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HIGH RIVER HISTORICAL CONTEXT PAPER—MARCH 2016 1

Photo Caption

Steam train leaving downtown High River, 1925, Museum of the Highwood, MH977.052.012.

Historical Context Paper


Acknowledgements

The Town of High River would like to thank the students of Professor Kyle Jantzen of Ambrose University for undertaking the research of this project, which forms the grounds of the document.

Special thank you to Ambrose University students Ruthanne Williams and Bri any Alonso for their significant contribu on to this document. Addi onal contribu ons from Ambrose University students Caleb Hildenbrandt, Daniel Randell, Kaitlin Vanderveen, Roland Weisbrot, and Ethan Wiskar are also acknowledged and appreciated.

The remainder of this document was completed by the Town of High River Administra on. Sarah Mitchell compiled and completed the document and Jill Henheffer provided edi ng support.

Thank you to the Museum of the Highwood staff for the assistance they provided the Ambrose University

students in their research for this document, and for dona ng the archival image scans from the collec on. The Heritage Advisory Board of the Town of High River monitored the crea on of the document and provided feedback on the final version. The Board consists of: Kyle Jantzen (Chair) Don Barr (Vice-Chair) Judy Keeler Mary Chadney Irene Kerr Don Way Jim Dokken Councillor Cathy Couey

First Northern Bank, Tom Lynch’s cabin, 1904, Museum of the Highwood, MH978.056.010.


Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Table of Contents

Introduc on

Part 1—Se lement

Prehistory & the Highwood

Early Se lement

Urban Development—Residen al

Urban Development—Commercial

Part 2—Economic Development

Transporta on

Communica on

Local Industries

Film Industry

Part 3—Community Development

Educa on

Health

Government & Poli cs

Religion & Spiritual Life

Leisure & Sports

Part 4—Global Contribu ons

Military

Residents of High River & the Future

Appendix

Sources

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Introduc on High River is located south of Calgary within the Municipal District of Foothills No. 31. The town takes its name from the Highwood River which flows through the community. Homesteaders started arriving in the area around 1877 and began se ling near a convenient loca on to cross the Highwood River. The village of High River was incorporated on December 5, 1901 and it was incorporated as a town on February 12, 1906.

The Town borders the west side of Highway 2 and is divided by the Highwood River. It sits at an eleva on of approximately 1040m and is nestled in the foothills of Kananaskis Country in the Rocky Mountains. The popula on in 2011 was 12,920 but this number has likely changed since the flood of June 2013.

In 2011 the Town established a Heritage Advisory Board (HAB). At the me, the Town had received a grant from Alberta Culture to undertake a heritage inventory project. Tradi onally, there would have been a historical context paper done prior to star ng a heritage inventory, but with funding already in hand, the Town proceeded with the inventory.

Phase I of the Heritage Inventory Project was completed in 2012 by CDS Inc. and it included 20 proper es mainly situated in the Downtown area. Phase II of the Inventory was started in early 2013 but had to be placed on hold due to the flood. It was later completed by CDS Inc. in late 2014 and focused on 19 residen al proper es in the southwest. Phase III of the Inventory was completed in early 2016 by CDS Inc. and focused on 21 residen al proper es in the southeast.

During the Phase III Inventory, Town Administra on, in consulta on with the HAB, elected to produce the historical context paper for High River. This report was achieved through the extensive research and preliminary wri ngs of Heritage Advisory Board Chair, Kyle Jantzen’s students at Ambrose University. The research and dra document were then turned over to Town of High River employee, Sarah Mitchell, who completed the report.

The Town now hosts three provincially designated historical resources: the Maccoy Homestead at Sheppard Family Park, the former CPR Railway Sta on (now the Museum of the Highwood), and the childhood home of former Canadian Prime Minister Joe Clark. In addi on, the Town hosts a number of municipal historical resources including, but not

limited to, the W.O. Mitchell Residence, the Town Farm at McLaughlin Meadows, and the Wales Theater. This list is steadily increasing with the recent comple on of Phase III of the Heritage Inventory Project.

A variety of themes were considered by Heritage Advisory Board members when evalua ng proper es for the heritage inventories. The two areas of focus have always been to consider the historical integrity of a structure and its significance to the community. The evalua on criteria considered each of the following when shortlis ng proper es: (1) theme/ac vity/cultural prac ce/event; (2) ins tu on/person; (3) design/style/construc on; (4) informa on poten al; and (5) landmark/symbolic value.

Parks Canada Systems Plan and the Provincial Alberta Thema c Framework (In Time and Place, 2005), iden fy major themes that influenced the history and the heritage of Canada and Alberta. The Parks Canada Systems Plan is u lized to iden fy overarching themes at a na onal level and subsequently they are broken down further at a provincial level. From there they are tailored for the local level. There are four overarching themes iden fied in this document: (1) Se lement, (2) Economic Development, (3) Community Development, and (4) Global Contribu ons.

The purpose of a context paper is to summarize the major events and ac ons of a community that helped to shape its history and development. Future heritage work in High River may include a Heritage Management Plan as well as a possible Phase IV Heritage Inventory Project focusing again on the southeast residen al area.

View of the Highwood River looking east, Fall 2014, photo by Mayor Snodgrass.


Photo Caption

Part 1

Se lement

Early High River se lement along the Macleod Trail, 1902, Museum of the Highwood, MH994.038.003.


Pho-to Cap-

Roots of indigenous influence on the town

The area of the High River plains has been a common gathering place for the Stoney and Blackfoot tribes for centuries. Many other tribes have made this area a res ng spot as they travelled the land. The prairies provided food such as the buffalo as well as a refuge away from enemy tribes. Soon se lers came and also felt the lure of the beau ful Highwood River plain . This area then developed into a thriving farming and ranching area. A town would then be established to supply the farmers and ranchers with the needed supplies.

While the evidence of man’s presence in this part of the country is sparse, proof of their existence has been found. Ar facts such as spear points, hammers and arrowheads have been unearthed. Other markers that have been uncovered are ancient camp and burial sites, which have been discovered on ridges or hills. Many are s ll marked by stone circles but most of them are almost en rely buried in the soil. Pictographs have been found on the walls of caves but they have lost their meaning as the oral tradi ons of the past have been lost.

The influence of the na ve people has had a great impact on the area. Not only did the name come from First Na ons origins, but the use and the very feeling of the land has the mark of the na ve tribes. The name Highwood derives from the Blackfoot name for the area, “Ispitsi” meaning high and “Ispitso”, which refers to the large co onwood trees growing along the bank of the river. Together the name means the place of high trees along running water. From this, the nearby area was called Ispitsi Country. When the early whiskey and fur trades came in, they changed the name to something more pronounceable, “Spitzee”.

The area has had many varia ons on these names. The river was called Ispasquchaw on a map of 1872. David Thompson’s explora ons from 1784 to 1812 refer to the area as Spitchee. It was also known as Ispitkiki. John Palliser’s expedi on (1858 to 1859) called the river Highwood as does another map da ng from 1870.

