History

Motorcycle Hill-Climbing Originally published 2018

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This article was originally posted in 2018. It’s such an interesting topic we updated and reposted. Look at the number of people it attracted. Click on the photo on the left to see a larger version.

Did you know Cochrane had Motorcycle Hill-Climbing in the 1930’s? Just like today, people from Calgary liked to visit Cochrane. One of the popular activities was hill climbing. We’re looking for photos of those races.

Will Pratt supplied these images on our Twitter account. He describes the locations as 8 miles west of Calgary. Obviously, a popular event.

Not an image from Cochrane Thanks to Deeley Exhibition for this image

Thanks to Deeley Exhibition for providing this example image. For more on Hill-Climbing visit their site at https://deeleyexhibition.ca/brief-history-hill-clim

Foster Hewitt

When Radios werent taken for granted

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pg 43 Peep into the Past, Short Stories by Gordon and Belle Hall

Radios were just coming into use in the 1920s and 1930s. I remember I had two crystal sets which worked without batteries, but were never a success, at least mine weren’t. 

In 1929, ‘I bought a little two-tube set from Chapman Brothers, cost $11 and Harold Spicer took it home for me on his cart so it wouldn’t get broken. It worked with a dry B battery, and had just earphones and no speaker. I put up two antenna poles in the yard about 18 feet high, and the wire between the poles was about 50 feet, then a lead-in wire took it into the house and hooked up to the set. CFCN, the Voice of Prairie, W.W. Grant. 

 

Radio Development Cochrane Advocate June 1925
Radio Development Cochrane Advocate June 1925
Edison Rebuked Cochrane Advocate August 1925
Edison Rebuked Cochrane Advocate August 1925

One night a week, I think it was Saturday, there would be the Oldtimers with old-time music, music by Cy Ebener and the Kid, Cy Hopkins, Ma Trainer, and others. When the old-time music was on, we used to take the earphones off the headset and put it in a pail or some other deep dish, and the sound would amplify so that the whole family could hear the music, otherwise just one person son could wear the headset. 

On a cold still winter night, around 10 to 11 p.m. when all was quiet, we could get a number of radio stations south in the United States, such as Del Rio, Texas, Denver, Colorado, Spokane, Washington, Los Angeles, and a host of others. 

Our next radio was a cabinet model with of course a speaker, but still run by the big B battery which would last about a year. This was a big stride as the outside world was brought in, especially the hockey games with Foster Hewitt and his “Hello Canada” and so on. 

Foster Hewitt
Foster Hewitt

Then on to the Second World War when Churchhill would speak and Roosevelt for the States. Families would gather around the Radio to hear the latest news from overseas. 

Into the 50s and television, our folks used to comment they never expected to see things happening, taking place miles away on a screen in front of them. Nowadays our younger ones just take this for granted. So much for progress. 

Cochrane Light Horse Association

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pg 192 More Big Hill Country 2009

The Cochrane Light Horse Association was formed in circa 1942 for the purpose of ‘promoting the light horse and activities with horses,’ in the Cochrane area. The origins can be traced back to the Mount Royal Ranch, located northwest of Cochrane, owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. D.P. McDonald. Neighbours were invited to picnics held at the Ranch as early as 1918, for a lunch always prepared by Mrs. McDonald. The popularity of the Mount Royal picnics grew rapidly; its development was further influenced by more settlers moving into the area. People would arrive at the Mount Royal picnics by horse and democrat and it was only natural, that activities involving horses be slated into the informal program of contests. This eventually developed into a full-blown gymkhana including events for the whole family. 

The word gymkhana has been defined as a display of athletics and equestrian events. Gymkhanas are performed by Western riding clubs today and it is still a competition of dexterity, quickness, and team work between horse and rider. Finesse and technique are important but what counts is your time when you cross the finish line. 

Some of the exciting events included: the barrel race, now referred to as the Stake Race; the Bending Race, now called Pole Bending; flat races such as the relay, the rancher’s race; and also fun events such as Musical Chairs, and even a Square Dance performed on horseback. 

