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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

September 25, 1909 • Devil Strip OTD the first laws to regulate Edmonton traffic was introduced prohibiting cyclists from hanging onto streetcars as it traveled along the city's radial railway tracks, nicknamed, the Devil strip. View looking west along Jasper Ave. from 99 St 📷 ca. 1912 (B4884)

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

ca. 1944 • Alberta Legislature Building A stunning bird's-eye view looking north, of the Legislature & its South Grounds. The 5th & final Fort Edmonton (1830~1915) once stood just left of today's lawn bowling green - visible in the foreground. See ALT. 📷 • CN Images of Canada Collection, X-19117

ca. 1944 • Alberta Legislature Building

A stunning bird's-eye view looking north, of the Legislature & South Grounds. The 5th & final Fort Edmonton (1830~1915) stood just left of today's lawn bowling green and clubhouse - visible in the foreground.

The Alberta Legislature Building, which officially opened in 1912, was built directly adjacent to the site of the Fort Edmonton trading post. The surrounding grounds evolved into a massive public hub, accommodating formal gardens, active community sports grounds—like the classic lawn bowling greens visible in early landscape grids—and structural terraces cascading down toward the North Saskatchewan River valley.

The building on the lower right hand corner once served as the place to host the Legislative Assembly until the Alberta Legislature was completed.

The Alberta Legislature Grounds are located on Treaty 6 land, a traditional meeting ground for Indigenous peoples. Archaeological evidence suggests that this area along the North Saskatchewan River was an important meeting and seasonal dwelling place for Indigenous peoples dating back more than 10,000 years. It was a key river crossing and intersection point for major prairie trails.

The Hudson’s Bay Company and the North West Company built a series of forts along the North Saskatchewan River in the region starting in 1795. In 1802 Fort Edmonton moved to the Rossdale Flats, just east of the present-day Legislature. By 1830 age and damage from repeated flooding made a new building necessary. A new fort was constructed high on the bank of what is now the south Legislature Grounds. It remained on-site for 85 years. In the mid-19th century Fort Edmonton was the most important post on the prairies west of Fort Garry (Winnipeg).

📷 • CN Images of Canada Collection, X-19117

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

August 10, 1912 • Edmonton's Trunk Sewer The Edmonton Journal reports on another major public project - the city's trunk sewer system - a $180K project that consisted of a 1/2 mile of 10.5' dia. concrete sewer lines up to 110' below the surface. See ALT for more information. 📷 • Glenbow Archives

August 10, 1912

On this day an Edmonton Journal article reports on another major public project - the city's trunk sewer system - which consisted of large-diameter pipes conveying wastewater to septic tanks to the south side of the river instead of Rat Creek (today's Kinnaird Ravine at 82nd Street and 111th Avenue.)

The $180,000 project consisted of over 1/2 a mile of 10.5' diameter concrete sewer lines, up to 110' below the surface.

It is entirely possible and highly likely that Edmonton's main trunk sewers from 1912 are still in active use today. In fact, engineering surveys conducted by the City of Edmonton and EPCOR Edmonton confirm that some of the city's active trunk sewers actually date as far back as 1907.

The active presence of these century-old underground giants is due to a mix of infrastructure design, engineering materials, and ongoing modern upgrades.

While Edmonton stopped building these combined systems decades ago due to environmental concerns, the existing network in mature neighbourhoods was never dug up. Instead, it remains the primary active drainage pipeline for older parts of the city.

Modern engineering allows technicians to slide specialized liners inside the original 1910s tunnels, structurally reinforcing the ancient sewer lines without changing their original routes or losing historical functionality.

This photo is likely taken near the discharge point near the North Saskatchewan River. From here it ran north toward the intersection of 89th Street and 112 Avenue - the north end of today's Commonwealth Stadium.

📷 • Attribution:
"Grand Trunk sewer, Edmonton, Alberta.", 1912, (CU179903) by Byron-May Company Limited. Courtesy of Glenbow Library and Archives, Glenbow Archives Collection, Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary.