Before the Blackfoot arrived and claimed the territory as their own, the Crow, Flathead, Shoshoni (Snake) as well as numerous other tribes camped by the local

streams and used, then fought over, the hun ng areas and rights. The Stoney Indians, which are a branch of the Assiniboines, had their home and hun ng territory extend from the Rocky Mountains and all along the Blackfoot’s western border. In the Spitzee territory, the Stoney border was the western base of the Big Hill that lay on the north side of the Highwood. The Stonies and the Blackfoot were able to have a moderately peaceful coexistence due to the Stoneys not being perceived as a great threat to the security of the Blackfoot tribe. There was no account of any major conflict between the two tribes apart from surprise a acks on small hun ng and horse-raiding par es. Another factor playing into this is that the Stoney were a more peaceful tribe than the Blackfoot. Where the Blackfoot brought back scalps a er conquering an area, the Stoney did not. The Blackfoot consisted of three different brother tribes or divisions. The first division was the Peigans or Southern Blackfoot. The second was the Blood and the third was the Siksika or Northern Blackfoot. The Northern Blackfoot were the tribe most familiar to the pioneers in Spitzee country.

Medicine Tree, n.d., Museum of the Highwood, MH009.014.111.



Highwood River, c. 1915, photo by Tom Parker, Museum of the Highwood, MH009.114.136.

While the Highwood area was only one small part of the large territory that the Blackfoot conquered, it was significant. What made the area so sacred and special to the Blackfoot was that it was a sanctuary from their enemies as well as a peaceful place where the tribes could congregate over the winter.

Another important aspect to the na ve people was the Medicine Tree. The Medicine Tree was not one but two co onwood trees that were a ached together through a branch from which the sap of one tree flowed to become the sap of the other. The tree and the area around it was seen as having great powers. The sick and the wounded were brought to it so they could be healed. The dead were put in the branches of the surrounding trees so the spirits of the dead and the tree could meet together and taken up to the “Happy Hun ng Grounds.” Offerings were laid in between the trunks of the trees and prayers were sent up for success in life and hun ng. When the summer was over, there was a great feast that happened all up and down the river from the tree’s loca on. The Medicine Tree remains a symbol of High River today.

The landscape of the Highwood

The Highwood River and its various tributaries it has the ability to drain over a million acres of land. The headwaters of the Highwood are located on the eastern slope of the Elk Mountains. The river then moves past the Highwood Range at the foot of Mount Head and once it passes the rocky por on, it cuts east through the foothills un l it reaches the prairie. At

this point the river curves and flows north picking up the waters of Sheep Creek before it joins the mighty Bow River. Before it turns north, the banks become less steep and create a flat plain that move southeast and form the source for the Li le Bow River. In early maps, the Highwood was shown to flow south along the Li le Bow, then joining the St. Mary-Belly and Old Man River basins rather than immediately joining the Bow.

When the Highwood is flooding, the river moves southward into this channel causing it to flow into the Old Man River as well as following it usual course northward to the Bow. This area was seen as the Stoney Indian Garden of Eden of legends because of its boun ful and beau ful quali es. This area ran from the west towards the mountains, east across the prairies towards the Snake Valley, north to Sheep Creek and south to Willow Creek.

The Highwood River has produced significant floods in High River affec ng the se lement from its earliest days. The most recent event occurred on June 20, 2013, which forever changed the town and its residents. The town has since emerged from the devasta on through perseverance and the strength of the community.

The prairie landscape of Spitzee Country is more suited to animals such as deer and other cloven-hoofed grass eaters. The Old North Trail, which runs from Alaska to Central America, has three branches in Spitzee country. Along this trail came many se lers who began to push away the na ves and begin what would be known as High River.


John Quirk (right), Ka e Quirk (seated), uniden fied man and child, 1892, Museum of the Highwood, MH967.010.006.

First Homesteaders

The first European se lers in the High River area were John and Ka e Quirk. Their journey began with crossing the Atlan c Ocean, and they first se led in Montana. At that me First Na ons marauders were very common, so the Quirks packed up and travelled to Alberta where they found themselves with one covered wagon, a herd of ca le and a sheep dog. Their homestead became a welcome and hospitable stopping place for travellers of all kinds. The Quirks were able to welcome many incoming families to the area such as the Sexsmiths and the Findlays in 1883. In 1882, John Quirk drove 200 head of ca le into the district. He used the Li le Bow River for watering his ca le, which he thought of as ideal. Layfaye e French and O.H. Smith would operate the first official stopping house along the river. This is the site where John Wesley “Shorty” McLaughlin would build his farm. The stopping house was built in 1879 and was a place where travelers could stay and also pick up their mail. Many of the first pioneers in the area would congregate around the stopping house. ‘Shorty’ moved to Alberta from Ontario, arriving in 1885 to help with the construc on of a sec on of the CPR that ran between Winnipeg and Calgary. Shortly a er, he purchased the property from French and

Early Se lement

‘Shorty’ McLaughlin, Museum of the Highwood, MH015.045.001.

Smith and ran the stopping house a period of me. In 1896, McLaughlin built a two-story sandstone


Bar U Ranch looking west, n.d., Museum of the Highwood, MH011.042.004.

Branding near High River, n.d., Museum of the Highwood, MH009.014.109.

house on the property, a building which s ll stands today known as the Town Farm building. McLaughlin passed away in 1929. Ranchers In 1877, a partnership was formed between Tom Lynch and George Emerson, when both men were contracted to trail horses or ca le into the new ranching areas that were appearing in the northwest as the buffalo began to disappear. In 1879, they brought over 1000 head of ca le to Alberta from Montana. For their ca le range, they choose the north side of the Highwood River. Both remained in the area around the Highwood River and became well-known figures in pioneer ranching circles. The easiest loca on to cross the Highwood River in this me became known as the “Crossing” or the Highwood Crossing. The Crossing was seen as the gathering point for many of the early pioneers to High River.

One of the best-known ranches in the area was the Bar U Ranch. Another was the High River Horse Ranch, which was situated four miles west of the Medicine Tree. The Highwood Ranch was located east of the town and was operated by the Trading Company. Each of the ranches had their own dis nct brands so there was always proof of ownership on the animals.


awarded to those authors who significantly contribute to the literary world and who mentor young authors.

Lemuel Sexsmith Residence

Located at 708 3 Street SE in the area formerly known as Capitol Hill, this style of beau ful residence was influenced by the Arts and Cra s movement. The builder, Percy Taylor, built the house during the housing boom of 1903-1913. He worked on this house in addi on to many other residences, the school and the town hall. The owner Lemuel, or ‘Lem’, Smith moved to the area as a young child. As an adult, Lem was elected to the Town’s first council in 1906.

There are many reasons why communi es develop in certain areas—agriculture, ranching and business industries, have contributed to making residen al growth in High River possible. High River has many notable houses that are either associated with well known community members, or with founding members of the community. The following are six examples of such houses.

W.O. Mitchell Residence

Located at 514 8 Street SW, this house belonged to author W.O. Mitchell, who moved here in 1945. The house is not originally from High River, but was purchased and moved to High River from Turner Valley. With the excep on of a couple of years, Mitchell and his wife Merna lived in the house from 1951 through to 1967. This is where they raised their three children. Merna was very involved in the community and church, spending me organizing fundraisers for both the local pool and rink.

Both Merna and W.O. par cipated in renova ng their house, and it was a warm and welcoming place to visit. W.O. Mitchell is perhaps most famous for his book Who Has Seen The Wind. Many of the characters in this book and several other of his publica ons were modeled a er residents of High River, a fact that did not go unno ced by the community. Though the house is fairly insignificant with regard to size or grandeur, the value of the literary work that W.O. Mitchell has contributed to Canada and the literary world at large cannot be understated. Today the W.O. Mitchell Literary Prize is

W.O. Mitchell House, Heritage Inventory Project—Phase II.

