cup of soft butter 2 cups Ught brown sugar, firmly packed legg 1 cup Mght cream Dash of nutmeg 1/4 cup Irish Whiskey In top of double boiler, beat butter and sugar till light and creamy (beat with mixer). Beat in egg, cream and nutmeg. Beat till mixture is fluffy. Cook, stirring occasionally, over hot, not boiling water until mix is thickened. Remove from heat. Gradually stir in whiskey. Serve warm or cold with pudding, or on ice cream with cake. N EW SLETTER Lethbridge Historical Society The Southern Alberta Chapter of the Historicai Society of Alberta

P.O.BOX 974 Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada TIJ 4A2

e> CoDvriphI 1999 I Number s" NEWSLETTER ISSN 0838-7249 September1999| Membership in the Historical Society of Alberta is S25.00 per year single or $30.00 a couple or family. It includes a subscription to the quarterly ALBERTA HISTORY, and members residing from Nanton south are also registered with the Lethbridge Historical Society and receive newsletters and notices. (Your mailing label expiration date will be highlighted when it is time to renew) Please send dues to the treasurer. LETHBRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OFFICERS President Carlton R. (Barbara) Stewart Past President Wm. (Bill) (Juanita) Lingard Vice-President Wm. (Bill) (Juanita) Lingard Secretary/Newsletter Editor Irnia (Jake) Dogterom Treasurer David J. (Gerry) Dowey Council Member (1999) Richard Shockley (Leslie) Coundi Member (1999) Helen Kovacs Council Member (2000) Ernie (Goldie) Snowden Council Member (2000) R. W. (Dick) (Theresa) Papworth Council Member (2001) Audrey Swedish Council Member (2001) Robert (Emerice) Shore Book Distribution & Sales Ralph Erdman Regular meetings are held in the Theatre Gallery of the Lethbridge Public Library at 7:15 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Notices As of November, Ralph Erdman has submitted his resignation as our publication distributor. Ralph has done a Bus Tour September 11, 1999 superb job for many years, and the society is extremely To Welling, Raymond, Stirling, Readymade: To see an grateful for his efforts. If you know of anyone or are Ammonite Mine, the Raymond Museum, tour through the yourself willing to take over this task please contact Carly historic village of Stiriing, and on to a Readymade bam and Stewart. other Readymade buildings from the 'Readymade Farms' era. Bring a picnic lunch. Bus cost only $10.00 for Names of candidates for the Lethbridge Historical members, $12.00 for non-members, phone Dave Society - Alex Johnston Award of Merit should be Dowey to register. submitted by December 30, 1999. Suggestions should go to the committee chair, Helen Kovacs. (2130 19 Ave. S, Alex Johnston Lecture Series is scheduled Lethbridge, AB TIK 1E6) for October 7th 7:00 P.M., at the Lethbridge Public Library. Terry Chapman, will be speaking on "Welcome To My Nightmare" Unpublished Criminal Court Cases and Alberta The Lions' Club dollhouse which was drawn for in Legal History. Be sure you mark your calendar. May 1945 was won by the Pincher Creek Lions' Club. It was then passed on to the Community Centre. The Centre The next regular meeting of the LHS will be held burnt down in 1965. To date 1 have been unable to discover October 26, 1999 in the Lethbridge Public Library Theatre whether the dollhouse was in the Centre, or had been again Gallery 7:15 P.M. Tim Johnson will be speaking on the raffled by them in 1945. Farley Wuth is asking seniors in Pearce Air Field. The following motion will be voted on at the area about it. If anyone has any more information, 1 the October meeting: That the Lethbridge Historical Society would appreciate hearing from you. Editor. spend not more than $4,000 to reprint our book "The ^ ^ ^ *^ ^ ^ ^ ^ *3f 41' ^l' ^ ^i* •& Whoop-Up Trail by Gerald Berry". Notice of motion given * ft* *^ ^ '^^ 'V' rp l^ 't^ *1^ '1' 'P '1> 'l^ 'P at the May 25,1999 General Meeting. New Books Also on October 26th the Society will dedicate a bronze Still Standing, the grain elevators of Southem Alberta is markers at the site of the Pearce Aerodrome just 5 kms north now available from Sophi Hicken. A great picture book, it of Pearce, Alberta. Watch your next newsletter. is available from the author/artist, call 1-403-381-6725. The LHS annual meeting and election of officers, is A new Champion & District history book has just set for November 23, 1999. Cariy Stewart will present a been released. The book has 506 pages with many pictures program on the CPR Viaduct. 1999 is its 90th birthday of and buy at Remco Memorials or by contacting: Champion Lethbridge's most recognizable landmark. History Society, Box 105, Champion, AB TOl ORO Lethbridge Historic Homes designated historic resources include medicine wheels, tipi rings, fur trading and mounted police Riverview at 109 7 Avenue South was the home of posts, coal mines, farmsteads, ranches, railway stations, C.A. Magrath, the first Mayor of Lethbridge. After churches, schools, government offices, commercial Magrath's wife died, it was traded to Chas. F. Conybeare blocks and private residences. The Historical for 'The Warren', later the Regal Confectionery building. Resources Act helps to ensure that Alberta's heritage With assistance from government grants, Riverview was is recognized and treated in a sensitive and restored in 1980, Alberta's 75th anniversary, and responsible manner. declared an historic site in 1982. (There are thirteen such designations in the city.) Now stories are floating The benefits individuals or groups gain by having a site about the possible restoration of The Warren' as well. designated include: The other designated sites include: * eligibility for financial assistance from the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation. Annandale Residence at 1280 4 Ave. S. was built in 1911 and declared an historic site in 1988. * consultation with Alberta Community Development staff who will give technical advice to ensure that Bowman Arts Centre at 811 5 Ave. S. was built in 1910 restoration/protection work is carried out in a manner and declared an historic site in 1982. that considers both owners' needs and resource Chinese Free Masons Bldg. at 310 2 Ave. S. was sensitivity. declared an historic site in 1987. * widespread recognition, and D.J. Whitiiey House, former "Ideal Farm" at 3202 28 * a plaque which identifies the significance of the site SL S. was built in 1910 and declared an historic site and the owner's interest in the preservation of in 1993. Alberta's heritage. Haig Residence at 1115 8 Ave. S. was built in 1937 and Levels of Designation designated historic in 1986. Registered Historic Resource ~ Section 15 of the E.B. Hill Residence at 702 11 St. S.was built in 1912 Historical Resources Act (F.S.A. 1980) provides for the and declared an historic site in 1991. designation of a historic resource together with any land Fireball #1 at 402 2 Ave. S. was built in 1890 and was in or on which it is located as a Registered Historic declared historic in 1979. The building proved to Resource. Normally, Registered Historic Resources are: be other than an asset to the city until its recent development by P. Fiorino. * most significant to a region or community, * good examples of an aspect of Alberta's natural or Mayor Hardie Residence at 1242 5 Ave. S. built in human prehistory, or history and/or 1909 was designated historic in 1987. * of significant paleontological or archaeological or Hick-Sehl Bldg. at 619 3 Ave. S. was built in 1912 and given designation in 1983. architectural merit. Once ai resource has been designated a Registered Lethbridge CPR Station at 801 1 Ave. S. (now home of the Health Unit.) was designated an historic site in Historic Resource, the Minister of Community l5evelop- 1987. ment must be notified of any proposed action which may affect the historical integrity of the site, or remove a Sir Alex. Gait Museum & Archives, the former Gait historic object from it, a minimum of 90 days before Hospital at the West end of Sth Ave. S., was built in any work begins. Unless the Minister approves the 1910 and received designation in 1978. changes earlier, the owner must wait until 90 days after the date that notice of the proposed action is served Blackfoot-Cree Indian Battle Site in the Oldman River before proceeding. valley was designated in 1980. Provincial Historic Resource Section 16 of the Historical Resources Act (R.S.A. Historic Sites, how and why! 1980)) provides for the designation and protection of The Designation Pro2ram Provincial Historic Resources. To qualify for this more significant level of designation, structures or sites must Alberta Community Development administers the normally be: Historical Resources Designation program which allows * of outstanding provincial significance for the preservation of sites or structures of outstanding historical, natural or architectural significance within * associated with an important aspect of Alberta' natural Alberta. The Historical Resources Act (R.S.A. 1980) or human history (event, theme or person), and/or * outlines the role of the Minister of Community * of outstanding paleontological, archaeological or Development to site designation. architectural merit. * defines the various levels of designation, and Designated resources may include such diverse * identifies the responsibilities and protective measures resources as prehistoric sites, natural features,, architecturally significant structures or the sites of required by provincial designation. Examples of important historic events. No person can destroy. disturb, alter, restore, repair or remove any historic or a Provincial Historic Resource, a Notice of Intention objects from a designated Provincial Historic Resource to Designate is served to the owner. The resource is without approval in writing from the Minister of then subject to the provisions of the Historical Resources Community Development. However, Provincial Historic act. The Notice of Intention contains a clear Resources can be and often are altered for a number of explanation of the legal implications of designation on valid reasons if such actions do not disturb or destroy the site. After 60 days and providing there are no issues the historic integrity which led to the initial designation. to interfere with the process, a formal Designation Order Owners of Provincial Historic Resources should discuss is prepared for consideration by the Minister of alteration plans with Alberta Community Development Community Development. staff before submitting a formal request to the Minister. Step 5: To be eligible for designation as either a Registered or a If the Minister of Community Development agrees with Provincial Historic Resource, the resource must be the recommendation to designate, the Designation Order situated on its original location. Private property which is signed and a copy is immediately served to the owner. is designated remains private property. All designated An original or certified copy of the Order is then sites may be sold, disposed of or inherited. registered on the Certificate of Title with the appropriate In order to ensure that the historic integrity of a Alberta Land Titles office. designated site is maintained, the Order designating the Should a resource not be recommended for designation, site a historic resource is registered against its Certificate the applicant may appeal to the Alberta Historical of Tide. This informs any prospective purchasers of the Resources Foundation. The Foundation will be given all property of the requirements of the Historical Resources relevant information, and a hearing will be scheduled for Act. The Order can only be removed from the title by the applicant to make his or her presentation. Following the Minister of Community Development, who may the hearing, the Foundation will make a choose to rescind the designation from the resource. recommendation on the designation to the Minister of Community Development. The Minister makes the final The designation program is administered by the Cultural decision to proceed with designation or not Facilities and Historical Resources Division of Alberta Community Development through the Historic Sites and Archives Service. Briefly, the process involves the following steps: Fort Whoop-Up Stepl: The first building constructed in the Lethbridge area for the transfer of goods from one party to another, was Fort Hamilton, later An individual or group makes a request to the Cultural called Fort Whoop-Up. The fort was constructed approximately 9 km Facilities and Historical Resources Division of Alberta upstream from the city and the present day replica. From these Community Development regarding the possible humble beginnings, the City of Lethbridge, with its present designation of a historic resource. The Resource population of near 75,000, grew. Richard Shockley, the Management Program, Community Heritage Services, Curator/Director of Fort Whoop-Up has drafted the following story Historic Sites and Archives Service, responds with an of its history. information package outlining the designation program. Fort Whoop-Up is an authentic reconstruction of a The interested party is asked to complete an Application 19th century American trading fort, built on Canadian for Historic Resource designation, which is included in soil in 1870. The site consists of an Interpretation the package. In completing this application, the Centre containing an interpretive gallery, reception area, applicant is required to provide the information needed store/food concession, theatre; and two reconstructed to evaluate the site's historical significance. buildings that form two parts of the palisade. The Step 2: Interpretive Centre represents the third building asso­ ciated with the historic Fort Two bastions are located at Once an Application for Historic Resource Designation opposite comers of the palisade. The palisade is con­ is completed and returned to the head of the Resource structed of squared cottonwood timbers and unfinished Management Program, it is scheduled for review by the rough logs. The Fort is situated in Indian Battie Park, a staff of the Cultural Facilities and Historical Resources river valley setting in Lethbridge, similar to the original Division. site, 9 km. upstream at the junction of the Oldman and Step 3: St. Mary Rivers. Based almost entirely on the data provided by the History applicant on the Application for Historic Resource A number of pivotal events in the history of this Designation and an inspection of the site by continent were instrumental in the construction of Fort Departmental staff, the significance of the site is Whoop-Up. The civil war in the United States evaluated to determine if it meets the Department's concluded in the mid 1860's. This allowed the U.S. criteria for designation. The results of this evaluation Govemment to devote more resources to the settlement are then referred to the Assistant Deputy Minister,, of the interior. In 1862 Congress passed the Homestead Cultural Facilities and Historical Resources Division, for Act providing free land for settlement. Displaced consideration. victims of the war coupled with the release of thousands Step 4: of soldiers from both armies, created a climate for human movement. A series of gold and silver rushes If the Assistant Deputy Minister agrees with a beginning in 1849 through to the 1860's was an recommendation to designate a site either a Registered irresistible attraction for many. White population of the western continent swelled from about 25,000 prior to to keep them moving. Although there were many 1849 to over a million by 1865. Most citizens of the "whiskey forts", most were in fact little more than one United States considered it their "manifest destiny" to or two buildings, crudely constructed, more properly settle and control the continent. Only Indians and called outposts than forts. Fort Whoop-Up was the buffalo stood in their way. largest, and most successful of all the American forts An estimated 60-70 million buffalo roamed the and posts operating in Canada. prairies, depended on by about half a million Aboriginal William Gladstone, a former ships carpenter in the Americans. By 1869 the continent was linked in the service of the Hudson's Bay Company, built the 1870 U.S. from east to west by rail. At the same time the fort under contract to J.J. (John Jerome) Healy and A.B. acceleration in the industrialization of the north-eastern (Alfred Baker) Hamilton. He is said to have employed United States brought new discoveries. One of these was about 30 men, mostiy Metis in the construction. a process for producing machine belting from animal Alcohol (or "whiskey" a name loosely applied to leather. Railroads and steamboats on the major rivers any alcohol concoction) was an important trade item, provide a reliable and cheap transportation network for used extensively as an inducement. Other items were in buffalo robes; the extermination of the herds began in demand by Blackfoot people. Guns, in particular eamest and linked to that was the dispossession of the modern rifles were an important trade staple as were original people of the continent. sugar, molasses, cloth, flour, commeal, tobacco, blankets, During this same period, the 1860's, various needles, knives, axes, shovels, hoop iron, cartridges, individuals were working toward a goal of independence powder, pig lead, bullet molds, percussion caps, brass for Canada. The British North America Act of 1867 tacks, thimbles, glass beads, salt, parasols and many other created a new country, Canada. Two years later, 1869, items. Rupert's Land, essentially all of what is today known as The plains nations, Blackfoot, Blood, Peigan, Sarsee Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, BC. and the Territories and Cree were through the late 1860's and 1870's was sold by the Hudson's Bay Company to Canada. experiencing unprecedented pressures. Diminishing The company had been the de facto representation of game animals, especially Bison caused starvation. British law and possession in those territories for two Diseases such as smallpox continued to decimate the hundred years. Most maps of the era refer to the tenitory as British America. The authority, of the HBC people. The use of alcohol added to the increasingly and the will to provide authority ceased in 1869 with the desperate situation. Competition for ever scarcer deeding of Rupert's Land to Canada. resources led to vicious battles between the nations. The last so-called "Indian Battle" was fought during this Much of the southem prairies especially Alberta was period between Cree on one side and Blood and Peigan of little interest to the Bay and the company had not on the other. The battle started within site of Fort succeeded to any extent in making inroads into the heart Whoop-Up and ended at present day Lethbridge. It was of Blackfoot territory. The Americans, well established undoubtedly caused, at least in part, by competition for as traders along the Missouri watershed were well aware a diminishing resource. Bison. of British America. Some Americans such as J.J. Healy The trade in alcohol, the extremely competitive had already made trips into the Queen's realm while the nature of the trade, (partly responsible for massacres Bay had control and were illicitly trading. With the shift such as occurred in the Cypress Hills) and the of power from the HBC to Canada, traders operating occupation of Canadian territory by unknown numbers from Fort Benton in Montana Territory smelling quick American traders (in an era of continental and easy profits quickly moved into British America. A expansionism) conspired to raise an alarm in Ottawa. few came seeking gold and other mineral wealth but By mid July of 1874, a newly created mounted police most moved into the robe trade. These traders, mostly force, the North West Mounted Police were marching free traders (not affiliated with a company) were among westward to close down the whiskey trade, bring law, and the many thousands of individuals who crossed the a Canadian presence to the former Rupert's Land. continent in the search for new opportunities following the Civil War. For many, trading with Native peoples On October 9, 1874, the Force arrived at Fort was viewed as just such an opportunity. Competition Whoop-Up, and the open trading of whiskey was was high in the U.S., and the southern plains of Canada halted. Fort Whoop-Up however continued to trade well looked very attractive. Restrictions on trading alcohol to into the 1880's. Most of the smaller establishments the Native community, outlawed since the I830's began such as Conrad's Post, Robbers Roost to name a few to be strictly enforced by American authorities. closed up. The buildings falling into disrepair or simply Alcohol had historically been a cheap "lubricant" for burned. Fort Whoop-Up served a dual purpose; trade trade. Given these motivations, it was natural for and it became a barracks for the N.W.M. Police in 1875 American traders to see Canada as the new trade frontier, or '76. Fire and floods destroyed the Fort piecemeal, and one in which, in the absence of laws and lawmen, between 1888 and 1915. It was abandoned by the meant anything was possible. Mounties in 1890-92. Fort Hamilton was built around 1867-69. It was Protection of the Site bumed and rebuilt, on a sturdier and larger plan, in Today, the site is a protected provincial historical 1870. It soon became known as Fort Whoop-Up, a resource. Little remains beyond a number of cellar name associated with whiskey, but more likely coming depressions, and the old stone cribbed well. A caim from the teamsters or bullwhackers who transported erected on the site is the only notation of the original materials to and from Fort Benton. Bullwhackers using Fort Hamilton or Whoop-Up. long buUwhips and shouts "whooped-up" their charges NEW S LETTER Lethbridge Historical Society The Southern Alberta Chapter of the Historical Society of Alberta

