Heritage in the Hat: Heritage summer

By Malcolm Sissons on September 21, 2019.

It’s been a busy summer for heritage in the Hat. Behind the scenes, many initiatives have been undertaken by the dedicated volunteers protecting our community’s heritage.

The Tourist Centre reports that one of the most popular attractions has been the walking tour of First Street, conducted by Heritage Resources Committee member Sally Sehn. She has also been working on a self-guided tour of First Street SW, not just the houses but the stories behind them.

Committee member Wayne Lust has been assembling an original gas lamp and trying to find an appropriate location to display it. These gas lamps were once found all over the city and left burning night and day because it was cheaper to burn the gas than pay someone to turn them off and on… to the great amazement of Ripley’s Believe It or Not.

The boundaries of Saratoga Park, the former Métis community in the heart of the city, have been delineated. Although there is little evidence left of this settlement, it lives on in the memories of many of our citizens. Committee chair Patrick O’Brien has assembled the research and testimonies of the former citizens of Saratoga Park into a comprehensive Statement of Significance.

If you wander down Third Street by CORE Association, you will notice a new sign that identifies the location of Medicine Hat’s first purpose-built school, Toronto Street School. It replaces an earlier deteriorated sign and is the first on a list of significant historical locations identified by committee member Earl Morris. Expect to see more of these signs pop up in the coming months to identify sites of historical interest in our town.

Meanwhile, the magnificent heritage garden in front of and behind the Ewart Duggan house has been a showpiece all summer and so far, no frost has affected it. This garden is a volunteer effort led by chief gardener Shirley Schuler and Sub-Committee chair Sally Sehn and is supported by generous donations from merchants in the garden supply business.

Several members of the committee met with Board Members of Covenant Health, which has acquired the Riverside School site. We suggested that preserving and incorporating at least some part of the school into their design for a seniors residence would be well received by the Riverside community.

On Wednesday this week, Luke Fandrich presented his latest video, which focuses on the Historic Clay District. This is yet more recognition of the importance of the clay industry in our industrial past and tourist future. The same evening, the South East Alberta Archaeological Society heard an update from the Parks Department on the status of the Saamis site restoration. The Historical Society presented videos of its Living History project this summer, capturing oral history of local oldtimers.

On the bricks and mortar front, sandstone repairs were made at St. John’s Presbyterian Church and repointing the back wall of the Monarch Theatre should take place this fall. These repairs are supported by grants from Alberta Historical Resources Foundation.

On Tuesday, a plaque will be unveiled at Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church which recognizes the status of the church’s Municipal Historic Resource Designation. The public is welcome to attend this significant event and celebrate with the Fifth Avenue congregation.

It’s impossible to keep up with all the heritage events in our town and that’s a good thing!

Malcolm Sissons is a Member of the City’s Heritage Resources Committee.

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