Bill & Merna Mitchell in their home office, 1958, Museum of the Highwood (used with permission).

Urban Development — Residen al


Soby Residence

This house is located at 531 7 Street SW, and was owned by a prominent physician, Dr. Harold Soby, who moved to the area and set up prac ce in 1929. He purchased the house from Sam Taylor, who went on to own the Wales Theatre, so named a er a visit from the Prince of Wales. As the town con nued to grow through the boom of the early 1900s, Dr. Soby had a busy prac ce trea ng the farmers, ranchers and town people. Dr. Soby and fellow doctor Dr. York Blayney ins tuted a form of health care whereby members paid an annual fee in return for medical care throughout the year. In addi on to his prac ce , Dr. Soby was an upstanding member of the community, par cipa ng in the first High River barbershop quartet as well as the church choir at the United Church. When he and his wife moved away in 1953, well over 800 people a ended their farewell party. When they moved, they rented their house out to Dr. Blayney’s son, Dr. Bruce Blayney.

Farquharson Residence

This house is located at 530 MacLeod Trail S.W. and was built in 1927 specifically for Charles Farquharson. He and his brother-in-law Fred Blake owned the local hardware store. Charles and his wife lived there un l their deaths in 1963 and 1968 respec vely. They ran the hardware store for the majority of their lives. The store func oned as a supply store for farmers and ranchers, and later offered housewares as well. More importantly, the store provided a social gathering place for ranchers and farmers a er they had stocked up on supplies. A er Charles and Anita died, they le

In addi on to his responsibili es on the Town Council he owned a butcher shop and par cipated in building many of businesses in the community, including the Oxford Hotel, later the Gateway Hotel. The house is not only lovely to look at, but points to the business and social standing of Lemuel and his wife, Margaret Jane Fisk.

Lem Sexsmith, 1920, Museum of the Highwood, MH105.045.001.

Soby Residence, Heritage Inventory Project—Phase II.

Lemuel Sexsmith House, Heritage Inventory Project—Phase I.


Wallace Residence

This house was located at 145 MacLeod Trail SW and is named a er its owner Richard Alfred Wallace. It was built in 1906 during a period of economic and popula on growth in High River.

Wallace is best known for his poli cal proclivi es, which contribu ons included representa on of the High River District as a Member of the Legisla ve Assemblies of the Northwest Territories. Elected in 1898 and re-elected in 1902 he con nued in this role un l Alberta and Saskatchewan joined Canada as provinces in 1905.

Wallace was elected as the fi h Mayor of High River in 1911. He served the community as the elected Chairman of the Pork Commission for two different terms, as well as serving as President of the Liberal Associa on of MacLeod federal cons tuency. In 1918, the Wallace family sold the home to the Laidlaw family, who in turn sold it to William E. Holmes, who owned it from 1942-1982.

Union Bank, High River, 1915, Museum of the Highwood, MH997.063.001.

Wallace Residence, Heritage Inventory Project—Phase I.

R.A. Wallace, 1920, Museum of the Highwood, MH015.045.001.

Farquharson House, Heritage Inventory Project—Phase II.

the house to their nephew Don Blake, who rented the it out to a World War II veteran, Ray Fitche . Fitche was a well known ar st, and he painted scenes from his me in the military on the floor in the basement. In 1972 the house was purchased by John Blake, grand nephew of the Farquharson’s, who became manager of the hardware store. He lived there un l the early 2000s.

Bank House

This house is located at 506 8th St S.W. and is very appropriately named the Bank House. The house was commissioned by the Union Bank for Charles and Isabelle Gigot in c1910. Gigot transferred to the Union Bank in High River in 1907 a er being the bank manager in the Cardston branch. The Union Bank followed the railway to Western Canada and set up branches all along its line. This worked really well during the economic boom of the early 1900s, but in 1925 when mes got hard, the Union Bank was forced to merge with the Royal Bank. The Royal Bank purchased the house during the merger, and used the premises to house their bank managers for the next 59 years.

Bank House, Heritage Inventory Project—Phase II.


The following are some examples of the significant buildings that played a part in High River’s history and downtown development.

Wales Theatre

The Wales Theatre, originally named the Highwood Theatre, is located at 421 1 Street SW and was built in 1927. The building was renamed in honour of the Prince of Wales in 1933 a er he purchased the E-P Ranch west of High River. The purpose of the building has evolved from live theatre, to silent pictures with live music, to pictures with sound that were referred to as ‘talkies’. The theatre has been con nually used throughout its history with the excep on of a few interrup ons, including the flood of 2013. It has since been beau fully restored and is once again entertaining High River with movies both new and old.

Hi-Alta Building

The Hi-Alta building was built in 1909 by George Lane and is located at 313 1 Street SW. It was originally the Dominion Bank and also served as the site for other businesses that were necessary for the booming

economy. George Lane was a prominent business man and owner of the Bar U Ranch, who had deep

es and financial investment in the community. It may be said that George was a friend of Edward Prince of Wales, whom he sold property to, and hosted at his house on occasion. At the me of construc on, the Hi-Alta building was the most impressive commercial structure in the downtown area.

St. George Hotel

The St. George Hotel has a rather enigma c beginning, as no one is quite certain exactly when it was built. It was in opera on in 1903 as indicated by a memo found in some old records. Even though the building no longer remains, it is important to document as it was one of the major hotels in the area for almost 80 years. Although it was demolished in 1979, many pictures remain for further study. It is evidenced through the photographs that it was renovated several mes throughout its history.

Wales Theatre, Heritage Inventory Project—Phase I.

St. George Hotel, 1908, Museum of the Highwood, MH009.114.146.

Hi-Alta Building, 1980, Museum of the Highwood, MH014.002.013.

Urban Development — Downtown Commercial


Oxford Hotel, 1915, Museum of the Highwood, MH997.063.002.

Bradley’s, 1972, Museum of the Highwood, MH001.004.043.

Gateway Hotel (formerly the Oxford)

The Oxford Hotel, built in 1906, was the only hotel east of the train tracks. Located at the corner of what is now Centre Street and 4 Avenue SE (formerly 4 Street East), it boasted a restaurant and saloon, and at some points a pool hall. In 1941 its name changed from The Oxford to The Gateway Hotel, which stood un l a fire broke out in 2005 reducing the premises to ashes. This hotel was an important local establishment having provided a watering hole to the inhabitants for many years, even during prohibi on, according to long term resident Bill Hogg. According to legend, cowboy ar st Charlie M. Russell painted two murals on the walls of the Oxford in order to pay for an outstanding hotel bill. Whether truth or fic on, the murals were on display in the 1920’s but were subsequently destroyed during renova ons. At the

me it was not an cipated Russell was to become a famous ar st. The demise of the Gateway marked the end of an era, as it was the last of the Town’s original hotels to be destroyed.

Bradley Building

Built in 1900, the Bradley Building, located on 3 Avenue SW, is one of High River’s oldest commercial buildings. The business began as Bradley’s Men’s Wear and Leather Works and was operated by Levi Bradley. Prior to the war, the business concentrated solely on making boots and shoes. With the addi on of sons Lou and Fred in 1945, the business expanded.