Community involvement and an old fashioned good time for the family were two contributing ingredients to the Cochrane Light Horse Association’s overall success. The Gymkhanas and other activities were often the only entertainment available in the area. Three main events formed the group’s nucleus of activity: The annual Calgary Stampede Parade float, the Gymkhana, and the Cowboy Ball and banquet held at the end of the season.

Deep Dive

Restaurants and Cafes (Republished)

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Restaurants and Cafes narrated by Gordon Davies

We were recently asked about early businesses in Cochrane. Here is a blog from years ago describing some of our favourite child hood haunts.

Elite Café 

George A. Bevan built this building and ran a confectionery and fruit store. Jack Beynon took over the building, made it longer and started a restaurant, serving meals but also maintaining the confectionary. Jack’s wife Annie did the cooking. Jack left to join the war efforts in 1915. There is mention of a Cochrane Restaurant in 1918 operated by Charley Sing and in 1924 there was a Club Café. These may have been in the same building as Jack Beynon’s restaurant. The Braucht family came to Cochrane in 1925 and they were operating the Elite Café when the Fisher Block burned down and almost took the café with it. This family also mentions they had the Rose Café in Cochrane after 1930. In the 1930s the Kwongs ran the Elite Café and in 1946 it was purchased by Bill Sinclair. The Elite Café was a family affair advertising “the Biggest Ice Cream Cones in Town, Take-out Fried Chicken Dinners and Deluxe Hamburgers.” The building was then sold to Gordon Hinther and run as a Chinese Restaurant “Seven Stars”. In the late 1960’s R.E. Moore purchased the café and old butcher shop, demolished them and added an addition to his Modern Supermarket. 

Elite Cafe

White Café 

Stanley and Ruth Waters came from Calgary to Cochrane in 1920. They rented a business section in the Chester Block (Howard Block) and started the White Café. Ruth stated, “We were busy from the first day.” They also enjoyed the Cochrane Races and ran a refreshment booth there. 

Mrs. Allan’s Tea Room 

In 1924, Sam and Marion (Minnie) Allan took over the Tea Room and Confectionary from Ruth Webster that was located in the Cochrane Hotel and later they moved the Tea Room to a Building right next store and to the west of the Hotel. (presently the Hotel Parking Lot). They advertised “Lunches Put Up For Tourists”. They operated Mrs. Allan’s Tea Room until 1942 when they sold it to Enid Gammon. She sold the business to the McCurdy’s in 1949 who in turn sold it to the Steinmetz family in 1955. The Steinetz’s renamed Allan’s Tea Room, the “Chinook Café – Home of Fine Foods.” They also made the café larger when Mr. Brodie sold them his barbershop space that was in their half of the building. The Chinook Café was then run by Ellen Bryant in the late 1950s. 

Range Grill 

This café was located behind the Cochrane Hotel and the building is still standing. It was built by Eustace Bowhay and he sold it to the Sailors in 1945. Later Laura Kells purchased the business and ran the Coffee Bar. Yvonne (Blow) Callaway worked for Laura and in 1952 Yvonne’s mother Mabel Blow ran the business while renting the building. Laura returned to operate the business in 1958 and renamed it the Range Grill. It was a popular place for teenagers and Laura was a wonderful mentor to them. Then the Fraser family ran the café for a short while. Laura sold the business to Gus Graff in 1966, who in turn sold it in 1967 to the Veselic Family and the restaurant was renamed the “Ponderosa”. 

Cochrane Café 

“Charlie’s” Café was located on Main Street on the west side of the Kerfoot and Downs Hardware and in the 1960s – 1980s it was a very busy place. Charlie Quon and his family operated this café until the early 1980s. Their son Harvey graduated from Cochrane High School. Later it was sold and expanded to the west and is presently called Cochrane Café. 

