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Edmonton Historia
@edmonton-historia.bsky.social
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A historical narrative of Edmonton's recorded past using investigation, research & written chronicles. This account is highly organized & presented - all supported with only the highest quality archive photos. Curated by Louis Pereira
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edmonton-historia.bsky.social
July23, 1915 • Roller Coaster Opens

Edmonton's first permanent roller coaster opens on this day at Exhibition Grounds & East-End Park (Borden Park). The $15,000, 1/2 mile track was completed in time before the opening of the Exhibition that year.

📷 Glenbow Archives (na-1328-66561)
July 23, 1915 • Roller Coaster Opens On this day, Edmonton's first permanent roller coaster opens at the Exhibition Grounds and East-End Park (Borden Park). Months earlier on April 14, 1915, Edmonton City Council pondered clause by clause, the agreement between the city and the builder / owner, Lynn Welcher of New York. The ride location was given a guarantee by the City of Edmonton in the form of a 20-year lease Start of construction began on the giant $15,000 half-mile track on May 16, 1915 and was completed in time before the opening of the Exhibition that year, which ran from Aug. 9~14. Nicknamed the 'Green Rattler', it continued operation for the next two decades until it was regarded as a safety hazard at the end of the lease. In 1935 the demolition of the wooden structure was awarded to a young Merrill Muttart (1903–1970) - a successful business man and future philanthropist along with Dr. Gladys E. Muttart - originators of the Muttart Foundation (1953). "...By 1935 the main timber frame of the roller coaster began to show the effects of too many exhilarating rides and too much freezing and thawing in the swampy ground of Borden Park. Prudence dictated that the roller coaster come down and Merrill Muttart, who was just starting up in the lumber business was given the contract to finish it off." ~ Tony Cashman September 23, 1976 The roller coaster was located at today's Borden Park and straddled present-day Borden Park Road. See where it was located on the reference Google map I prepared in the 'comments' section. ------------- 📷 Glenbow Archives (na-1328-66561)
July 24, 2025 at 2:13 AM
edmonton-historia.bsky.social
July 23, 1975 • LRT Construction

Also taken on this day 50 years ago. LRT construction along Jasper Avenue looking east from 102 Street. Work in 1975 & 1976 involved excavating from 102nd to 100 street to a depth of 45'. LRT Service would begin in July, 1978.

📷 A4417a,b,c (Provincial Archives)
July 24, 2025 at 1:34 AM
edmonton-historia.bsky.social
July 23, 1912 • Edmonton Courthouse

One of Alberta’s first public buildings was 1st occupied on this day. The Edmonton courthouse was a stately grey sandstone building that stood facing the current site of Sir Winston Churchill Sq. on the SW corner of 100th Street & 102A Ave.

📷•Glenbow Archives
July 23, 1912 • Edmonton Courthouse The Edmonton Courthouse first trial proceedings took place on July 23, 1912. The courthouse was a stately grey sandstone building that stood facing the current site of Sir Winston Churchill Square on the southwest corner of 100th Street and 102A Avenue. The decision to build a suitable building for the Alberta Supreme Court (now Court of King's Bench of Alberta) was made shortly after Alberta became a province in 1905. Two years later, the provincial legislature budgeted $50,000 for its construction. As outlined in the architect’s drawings, the structure consisted of two storeys and a basement of masonry and fireproof construction. It had two main entrances, both of equal importance, and similar in Ionic design, said a Journal story looking back at the building’s history. The public works department described it as having “the general treatment of the exterior and interior so as to produce a purely classic effect and leaving nothing wanting from an architectural standpoint.” Each entrance was reached by a broad flight of granite steps. At the top of the stairs were six granite columns, each 28 feet high and three feet in diameter. Above the columns, the coat of arms or crest of Alberta was carved in the stone. In 1951, five new courtrooms were added at a cost of $700,000. In 1972 the building was sold to Woodward’s stores. 60 years later - almost to the day - the courthouse was crumbling before the wrecker's power shovel and demolished to make way for the construction of the current Edmonton City Centre that now stands in its place. ------------ 📷•"Exterior of courthouse, Edmonton, Alberta.", 1912, (CU152715) by McDermid Studio. Courtesy of Glenbow Library and Archives Collection, Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary.
July 24, 2025 at 12:18 AM
edmonton-historia.bsky.social
July 23, 1975 • Exhibition Midway