The business grew to include saddle-making, children’s shoes, and western wear. The diversity of products helped keep the business afloat through tough mes. The Bradley family con nued to operate the business un l 1991.

CIBC Building

The CIBC Building, located at 403 1 Street SW, was built in 1910 to house the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. Over a century later, the building s ll remains and con nues to be used by the CIBC. Li le has changed to the exterior of the building over the years except for a major addi on to the south side. It was designed by Victor Daniel Horsburgh (1866-1947). The imposing structure features the Neo-Classical Revival style, which s ll imparts an impressive and powerful presence.

Koch Pflughaupt Building

The Koch Pflughaupt Building was built between 1905 and 1907 for the purpose of housing retail businesses in the downtown area of High River. The building’s unusual name derives from two local ranchers, A.J.H. Koch and Mr. Pflughaupt. From 1906 to 1963 the top floor of the east side hosted the High River Cornerstone Lodge, which was the first Masonic Lodge in the newly formed province of Alberta.

Koch Pflughaupt Building, 1908, Museum of the Highwood, MH976.008.011.

The Canadian Bank of Commerce building, 1942, Museum of the Highwood, MH981.034.006.


Photo Caption

Part 2

Economic Development

Threshing machinery and crew, n.d., Museum of the Highwood, MH967.058.003.


As High River expanded in the late 1800s with ranchers, farmers and business people, so too did the means of reliable transporta on. High River is conveniently located almost directly along the route between Calgary, Fort Macleod and Lethbridge. Although individuals travelled to and through High River by means of horse, and horse and carriage, the first organized form of transporta on was the stage coach. This was followed by the railway, the automobile and eventually air travel.

Stage Coaches & Freight Trains

Beginning around 1880, the first stage coaches began travelling through the area that was to later become High River. Freight trains were pulled by pony or oxen and ran between Calgary and Fort Macleod twice a week. There were four stopping houses enroute, including one at ‘The Crossing’ along the Highwood River. Stopping Houses along the stage coach lines became popular places to socialize and gather the latest news, and also operated as a post office. While both ‘The Leavings’ and ‘Old Mac’ stopping houses at the Sheep Creek stops were know for their variety of foods, ‘The Crossing’ was primarily known for its boisterous and sociable atmosphere. While ‘The Crossing’ was a stop-over for mail delivery, meals, or occasionally a rest, it was technically the first, albeit rough, hotel.

Eventually a number of these loca ons were used by the North-West Mounted Police detachments, having already been established along a well traveled route.

Stopping House, 1965, Museum of the Highwood, MH972.029.001.

High River Train Sta on, 1925, Museum of the Highwood, MH977.052.012.

Transporta on

Railway

Towards the late 1800s, trains and railway sta ons began to replace stage coaches. Trains were more reliable, faster, more efficient and could carry more freight than a stage coach. Although originally a Calgary and Edmonton line, CPR took over in 1897 with an established stop in High River. The loca on of the track effec vely split the town in half, and the East and West sec ons of the town grew almost in duplicate along either side of the track. The train sta on was built using sandstone blocks from a train sta on in Calgary and was completed in 1912. The building is now the Museum of the Highwood.

The train provided easy passenger travel between Calgary and High River. By 1917, trains were regularly used to provide quick service for businessmen and medical professionals coming from Calgary. The trains were also used to transport sports teams to rival ci es, as well as to provide a means to enjoy social excursions to Banff, or to go skiing. A day trip into Calgary for music lessons, shopping, dinner or the theatre was one hour and twenty minutes each way, with five daily departure mes from High River. In addi on to passenger travel, the railways regularly shipped livestock, wheat and grain products. By 1909 over 1.1 million bushels of grain passed through the High River train depot, represen ng the highest volume in Canada at the

me.


Air Travel

The first Air Sta on opened in early 1921 in High River. This was not a regular airport, but was instead owned and operated by the Government. The primary func on of the air sta on was to provide exercise training in parachute jumping, radio control, and patrols along the mountains with regard to the Forestry Department and fire protec on. On the occasions when Edward, Prince of Wales happened to be in residence at his ranch, his mail was also air dropped to him.

The Air Sta on hosted three hangars, with workshops, offices and storage areas, and also provided support to sub-sta ons in Eckville and Pincher Creek. These sub-sta ons were areas for refueling, and the combined efforts of the three sta ons together could patrol over 3.2 million acres of land. When the threat of forest fires were low, there was opportunity to conduct aerial surveys of over 9,000 hectares of land. As more lookout towers were built in the early 1930s, the nature of the Air Sta on’s role changed toward flight training and transporta on services.

For the next 55 years, the railway served as the primary transporta on route for both goods and passengers to and from High River. However, with a surplus of wheat and grain products and the rising cost of ca le, farmers and ranchers both were looking for a cheaper alterna ve to move their product and were always exploring other op ons.

Trains between High River and Calgary became so efficient that the trip could be done in as li le as 45 minutes. Gone were the days of leisurely saying goodbye at the sta on, or ge ng a bite to eat during the stop-over. The trains now were designed to run on a ghter schedule, with shorter turn-around

mes. It may have increased profit for train owners, but it was indica ve of a dying way of life. By 1965, the express service was closed, and by 1968 the train sta on was closed down.

Cars

High River’s residents had an early love affair with the automobile, with the first cars being owned in town as early as 1906. At the same me the passenger train was in decline, more and more families began to own cars. There were enough cars in High River that the Alberta Automobile Company was able to open a service garage.

By July 1914, a drive up filling sta on was installed on Fourth Street. It is unclear how the cars had been obtaining their fuel prior to 1914, but a drive up fueling sta on enabled the car owners to fill-up more easily.

A motor bus service began to run between nearby communi es, with an official bus service opening in 1933. In 1946 the road between High River and Calgary was paved, and in 1947 an en re shipment of Ford cars was delivered to High River with a waitlist of customers. High River Air Sta on, 1927, Museum of the Highwood, MH977.080.011.

Alberta Automobile Company, 1910, Museum of the Highwood, MH002.051.050.

High River Air Sta on, c. 1920, Museum of the Highwood, MH010.022.001.


Post Office

Le er mail was a very important form of communica on in the early days of High River. Before the railway arrived, mail could come to High River by a stage coach. Once the railway was established mail would arrive in large canvas mailbags, which would then be unloaded onto handcarts and pushed down the sidewalk to the post office. The postmaster in 1884 was named W.J. Bunce, and in 1887 he was succeeded by W.E.G. Holmes. In 1889 the posi on passed to Joseph Limoges who held the posi on for the next 45 years. In 1933 the posi on was passed to W.E.M. Holmes son of W.E.G. Holmes, then to Sam Best in 1956, and Bill Letwenuk in 1972.

In 1931 the post office building was constructed on the corner of 3 Avenue SW and Macleod Trail. At the

me, it served as a mul -purpose government and civic func ons building. This building also served as the Town Hall for many years. The building s ll stands today but is privately owned. The post office has since been moved into its own building, which is s ll located within the downtown area of High River.

Communica on

Newspaper

The High River Times has been the local newspaper for over a century. It was founded in 1905 by Charles Clark, the grandfather of future Prime Minister Joe Clark. The paper expanded in 1927 and a second building was constructed. Charles Sr.’s son Charles A. Clark sold the business to Don Tanner in the 1960s, and Don subsequently sold it to his son Glen and Bill Holmes. Glen later sold his share to George Meyer but by 1995 the paper was bought out by Westmount Publishing. The paper con nues to be a source of local and regional news and is delivered to residents of High River twice a week.