 

 

Cochrane Cafe

Kissin Kuzzin’s 

When the Cochrane Valley Centre was built in the late 1970s a lovely restaurant called the Kissin Kuzzins was located on the top floor. It had a lovely view and Banquet Rooms. It was a different kind of restaurant for Cochrane and much enjoyed by all. It remained for quite a few years and then was sold and became the Pheasant Plucker Restaurant. In the 1990’s it was closed and the area became the Cochrane Fitness Business. 

The Home Quarter Restaurant 

In the former Foodmaster Store Joan and Clarence Longeway opened the Home Quarter Restaurant on 1st Street. It was a great asset to the dining experience in Cochrane. It welcomed families with children, the day time coffee clubs and the afternoon tea crowd as well as opening early in the morning and catching the breakfast crowd. In about 1991, Joan and Clarence renovated the Home Quarter and added a Fine Dining Area to their already very popular restaurant. Saturday night roast beef and their great homemade pies were a favourite. The Dining Room was also booked for many weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. This restaurant is now HQ Coffee Emporium. 

With the increase of people moving to Cochrane due to the Jumping Pound, Petro Fina gas Plants and Spray Lakes Sawmills, the town of Cochrane businesses expanded. The 4th Avenue Mall added a new Drug Store and Dry Cleaners among other needed businesses and the Cochrane Valley Shopping Centre held a new supermarket the IGA, a Dress Shop and many other permanent businesses so that much of the shopping in the Town and surrounding districts could be done in Cochrane. 

A1 Drive Inn 

The first Drive In to come to Cochrane, the A1 Drive-In was opened in 1968 by Irene and Bill Hawes. It was a great novelty for the high school kids to leave campus at noon and go down and get a hamburger for lunch or even stop in after school. Take out was a new thing for the residents of Cochrane and area and very popular. The Hawes’ operated the Drive-In for a short time before selling it to Joan Wong in the early 1970s. Joan is still operating in 2008 on 6th Avenue and the highway, across from the IGA. Today there are numerous places to get a fast-food fix. A&W, Dairy Queen, Tim Hortons and most Gas Stations have food to go. 

CHAPS 25th Anniversary Celebration

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Our 25th is coming up. Won’t you join us August 25th. Looks like fun for everyone.

 

Our History

Lydia Graham, then Mayor of Cochrane and Anne Richardson, an interested resident of the town, instigated the idea of establishing an historical association in Cochrane.  In July of 1999 a meeting was held at which time the name of the group, Cochrane Historical & Archival Preservation Society, was decided upon.  By the end of July, 1999 CHAPS received its corporate number making it an official Society. In August of 2007, CHAPS became an official charitable organization.

     The logo for the group was designed by John Thomson.  The logo depicts the corner of a building with a brick foundation and clapboard siding.  Brickyards played a very important role in the early history of the town and, initially, many of the buildings were small, wooden clapboard shacks.

CHAPS is preserving and restoring the first home that was built to be used as a hospital in Cochrane.  Built in 1909 by Thomas Davies for his family, the resident doctor at the time, Dr. Park, asked that part of the house be used as a nursing home.  Mrs. Davies, along with her daughter Annie Beynon, a nurse, operated the home until around 1915.
 
As of January 1, 2012, CHAPS gained ownership of this building.  The building has been relocated to the Cochrane Ranche Provincial Park.  It is set on a permanent sight, and is now the Cochrane Historical Museum.  We opened May 31, 2015. 

CHAPS’  MISSION STATEMENT

    To identify, preserve, protect, and educate the public about historically significant properties and buildings in Cochrane, Alberta

Frances Lavina (Fenton) Dionne

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pg 401 More Big Hill Country 2009

My Mom and Dad lived on Grandpa and Grandma Ferguson’s homestead. The homestead was nine miles east of Carstairs, Alberta. Dad was working in the Carstairs district, where my siblings and I would later be born. Grandma Ferguson was the midwife for my Mom, along with Dr. Williams. The doctor would come from Carstairs to assist my grandma with the births. By the time he got there the babies were already delivered and crying. Francis “Roy” was the first born on March 24, 1924. All members of the family said that Roy was a beautiful baby boy. Next, Tunis “Lynn” was born June 7, 1926. Then, along came me, born on March 1, 1929. They nicknamed me “Frankie” as that was also my grandma Ferguson’s nickname. Dad would never call me Frances, because he was very fond of my Grandma. The youngest baby of the family

was Gwendolyn “Joy”, born February 1, 1932. Mom and Dad lost a stillborn baby girl, whom they named Thelma in 1928. My Uncle Elmer, (my Mom’s brother) who was a carpenter, built the baby a little coffin, and my grandma lined it with satin. Thelma is buried at the Ferguson homestead under the big trees. 