A twilight photo of Edmonton's Exhibition Midway, taken on this day 50 years ago. Klondike Days (K-Days), is a long-standing Edmonton summer event dating back to 1879. See ALT for more.

📷• Provincial Archives (PA13272.3)
July 23, 1975 • Exhibition Midway This pleasing twilight photo of Edmonton's Exhibition Midway was taken on this day 50 years ago. Klondike Days, now known as K-Days, is a long-standing Edmonton summer celebration with roots in the Edmonton Exhibition, a fair established in 1879. The event evolved from a focus on agriculture and industry to incorporate a Klondike Gold Rush theme in the 1960s. Activities earlier that day (Wednesday), included the 'Fun Tub Derby' - two races, each featuring four gaily decorated bath tubs on castors propelled by two person teams using toilet plungers. Klondike Days/K-Days reflects Edmonton's historical significance as a supply hub and gateway during the Klondike Gold Rush. -------------- 📷 • Provincial Archives of Alberta (PA13272.3)
July 23, 2025 at 11:22 PM
edmonton-historia.bsky.social
July 22, 1933 • Wiley Post

On this day, for the 2nd time in two years after his history making 'around-the-world' record flight, Wiley Post again refuels in Edmonton as spectators greet him at Blatchford Field. Post becomes 1st person to circle the earth twice.

📷 Provincial Archives (BL137.1)
July 22, 1933 • Wiley Post On this day in Edmonton's history, Wiley Post refuels again in Edmonton as spectators greet him at Blatchford Field. It would be the 2nd time in two years stopping in Edmonton after his first history making 'around-the-world' record flight (June 30th, 1931). When he touched down on the evening of July 22, Wiley Post became the first person to twice circle the earth by aircraft. Winnie Mae's cabin couldn’t be pressurized for high-altitude flight, so Wiley Post wore a pressure suit, created for him by the B.F. Goodrich Company. In the Blatchford photo, "Edmonton, Canada" is one of 15 cities listed on the fuselage (right) from the first (1931) 'around-the-world' flight. His time of just under seven days and 19 hours broke the record that he and Harold Gatty had set two years earlier with the same airplane (Winnie Mae). The Lockheed 5C Vega, is on display at the National Air and Space Museum. 📷 • Provincial Archives (BL137.1)
July 23, 2025 at 3:49 AM
edmonton-historia.bsky.social
July 21, 1890 • C&E Railway

On this day 135 years ago, a sod-turning ceremony marked the beginning of the construction of the Calgary & Edmonton Railway (C&E). The first train arrived into the fledgling settlement of South Edmonton (Strathcona) terminal in the fall of 1891.