P.O.BOX 974 Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada TIJ 4A2

a Convriyhl 1999 I Number 6 NEWSLETTER ISSN 0838-7249 November 1999 Membership in the Historical Society of Alberta is $30.00 per year single or $35.00 a couple or family. It includes a subscription to the quarterly ALBERTA HISTORY, and members residing from Nanton south are also registered with the Lethbridge Historical Society and receive newsletters and notices. (Your mailing label expiration date will be highlighted when il is time to renew) Please send dues to the treasurer. LETHBRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OFFICERS President Carlton R. (Barbara) Stewart Past President Wm. (Bill) (Juanita) Lingard Vice-President Wm. (Bill) (Juanita) Lingard Secretary/Newsletter Editor Irma (Jake) Dogterom Treasurer David J. (Gerry) Dowey Council Member (1999) Richard Shockley (Leslie) Council Member (1999) Helen Kovacs Council Member (2000) Emie (Goldie) Snowden Council Member (2000) R. W. (Dick) (Theresa) Papworth Council Member (2001) Audrey Swedish Council Member (2001) Robert (Emerice) Shore Book Distribution & Sales Ralph Erdman October 261h 1999 regular meetings will be held in the Gait Museum at 7:15 p.m. This is OUR last newsletter of tiie millennium! Two private anonymous donations toward our project, assistance from the 783 Calgary Wing of the Royal Canadian Air Force Association, and the General Stewart Branch #4 Meeting Notices Royal Canadian Legion, and the full cooperation of the present Pearce Aerodrome land owners, Harvey and Bernita Van PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN VENUE Heirden, have been greatly appreciated. (Gait Museum) for the OCTOBER 26th 1999 MEETING. Time 7:15 p.m. At 7:15 p.m., at the Gait Museum, (West end of Sth Avenue The Library Theatre Gallery was not available. South), wc will hold our usual Society short business meeting and program. Mr. Tim Johnston will be speaking on the Memo from President - Cariy Stewart: British Commonwealth Air Training Plan and the Pearce Pearce Aerodrome Marker Dedication & Program is Aerodrome. Our November commemorative newsletters will set for the afternoon of October 26th 1999: be handed out at that time, so be sure to attend. Members not in attendance will receive their newsletter by mail later. Fellow members: This is an information page to give you details of our plans for the October meeting and let you know of November 23rd 1999: a change for the November Newsletter. Wc have produced an Annual General Meeting and Program: at the Lethbridge 11-page newsletter edition for November 1999 to commemorate Public Library in the new Community Meeting Room on the the dedicadon of our bronze marker at the Pearce Aerodrome. library lower Iloor 7:15 p.m. (Note the new room for this date only) It will be handed out at our evening program on October 26th at Wc will hear reports from your President, the Treasurer, Newsletter the Gait Museum. Be sure to attend lo get your copy, and to Editor, Book Sales, other sub-committees, and the Nominations hear our guest speaker Mr. Tim Johnston speaking on the Committee. Vice President Bill Lingard, has decided that he does not British Commonwealth Air Training Plan and the Pearce wish to seek your presidency. He will act as Chair of the Aerodrome. Tim has met and enjoyed a lot of different folks Nomination Committee. Anyone wishing to serve on the executive while researching his project should make their name known lo Bill. Elections will be held for the following positions: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Here's our schedule for October 26th 1999. Secretary, and two Councillors (for 3-ycar terms). The program will At 11:45 A.M., members of the Lethbridge Historical Society mark the 90th Anniversary of the High Level Bridge, and our special invited dedication participants arc invited to Lethbridge's Most Recognizable Landmark. Cariy Slewarl attend a stand-up luncheon at the General Stewart Branch #4 will show slides and speak on its consu-uclion and the bridge as il is Royal Canadian Legion at Mayor Magrath Drive and 4ih today. Avenue South in Lethbridge, hosted by tlie LHS Pearce project fund. After lunch, wc will depart at 1:00 p.m. for Pearce. IMPOR'I'ANT: Ralph Erdman, who is now 86 years young, has decided lo resign as our books salesperson effective the end of November 1999. We need a replacement. Are you willing and able? NOTE: Please let Carly Slewarl know. Ralph has done an incredible job for the Lethbridge Historical Society for more than 20 years. Book Call Cariy Stewart (403-328-4669) by October 25th lo let publication and sales has been the main drive of this Society for over him know if you arc going to attend the STAND-UP thirty five years. Publishing by iLsclf has built our enviable LUNCHEON. The Legion requires a head count and our financial position and has allowed ihis society to donate nearly budget is limited to fifty. Call early. S75,()0() to various institutions and projects in Southern Alberta. The Book Sales Position is very important lo your Society's well At the stand-up luncheon, some of our members will teing. Please consider helping out. be wearing a tag indicating they have room in their vehicle to take an extra rider or two to Pearce and LHS BOOKS are listed ovedeaf, should you wish to purchase any return. Anyone needing a ride should get in touch for gifts or your own, please do so. Your continued purchases with a friend, or make arrangements at the luncheon. enables us lo carry on with all of our projects. We will hold the ceremony to dedicate the bronze marker at To ALL Members - Thanks for your support during the 1900s. 2:00 p.m. at the Pearce Aerodrome site, 30 kms West on Have a Joyous Christmas and a Safe and Healthy New Near. Highway #3, and 6 kms North on the "Pearce Road". We have From your entire LHS Executive. invited some special guests to help with our dedication. Christmas 1999 BOOK PRICES Effective to December1999 As a member of the Lethbridge Historical Society or of the Lethbridge Archaeological group you are entitled to a 25% discount from the single book prices as shown on here, total up your order and deduct 25% off of these (*) figures only. FOR BOOKS PRINTED BY THE: Lethbridge Historical Society P.O.Box 974 Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1J 4A2 Prices effective to December 31,1999 Canadian $ to Canada USA $ to USA- Qty $ Value Publication title and author: $ each $ Qty of five Extension TALES Of a MOUNTED POLICE OFFICER by Dr Bill Baker llus 80 pp, (1999) R. Burton Deane NWMP Superintendent Lethbridge 1888-1902 $*8.25 Or 5/$26.00 $ LETHBRIDGE - On the Homefront by Aimee Viel, lllus 48 pp, (1998) A history of Lethbridge from 1939 to 1945 after WWII $*6.25 Or 5/$18.75 $ LETHBRIDGE - COAL TOWN to COMMERCIAL CENTRE by Alex Johnstonlllus 99 pp A Business history of Lethbridge & District to 1997 $*9.95 Or 5/$30.00 $ LAST GREAT (Inter Tribal) INDIAN BATTLE by Alex Johnston et al, lllus 58 pp Stories, Archaeological Survey etc of the Indian Battle Park Area $*7,95 Or 5/$24.00 $ BOATS & BARGES on the BELLY complied by Dr. Alex Johnston 1966, reprinted 1995 36 pp. 24 lllus. Reminiscesof the Gaits coal fleet on the (Belly) Oldman & So Sask Rivers.$*4.95 Or 5/$15.00 $ THE WHOOP-UP TRAIL (Early Days In Alberta . . . Montana) by Gerald L. Berry 1953. 76 pp. 50 lllus. A 1995 reprint of this popular and interesting publication. $*8.95 Of 5/$27.00 $ ROCKY MOUNTAIN RANGERS. Gordon E. Toiton, 1994. 93 pp. lllus. Southern Alberta's Cowboy Cavalry in the Northwest Rebellion 1885. $*8.95 Or 5/$27.00 $ THE OP RAIL HIGH LEVEL BRIDGE. Alex Johnston, 1993. Reprint 40 pp. 70+lllus, Construction of Lethbridge's most memorable landmark. $*5.95 Of 5/$18.00 $__ LETHBRIDGE Founding the Community 1882 -1914 by Dr. Bill Baker, iiius 48 pp A visual History of early Lethbridge $*7,95 Or 5/$24.00 $ LETHBRIDGE CENTENNIAL HISTORY by Alex Johnston and Andy den Otter A Lethbridge Centennial project 1985 (second printing) $*29.95 Or 5/$90.00 $ LETHBRIDGE Its Medical Doctors, Dentists, Drugstores By Alex Johnston et al, A History of the Health Scene 1883 to 1990: listing 400+ Doctors, 110+ Dentists & a chronology of Drugstores with proprietors 79pp, lllus. $*9.95 Of 5/$30.00 $. LETTERS From INDIA by Ann A. Anderson A collection Ann wrote while she was in India/8 years 76pp, lllus.. Coloured, perfect bound soft cover $*11.95 Or 5/$42.00 $. WINGS OVER LETHBRIDGE. Bruce W. Gowan, 1986. 92 pp. lllus. History of early pilots and aircraft in southern Alberta from 1911 to 1939. $*9.95 Or 5/$30.00 $. LETHBRIDGE: PLACE NAMES and POINTS OF INTEREST. Alex Johnston & B Peat, 1987 The geography of a city and its immediate environs. $*7.50 Of 5/$25.00 $. PLANTS AND THE BLACKFOOT. Alex Johnston 1987. Species used are listed by common and Latin names. Maps, sketches and photographs. $*6.95 Of 5/$21.00 $. LETHBRIDGE: ITS COAL INDUSTRY. Alex Johnston - Gregg Ellis, 1989. 148 pp. lllus. Maps. Historical inventory of coal district. $*10,95 Or 5/$33.00 $. LETHBRIDGE SEED FAIRS 1896-1988. Douglas J, Card, 1988. 30 pp. lllus. Discussion on seed fairs, Ag. Community, and Board of Trade $*3.95 OT 5/$13.00 $. Value for LHS books: $_ Carly can arrange Archaeological books too Qty $ Value USA $ to USA - Canadian $ to Canada Extension Publication title and author: $ each $ Qty or 5 NEW! NEW! Record In Stone - Familiar Projectile Points From Alberta by J. Humphreys, M. Wilson, N. MIrau, J. McMurchy, C. Stewart 44 pages illustrated. 3rd edition October 1999. 5/$15.00 $. Text & Illustrations of each style of projectile point from Alberta $ * 4 .9 5 O T Crystal Spring Indian Camp Site by J. Arthur Spencer, (reprint from 1967)lllus. A close look at the artifacts from this Welling, Alberta site $*6.95 or 5/$22.50 $. ONOKA-KATZI (Sundial Butte) James Carpenter Report on this Southern Alberta Medicine Wheel and of the Seebeck Campsite which is nearby the area of the wheel. $*3.50 or 5/$11.00 $_ Story on Stone by Lawrence Halmrast, lllus. Petroglyphs and Pictographs of Southern Alberta $*7.95 or 5/$24.00 $_ Camp Sites and Ceremonial Circles, James Carpenter Reports on various archaeological sites in Southern Alberta. $ * 3.9 5 or 5/$12.50 $_ Value for Archaeo books: $ POSTAGE & HANDLING RATES:

$3 for the 1st book plus $1 per book tliereafter to one postal address. Postage and Handling charges $_

PAYMENUSA$toUST REQUESTEA - CanadianD BYs tCHEQUo CanadEa WfTEnClOSeH YOUR ORDERd TOTA, SAVES TIML EO ANf DthI TROUBLS OrdeE Thankr s$ BE SURE TO INCLUDE POSTAGE AND HANDLING. Mail your ofxierto address shown at top of page: Nam e P h o n e Address C i t y P r o V. /S t a t e C o d e Local Orders & Deliveries, phone Carly Stewart 328-4669 after 5 P.M. " LOCAL ORDER?-Please call, together we'll arrange a mutual pick-up/delivery.Your No._ RCAF Aerodrome Pearce, Alberta

A Unit of The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan

Home of Number 36 Elementary Flying Training School (RAF) March 30, 1942 - August 14, 1942 Number 3 Air Observer School (RCAF) September 12, 1942 - June 6. 1943 Number 2 Flying Instructor School (RCAF) "The Western University of the Air" May 3, 1943 - January 20, 1945

Prepared by Tim Johnston

Based on the Daily Diiirics of the Pearce Schools provided through the courtesy of The National Archives of Canada

November 1999 issue of the Lethbridge Historical Society Newsletter commemorating the dedication of the bronze marker placed al the Pearce Aerodrome site 6 kms North of Pearce on October 26lh 1999 by the. Lethbridge Historical Society P.O.Box 974 Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada TIJ 4A2 Price $5.00 (plus $3 P&H) 10 RCAF Aerodrome Pearce, Alberta A Unit of The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan Prepared by Tim Johnston