Roy and Lynn started school at Tannybryn. They either rode to school on horseback or took a buggy driven by their cousins. It was about a two-and-a-half-mile trek. Mom and Dad moved to the Cochrane Lakes District, six miles north of the Town of Cochrane. My grandma Fenton (my Dad’s mother) and Uncle Orin lived just a short way from our new home. Their house is still standing; it is located just east of the biggest lake.

I started school at five years old, and attended the Cochrane Lakes School. Miss Jenny Anderson was my teacher. When my sister Joy started school, she also had Miss Anderson as her teacher. During those years at Cochrane Lakes, one of my favourite things to do during summer holidays was to stay with my Grandma Ferguson. Joy would go with me. When I was ten years old my Grandma passed away. I attended school at Cochrane Lakes until 1942 when the “powers to be” decided to close our beloved country school and bus us to the old brick school in Cochrane. Our first school bus driver was Mr. Gogo. On the first day of school the bus stopped at the correction line. All the older children had to push the bus to get it started again. This caused us to be late. It was not a good first impression to be late for our first day of classes with new teachers. Before the school year was out, we moved from Cochrane Lakes to Horse Creek, where Mom and Dad had bought the Hogarth place. After the move, Lynn would drive Joy and I in our old Model T truck to school in Cochrane. Roy had quit school to stay at home and work with Dad. Lynn finished school the next term, leaving Joy and I without a driver. Mom did not want me to quit school, so we both attended Horse Creek, originally called Chapelton School, just a half mile from our home. Our first teacher was Miss Peppard. She was an excellent teacher and had to ride about five miles from her home in the Weedon district to the school in Horse Creek. Joy and I did the janitorial work at the school. We were required to start the fire and warm up the school before Miss Peppard arrived. Boy, the winters were cold and she rode all that way! There was a barn for the teachers and students to stable their horses. The stable was well used as there were many that rode horses to school. 

 

In grade ten I attended school in Cochrane. Every morning I would ride my horse a mile to Jack “John” Perkin’s home where we would meet and ride the remaining three miles to the Weedon School to catch our bus to Cochrane. Our bus driver was Mr. Eddie Rowe. He liked his chewing tobacco and carried a spittoon on the bus, which he never seemed to hit. When winter came, the Dog Pound Road. now Highway 22, would be blocked with snowdrifts and the bus would have to veer through neighbouring fields. Eventually, the roads got so bad that the bus could no longer pick us up, and I was forced to quit school. I was disappointed that I had to quit because I wanted to become a nurse. 

Lynn and I stayed home and helped Mom on the farm with the cows, pigs, haying and daily chores, while Joy finished her grade nine at the Horse Creek School. Roy went with Dad to British Columbia where they worked on cattle ranches. 

Once I was finished with school I went to help various families with children, cooking, and cleaning. My first job was with the Weiss family in Irricana. I cared for their two children as the wife was waiting to give birth to the third. From this job, I went to Calgary to help my cousin, Lil Robinson, who had just given birth to a son, Allen. She was not well at the time, and eventually she developed Multiple Sclerosis. I remember teaching baby Allen to drink from a bottle. His Mom Lil taught me to knit diamond socks on four needles. After that Lynn was working for George and Mrs. Perrenoud. Lynn had me go with him to their place to help Mrs. Perrenoud cook for the men who worked on the farm. We traveled there with the team and rack. When I had finished working with the Perrenouds. I went to help Gilbert and Lucy Hallman at a small general store they had started just off the Horse Creek Road. The store was conveniently located a half mile north of my home. I then went to work for Jimmy and Chris MacKay in the Red and White Grocery Store on Main Street in Cochrane (which is now the location of MacKay’s Ice Cream). I enjoyed working for them until I married Alf Dionne on September 9, 1953. 