📷 Glenbow Archives
July 21, 1890 • C&E Sod Turning Ceremony 135 years ago today, it was a red letter day for citizens of Edmonton & an even bigger day in Calgary, when the first sod was turned to mark the beginning of the construction of the Calgary and Edmonton Railway (C&E). The affair was highlightd by a giant barbecue attended by 'pretty well all of Calgary' (2,500 people) including two pioneers & future Edmontonians, John Rae and G.R.F. Kirkpatrick (Imperial Bank of Canada). The day of the sod-turning ceremony was blistering hot & the colourful crowd in attendance as well as those from the 'Fort Edmonton districts' went on to enjoy an ox-roast at the end of festivities. The actual sod-turning ceremony was carried out by Minister of Interior Edgar Dewdney, a man criticized for his ignoble actions & motives. Construction of the railway continued that summer with the first C&E Railway train (later purchased by CPR) arrivin in the fledgling settlement of South Edmonton (Strathcona) terminal in 1891. The line was the first major transportation connection even close to the isolated Edmonton settlement. The development of the line created many railway towns along the way such as Red Deer and Wetaskiwin. It was built along the route of the Calgary and Edmonton Trail, which it supplanted as the busiest transportation route along the Calgary–Edmonton Corridor. 📷 "Edgar Dewdney turning first sod of Calgary and Edmonton Railway at Calgary, Alberta with crowd watching.", 1890-07-21, (CU192956) by Smyth, S. A.. Courtesy of Glenbow Library and Archives Collection, Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary
July 22, 2025 at 4:46 AM
Reposted by Edmonton Historia
wyman10.bsky.social
BTW a great thread on the Rossdale Brewery here: bsky.app/profile/edmo...
edmonton-historia.bsky.social Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · Dec 19
December 19, 1905 • Edmonton Brewing & Malting Co.

Alberta's oldest unaltered brewery, extant at 9843-100 Street in Rossdale, began operations OTD. The industrial facility built by former owner of the Strathcona Hotel, served as Edmonton's first major brewery.

📷 • CoE Archives (EA-500-136R)
July 20, 2025 at 12:47 AM
edmonton-historia.bsky.social
July 16, 1949 • Severe Thunder Storm

This was the scene along Jasper Ave. near 109 St. on this day over three-quarters of a century ago. The deluge was the city's heaviest short-period rainfall in its history. Cars were left trapped while canoeists paddled their way down Jasper Avenue.
July 16, 1949 • Severe Thunder Storm This was the scene along Jasper Ave. near 109 St. on this day over three-quarters of a century ago. The deluge was the city's heaviest short-period rainfall in its history. Cars were left trapped under the CPR underpass, while canoeists paddled their way down Jasper Avenue. This view looking west to the flooded underpass on Jasper Avenue between 109th & 110th Street (CPR Subway) 📷 • Provincial Archives - Nick Ochotta (och1209)
July 17, 2025 at 1:10 AM
Reposted by Edmonton Historia
thevintageedmonton.bsky.social
July 15, 1939 and Kingsway Officially Becomes Kingsway at Vintage Edmonton:

http://www.vintageed...

#yeg #edmonton #alberta #1930s
July 15, 2025 at 1:00 PM
edmonton-historia.bsky.social
July 14, 1924 • Johnny J. Jones Exposition

"House of Mirth' (right) was part of Johnny J. Jones' exposition at Edmonton Exhibition, featured here in this century old photo. Fort Edmonton Park recreated the 1920s style midway on July 1, 2006 & added attractions to the midway.

📷 Glenbow Archives
July 14, 1924 • Johnny J. Jones Exposition "House of Mirth' (right) was part of Johnny J. Jones' exposition at the Edmonton Exhibition, featured here in this century-old photo. The Johnny J. Jones Exposition was a travelling railroad show consisting of carnival rides, games, and amusements that made frequent stops to the Edmonton region in the 1920s Fort Edmonton Park recreated the 1920s style midway on July 1, 2006 and recently added attractions to the midway. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_J._Jones ---------------- 📷 "House of Mirth' of Johnny J. Jones' exposition, Edmonton, Alberta.", 1924-07-14 - 1924-07-19, (CU1118103) by McDermid Studio.
July 15, 2025 at 6:10 AM
edmonton-historia.bsky.social
July 14, 1925 • North Approach

A century old photo taken on this day showing streetcar track installations at 101 St. & 105 Ave. Also under construction was the 101 St. CNR Subway (1925~1990). Streetcar service was ready for use by the fall of that year.

