Coloured postcard from the Archives collection (Accession No.:0850.0002). View of the CPR Station in Medicine Hat. There are people on the station platform as well as carts waiting to be loaded. Train number 1147 is sitting on the tracks. [ca. 1910]--PHOTO COURTESY ESPLANADE ARCHIVES
Many readers may be familiar with the First Street historic walking tour I have been conducting for the last few years. This summer we are excited to launch an additional walking tour about Medicine Hat’s historic railroad district, featuring the buildings along the railway. The inspiration to develop this tour came by popular demand from past participants on the First Street tours.
We usually identify buildings with our living memory, but we are not always aware of the early history of these structures. This tour identifies both their history and some interesting stories about these buildings and their owners that have never been told before. I hope to share my passion and appreciation for our local history and to honour the pioneer merchants and builders responsible for laying out the blueprint of this historic district.
Here is a teaser about 10 of the 29 sites that will be highlighted on the tour. Can you name some of the buildings that will be visited?
1. This is the first building in Medicine Hat to have an elevator.
2. In the 1930s, you could purchase fish and chips for .25 at this 24-hour restaurant.
3. The first occupant in this 1908 building was a men’s only bowling alley.
4. The owner of this building moved to Banff to hide a secret.
5. This historically designated brick and sandstone building was painted blue in 1967.
6. This building rose from the ashes of a tragic fire.
7. A mayor who served for 12 years once owned this building.
8. The Foodland IGA sold groceries from this historic building prior to its current location.
9. An error in 1901 resulted in the demolishment of this building in 2018.
10. This historical landmark is designated under the Heritage Railway Stations Protections Act.
How many places could you name? If you want to learn all about these sites and more, sign up for our tour! The answers will all be revealed plus you will receive a souvenir booklet only available with the outing.
The new Railroad Tours begin Saturday, July 2. Participants will gather at the new Towne Square then head toward the rails, visiting building on both the South and North sides of the tracks.
Tickets are only $15 and can be purchased at the Esplanade or online at Tixx.ca. To learn more about the early history of this vibrant commercial area of Medicine Hat, join a tour for a fun hour of sight-seeing.
Tour guide Sally Sehn, was born and raised in Medicine Hat is a past member of the Heritage Resources Committee, City of Medicine Hat