I met Alf when he was working for Chet Baldwin, and was an outrider for my Dad’s (Slim Fenton) chuckwagon team. He outrode for my Dad for eight years. After we were married we moved to Saskatchewan, where Alf worked on the rigs for Mobil Oil. We lived in a trailer, which at that time was located right on the oil lease. 

On June 10, 1954, our first child Mabel Lynn (Mabelyn) was born in Calgary, Alberta. I went back to Calgary and had her at the Holy Cross Hospital with Dr. Wilson. I stayed with my Aunt Anne McCool and Uncle Harve in West Calgary. Alf quit the rig and moved back to Alberta to work for Wilfred and Clarence Sibbald at the Jumping Pound. We lived in a small house at the Sibbald Ranch, while Mabelyn was a baby. We then moved into Cochrane so Alf could drive truck for Marlow Blatchford. We rented a house belonging to George and Herman Kinch. That house would be home to Margaret Gayle, our second child. She was born on September 27, 1956. Gladstone Alfred was also born while living there on November 18, 1957. We then moved down to the old Rattray place, which was owned by Bill and Louis Copithorne. The house was located south of the river near the old bridge. My mother Mabel Fenton passed away from cancer on April 23, 1960, at the age of 63. She was very sadly missed by all. We lived at the Rattray place for five years, then bought our first home in 1965 on William Street and Centre Avenue in Cochrane. That is where our fourth child Shirley Joy was born. Her birthday was December 16, 1967, at the new Foothills Hospital. Dr. McQuitty delivered her.

We sold our first home and moved to our present home in 1977. That same year, we lost our dear baby sister Joy Elliott to a heart attack at the age of fifty-four. She left behind her husband Kenneth Elliott, son Kenneth Roy born November 24, 1951, Rocky Lane born January 24, 1954, and Hector Marlow born August 5, 1955. Joy’s death was unexpected and a tragedy to those who loved her dearly. 

Since we have lived in our new home we have traveled a bit. We have been to Hawaii, Yuma, Arizona, and Mazatlan Mexico. We went to Alaska in 1992, to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Alaskan Highway. My daughters and I have also vacationed in Cuba together. Alf and I have enjoyed numerous fishing trips to Toquart Bay off Vancouver Island.

I made my home and raised my kids in Cochrane. I helped look after my good friend Alice Blatchford, and my three Aunts, Mildred Thompson, Gertie Culling, and Anne McCool, while they were living at the Cochrane Bethany Care Centre. I also worked for 19 years as a Matron for the Cochrane RCMP Detachment. When Alf was released from the hospital in November of 2004 after his wagon accident, I quit my Matron job so I could care for him at home. Dr. Foster and the excellent nurses from Home Care located at the Cochrane Health Centre came to our home and helped me get Alf back on his feet. 

I have enjoyed numerous hobbies. I belong to the Cochrane Art Club. I have participated in and sold my art in various shows in Cochrane. I belong to the Cochrane Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. My grandchildren also want me to say that I am well known for my garden, flowers, and baking,

Deep Dive

Joseph Alfred (Alf) Dionne

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Page 399 Big Hill Country 2009

I was born August 23, 1924, in Pincher Creek, Alberta to Joseph Frederick Dionne and Marguerite Dionne (Cyr). My father, Joseph Frederick was born February 15, 1896, in the Flathead area of North Dakota. He passed away on November 22, 1973, in Vancouver, British Columbia. My mother, Marguerite Dionne, was born June 1, 1900, in Pincher Creek, Alberta. She passed away in May 1976 in Parksville, British Columbia. My parents were married in Pincher Creek, Alberta on October 23, 1921. Their eldest son, Tedual (Ted) was born August 2, 1922, in Pincher Creek and passed away February 24, 1999 in Nanaimo, British Columbia. My sister, Louise, was born November 25, 1926, in Quesnel, British Columbia. My youngest sibling, Henry, was born April 17, 1929, in Lundbreck, Alberta and passed away on January 17, 1996 at his residence in Cochrane, Alberta. 