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

August 7, 1923 • Northwestern Utilities Photo taken over a century ago in Garneau in front of the Pearce Residence (formerly at 8820-111 Street - NW corner of this intersection). Northwestern Utilities Ltd. used this company vehicle to install gas services throughout the city. 🧵 📷 Glenbow Archives

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Augus 7, 1923 • "Fort Rae II" OTD the 40' schooner, built by Alberta Motor Boat Co., was shipped via the Alberta & Great Waterways Railway, becoming the latest addition to HBCo.'s North-West Territories fleet. (Taken near Low Level Bridge w/ Hotel Macdonald visible back-left)🧵 📷 Glenbow Archives

"Sail Boat for Alberta Motor Boat Company named Fort Rae HB, Edmonton, Alberta.", 1923-08-10, (CU155753) by McDermid Studio. Courtesy of Glenbow Library and Archives, Glenbow Archives Collection, Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary.

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

July 22, 1933 • Wiley Post OTD for the 2nd time in two years after his history making 'around-the-world' record flight, the American aviation pioneer 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

OTD, for the 2nd time in two years after his history making 'around-the-world' record flight in 1931, the American aviation pioneer refuels in Edmonton as spectators swarm around him at Blatchford Field.

During his historic 1933 solo around-the-world flight, Post made a vital single stop in Edmonton, Alberta, on July 22, 1933. This served as his eleventh and final refueling stop before finishing his record-breaking journey in New York.

The primary goal of the stop was simple and efficient: Quick aircraft refueling and a brief window for Post to combat extreme sleep deprivation.

Post did not stay long. After his swift pitstop, he took off from the Edmonton runway and flew a long, non-stop final leg directly to Floyd Bennett Field in New York. He landed just before midnight on July 22, completing the first-ever solo circumnavigation of the globe in 7 days, 18 hours, and 49 minutes.

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Vintage Edmonton @thevintageedmonton.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Of all the stories done on Vintage Edmonton I've done over the past decade plus, this story has been the most requested and talked about, and it's easy to see why: #yrg #edmonton #alberta www.vintageed...

vintageedmonton.com

Vintage Edmonton: William Wallace McKay Murder (June 29, 1949) Part 1

Articles, photos, ads, audio, and film from Edmonton, Alberta's history

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

July 1, 1920 • ERR Observation Streetcar OTD Edmonton's Radial Railway Observation Streetcar was introduced to tourists & sight seekers. It was launched for summer service beginning on Dominion Day over a century ago. 📷 View looking east at 97 Avenue & 109 Street with Legislature the background

July 1, 1920 • ERR Observation Streetcar

On this day, Edmonton's Radial Railway Observation Streetcar was introduced. It was launced for summer service beginning on Dominion Day over a century ago.

Described as impressive in design and perfect as to comfort, holiday crowds and sight seekers gave the street railway observation car high praise for its service and innovation. For some eight months, ERR employees quietly worked on the car in preparation for its debut.

At a cost of $2500, it was built on the frame of Car 22, which caught fire three years earlier on 109 St. on June 13, 1917. The body was painted white with gold leaf stencil work on the sides with a seating capacity of 42.

The Observation Streetcar's first operation commenced at 10:30 a.m. from its starting point at 101 Street and Jasper Ave., where one-hour trips were made to points of interest about the city. It's last departure of the day was a trip to Highlands and East End (Borden) Park before returning downtown.

"Barker" David Ghormley (pictured) - the motor man for ERR - was highly commended for his ballyhoo abilities to entertain its patrons and to promote Edmonton.

City officials were well satisfied with the results of the streetcar's first day's service. Its use was shortlived however and was put in permanent storage after the 1925 season due to low ridership; the trucks were used elsewhere, and the body was scrapped in around 1945.

📷• View looking east along 97 Avenue and 109 Street with the Legislature in the background.