📷Provincial Archives (A2374)
July 14, 1925 • North Approach Photo taken on this day 100 years ago. Looking north from 105 avenue, it shows construction of streetcar tracks at the incline near the north approach of the former 101 Street CNR Subway. Construction of the 101 Street CNR Subway began in 1924. The subway and track installation, along with streetcar service would be ready for use by the fall of that year. The subway was removed in 1990. The collection of buildings on the right were located on the east side of 101 street - beginning with 10531-101 Street (far-right). The buildings were likely demolished after 1965. The site has been used as a surface parking lot for as long as I can recall. --------------- 📷 • Provincial Archives (A2374)
July 15, 2025 at 12:57 AM
edmonton-historia.bsky.social
July 9, 1905 • Electrical Storm

Photographed at 'midnight' on this day 120 years ago. A lightning strike illuminates the night sky behind Edmonton's Firehall No.1 tower. The former Imperial Hotel (left) at 10139-99 Street was located on the present-day site of Sun Life Place.

📷 • Peel Library
July 10, 2025 at 3:23 AM
edmonton-historia.bsky.social
July 9, 1925 • Walter Hagen

Photo taken on this day -100 years ago- of the "father of professional golf" Walter Hagen (right), with Edmonton golf pro, Duncan Sutherland (left) following an exhibition round at Edmonton Golf & Country Club. 🧵

📷 Glenbow Archives
July 9, 1925 • Walter Hagen Photo taken on this day - 100 years ago - of the "father of professional golf" Walter Hagen (right) with Edmonton golf pro, H.C. Mill (centre) and Duncan Sutherland (left) following an exhibition round at the Edmonton Golf & Country Club. The subject photo appeared in the Edmonton Journal on July 10, 1925. Final score: Hagen (74) Sutherland (75) Three years earlier, in 1922 Hagen became the first native-born American to win The Open Championship, winning the Claret Jug three more times. Hagen would go on to win the PGA Championship later in the fall (September) 1925. Hagen's tally of 11 professional majors is only third behind Jack Nicklaus (18) and Tiger Woods (15) ---------------- 📷 "Hagen Sutherland golf match, Edmonton, Alberta.", (CU271840) by McDermid Studio. Courtesy of Glenbow Library and Archives Collection, Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary
July 10, 2025 at 3:16 AM
edmonton-historia.bsky.social
ca.1950 • Jasper Avenue

Looking west along Jasper Avenue, Edmonton's commercial heart since the 1880s. The thoroughfare was named after Jasper Hawes, manager of a North West Company trading post. The photo was likely taken from the Hotel Macdonald Annex, completed in 1953.

📷 Peel Library
June 11, 2025 at 3:27 PM
edmonton-historia.bsky.social
1963 Selkirk Hotel Demolition

On June 6, 1963, the Edmonton Journal announces that the landmark Selkirk Hotel will be demolished. Months earlier a fire swept through it causing $1M damage. A 'New Bank & Office Building' was to be built immediately on the hotel's former site, 101st/Jasper

📷 ca.1958
Selkirk Hotel Demolition On June 6, 1963, the Edmonton Journal announces that the landmark Selkirk Hotel, modernized in 1952, was to be demolished to make way for a new $3M Royal Bank and Office Building. Months earlier on December 18, 1962, the Selkirk Hotel was destroyed by a fire that caused $1M in damage. The clock on the corner of the building said 'midnight' when the fire was spotted. Four hours later the historic hotel was in ruins. A decade before that, the Selkirk Hotel underwent a major transformation - modifying its traditional Edwardian exterior to a modern 'sparkling white structure'. It first opened as the Windsor Hotel in 1903 at the SW corner of 'First and Jasper', but under new ownership, its name was changed to Selkirk Hotel in 1913. For half a century, the Selkirk continued to be one of the city's favourite spots at one of Edmonton's busiest intersections. The proposed "Royal Bank and Office Building" was completed in 1965 and still stands today, while a recreation of the 1913 version Selkirk Hotel was constructed at Fort Edmonton Park. 📷 • Selkirk Hotel ca. 1958
June 6, 2025 at 10:45 PM
edmonton-historia.bsky.social
1929 • Army & Navy Supplies | P. Burns & Co.