Background to either to conversion units, operational squadrons or units of The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan the Home War Establishment. The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) Other potential aircrew were posted to schools specializing came about as the result of an agreement initiated by Great in wireless operation, air gunnery, bomb aiming, Britain with Canada, Australia and New Zealand to provide observation, navigation and flight engineer duties. Flying trained aircrew for the Allied offensive against the Axis time at all schools in the Plan rocketed and in 1943 more powers during World War IL The Plan allowed Canada to than 7 million hours were flown, 677,000 hours in July make a major contribution to the Commonwealth effort alone. without the need to apply conscription to raise a large land based army. In May, 1940, the first of the schools of the In addition to aircrew, thousands of personnel had to be Plan came into operation. Over the span of approximately trained to a high level in ground support trades and duties five years, 131,553 Commonwealth aircrew members and schools were operated for cooks, armorers, drivers, would be trained and posted to Allied aviation units airframe and engine mechanics and administrative trades. throughout the worid. Construction of the schools was a Herculean task. More than 7,000 buildings were erected under the plan including The BCATP was the largest project ever undertaken by the hangars, barrack blocks, hospitals, motor pools, drill halls govemment of Canada up to that time. The Plan was to and administrative buildings. The peak of construction have become fully operational in April, 1942 but in fact all occurred in 1942 when approximately 1,000 contracts worth construction for what was originally envisaged for the Plan over $80 million were issued. At the beginning of the Plan was completed six months earlier, in October, 1941. By or at the beginning of any of the schools, getting operational this date also, 26 Royal Air Force schools had been was an immense challenge. The key was to get a place that transferred to Canada resulting in a total of 95 schools being aircraft could fly from and where staff and students could in operation from the east coast to the west coast. These receive the basics of life. Paved roads, sidewalks and other RAF schools trained an additional 5,296 British aircrew amenities of camp life came later. During the war, the memt)ers. RCAF ended up operating more plants than any other The schools were designated according to aircrew specialty. industrial enterprise in Canada. After Initial Training School experience, potential pilots were posted to elementary flying training schools. These were the smallest of the Plan flying schools and were operated primarily by Canadian flying clubs, under the supervision of RCAF supervisoiy officers and additional RCAF Aerodrome Pearce RCAF staff. Most of the flying instructors were civilians and many were American. As the output of the schools Number 36 Elementary Flying Training School increased, many RCAF graduates were posted as instructors RCAF Aerodrome Pearce, Alberta was officially to elementary schools, on leave from the RCAF. Aircraft commissioned on March 17, 1942. On that date, 12 employed at the elementary schools included the de Canadian Pacific Railway coaches filled with 32 officers, Havilland Tiger Moth, Reet Finch and Fleet Fawn, Boeing 304 airmen staff plus pupils, all Royal Air Force personnel, Stearman, and later in the life of the Plan, the Fairchild or anived at the siding at Pearce. The men had begun their Fleet Cornell. journey in West Kirby, England. They were welcomed to the camp by Mr Davies, Mayor of Fort Macleod, and Mr J Graduates of elementary flying training schools (EFTS) W Coleman, president of the Macleod Board of Trade. The proceeded to service flying training schools (SFTS) for school was designated Number 36 Elementary Flying experience on more advanced aircraft such as single engine Training School. As a unit of the BCATP, this school was North American Aviation Yales and Harvards and twin destined to have a short career of only five months. It was engine Avro Ansons and Airspeed Oxfords. Graduation disbanded on August 14, 1942 for the official reason of from the service flying training schools brought assignments providing room for the expansion of air observer schools. to operational training units in Canada or abroad. Unofficially, an additional reason was probably found in the In Canada, operational training units operated North famous southem Alberta winds that were simply too difficult American B-25 Mitchell medium bombers and Consolidated for novice pilots to deal with. The school began operations B-24 heavy bombers, DC-3 and Beech Expediter transports, with Stearman biplanes, the same airplane used by the Supennarine Stranraer and Consolidated Canso and Catalina British for elementary flying training carried out in the amphibians and Hawker Hurricane fighter aircraft. United States, and later a few de Havilland Tiger Moth Graduation from operational training units saw postings biplanes were added. ISov 12, iy4Z photograph ot fearce aerodrome under expansion construction. Two Avro Anson aircraft are parked on the northeast side of the double hanger. Photo courtesy of the National Archives of Canada The following entries from the Daily Diary of Number 36 EFTS flight sergeants and sergeants $15; corporals and below $10. reflect its organization and operation. Passing reference is made to the wind. Facilities are available at the port of disembarkation for RAF personnel to exchange Sterling in their possession up to a March 2,1942 — Organization Order Number 45 - Transfer of maximum of 10 pounds. Aircraft: The United Kingdom Air Number 36 Elementary Flying Training School RAF to Ministry have arranged for the supply of the necessary Canada number of Stearman aircraft. It has been ascertained that Number 36 Elementary Flying February 14, 1942 — Unit assembled at West Kirby under the Training School will arrive at port of disembarkation in command of Wing Commander J B Stockbridge. Canada about 313142. The school will move in one echelon consisting of approximately 32 officers and 304 airmen plus February 24,1942 —Arrived Gourock (Scotland) at 1200 hours pupils. It is intended to locate Number 36 Elementary and immediately embarked on SS Demand-Sprau. Flying Training School at Pearce, Alberta. The Air Officer March 8,1942—Land sighted at 1430 hours, put into Halifax at commanding Number 4 Training Command is to be 1630 hours. Disembarkation commenced immediately ship responsible for the control and administration of Number 36 docked at approximately 1700 hours. Unit entrained at EFTS. Halifax at 1930 and 2000 hours. Advances of pay and exchange of Sterling: RAF personnel March 17,1942 —Arrived Pearce, Alberta 0600 hours being met on strength of this school may receive advances of pay as by the mayor of Macleod Mr Davies, president of the Board follows to be recovered by the RAF account officer from of Trade, Mr J W Coleman and other prominent citizens with issued of pay in Canada: officers $50; warrant officers $25; private transport. Train comprised twelve cars. April 1,1942 — Ninety trainees arrived at Pearce station from Egypt, the Western Desert and India." • Moncton 0930 hours. June 17. 1942 — Mr F T Cook of the Department of Public April 7, 1942 — LAC (Leading Aircraftman) Goldspink first Health, Alberta visited the Station and gave lectures at 1900 RAF untrained pilot to go solo Stearman aircraft in Canada. hours on VD. The Station was represented in a boxing Number 48 course commenced flying. tournament held between boxers of Pearce, Macleod and Lethbridge. The Arena at Lethbridge was made available lo April 10, 1942 — The Air Officer commanding Number 4 the Kinsmen Club for the event. Corporal Jacobson of this Training Command, Air Commodore G C Howsam unit won the major bout. accompanied by Wing Commander Davidson arrived at 1355 hours by air. On order of Air Commodore Howsam, July 29. 1942—Accident: 1387747LAC GrossD M, Stearman runways were used for takeoff owing to excessive dust being FD990, was killed in flying accident, plane total wreck. created and harming aerodrome surface. Landings being made Pilot Officer A G Clark and 1337274 LAC Brand, Stearman on triangle and centre of aerodrome. FD980, both killed in flying accident, plane total wreck. Both aircraft collided in air on the circuit. April 14,1942 —No flying due to high winds. August 13, 1942 — Official date of disbandment of Number 36 May 5, 1942 — Accidents: Stearman PT27 FD998 Pearce EFTS. One week extension of flying granted to complete aerodrome at 1150 hours, pilot LAC Chute V H, solo required number of flying hours. practice. Aircraft ground looped on landing damaging starboard wing. Stearman PT27 FJ752 Pearce aerodrome at 1425 hours, pilot Sgt Davies E, pupil 1390709 LAC Number 3 Air Observer School, Regina and Pearce Howard R dual instruction. Aircraft ground looped on Number 3 Air Observer School was established in Regina on landing damaging starboard wing. Stearman PT27 FJ748 September 16, 1940. A private company, Prairie Flying School Pearce aerodrome at 1430 hours, pilot 995685 LAC Ltd, provided staff pilots for the Anson aircraft used by the air Barbarrow J N solo practice. Aircraft ground looped observers and also provided ground crew to maintain the aircraft. following a bad landing damaging starboard wing. An RCAF officer was in overall charge of the operation and the RCAF provided the instructional staff. May 8,1942 — A dance was held in the sergeants mess on May 8, this being the first entertainment of this kind on this On December 12, 1942, the first draft of ffainees, staff and Station. Approximately 150 guests were present. Music officers left Regina to reestablish the school at the recently was supplied by the Station dance orchestra under the vacated Pearce aerodrome. One class of bombers (bomb aimers) direction of Pilot Officer Morton. and two classes of navigators were included in the draft. May 31, 1942 — Number and type of aircraft on charge as of September 12, 1942 — Pilot Officer J A Houston reported for May 31,1942: Stearman PT27-68, Tiger Moth DH82C-14. duty as WAG instructor from Number 36 Operational Training Unit, Greenwood (Nova Scotia). Forty three June 1,1942 — First issue of the Station magazine trainees, 12 staff and six officers departed today for Pearce, "The Elevator." Alberta, this being the first RCAF personnel to proceed to the new location of No 3 AOS. Flight Lieutenant Ross Qn the Camera Club (medical officer) also left for Pearce to open the hospital. Class 59 (bombers) are also reporting to Pearce as well as "Even before that never-to-be-forgotten March morning to be class 54 and 55 navigators. known hereafter in the history books as St Patrick's Day, 1942 Invasion of Pearce, it was evident that a keen interest Unfortunately, the building program that had been undertaken at in