Radio

The first radio sta on in High River, CHRB, went on air on December 5, 1977. When it first started its focus was on classical music programming, religious programming, sports, agriculture and small business development. It also provided generous amounts of air me for public service announcements for clubs and groups of all ages and interests. The radio sta on s ll operates today as 1140 AM. Sun Country Radio, 99.7, CFXO-FM, came on the air in 2007 and is also dedicated to providing local news and events coverage, and features a country music format.

High River Post Office wickets, 1970, Museum of the Highwood, MH001.004.197.

High River Post Office, 1970, Museum of the Highwood, MH001.004.199.


Local Industries

Local Industries

The arrival of the railway created a significant boom in High River’s commercial growth. At the me, many small independent businesses were established to cater to the growing needs of the expanding popula on. These early businesses included general stores, blacksmiths, tailors, and jewelers. Much of this small town charm s ll exists in High River today and con nues to a ract visitors.

High River s ll hosts many small scale businesses located within the downtown and some larger scale industries on the perimeter. An example of one such industry is Highwood Dis llers. The company was founded in High River in 1974 and is now one of the largest independent dis llers in Canada.

Highwood Crossing Foods is another example of a local industry. This family operated business returned to organic and non-GMO farming in the 1990s. Their organic grains, cereals and flours have won several provincial, na onal and even interna onal awards.

Agriculture & Ranching

Agriculture and ranching were two early industries that drove the development of the community of High River. Since the 1880s ca le have been, and con nue to be, very prominent in the area. Much of the land in the area surrounding High River con nues to support ca le ranching ac vi es.

As part of the local ca le industry, mul na onal company Cargill Foods operates a large beef processing plant just minutes from the town of High River. This plant employs roughly 2000 employees and processes approximately 4500 head of ca le on a daily basis.

While High River is not a single industry town, many of its residents and businesses rely on the agricultural and ranching industries. Several businesses within High River directly support the farming and ranching sectors through agricultural equipment sales and service as well as general farm supplies.

Ford Model T Cars sold by I.N. McKeage on 4th Avenue SW, 1912, Museum of the Highwood, MH967.147.015.


Bill Lower in his harness and saddle shop, c. 1915, Museum of the Highwood, MH967.145.021.

enforcement was required from the beginning. Early pioneers in the High River area held strongly to the belief that violators would be caught by law enforcement. Following the Louis Riel Rebellion of 1885, a small detachment of North West Mounted Police were set up near High River. Early documenta on suggests the NWMP occupied a building near the train sta on in High River that was owned by J. Limoges.

For many years following its incorpora on in 1906, the Town of High River employed its own police force. J.C. Page was named as the first chief of police for the Town. The du es of this police force were mainly civic law enforcement, so they o en called on the North West Mounted Police when more serious ma ers arose. In 1943 the Town entered into an agreement with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police who have provided law enforcement in the community ever since.

Arts & Culture

While historically High River was not regarded as a centre for arts and culture, it has always had, and con nues to have, a strong presence in the economic and social well-being of the town. High River showcases a variety of art galleries and studios sca ered through the downtown and light industrial area. The variety of ar s c work includes but is not limited to pain ngs, po ery, fiber arts, and fine jewelry. The Town’s history and landscape are captured in a variety of murals in its downtown area. Many talented musicians and performers have also called High River and area their home over the years.

Law Enforcement

With the development of the new se lement of High River and its businesses and industries, law

Fort Spitzee, mural by Terry Winter, 1992, Town of High River.


The film industry has been ac vely using High River as a loca on for television and film da ng back to the 1920s. It has served as the backdrop for over 140 movies and television shows such as the movie Chip of the Flying U (1926).

The Museum of the Highwood, the former CPR railway sta on and now a provincial historical site, has appeared in numerous film and television produc ons including Superman III (1978). The quaintly named “Superman House”, located at 5 Street SE, was also featured quite prominently in the same movie.

The Wales Theatre served as the centre of produc on for Clint Eastwood from 1991-92 while he was filming the movie Unforgiven across southern Alberta. He

Film Industry

would retreat to the Wales Theatre at the end of each filming day to watch the dailies.

In 2012 the community was designated as the Official Home of Heartland©. CBC’s Heartland television series has prominently featured High River throughout the show. One building that is regularly featured in the show is Maggie’s Diner. The building for Maggie’s Diner is a permanent set located in downtown High River. The structure was once part of Bradley’s Men’s Wear and Leather Works.

In addi on to Heartland, other recent television produc ons that have used High River as their sets include Fargo the television series for the FX Network, Young Drunk Punk for CityTV, and a unique web-based series called Haun ng Melissa.

Maggie’s Diner from Heartland, Town of High River, www.highrivertourism.com.

Superman House, Heritage Inventory Project—Phase III. Museum of the Highwood, Fall 2014, photo by S. Mitchell.


Photo Caption

Part 3

Community Development

Wagon carrying people through the streets during flood, c. 1932, Museum of the Highwood, MH979.050.002.


Photo Caption

Educa on

In the 1880s, students went to the homestead of James Crombie near High River for tutelage in Greek. Many children were home schooled un l 1889, when the first district school opened with 14 students registered. This sod roofed school was quickly replaced by a log structure in 1891. A er the turn of the century this basic structure was no longer mee ng the demands of the community and plans began for the construc on of a larger and more permanent school building.

The High River High School (Westward School), known today as Spitzee School, was constructed in 1912 at a cost of $25,000. Miss Margaret Carr was hired as the principal of the school in 1915. The school was expanded in 1929 with addi onal rooms. A er 1929, George Harper served as the principal of the school for 21 years and was well-known for his strictness.

Celebrated Canadian author W.O. Mitchell joined Westward in 1946 on a full- me teaching basis. His teaching methods were noted as being slightly ahead of the me, and his students remember him fondly. Addi onal renova ons were required during the post-war boom in 1951 and 1954. Over the years, Westward School began expanding its teaching curriculum, ini ally offering a few elementary school grades, to expanding to offer high school, and then even adult educa on courses.

In 1954 Eastward School was opened on a former golf course at a cost of $314,000 and served as a high school. The schools rapidly expanded with students being bused in from Blackie and Cayley star ng in 1969. Eastward was renamed a er Senator Dan Riley and Westward a er the early name of the Highwood Crossing, Spitzee. In 1982, the Right Honourable Joe Clark School was opened and con nues to serve as an elementary school. Highwood High School, Holy Spirit Academy and Notre Dame Collegiate High School were also added to High River in subsequent years.

Westward (Spitzee) School, 1925, Museum of the Highwood, MH009.028.007.

Local school children gree ng Edward, Prince of Wales, on his arrival in High River in 1919, Museum of the Highwood, MH977.051.001.


High River General (Co age) Hospital

The Co age Hospital, located at 36 2 Avenue SE, opened in July 1906,in a building rented from Abigail Sexsmith. The matron of the hospital was Georgia Hailes, who was a member of the Victorian Order of Nurses. The small hospital only permi ed what is termed “desirable pa ents” and charged $2 a day. It also offered private wards for maternity cases. The hospital closed down with the opening of the High River Hospital in 1921.