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

The Caledonian (right) would eventually become site of the Great West Garment (GWG) Factory building, still located at 10305-97 Street. 📷 ca. 1910 view looking north along former Namayo Ave. (97 Street).

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Vintage Edmonton @thevintageedmonton.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

June 24, 1909 and it's The Store That Aides Economists at Vintage Edmonton: www.vintageed... #yeg #alberta #edmonton #1900s

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

1913 • East End Park Originally established as East End City Park in 1906, it officially became known as 'Borden Park' in 1914. In this scene, children wading in the park's original pool reflect the formal, structured styles of the Edwardian era, even while playing in the water. 📷 (CoE Archives)

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Edmonton streets were a mix of dirt roads, expanding streetcar tracks, horse-drawn carriages, & early automobiles. This ca. 1910 postcard image looking east at Victoria (100th) Ave. & 9St. (109th) illustrates traditional street design standards such as sidewalks, boulevards & street-tree planting.

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Vintage Edmonton @thevintageedmonton.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

June 18, 1910 and it's a Standardization Of The Streets at Vintage Edmonton: www.vintageed... #yeg #alberta #edmonton #1910s

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

The Edmonton Commercial Grads are still the better basketball team in terms of historical dominance & winning percentage (502-20) 📷 • Sep1, 1924 (World champs, Edmonton Grads photographed during a triumphant welcome parade at Jasper Ave & 99 st.

📷 • Sep1, 1924

World champs, Edmonton Commercial Grads photographed during a triumphant welcome parade at Jasper Ave & 99 st.

During the 25 years of their existence,the team won 502 of 522 matches & were undefeated in 27 Olympic exhibition games in 1924, '28, 32 & '36.

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rev recluse @revrecluse.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

June 11, 1969 and They Are On Top Of The World at Vintage Edmonton: www.vintageed... #yeg #alberta #edmonton #1960s

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

June 2, 1939 • Kingsway Since 1912 it was called Portage Avenue, but on OTD it was renamed "Kingsway" to commemorate the royal visit of King George VI & Queen Elizabeth. The idea came by way of a Journal Editorial after the Royal Tour of Canada began on May 17, 1939. 🧵 📷 • Provincial Archives

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rev recluse @revrecluse.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

June 1, 1953 and it's Coronation Broadcasts at Vintage Edmonton: www.vintageed... #yeg #alberta #edmonton #1950s #QueenElizabeth

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

June 1, 1926 • Edmonton Grads Today marks the 100th anniversary of this photo taken OTD at the Edmonton Arena, before the start of a 2-game series between the Edmonton Grads & the highly respected Curlee Clothiers from St. Louis. Grads win 19-14 & 24-8. See ALT for more... 📷 Glenbow Archives

June 1, 1926 • Edmonton Grads vs. Curlee Clothiers

Photo taken on this day at the Edmonton Arena, before the start of the match between the Edmonton Grads and the highly respected Curlee Clothiers from St. Louis.

It was to be the first clash of a two-game series involving the international basketball championship and the trophy that went with it. Edmonton Grads won the first game with a low score of 19-14.

While the St. Louis team hoped to overcome the 5 point deficit, the Grads handed them another defeat two days later – this time with a convincing 24-8 win.

📷 Glenbow Archives (nd-3-3215)

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

May 30, 1907 • Diamond Park The first baseball game was played OTD at the new Diamond Park in Ross Flats. 1000 spectators watched the Edmonton Capitals defeat the Calgary Broncos 9-8 on a cold (0°c) May evening. 🧵 📷 1913 Baseball action at Diamond Park (Glenbow Archives) See ALT for more info.

May 30, 1907 • Diamond Park

The first baseball game was played OTD at the new Diamond Park in Ross Flats. A thousand spectators watched the Edmonton Capitals defeat the Calgary Broncos 9-8 on a cold (0°c) May evening.