photography was shared by a large proportion of the unit. Pearce to provide adequate facilities for the much larger air Almost the moment we stepped ashore and were released observer school was delayed with the result that Number 3 Air from the irksome but necessary restrictions of military Observer School never fully relocated to the Pearce airfield. secrecy, the cameras appeared in scores and our passage Some elements of the school remained in Regina as Number 3 across Canada was marked for me by the rush at every Air Observer School Detachment. Headquarters for the school stopping place of a crowd of amateur jarche's to all the likely transferred to Pearce and then back to Regina shortly before the viewpoints in sight and the trail of yellow film cartons school was closed. Life on both airfields is reflected in these which we scattered from Moncton to Macleod. At first enu-ies from the Daily Diary. glance the photographic possibilities of Pearce and its environs appeared even less encouraging than the social and September 24, 1942 Pearce — Squadron Leader Morkill and personal but as with the latter, closer acquaintance brought Squadron Leader Davies on temporary duty returned by plane many surprises and if the absence of vertical planes makes from Calgary. The officers, airmen and civilian personnel of good composition difficult, no one is going to complain this Station were pleasingly entertained this evening by the when the alternatives offered for our celluloid are dust Alice Murdoch Review from Calgary. After the show. Wing storms, floods and the ever-changing but always beautiful Commander Davis very fittingly expressed the appreciation mountains. of all personnel for the performance given by these young but talented artists. Nearly 100 copies of "The Elevator", No 1, went outside October 10,1942 Pearce — Number 3 Air Observer School held Canada. They went to every corner of the British Isles from its first Station dance this evening. We had several charming Golden Green to Galway and Land's End to John O'Groat's. guests from Lethbridge and an enjoyable evening was had by Not a few went even further afield to brothers and friends in all participants. far less salubrious surroundings than ours here at Pearce - October 26,1942 Regina — Number 15 EFTS will shortly take 10 RCAF, 11 RAF. 2 RNZAF and 2 RAAF graduates. over the guard duties of this Station. Movement to Pearce is There was no wastage in this class. slow arui under a great handicap as buildings are not finished. Every effort is being made by the entire staff so that training February 16,1943 Pearce — Latest rumor states that Number 2 will not be interrupted. Flying Instructor School at Vulcan will take over this Station in a couple of months and a service flying training November 12, 1942 Pearce — Flight Lieutenant Dodgson, school will occupy Vulcan. chaplain other denominations, arrived by rail on temporary duty from Number 2 Initial Training School, Regina. Flight March 28,1943 Pearce — Chief Mountain Horse, a full blooded Lieutenant Jenkins (fire marshal) Number 4 Training Cree Indian, lectured on Indian life to the entire Station Command. Calgary visited the Station. Carpenters are now Sunday night in the recreation hall. A full movie show was making fairly rapid progress with the construction of new also given for the entertainment of the personnel. Church buildings. A Station dance arranged by Mr R Kelly, YMCA parade for entire Station was held today at 1400 hours. Auxiliary Services, was thoroughly enjoyed by all personnel. Flight Lieutenant Gordon Brown (padre) from Number 2 Flying Instructor School conducted the service. The Macleod December 21 Regina — It is the intention to move the school RCAF band was in attendance. headquarters and courses 65 and 66 navigators and air April 3, 1943 Regina — A movement of courses from No 3 Air bombers to Pearce on January 6, 1943. The Regina unit Observer headquarters Pearce, Alberta to No 3 Air Observer will then become Number 3 Air Observer School Detachment Regina took place today when courses 69 and 70 Detachment. Course 60 and 64 navigators will remain at navigators arrived at this unit at 2140 hours by rail. This Regina. Course 67 navigators and 67 air bombers will be leaves course 66 navigators only at the Pearce unit. This posted to Regina reporting January 11, 1943. Course course will graduate from Pearce 16 April 1943 afier which detachment will be maintained pending completion of the balance of the Number 3 Air Observer School construction at Pearce. headquarters personnel not yet posted away will move back December 31.1942 Pearce — The skating rink is proving to be a to the Regina unit. The Pearce station will be taken over by popular recreational sport. The ice which had deteriorated Number 2 Flying Instructor School formerly at Vulcan, with warm weather has been built up fairly well. The Alberta and No 3 Air Observer School Regina will function Station dance "ushering the old year out and the new year in" until the three courses now under training graduate afier proved to be very successful and was patronized which Number 3 Air Observer School will be disbanded and appreciatively by both civilian and service personnel. A the headquarters personnel will be posted away to various goodly number of visitors were in attendance. Aircraft on other RCAF stations. charge: Ansons 19. Cessna Cranes 2. Stinson 1. Strength: April 15,1943 Pearce — Wings parade for course 66 navigators RCAF officers (staff) 14; RCAF WD officers 2 (nursing was held at Number 7 Service Flying Training School sisters); RCAF airmen (staff) 69; RCAF trainees 83. Macleod at 2000 hours this evening. The class consisted of Personnel other than RCAF: airmen (staff) 1 RAF and 1 25 RAAF and 1 RCAF trainee. Only one wastage was due RAAF; trainees 15 (11 RAF. 2 RNZAF, 2 RAAF). to ill health. All graduates were posted to Number 1 Y Depot Halifax. The parade attracted some 300 visitors from January 7, 1943 Pearce — Approximately 150 personnel Macleod and neighboring towns and was unusual in that a including 12 officers arrived by special train from Number 3 class of pilots also graduated on the same occasion. Wings Air Observer School Detachment Regina at 2130 hours and were presented by Wing Commander Brown, commanding will continue to train here. Buildings are progressing slowly officer Number 7 Service Flying Training School, who and although headquarters staff are now located at Pearce, four addressed the graduates. LAC Nicholson passed first in class. classes of trainees are still at Regina. Number 3 Air Eight received commissions. Observer School Detachment Regina is now a detachment with Flight Lieutenant D R Campbell as officer in charge. Wing Commander R C Davis and Flight Lieutenant C W Thompson arrive by plane from Regina at 1600 hours to Number 2 Flying Instructor School, assume command as chief supervisory officer and senior Claresholm and Vulcan administrative officer respectively. Squadron Leader Riddell arrived by rail and took over duties as chief instructor of the Number 2 Flying Instructor School was established April 22, Station. 1942 as Number One Squadron, comprised of A and B Flights, at Number 15 Service Flying Training School Claresholm. The January 12, 1943 Pearce — Warm weather has made the rink Flying Instructor School moved to Vulcan on September 13, look like a swimming pool. PT and sports for entire school 1942. On April 26, 1943 Number 2 Flying Instructor School, in full swing. moved to Pearce airfield. Number 2 Flying Insttuctor School was the second of three such schools established under the Plan. January 18, 1943 Pearce — Coldest weather of winter in this The first was Central Flying School located at Trenton, Ontario district reports 50 below but unofficial. and the third was Number 3 Flying Instructor School located at Arnprior, Ontario. Aircraft flown at the School included Cessna January 22, 1943 Pearce — Wings parade for course 65 air Cranes, Avro Ansons, North American Harvards, Airspeed bombers was held at 1400 hours today in the drill hall. Oxfords, de Havilland Tiger Moths and three aircraft from Fleet Wing Commander R C Davis, chief supervisory officer, Cornells, Fawns and Finches. Number 2 Flying Instructor presented the wings. LAC Yule R B. New Zealand graduate, School remained at Vulcan until May 1943 at which time the was honor student and was presented with identification Vulcan field was assigned to Number 19 Service Flying Training bracelet by Prairie Flying School Ltd. The class consisted of School. The opening entry in the Vulcan Daily Diary, Number 2 Flying Instructor School, set the stage for the school's Tillers of the soil from up and down the Gulch rubbed involvement with the community of Vulcan. shoulders with citizens of nearby metropolis lining tarmac adjacent to hangars many layers deep. Band from Number 2 August 3. 1942 Vulcan— Number 2 Flying Instructor School Wireless School (Shepard) struck up "Air Force March" and opened laider the temporary command of Squadron Leader J B parade moved out from wings to runway in front of control Harvey with a strength of: RCAF officers (staff) 28; RCAF tower. A Douglas aircraft shining silver in the sun swooped officers (staff) attached 1; RCAF airmen (staff) 301; RCAF gracefully to field - taxied to starboard end of parade and airmen (staff) attached 32; trainees 50; personnel other than therefrom emerged Air Officer Commanding, Air RCAF 8; civilians 11. Flight Lieutenant F L Connon. Commodore G R Howsam MC and aides. Another interval together with Captain Evans. Canadian Legion War Services and a Crane circled, landed and safely deposited His Honour J representative on this Station, attended a meeting in Vulcan C Bowen, Lieutenant Governor, representing the Crown in at 2000 hours at which were present representatives of the right of the province of Alberta. Appropriate speeches were various local associations who expressed a desire to cooperate delivered, punctuated by His Honour's gesture of touching a with Captain Evans in providing recreational and other Cornell's prop at which instant Number 2 Flying Instructor facilities for the airmen at the Legion Hut on the Station. School became officially open for business. Thereafter, spectators got twisted necks following the synchronized The school prospered and grew at Vulcan and despite its remote aerobatics of our crack fliers. and barren setting several miles from the town, the Daily Diary reflects the growth of a spirit of achievement at the school as December 17,1942 — Our second concert party (strictly Station well as the growing and sometimes humorous harmony between talent) present delightful entertainment to capacity house. servicemen and servicewomen posted to the school and the folk of The Women's Division chorus girls potential post-war "Vulture Gulch." Broadway talent. August 19, 1942 — Further progress was made in establishing December 22, 1942 — The first edition of the Station paper friendly relationships with the citizens of the town of Vulcan "Vulture Kulture" is hot off the press today, thanks to the when the Station was visited by 14 ladies and gentlemen untiring efforts of Honorary Flight Lieutenant Brown, our headed by Mayor W D Allan, representing the Vulcan popular padre, and Flying Officer J D Bruce, one of our Coordinating Council, who are interested in assisting in the medical officers. furnishing of the Legion hut and nursing sisters' quarters on the Station. The party was entertained to afternoon tea in the From the "Vulture Kulture" officers mess by Wing Commander F R West. The Vulture's Song August 31,1942—Number and type of aircraft on charge: Tiger Oh, if I had the wings of a vulture Moth 18; Cornell 15; Crane 110; Crane IA 20. The total Way from this Vulcatraz I would hop number of hours flown from August 3. date Station And not til I got to my darling officially opened, to August 31 2,927.10 hours. During Would I be willing to stop. the month of August a serious situation has developed with Oh, if you lived as I do so stranded respect to personnel being late for duty owing to their Miles from any nice girl I can date inability to reach the Station from the towns of Vulcan and You wouldn't think this place was so funny Nanton after rains which render the dirt roads practically For I don't want to be celebate. impassible. Oh, a bachelor's life ain't what it should be Though it's free from marital storm September 2, 1942 — Rain, fog washed out flying. Slithering But I'd gladly swop my independence roads gave mit a problem in transport. A chesterfield and For someone to keep the bed warm. two chairs to match were installed in the Legion hut and Tlie Bard of Vulture Gulch emphasized the emptiness. Consolidated Coordinated Council of Services Committee of the Vulture's Gulch is February 18,1943 — Calgary radio announces Number 2 Flying working on the furnishings problem. Instructor School is getting change of atmosphere at Pearce in the near future causing some fiurry of excitement but September 3, 1942 — Taken on strength in Legion hut one vision of Old Man River at back door and an occasional tree grizzly bear (dead, stuffed) and one moose head to provide a eases situation. habitation for retired Moths. Another chesterfield and three April 7,1943—Boxing ring is dismantled and shipped to Pearce chairs (leather, covered) arrived in the Legion hut lo crowd and may be considered the advance agent of Number 2 Flying the vacancy. Instructor School. September 24,1942 — Graduation parade for class number one April 26, 1943 — The advance party with E147 equipment, of 50 assorted gentlemen to receive their flying instructor blankets, one pillow, one pillow slip and two sheets tucked diplomas. They came from all over the British Empire, neatly under one arm leave barrack block at 0800 hours and Canada and USA and fraternization was complete. after a slight delay due to snow and slush about four inches October 6,1942 — Aircraft 664 got tangled in barb wire fence deep proceed by bus to Pearce. After a slight delay on route, and came to earth eight miles west of Station. Plane one bus breaking down, 73 personnel arrive at Pearce, dismantled and towed in but not before aged lady at nearby Alberta. farm house had forced repairs to fence using a shotgun for April 27, 1943 — Number 2 Flying Instructor School concert emphasis. party put on a farewell performance at Vulcan for the citizens October 30,1942 —At about 1300 hours the vast open spaces of Vulture's Gulch. A picture show and dance also provided began to close in on Station for opening day ceremonies. gratis satisfied some 1,500 attendants. Number 2 Flying Instructor School, Pearce evening and the desired "barny" atmosphere had certainly been acquired, not so much in the decoration of the drill hall April 30,1943 — As this month draws to a close, a new era for as in the inspiration of dress that some of the personnel the Western University of the Air appears on the horizon - turned out in. Several squadron leaders and at least one or Pearce, Alberta as its destination. This unit in its two wing commanders looked as though they had been born experimental stages had many difficulties to overcome and it and reared on the range, and one flight sergeant resembled an was just reaching the point where a review could be made and under-nourished English boy scout. The Station orchestra, errors corrected. Now a new difficulty to face, that of suitably attired, supplied the music. changing its location, with the promise of an average 30 mile wind velocity and turbulent air currents to compete October 26,1943 — Something new has been added to the WD against and all the difficulties of arranging itself to suit (Women's Division) trades on this Station with two former conditions of a new country. One squadron of the fiying General Duties girls working in number four hangar and personnel are being left at Vulcan until May 28 so that studying to remuster to the trade of Airframe and Engine flying training will not suffer to any great extent and it is Mechanic. These two have a flair for mechanics andNCO's promised that Number 2 Flying Instructor School Pearce report that by the lime they must appear before the board will still turn out Number One products. there will be little doubt that they will be successful. They show a decided keenness and aptitude for arm work and it is May 5. 1943 — Contrary to international law, gas was used hoped that other WD's will be interested as well. today in order to oust the little unwelcome brown enemy in barrack blocks. Airmen were obliged to take part in nude November 10, 1943 — A violent 70 mile an hour dust storm parades between barrack blocks as fumigation proceeded .so kept all planes grounded and personnel sweeping up the dust that a medical sanitary field could be maintained. Billiard that blew continually in open barrack room windows. tables erected in the officers and sergeants lounges. November 21, 1943 — This morning marked the official May 13,1943 — The commanding officer inspected the layout of dedication of the Station chapel in the new community our nine-hole golf course which it is hoped will be well centre. The ceremony was conducted by Flight Lieutenant F patronized this summer. Work was also started on the R Marback. Station padre, and Squadron Leader J G Sparling, construction of our softball field. command chaplain, and the commanding officer Wing Commander J B Harvey. The chapel was beautiful with June 24, 1943 — Course 78 graduated today. Group Captain everything so newly painted and varnished. The pews were Kennedy, CO of Number 15 Service Flying Training School donated by First United Church. Lethbridge, Alberta and (Claresholm), presented certificates to graduates. The certainly add the finishing touch lo the chapel. The alter was occasion commemorated inception of Number 2 Flying decorated with large vases of flowers and the whole service Instructor School one year ago at Claresholm. and surrounding were enjoyed by a capacity crowd. June 30, 1943 — The Station's representation in the fioat Australian student officer Pilot Officer B Sproule played the competition at Macleod won first money. One flight of organ and AC 1 B Webb led the Women's Division choir. airwomen and twofiights of airmen and trainees (officers and December 20, 1943— The Station chapel was the scene of the airmen) took part in the parade which was a great success first wedding to be held on this Station. LAW Somers P I even if the weatherman picked this day to dampen things. A W306553 was married to Able Seaman Guphill. The great many of our personnel from the east saw our original commanding officer. Wing Commander J B Harvey gave the landlords complete with regalia and without a postcard for a bride in marriage and Flight Lieutenant F R Harback, background. Protestant padre, lied the knot. A reception followed in the July 12,1943 — The first hole-in-one scored on local golf course WD canteen. today by LAC English who is nominated to our hall of December 24, 1943 — Christmas Eve dawned cooler and very fame. Our Victory Garden gave forth spinach and radishes windy. The airmen's mess was a hive of activity and genius today. was born again as Flying Officer G N Borchers initiated his July 27, 1943 — The long-awaited wiener roast held for all willing assistants into the mysterious art of decorating. personnel tonight on the river bank. The natural open air However, the results were more than gratifying and clumps amphitheater chosen was adequate for the huge bonfire and of corrugated 'Paddy Green"palm trees with gigantic brown the weather and hotdogs behaved perfectly. A piano was corrugated trunks bent gracefully down on all sides of the transported to the site and an enjoyable evening with the mess. Lights were camoufiaged and the "indirect" system usual singsong under the direction of our auxiliary supervisor was encouraged by means of colored cardboard and quite a bit Mr R R Simmons was appreciated by all who could attend. of wire. A fair stage sprung up in one corner of the mess The new Station orchestra under the direction of Flying and all in all a very beautiful setting for the Christmas Officer R V Morton also took part. festivities was the result of the hard labour on the part of Flying Officer Borchers and his staff. Course 91 graduated August 2, 1943 — Today is the day to roll out the riding habits today officially. with the arrival of six horses (apologies to Whirlaway) to inaugurate the Circle FIS Ranch and Riding Academy. This January 29, 1944 — The usual working day continued with sport should prove very popular with all the prairie to ride nothing out of the ordinary until 1630 hours when a great around in. Tentative plans going forward for standup lunches flurry of excitement traveled quickly around the Station. It to ease the pain of our would-be equestrians. was reported from training wing that an American basketball team consisting of 16 players had just arrived from the October 6,1943 — All hands are ready for the barn dance in the American Army post at Edmonton in a DC-3. Lieutenant drill hall tonight. The dance started quite early in the Knapka was in charge of the party. The team was entertained by senior NCO's during the early part of the evening and August 13, 1944 — Bell tents have been erected at Waterton then a dance was held for them in the recreation hall. Lakes to accommodate airmen on 48 hour passes. Waterton Lakes, approximately 80 miles from the unit, is a very January 30, 1944 — The "Yanks" seemed to do alright for popular summer resort and is frequented by many personnel themselves for on Sunday afternoon they could be seen out of Number 2. walking or in the drill hall with some of our fair WD's, much to the chagrin of some of our airmen. However, the November 2, 1944 — The equipment section held a very basketball game which was held in the drill hall at 1600 successful banquet in the Java Shop in Macleod and despite hours was enjoyed by all in spite of the fact that the the miserable weather everyone appeared to enjoy