Municipal Hospital

The Municipal Hospital was built in 1921 and became a training centre for nurses, which was the first of its kind in Alberta. The first two nurses to train in the

hospital were Evelyn (Robertson) Leitch and Jean Laidlaw. Both received their nursing pins from Edward, the Prince of Wales. The hospital received several updates over the years, expanding to accommodate 50 beds by 1941. Later, the Municipal Hospital was re-named as the High River Hospital. This hospital remained in con nuous use un l 1982, when the current hospital was built in High River. The hospital in High River con nues to be one of the larger single employers in the community.

Former Nurses Residence

The Nurses Residence was built in 1908 as the family home for district farmer, John Noble. He inherited quite handsomely from his father and was able to construct a lavish brick home which was rare in Alberta at the me. The home became the Nurses Residence in 1934 and served in that capacity un l 1955. When the High River Hospital was first constructed there were accommoda ons for the nurses but by the 1930s space was needed for pa ents’ rooms in order to serve the growing community. As a result the Noble family home was acquired and used to house the nursing staff un l a new facility was built for the nurses in 1955. The residence returned to being a family home for many years a erwards. The residence is today serving as a residence and counselling facility.

Health

High River General (Co age) Hospital, 1914, Museum of the Highwood, MH979.015.004.

High River (Municipal) Hospital, Museum of the Highwood, MH015.039.025.

Former Nurses Residence in 2015, photo by S. Mitchell.


Town of High River

The Town was incorporated on February 22, 1906. The first Mayor was Dan Riley and the first Councillors were Lem Sexsmith, Norman Young, Percy Taylor, A.W.H. Thompson, J.W. Sutherland, and Dr. G.D. Stanley. The loca on of the Town Office has moved several mes since its incorpora on. The Old Post Office was built on 3 Avenue SW in 1931, funded by the federal government, and served as such un l it moved in the early 1970s. At this me the municipal offices moved into the building and it served as the Town Hall for many years, un l the present Town Hall was constructed on Macleod Trail, as part of a renova on and addi on to the MD of Foothills building.

Provincial & Federal

High River is represented at the provincial level by the electoral district of Highwood and at the federal level by the electoral district of Foothills. Despite High River’s small-town stature, it has produced some very important poli cians. High River is the birthplace of former Prime Minister Joe Clark, who served in that capacity from 1979 to 1980. His family were early se lers in High River and his grandfather started the local High River Times newspaper. His father also ran the paper and was ac vely involved in the community. A er he was defeated in the elec on of 1980, Joe Clark served as the leader of the

Old Post Office, 1960, Museum of the Highwood, MH001.004.560.


official opposi on for many years. A new school was named in his honour and a mural of him was painted in the downtown area.

Another important poli cian who originated from High River was Suzanne (Sue) Higgins, daughter of Evelyn (Robertson) and Alfred Alexander Leitch. Sue became an Alderman for the City of Calgary in 1977. She was the first woman to chair the Finance and Budget for the City of Calgary. She was also instrumental in the preserva on of the old City Hall, which now stands as part of the new building. In Ward 12, which she represented for many years, there is a park, a bridge, as well as an arena which were all named in her honour for her years of dedicated service.

Subdivision map of High River, compiled by W.E.M. Holmes, n.d., Town of High River.



The very first non-indigenous religious service that took place in the area was held at the Stopping House at The Crossing in 1884. Over the years there have been many different faiths represented in High River. The following are seven examples of some of the early religious establishments in the community.

St. Benedict’s Anglican Church

This church has con nuously served the local Anglican popula on since its construc on in 1904 and has been the scene of hundreds of weddings, funerals, and bap sms. During WWII the church housed some of the Bri sh airmen who were training at the No. 5 Elementary Flying Training School. The church was constructed by local builder R.J. Treacy, with the assistance of William and George Laycra . The church was so named to recognize W.H. Rowley who donated a Bible to the church, and whose birthday fell on St. Benedict’s Day.

The Methodist Church

The Methodist congrega on was formed in 1886, and this church was built in 1901 on land donated by Mrs. George Lane. The manse was constructed in 1910 and used un l 1920 when the High River and Cayley congrega ons joined, and the minister moved to Cayley. The house was rented out un l it was sold in 1925. The manse was constructed by local contractor Percy Taylor.

Full Gospel Tabernacle Church

The church was constructed in 1891 by the Presbyterian Church, and used by that congrega on un l about 1907. The building was also used for the first town council mee ngs, school classrooms, and local organiza ons. It later became the Chalmers United Church a er the union of Presbyterians, Methodists, and Congrega onalists. It was moved across the railway tracks in 1930 to its present loca on at 16 2 Avenue SE in order for it to expand in size to accommodate the growing congrega on. The Full Gospel congrega on purchased the building in the 1930s, and used the building for services un l it outgrew the building and moved into a new church in 1971. It now houses the offices of the Arnold & Arnold law firm.

Church of the Nazarene

This octagonal shaped church was constructed in 1902, and was moved across the street in 1915. A er the 1925 forma on of the United Church of Canada by the Methodists, the Presbyterians and Congrega onalists, the building was moved to the corner of Third Avenue and Centre Street. The final move of this church to its current loca on at 117 4 Avenue SE occurred in 1945. The church was

St. Benedict’s Anglican Church, Museum of the Highwood, MH014.002.005.

The Methodist Church Manse, Heritage Inventory Project—Phase III.

Full Gospel Tabernacle Church, Heritage Inventory Project—Phase III.


constructed by prominent local builder Percy Taylor with fir from the forests of Bri sh Columbia. This may well be the only octagonal shaped church in Canada.

The United Church

The modern High River United Church was built in 1950 and was completed by December 1951. The congrega on had grown significantly a er WWII which resulted in the need for a larger place of worship. By the 1960s a new addi on was necessary which comprised the upper hall, parlour and office. Further renova ons and expansions were completed by 2008. The present day loca on of the United Church at 123 Macleod Trail SW was the former site of the Chalmers Presbyterian Church.

The Roman Catholic Church

Catholic missionaries visited the High River area regularly to meet with the earliest se lers and mass was even held at the Quirk homestead. The Roman Catholic Church of St. Francis de Sales began serving mass in 1908 and by 1913 it had a congrega on of 200. By the mid 1960s the parish required a much larger building for its growing flock. The new St. Francis church on 9 Avenue SW was blessed by the Bishop of Calgary on October 26, 1970 and remains in use today.

Salva on Army Hall

The first mee ngs of the Salva on Army were held between 1907 and 1910. These resumed in 1922 in temporary quarters un l 1949. Under the leadership of Kathleen Whitby and Lieutenant Nora Bowland, plans were made for a new building which opened later that same year, at 22 4 Avenue SE. The Salva on Army served an area east from High River and west to Turner Valley. It remains one of the world’s largest providers of social aid.

United Church, 1970, Museum of the Highwood, MH001.004.036.

Roman Catholic Church, 1967, Museum of the Highwood, MH006.022.011.

Salva on Army Hall, Heritage Inventory Project—Phase III.

Church of the Nazarene, Heritage Inventory Project—Phase III.