These unsteady looking buildings were located in the heart of Strathcona at SW corner of 103rd & Whyte, now the site of Hudsons Canada's Pub 10307-82 Ave. The Ross Block (1894~) partially visible on the right is still standing.

📷 Glenbow Archives
1929 • Army & Navy Supplies | P. Burns & Co. These unsteady looking buildings were located in the heart of Strathcona at SW corner of 103rd & Whyte - now the site of Hudsons Canada's Pub 10307-82 Ave. Address of Army & Navy Supply Store was 10301-3 - 82 Avenue. (SW Corner of Whyte). Proprietor, Louis Motkovich. Address for P. Burns & Co. was 10307-82 Avenue. The successful western Canadian industrial and retail empire founded by Patrick Burns based out of Calgary had a few locations in Edmonton, including a Packing Plant in north Edmonton and another retail store at 10005-Jasper Avenue The Ross Block (1894~) partially visible on the right is still standing. Built in 1894 by W.E. Ross, an early Strathcona businessman, the Ross Block is the oldest brick building on Whyte Avenue. "P. Burns and Army Supply stores on Southside, Edmonton, Alberta.", 1929, (CU115321684) by McDermid Studio. Courtesy of Glenbow Library and Archives Collection, Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary.
June 5, 2025 at 3:52 AM
edmonton-historia.bsky.social
1929 • High Level Filling Station

Formerly located on SW corner of 109 Street & 88 Ave. This view looking in the westerly direction with the Garneau School & community in the background. Note the streetcar tracks that led to the High Level Bridge. See blended pic for context ↓

📷 Glenbow Archives
June 1, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Reposted by Edmonton Historia
bobmakichuk.bsky.social
Imagine if we had been able to preserve at least the facades of those old gems. Love Edmonton, my hometown, but the place has a nasty habit of renewal through demolition.
Forget Edwardian era piles, you can't find many mid-century modern places these days.
#yeghistory #yegheritage
edmonton-historia.bsky.social Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · May 28
ca. 1912 • Edmonton

A grainy but scintillating photo captured during Edmonton's first boom. The burgeoning city was in the midst of explosive growth in area & population. This ebullient scene full of activity is looking west along Jasper Avenue near 99th street.

📷 Provincial Archives (B4884)
May 28, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Reposted by Edmonton Historia
mariadunnmusic.bsky.social
Thank you, Pamela Young of ECAMP, for this article on Dr. Geneva Misener:
“More than a prize scholar or bookworm”: The Leadership and Legacy of Dr. Geneva Misener
Dr. Geneva Misener, the first woman professor at the University of Alberta, was a trailblazing educator and feminist who advanced women’s rights, education, and sport in early Alberta. Despite her…
citymuseumedmonton.ca
May 28, 2025 at 4:37 PM
edmonton-historia.bsky.social
ca. 1912 • Edmonton

A grainy but scintillating photo captured during Edmonton's first boom. The burgeoning city was in the midst of explosive growth in area & population. This ebullient scene full of activity is looking west along Jasper Avenue near 99th street.

📷 Provincial Archives (B4884)
May 28, 2025 at 5:18 PM
edmonton-historia.bsky.social
Outdoor watch parties like those at ICE District are nothing new to Edmonton. For over a century, crowds have gathered to watch sporting updates, like this one of the 1926 World Series at the Edmonton Journal Building (101 Street & MacDonald Dr.) 🧵

📷 • October 2, 1926 World Series Watch
Outdoor watch parties like those at ICE District are nothing new to Edmonton. For over a century, crowds have gathered to watch sporting updates, like this one of the 1926 World Series at Edmonton Journal Building (101 Street & MacDonald Dr.) 🧵 📷 • October 2, 1926 World Series Watch "Crowd watching World Series scoreboard at Journal, Edmonton, Alberta.", 1926-10, (CU162747) by McDermid Studio. Courtesy of Glenbow Library and Archives Collection, Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary.
May 16, 2025 at 3:11 AM
edmonton-historia.bsky.social
1923 • First Baptist Church Edmonton

View of First Baptist Church (1905~1955) at the N/E corner of 102 St. + 102nd Ave., now occupied by Don Wheaton Family YMCA (2007~), 10211-102 Ave.