American team beat Pearce 38 to 15. The film 'The Gang's themselves. The commanding officer and several staff All Here" was shown in the recreation hall in the evening. officers were guests. The Station made a clean sweep of the inter-services boxing show at Number 13 Service Flying March 9,1944 — "Pearce Professors" advanced to the finals of Training School North Battieford. It was probably the best Number 4 Training Command hockey championship when record ever scored by any station in Number 4 Training they defeated Regina (Number 2 Initial Training School) at Command in boxing. Four boxers, Flying Officer W S the Lethbridge Arena by a score of 7 to 2. A near capacity Curry J25223. AUS441525 LAC Florence V R, crowd, the largest of the season, attended. AUS440212 LAC Pearce N J and AUS132367 LAC Thompson J C represented Number 2 Flying Instructor March 15,1944 — Five more Harvards arrived today to the joy School, Flying Officer Curry winning the main bout of the of all flying personnel and the increased din of their engines card, LAC Florence the semi-windup and Pearce and can already be noticed by ground personnel in offices all over Thompson each scoring convincing victories in their bouts. the Station. December 24, 1944— "Twas the night before Christmas and all April 26, 1944 — Three members of the South African Air through the house, not a creature was stirring." Something Force, Major A R James PI72V, P6163 Warrant Officer like the training wing today. An early divine service was Two Schnither P J and P4744 Warrant Officer Two Schraader held this morning which was excellently attended. S J W paid a visit to this unit to study our maintenance and Christmas eve saw the personnel wending their way toward equipment setup and were very much impressed with the the recreation hall where the Legion show "Swing Out the organization of these sections. Blues" was being featured. Afier the show, the personnel May 30, 1944 — The first inter-station golf tournament took blended their voices harmoniously in the age old custom of place on the Station course with the following stations singing Christmas carols with Padre E Crimpen in charge. participating: Claresholm, Macleod, Lethbridge, Vulcan and Following the singing of carols, about 45 of the personnel Pearce. Eight players competed from each station, Macleod attended a Christmas eve candle light service which was held winning first place and Pearce running third. The discussion in the chapel. This was a splendid showing and a sign that group held a very enjoyable wiener roast on the river bank. the true issues of Christmas are still being appreciated. Following the late candle light service, the entire June 6, 1944 — Beautiful sunny day. The coming of the long- congregation assembled and marched in good order from one awaited D-Day caused an atmosphere of tense excitement place to another singing Christmas carols and bringing throughout the whole camp. A minute's silence was Christmas cheer wherever the assembly went. observed by all personnel at 1135 hours. J15361 Flight Lieutenant S W Minall posted to this unit as a staff December 28, 1944 — A graduation parade was held this instructor has just returned from operations where he flew afternoon for course 117 which graduated today. The Spitfires, Hurricane dive bombers and Typhoon bombers. commanding officer stated that this was to be the last official parade when all members of this unit would appear on the July 6, 1944 — Warm cloudy day. At 12 noon a storm broke parade square. Further, he wished the graduating class as over Pearce bringing with it a shower of hail stones well as all personnel of this unit a Happy New Year and the approximately one inch in diameter. Nearly all Station determination of each to do their duty to the best of their aircraft were damaged, most of them being in the air or on ability wherever they might be called upon to do their duty the tarmac at the time. Only nine aircraft were left in the future. The commanding officer expressed his serviceable, those being the ones in the hangars. At 1430 conviction that in this regard he was assured that the hours flying recommenced with these nine aircraft. Fabric personnel of Number 2 Flying Instructor School would workers were kept busy day and night patching as many as continue to show the splendid spirit and morale that they had 100 holes in one aircraft. shown in the past. July 31,1944 — Month end review: sports - the Station's sports December 31, 1944 — Month end review: hospital - infectious field was completed in July. It includes a 440 yard cinder diseases - one case of mumps was admitted toward the end of track, two fastball diamonds, one baseball diamond, two the month. Sanitation generally good. Cockroaches carry jumping pits, two horseshoe pitches, a lacrosse box, two on unabated. volleyball courts, a soccer field and bleachers. Besides the above, two tennis courts were completed, one horseshoe January 15, 1945 — Great excitement was caused today by the pitch erected at the officers quarters, one at the sergeants arrival of postings of all personnel on the Station. quarters, one at the airmen's quarters and one at the Headquarters orderly room proceeds to work nights in an swimming hole. The swimming hole in the river was endeavor to get things "copesetic" re postings. Effective completed and equipped with a diving board and a mens and today, the hospital is closed to patients and all those women's bath house. A volleyball court was also erected remaining in hospital were discharged. The commanding there. officer and his party were guests at a very successful dance held in the sergeants mess this evening. January 19,1945 — Cold clear day, definitely winter and quite chilly for the some 400 personnel who are endeavoring to get clearances signed today in preparation to leave the Station tonight on the special train scheduled for 1900 hours. A definite lull has descended on the Station after the bustle and excitement of saying goodbye to dear friends of almost two years standing. January 31, 1945 — Month end summary: Disbandment- It is with mixed feelings of regret and pride that we see the About the Author disbandment of Number 2 Flying Instructor School, regret at the loss of pleasant associations, marvelous fellowships and the life and spirit that was characteristic of our unit, pride in the esprit de corps and the splendid accomplishments of Tim Johnston is a staff officer with The Alberta Number 2 Flying Instructor School, frequently in the face of Teachers' Association in Edmonton. His adverse circumstances, and a knowledge that as a result of responsibilities there include supervising the devotion to duty and maximum effort on the part of all Association's international assistance programs, personnel a unit has been created second to none in Canada. providing communications for collective bargaining, The splendid achievements of our three services and the daily serving as editor of The ATA Magazine and directing victories on all fronts have made our phase of the service no the ATA Summer Conference. Mr Johnston is a native longer necessary. As a result, many personnel and units of Lethbridge and received his education in Lethbridge have now become surplus to requirements. Many, however, Public Schools, NAIT and the University of Lethbridge. are still needed and it is hoped that the same steadfastness of He was employed by The Lethbridge Herald as a staff purpose and devotion to duty which has always been photographer after leaving high school and later taught characteristic of the personnel of this unit will lead to more social studies at Wilson Junior High School and the decisive victories and a victorious year in 1945. Lethbridge Collegiate Institute. This was the final entry in the Daily Diary of Number 2 Flying Mr Johnston's interest in history, and particularly the Instructor School, RCAF Aerodrome Pearce, Alberta. However, British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP), we shall let the commanding officer of the day. Wing resulted from a visit as a teen to the abandoned Pearce Commander D L G Jones, have the last say through his column Aerodrome when it still contained twenty Lancaster in the final issue of the Station newspaper, "The Pearce Patter." bombers. He is currently pursuing a private project on // is with a strange mixture of feelings and memories thai we the history of the BCATP which involves a review of see Number 2 Flying Instructor School disbanded. We are all the daily diaries of the Plan's schools. filled with sadness at the thought of the aerodrome innocent of Mr Johnston is married to Rebecca Robertson of Pacific Cranes and Harvards, at the thought of empty buildings, Grove, California and together they have five children, canteens, lounges, coffee bars and messes that for so long and make their home in St. Albert. have been our home. Yet we must have a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment that the work of the RCAF in which we played a considerable part has been so well and successfully conducted that this unit is able at long last to discontinue its training duties. We are left with memories of southeast winds, Chinooks, championship hockey and ball teams, unforgettable parties, familiar and friendly faces and above all the struggle of creating in a short time despite countless and adverse conditions and innumerable difficulties the finest Station in Canada. As you know, we have been Publisher's Note: informed by the highest authority that we earned a reputation There seems to be a real shortage of photographs of the various throughout Canada of having the best standard of training and BCATP schools and facilities. Anyone knowing where the highest morale in the training commands. This reputation photographs are, should encourage the holders of these precious was not earned as the result of the efforts and abilities of any items to provide them to a reliable depository (e.g. Glenbow, one section or group of persons but gained as the result of National Archives of Canada) for them to copy and keep on file. hard work and devotion to duty on the part of each man and woman in each section of Number 2 Flying Instructor School. There was a reason why everyone contributed so much. Perhaps it was the difficulties we had to overcome which Additional copy pricing of the: "Pearce NewsLetter", developed a common bond, perhaps because we were friends prepaid orders only please: (subject to change we could not let one another down. That is the "Spirit of without notice) Pearce." It is a great memory and we will always carry it with $5.00 single copy {+ $3 P&H) us. $9.00 two copies (+ $3.00 P&H) $12.00 three copies (+ $4.00 P&H) Number 2 Flying Instructor School $15.00 four copies (+ $4.00 P&H) RCAF Aerodrome Pearce, Alberta $18.00 five copies (+ $5.00 P&H) The Western University of the Air Canadian dollars to Canada or USA$ to U.S. postal destinations. Map from RCAF Pilot's Handbook of Aerodromes and Seaplane Bases Volume 2 - 1942 TTT RCAF AERODROME PEARCE. ALBERTA