Scouts Hall

The log structure was built on its present day site on Macleod Trail in the 1950s. The building was shared by the Cubs, Scout Troops, Brownies and Girl Guides and used for their club mee ngs. Prior to the construc on of the hall, mee ngs were held in private homes. The hall was financed and built with support from the Scouts-Guides organiza on. In 1916, the Scout movement slowed down due to lack of enrollment. The Girl Guides experienced a similar slowing down when they could not find permanent leadership. In later years, the clubs experienced a revival, and con nue to be ac ve today.

Curling Rink

Curling has a long history in High River. The first rink, located along what was known as Railway Street, was converted into a feed mill. The second rink was constructed south of the Gateway (Oxford) Hotel, and had an observa on deck and lunch counter. In 1953 an ar ficial ice plant was installed, for the benefit of the dedicated curlers in High River. The old rink was demolished in 1981 with the construc on of the new Bob Snodgrass Recrea on Complex but the memories linked with the old rink will live on.

Hockey Rink

Scout Hall, 1952, Museum of the Highwood, MH979.004.016.

Curlers, 1965, Museum of the Highwood, MH010.007.505.

Before there was an indoor ska ng facility, there was the outdoor rink. The approval for construc on of the rink took place in 1918 and once built, although located outdoors, it featured electric ligh ng for evening ska ng. In 1919, a proposal was submi ed by the council for an indoor ska ng facility. The indoor ska ng and hockey arena was built in 1924. The Recrea on Complex was built in 1979 and has a large and small ice-ska ng rink, a press box, a skate sharpening shop, concession, as well as many other features. There have been many hockey players over the years of all ages—minor to old- mers! Figure ska ng was also very popular and supported by the community.

Polo

Residents began playing polo in the High River area as early as the 1880s. A polo tournament was held in 1892 with High River playing teams from Calgary and Fort Macleod. Polo grounds were set up on a 10-acre parcel of land about a mile south of The Crossing. Polo games, like some other sports such as lacrosse, disappeared with the outbreak of World War I due to many players enlis ng. In the late 1920s the sport was revived but it never regained the popularity it held in the previous century. It has long since been replaced by other popular local sports such as baseball and hockey.

Hockey Players, 1965, Museum of the Highwood, MH999.037.130.

Leisure & Sports

Polo Players, 1927, Museum of the Highwood, MH977.080.002.


Memorial Centre

The Memorial Centre building was part of the former No. 5 Elementary Flight Training School facility that moved to its present loca on in the late 1940s. Construc on began in the summer of 1948. There were several setbacks in the project such as not having enough money in the building fund to pay the workers, trying to cut down on costs and not having enough space in the kitchens or dining areas. These issues were rec fied and construc on carried on.

The first event was held in December of 1948. The Memorial Centre stood as a tribute to the pioneers of the community and those that served in the wars. The Centre hosted most major events, including high school gradua ons, New Year’s Eve dances, and weddings. It also catered to events such as auc on sales and art shows.

Groups such as the Legion, Teen Town and Old Timers had their own rooms located in the building.

Memorial Centre, 1947, Museum of the Highwood, MH001.004.123.

They were responsible for the decora on of their rooms. These spaces were rent free due to the considerable amount of money that had been donated towards each of these organiza ons. Within the Memorial Centre was also a library and a shoo ng gallery for the cadets. In March of 1949, the Town Office was moved into the Centre to bring in more revenue for the building.

Highwood River

The Highwood River was and con nues to be a popular spot for swimming, ra ing and fishing for many members of community. Due to the frequent flooding that the Highwood experienced, there were large, natural pools created along the riverbank which were used for swimming. The pools were large enough that a lifeguard was required. In the early 1920’s the Highwood was the site where a few organized aqua c sports days were held. The waters of the pools were cool, but warm enough to not freeze any swimmers jumping in to seek solace from the summer heat. Later an outdoor swimming pool was constructed in town, at the site of the current Culture Centre, with an indoor facility eventually incorporated within the Recrea on Complex.

Boy fishing in Highwood River, 1976, Museum of the Highwood, MH001.004.081.

Swimming in the Highwood River at High River, 1930s, Museum of the Highwood, MH979.015.017.


Photo Caption

George Lane Park

Due to the way the river flowed, a large natural park area was created in the centre of town. In 1912, George Lane leased the land to the town; this land was only suitable for recrea onal use. Swings and slides were added to the playground areas in the park in an effort to improve the park for public use. The

park in 1912 was half the size it is today. It was the loca on of many picnics and the people of town used it frequently. In the ten year period a er the park was handed over to the Town, in 1967 a bandstand was added, which was the loca on of many free concerts. The Li le Bow Branding Bee provided the funds to purchase log gates at the entrance to the park as well as a plaque welcoming visitors to the park.

The official naming of the park happened in 1951 and Guy Weadick invited the en re town to a end the fes vi es. In 1953, a building was moved into the park from the Highwood Drive-In and converted to contain two washrooms, two change rooms, and living quarters for the park caretaker. Camping areas were added to the park with a camp kitchen and more benches and tables. This made the park more appealing to travelers.

In the mid-1950s the park was the proposed site for a natural swimming pool. It was to be located at the southwest corner of the park and would u lize the river water that would flow into the park from the backwater of the Highwood. The lagoon swimming pool was finished in 1955 however it proved too cold because of seepage into the pool from an underground spring. The youth of the town

Lagoon in George Lane Park, 1950, Museum of the Highwood, MH989-068-005.

George Lane, Rancher, 1930, Museum of the Highwood, MH997-040-016.


Highwood Golf Course, 1972, Museum of the Highwood, MH975.043.011.

High River Golf Course, 1965, Museum of the Highwood, MH001.004.153.

returned to swimming in the Highwood un l the new outdoor swimming facili es were constructed at 9 Avenue SW.

Golf Course

The golf club was organized around 1919 and a course was created on 11 acres of land on the northeast end of High River. The golf course was primi ve, but was a source of immense pride. A small clubhouse was built and the women would gather on the veranda for tea. The course switched over from a private club to a municipal course in 1924. The old course was surrendered in 1954 for school expansion plans for the Eastward school. In 1956 plans for a new golf course were proposed and the first 9 holes opened in 1958. The course was increased to 18 holes in 1980, and later to 27.

Rodeo Grounds

The High River Agricultural Society was formed in 1907 and inaugurated its rodeo grounds in the summer of 1909. They had been advised to buy the property as opposed to ren ng. The Society held its first exhibi on in October that same year. Harry Nelson was the secretary and manager at the me. In April 1910, the Agricultural Society purchased 30 acres of land from the Presbyterian Church for $110 an acre. The land was the cemetery grounds of the

church. When they expanded the rodeo grounds and corrals, they had to remove the graves and gravestones prior to construc on. The rodeo and fairgrounds were used from 1909 un l 1921. The rodeo was seen as a very important annual event for the community. The cost of running the Rodeo bankrupted the Agricultural Society so the last High River Exhibi on and Fair was in 1924. Small fairs s ll con nued off and on including school fairs and horse auc ons.

The Society started the Li le Britches Rodeo in May 1959. It was the first youth rodeo in Canada for ages 16 and under. Several famous rodeo performers got their start at the Li le Britches Rodeo. The annual event a racts visitors from all over the con nent, and, kicks off with the Li le Britches Parade.


Photo Caption

Part 4

Global Contribu ons

Businesses along the north side of 4 Avenue SE, 1905, Museum of the Highwood, MH967.145.016.


