Richard Cecil Becker had a lot to be proud about. He was born on Confederation Day, July 1, 1867. He had a long career as a CPR conductor, was an alderman in 1917, and was a successful property developer. He built the historic Becker Block on Second Street, known later as the Central Block, demolished in 2007 due to two arson fires set six weeks apart.
Becker’s 1904 home, located at 210 First St. S.E., is an imposing architectural hybrid of two popular architectural styles, Queen Anne revival and Edwardian Classical. The most notable architectural feature is the metal roof cresting. The residence was designed by architect George Kerr, built by contractor Edward Bentley with masonry by Peard and Worthy.
But Becker’s greatest pride and joy had to be his children, Phyllis, Charles (Cy) and Ruth.
The CPR railway brought Dick Becker and his wife Jean to Medicine Hat in 1887. All three of the Becker children were born in Medicine Hat. Charles and Ruth were phenomenal over-achievers. Charles “Cy” Becker was a World War 1 combat pilot and successful Edmonton lawyer. He started his flying career as a pilot with the Royal Naval Air Service in the Great War. In 1923 he received a law degree and in 1929 co-founded Commercial Airways Limited located in Edmonton. Becker was an aviation pioneer in Northern Alberta and the N.W.T. and instrumental in the construction of the first municipal airport in downtown Edmonton. Cy Becker has an entire Edmonton community named in his honour.
Not to be outdone by her older brother, Ruth Becker received a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy in 1925. In 1929, she married John Leonard Hughes. A lavish reception was held in the Becker backyard. Ruth initially worked at the Galt Hospital in Lethbridge, but later served with the United Nations, working in Washington DC, England, Germany and China. She then worked with the Canadian Red Cross. When she returned to Medicine Hat, she was employed in the bio-chemistry department at the Suffield Experimental Station. In the early 1950s, Ruth moved back to the First Street home.
Born in 1893, Phyllis Becker was the eldest child. She attended Havergal College in Toronto. Phyllis was employed for many years by City Parks and Recreation. In 1967, Becker Park in NECH was named in her honour. Involved with the annual Stampede Kiddie’s Parade, Miss Becker is fondly remembered by local children as a flamboyantly, but well-dressed woman, usually in red and sporting a large hat! Phyllis maintained residency in the Becker house until her death in 1987. She was 95 and had lived in her childhood home for 85 years. A portrait of Phyllis Becker is displayed in the house by the current owner, Bill Cocks.
The 116-year-old Becker residence still brings pride to the First Street South Municipal Historic Area.
Sally Sehn is a Member of the Heritage Resources Committee of the City of Medicine Hat