C T ^J^ 1_ ...._.. i Lat. 49" 50* N Id 1/ Long. 113° 15* W ^ ^ ^e;w D / mm Var. 23° E / Elevat ion 3110'

\ / RUKWAY DATA \/ 1-19 3113'xlSO.' 7-25 3113'xlSO* 13-31 3113'xl50'

All hard surfaced

^^^^^mi/mffjtim/////////mm '///Mm//mmifif-wmm^m Proof copy of the Pearce Aerodrome bronze plaque from the manufacturer, Behrends Bronze Inc , Edmonton, Alberta PEARCE AERODROME The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan established 110 Air Training Schools in Canada during WWII to train Commonwealth Airmen and Airwomen. Canada was the leader for this plan. Located here, 6 km North of Pearce, Alberta was the home of the: #36 Elementary Flying Training School (RAF) March 30, 1942 to August 14, 1942 #3 Air Observer School (RCAF) September 12, 1942 to June 6, 1943 #2 Flying Instructor School (RCAF) • i^ > •• / May 3, 1943 to January 20, 1945

Pearce Aerodrome data: 49''50'20" North Latitude, 113°15'10" West of Greenwich, 3,132 feet (954.7 m) above sea level on Section 19, Township 10, Range 24, West of the 4th Meridian, Hard surfaced runways were: 3113 feet (949 m) long 150 feet (45.7 m) wide

Thousands of Commonwealth airmen received advanced training skills here before being posted as instructors to other schools or to Theatres of War. From the end of war in 1945 until the early 1960's, this airfield was left to decay. Used only as a holding area, many war time bomber aircraft were stored and ultimately dismantled for scrap. The buildings were moved to new locations or were dismantled for materials used in construction of civilian structures in this area. I Today there is little to remind us of the glory days when #2 Flying Instructor School was mentioned in official military reports as "The Western University of the Air" This marker is dedicated to the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their countries and of our freedom, and honours all those who served or trained at the Pearce Aerodrome.

Erected in 1999 by the LETHBRIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY with assistance from 783 Calgary Wing RCAFA and the General Stewart Branch #4 Royal Canadian Legion