We hope you enjoy Part 1 of 2021’s top stories as selected by you. Stay tuned tomorrow for our top 5.
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10. Towers family
Leslie was born in a log house at the junction of the Bow and Elbow rivers at Calgary in 1884. At that time Calgary was mostly tents. Leaving Calgary, Frank began to accumulate some cattle and by the time the C.P.R. reached Mitford, he had approximately 90 head. The railway inspector came along one day and told him he could not hold two jobs and advised him to take up land and look after his cattle.
Disoriented hunters were common and often a source of amusement, as in their words “they weren’t lost, just didn’t know where they’d left their vehicle.” They always got out okay, though after a couple of nights in the bush huddling by a campfire or taking refuge in an old trapper shack, their faces and clothes often so black with soot their own wives probably couldn’t recognize them.
During the 1974 Calgary Stampede, Norman, together with Eddie Watrin and Pete Vandermeer was honoured as old-time cowboys. Each was presented with a framed picture and Silver cufflinks. The inscription reads: “Norman Edge in appreciation for your contribution to rodeo, Calgary Exhibition and Stampede 1974.”
Building the Fort Vermilion bridge was one of Clarence’s major projects as highway’s minister. This is the largest, most northerly bridge in North America
We went on trail rides every morning and afternoon, went swimming at the swimmin’ hole, ate in the common area, slept in chilly dorms, learned how to build shelters out of boughs, shot bows and arrows, and went on hayrides. Just about the perfect place for kids.
There they are, 5 of our most popular stories from 2021. We hope you find them entertaining and stay tuned tomorrow for our top 5.
Thank you very much Mark for all your stories. It is great to read and remember the families and the history.
The 4th, 5th and6th generation of Frank Towers still lives on and runs the WineGlass ranch that he started 137 years ago.
Keep up the great work.
Thank you. I am really enjoying learning about our rich history. It really is better than TV.
I very much enjoy reading these stories of local history and families that have been here for generations. As a newcomer to Cochrane it helps me connect to my new community and learn about local culture. I am often in awe of the tenacity and perseverance that was shown by those who blazed the trail for all of us. Keep it up!