Military

The first military ac vity experienced in this area was during the Riel Rebellion of 1885. A small group of ten volunteers signed up for an organized Home Guard. Some local recruits enlisted for the Boer War which latest between 1899 and 1902. Most of the recruits from High River were single men and those who returned picked up exactly where they le off when they departed. Both the Boer War and WWI affected the local horse market, and remounts were in high demand.

During WWI, the small community of High River saw over 400 residents volunteer for service, and there were 81 casual es. Most of the men signed on in Calgary and trained at Sarcee Camp, located within the Signal Hill community of Calgary. The women, who were not permi ed in the army, served in the Canadian Army Medical Corps. Among High River’s fallen was nursing sister Ferdinande de Foras, who was the first woman to ever receive a gold medal from the French Minister of War.

The High River Air Sta on was opened in early 1921 and was manned by members of the Canadian Air Force, renamed the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1923. One of the sta on’s finest was Alfred Alexander (Ack-Ack) Leitch, who was one of the first Canadians to join the Bri sh air force in WWI. He was the second pilot to ever land a plane on an aircra carrier. He received the Bri sh Military Cross for shoo ng down seven enemy planes, and the Dis nguished Flying Cross for strafing enemy posi ons in northern France. In 1924, Flight Lieutenant Leitch was posted to the High River Air Sta on as air pilot navigator. His

du es included daily forest fire patrols and mail drops for the Prince of Wales during his visits to E.P. Ranch. In 1927, he was selected as senior officer of a year-long expedi on to determine naviga on routes through the northern Hudson Straits. Upon his return to High River he was Commanding Officer of the Base. A mural depic ng Ack-Ack is painted on the Telus building in downtown High River.

With the outbreak of WWII, High River saw many of its residents enlist. The Elementary Flying Training School no. 5 was set up at the High River Air Sta on and had its first graduates in the summer of 1941. Many High River residents opened their homes and lodged the air cadets during their training. By the end of the war, returning service men introduced new members into the community, as many brought home war brides. Fi y local casual es from WWII, as well as those who perished in WWI, are forever memorialized on plaques at the Memorial Centre.

Marching Cadets, 1957, Museum of the Highwood, MH001.004.798.

Military Men, 1947, Museum of the Highwood, MH977.082.003.


Photo Caption


The Flood of 2013

June 20, 2013 changed High River forever when the Highwood River burst its banks and flooded the town. Sadly, many homes were lost, including historic proper es, and of those that survived, most required tremendous effort to salvage and repair. The memories of the flood will outlast the damage.

As devasta ng as the flood was, it banded the community together and they persevered. The phase “High River Strong, High River Proud!” was adopted by many residents. Because of the flood, the Town of High River was given the opportunity to update its infrastructure, and in the process to completely transform its downtown. High River’s newly updated downtown is designed to welcome the future by promo ng walkability and community gatherings through the addi on of wide sidewalks, planted boulevards, bike racks, and benches.

The Future

While the community is looking towards the future it does not forget its past. The purpose behind all three phases of the Heritage Inventory Project was to record for posterity those buildings which s ll remain and have had an impact on High River’s development as a community.

The Residents

The community of High River, as with most other regions of Canada, has a diverse mix of residents, represen ng a variety of cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Many of the first se lers in the area were of European descent and several of their descendants s ll call High River home.

Some of the areas early businesses were owned and operated by Chinese families. Quon’s Grocery, New Look Café, and Wong’s Laundry are examples of members of the Chinese community making important contribu on to the town’s commercial life, and they con nue to do so today. Wong’s Laundry, today Colossi’s Coffee House, located at 114 4 Avenue SW, was established in 1962. Tai Wong, with his wife and son, successfully ran a laundry business out of the building’s front and lived in the rear.

In more recent years High River has welcomed many new arrivals from Mexico and the Philippines, as well as parts of Africa and South America. Several businesses have opened up to serve these new members of the community, who are in turn teaching others about their customs and cultures. The community of High River will con nue to welcome new residents from around the globe in the future.

1 Street SW, c. 1970s, Museum of the Highwood, MH975.043.014.


Photo Caption

Appendix

Original Railway Sta on located on the north corner of 3 Avenue and 1 Street SW, 1900, Museum of the Highwood, MH978.010.005.


Photo Caption

Sources

Part 1—Se lement


High River Pioneers' and Old Timers Associa on. Leaves of the Medicine Tree. The Lethbridge Herald: Lethbridge, AB. 1960.

Knupp, Lillian Short. Life and Legends: A History of the Town of High River. Sandstone Publica ons Ltd.: Calgary, AB. 1982.

Sheppard, Bert. Spitzee Days. McAra Presses: Calgary, AB. 1971. © Museum of the Highwood.

Early Se lement




Urban Development—Residen al

CDS Inc. Town of High River Heritage Inventory Phase I. Town of High River: High River, AB. 2012.

CDS Inc. Town of High River Heritage Inventory Phase II. Town of High River: High River, AB. 2014.


Knupp, Lillian Short. Harness, Boots & Saddles. Highwood Heritage Books: Calgary, AB. 1986.



Urban Development—Commercial






Photo Caption

Part 2—Economic Development

Transporta on


High River Times. Avia on in High River has ‘an immense history’. 1999.



Communica on



High River Times. High River Post Office. December 24, 2013.


Voisey, Paul. High River and the Times. University of Alberta: Edmonton, AB. 2004.

Local Industries

Cargill Foods Website. www.cargill.com/company/businesses/cargill-beef/loca ons/high-river-alberta/ index.jsp Highwood Crossing Website. www.highwoodcrossing.com/about-highwood-crossing/

Highwood Dis llers Website. www.highwood-dis llers.com/main/about Knupp, Lillian Short. Life and Legends: A History of the Town of High River. Sandstone Publica ons Ltd.: Calgary, AB. 1982.

Film Industry

CDS Inc. Town of High River Heritage Inventory Phase III. Town of High River: High River, AB. 2015.


Town of High River Tourism Website. www.highrivertourism.com


Photo Caption

Part 3—Community Development

Educa on

CDS Inc. Town of High River Heritage Inventory Phase II. Town of High River: High River, AB. 2014.


High River Times. Spitzee School. February 7, 2012. Knupp, Lillian Short. Life and Legends: A History of the Town of High River. Sandstone Publica ons Ltd.: Calgary, AB. 1982.

Health


Corns, Marie and Suzanne Higgins. Personal communica ons with the granddaughters of Evelyn and Alfred Alexander Leitch. December 2015.


High River Times. High River Hospital. October 13, 2015.









High River Times. www.highriver mes.com/2010/10/12/high-river-united-church-turns-125-years-old



Photo Caption

Leisure & Sports


High River Agricultural Society Website. www.highriverag.com/about-us.php


High River Times. Curling. March 10, 2015.

High River Times. Rodeo Grounds. December 8, 1998. Knupp, Lillian Short. Life and Legends: A History of the Town of High River. Sandstone Publica ons Ltd.: Calgary, AB. 1982.

Memorial Centre Website. www.highwoodmemorialcentre.com/mission-and-history/

Tanner, Doug. The Best of Times: Forging the Fron er. High River Times: High River, AB. 1999.

Part 4—Global Contribu ons

Military


Corns, Marie and Suzanne Higgins. Personal communica ons with the granddaughters of Evelyn and Alfred Alexander Leitch. December 2015.






historical context paper - high river...high river historical context paper—march 2016 1 photo...

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