My grandparents on my Dad’s side were Joseph (Joe) Reme Dionne, born February 14, 1866 in St. Norbert, Manitoba and Rosalie St. Armant, born August 8, 1868 at St. Boniface, Manitoba. Joe and Rosalie were married June 1883 at the Turtle Mountain area of North Dakota, U.S.A. Granddad passed away in the winter of 1935 in Cowley, Alberta. I remember how cold it was when I helped Dad dig the grave. Grandma passed away in the summer of 1935 at Cowley, Alberta. 

The first school I attended was Heath Creek, Porcupine Hills. I had to ride a horse to school. My first teacher was Winifred Porter. I learned to ride quite young therefore I rode and drove horses all my life, whenever I got the chance. I worked on Granddad’s sawmill and ranches in the area for a while. 

In 1942 I joined the Canadian Army at Sidney, British Columbia. I was in the army for a short time and then went back to Heath Creek. I got a job at Burns Ranches at the Waldren. The foreman was Alf Cody. After I left Burns, I went to work at the A7, one of the Cross Ranches. Casey Casselman was the foreman. My Dad and Casey were together in WWI, members of the Spokane Rifles of the U.S. Army. Casey was the foreman at the Bar C Ranch north of Cochrane for a while. 

While at the A7, I put my application into the Alberta Forest Service. I was accepted and was stationed at Jumping Pound in the spring of 1943. I have lived in the Cochrane area ever since. 

I left the forestry in the late fall, as an opportunity arose to work for Frank Copithorne at the XC Ranch, also located in Jumping Pound. I fed the cattle on the ranch with horses and hayrack all that winter. In the spring, I calved out the cows and did the rest of the work around the farm on a Model D John Deere tractor. 

In 1945, I went to work for Chet Baldwin on a hay crew. We hayed for Clem Gardner, Sibbalds and Jack Buckley. I also helped Chet and Velma Baldwin move their two children to Horse Creek, Alberta in the fall of 1945. We moved about forty head of cows and calves across the Ghost Dam. One calf was crowded through the railing, but luckily it was on the top side which allowed Chet to rope him and saved him from plunging into the Old Ghost. With no housing on Baldwin’s new property in Horse Creek, I had to live in a tent all winter along with Chet and Velma, their two children, and Chet’s Dad, Frank. It was a very cold winter. In the early spring, Chet bought the old Horse Creek School house from across the road and we moved it over with horses and fixed it up to be their home. We had to cross a creek with the horses pulling the school; it was quite an undertaking. We then cleaned out the old well on the land and put a new cribbing in it. This provided Baldwin’s with an excellent water source. 

At this time, Slim Fenton started practicing with his horses to use on a chuckwagon. Slim asked Chet and I to help him. We were outriders for Slim for several years, participating in the Calgary Stampede, and different rodeos throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan. 

Most years, I would hay in the summer with Chet. But, in July 1951, the crops in our area were hailed out. As a result, Chet and I got a job at Shell. At that time. they had just started building the gas plant on the Jumping Pound. Next, I went to the oil rigs and worked for the Lofton Brothers. We drilled gas wells for Shell in the Cochrane and Jumping Pound area. 

On September 9, 1953, I married Slim’s eldest daughter Frances Fenton. We were married in Calgary at Knox United Church. Reverend Rex Brown was the Minister. Some twenty five years before, Reverend Brown had married Frances’ parents. We subsequently had two girls Mabel Lynn and Gayle, then a boy Gladstone, and finally our last daughter, Joy.