(Left) Former site of city's first downtown arena, Thistle Rink (1900~1913), now Manulife Place (1983~). See ALT
1923 • First Baptist Church Edmonton Bird's-eye view looking south at intersection of 102 Street and 102nd Ave.(←→). The First Baptist Church (1905~1955) at the N/E corner is currently occupied by Don Wheaton Family YMCA (2007~) at 10211-102 Ave. The parcel of land on the left was the former site of Edmonton's first downtown arena, Thistle Rink (1900~1913). Manulife Place (1983~) currently occupies this site. History of the Church The congregation of the Baptist church, Edmonton, was organized as early as April 29, 1892, hosted at pioneer Thomas Bellamy's residence. The congregation of the Baptist church organized February 19, 1893 and its first church was built at Rice Street (101A Ave.) and 100A (Howard) Street. The congregation grew until 1895 when members received letters to organize a congregation in Strathcona. A new church was built there in 1904, dedicated in 1905 & demolished in 1964. It was replaced by the current Strathcona Baptist Church, located at 8318-104 Street. The Baptists in Edmonton were content for many years in their small brick building on Rice and Howard but quickly outgrew it within the decade. Construction of the new church in downtown Edmonton, began 120 years ago in April of 1905, with the cornerstone ceremony occuring less than a month later on April 29. The First Baptist Church was dedicated on November 12, 1905 under a bright, clear sky and streets thronged with citizens. After 50 years of worship, the members of the First Baptist Church bade adieu to the 1905 structure with a farewell service on April 17, 1955. Plans were in place to demolish the church (and its parsonage to the right) a month later and was subsequently replaced with a six-storey office building a year later. After the farewell service, the new First Baptist Church (still located at 10031-109 Street) was scheduled to open on May 1, 1955 - 70 years ago. 📷 • 1923, (CU155594) by McDermid Studio. Courtesy of Glenbow Library and Archives Collection.
May 15, 2025 at 3:13 AM
edmonton-historia.bsky.social
1928 • Home Furniture Exchange

No need for a brick & mortar store if you can just set up shop along the street. That's what Home Furnitre Exchange does here, formerly at 10238 / 10248-97 Street - now the site of Winspear Expansion Project @winspearcentre.bsky.social. See ALT

📷 • Glenbow Archives
1928 • Home Furniture Exchange No need for a brick & mortar store if you can just set up shop along the street. That's what Home Furnitre Exchange does here, formerly at 10238 / 10248-97 Street - now the site of Winspear Expansion Project. This view looking NW with the Royal Temperance Hotel (10262-98 Street) visible in the background. ---------- 📷 • "Home furniture exchange, Edmonton, Alberta.", October 1928, (CU115079834) by McDermid Studio. Courtesy of Glenbow Library and Archives Collection, Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary.
May 15, 2025 at 2:41 AM
Reposted by Edmonton Historia
revrecluse.bsky.social
May 11, 1963 and The View From The Strand Is Recalled at Vintage Edmonton:

http://www.vintageed...

#yeg #edmonton #alberta #1963
May 11, 2025 at 1:30 PM
edmonton-historia.bsky.social
May 11, 1961 • Milk Wagon

The last serving horse-drawn milk wagon - similar to this Edmonton City Dairy delivery wagon - retired OTD over six decades ago. Photo taken along 109st near Jasper Ave. looking S/E with former Condell Block (back-left)

📷 1946
May11, 1961 • Milk Wagon The last serving horse-drawn milk wagon - similar to this Edmonton City Dairy delivery wagon - retired OTD over six decades ago. Photo taken along 109st near Jasper Ave. looking S/E with former Condell Block back-left 📷 1946
May 12, 2025 at 12:02 AM