📷 (1913) Baseball action at Diamond Park looking southeast. The Campbell & Ottewell Grain Elevator (Built 1899) in the background was located on 100th Street and 98th Avenue (Glenbow Archives)

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Vintage Edmonton @thevintageedmonton.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

High Level Bridge should be used as a pedestrian/multi-purpose bridge afterwards, not demolished. Every bit of a landmark in Edmonton as The Mac

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

1912 • Edmonton Milling Co. This is what today's Ritchie Mill looked like over a century ago. The landmark mill was constructed in 1892 by Robert Ritchie and his brothers & is still located at 10170 Sask. Drive. More → ALT See a comparison of what it looks like today in the🧵. 📷 Glenbow Archives

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 04/12/2024

1913 • CN Train Station (Strathcona) Many of us are aware of Strathcona's historic CPR Station (partly visible way back right →), but did you know that CN also had a train station in Strathcona?...It stood along 80th Ave. between 103rd & 104th Street. 📷• Glenbow Archives (nc-6-698)

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

May 27, 1930 • Post Office Addition Construction photo taken OTD looking east of Edmonton's downtown Post Office Addition (1910~1972), formerly at 100 Street & 101A Avenue. Chief Architect: T. W. Fuller. Builder: Poole Construction Company, Limted. 📷 Glenbow Archives (nd-3-5182)

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

May 27, 1956 • Rossdale Aerial Fabulous aerial photo taken OTD facing west, with High Level Bridge & Legislature in the background. The "E" shaped building (centre) was the Department of Highways; now occupied by apartment highrises. Note the old EY&PR route. 📷 • Provincial Archives

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

May7, 1929 • Highlands Golf Sod Turning Mayor Ambrose Bury, (centre, with shovel) performed the honors of turning the first sod for the Highlands Golf Course OTD almost a century ago. The Highlands Golf Course would officially open a year later on May10, 1930.🧵 📷 • Glenbow Archives

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

1933 • Downtown Edmonton 2 photos blended to form this panoramic view of downtown looking NE from the tower of Fire Hall No.2 (104th Street & 100Ave.) Notable buildings include the Hotel McDonald, McLeod Building, Hudson's Bay Store, Birks Building and Chisholm Block. 📷 • Glenbow Archives

Attribution: "View of Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta.", September 1933, (CU115405515) by McDermid Studio. Courtesy of Glenbow Library and Archives Collection, Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary.

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

1936 - "Dad" Ford's CJCA Old Timers Photographed in 1936 during a live recording session at the CJCA Broadcasting Station 413, 10360 Jasper Avenue (Birks Building). The session possibly aired on Tuesday April 14, 1936 at 10:00 p.m. (90 years ago this month). See ALT text. 📷 • Glenbow Archives

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

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.

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📷 Glenbow Archives (na-1328-66561)

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

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)

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

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.

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📷•"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.

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

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.

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📷 • Provincial Archives of Alberta (PA13272.3)

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

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)

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 22/07/2025

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

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UofA Map/GIS Librarian @wyman10.bsky.social · 20/07/2025

BTW a great thread on the Rossdale Brewery here: bsky.app/profile/edmo...

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

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.

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Vintage Edmonton @thevintageedmonton.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

July 15, 1939 and Kingsway Officially Becomes Kingsway at Vintage Edmonton: www.vintageed... #yeg #edmonton #alberta #1930s

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

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

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📷 "House of Mirth' of Johnny J. Jones' exposition, Edmonton, Alberta.", 1924-07-14 - 1924-07-19, (CU1118103) by McDermid Studio.

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

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.

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📷 • Provincial Archives (A2374)

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

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

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

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)

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📷 "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

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

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

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

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

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

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

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 01/06/2025

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

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Reposted by Edmonton Historia

Bob Makichuk 🇨🇦 @bobmakichuk.bsky.social · 28/05/2025

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

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 28/05/2025

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)

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 16/05/2025

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

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Edmonton Historia @edmonton-historia.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

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.

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