For a few years, I worked for Chet in the summers, and on the rigs in the winter. After that, I went to Griffin’s where I helped build roads with Caterpillars in the summer and made seismic graph lines in the winter. Afterward, I was employed by the MD of Rocky View for two years operating heavy equipment. We also built roads. The Shell plant was still under construction, so I went back to work for Leonard “Shorty” Kinch. After a year, I was hired permanently at the Shell plant. I continued to work there for 23 years. My last position at the plant was safety man.  

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I used to take my holidays with Chet Baldwin and Clarence and Wilfred Sibbald. We would go elk hunting in the Elbow River area. We had many fruitful and cold trips with our packhorses and tents. 

I retired from Shell in 1980 and went to work for Alberta Parks in Bragg Creek for eight years. I fondly remember maintaining and driving vehicles and buses for the Alberta Transportation Department in Canmore during the 1988 Winter Olympics. I retired from Alberta Parks in 1990 and took an adventure up north to be a Big Game Guide for different outfitters. I guided in the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, and Alberta. I would hunt in the fall, and then go on covered wagon trips or packhorses in the summertime. I took many trips to the mountains with Mac MacKenzie. I was also Pack Sergeant with the Sam Steele Scouts during this time. With the Scouts, I took many treks to Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Montana. I led a very active life driving and riding horses. 

In April 2004, I was on a trip to the Hot Springs in Fairmont, British Columbia. I went to visit a friend, George McLean. We went for a ride in his Democrat wagon. He was driving a newly broke team of horses. The tongue on the wagon broke and the horses spooked and ran away. I was thrown from the wagon hitting the hard rutty ground. George ran a mile and a half to get me help. Stars Air Ambulance picked me up at the hospital 

in Invermere, British Columbia, and flew me to Foothills Hospital in Calgary. My wife Frances followed by car expecting the worst. My family tells me that I am lucky to be alive after such a severe accident. My accident was on Friday, April 29th and the doctors did not think I would make it through the weekend. I guess they haven’t met many tough old cowboys! After seven and a half months, in which I had three operations and a long stay in rehab, I was ready to come home. I came home to find out that a staph infection I contracted at the hospital had moved into my bones and that required that I have my entire hip bone removed. After the operation, I got to go home. I was left without a hip replacement for the doctors feared the infection would return and I would lose my whole leg. It has been quite a challenge for me, but I am able to get around on arm crutches and a walker. I am also able to drive my van, which allows me to visit my friends at the local coffee shop. In spite of my disability, I try to maintain a very active life by visiting my friends and repairing harnesses and hunting equipment in my leather shop. 

Deep Dive

Buffalo slaughter left Indians in dire straits

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Pg 13 A Peep into the Past Short Stories by Gordon and Bell Hall Vol II

After the last of the buffalo were slaughtered on the plains, the Indians (sic) were in dire straits for meat and hides – their main sustenance. In 1880 Chief Bullshead (sic) with his band descended upon the little outpost of Calgary. The natives were starving and had come to the village from Blackfoot Crossing to demand what they believed to be their rights. They argued that the white man not only had killed all the buffalo but had taken their country as well and left them to starve on their reservations. About 400 strong, they pitched camp in front of the I.G. Baker Trading Store and threatened to burn the place down if the food was not produced immediately. 

In the treaty of 1877, the Sarcees were granted land at the west end of the Blackfoot nation, they got along like cat and dog, due to the fact that they hated one another. Having notified the mounted police of their intention to quit their reserve in October 1880, they proceeded to strike camp and headed for the Little Fort on the Bow. Inspector Cropier of the mounted police in charge at Macleod, offered to feed them during the winter, explaining that there were no cattle available at Calgary. Bullshead responded that the Elbow district was their hunting ground and that they must have a reserve in that district to be happy. At the time of the Indians arriving in Calgary there were only two policemen occupying the fort, two traders, G.C. King, manager of the I.G. Baker store and Angus Fraser, manager of the Hudson’s Bay Co. Three ranchers lived in the district. John Glen on the Fish Creek, Sam Livingstone, and Mr. Votier up the Elbow. 

The Sarcees took advantage of the traders, they shot off their guns in the stores and threatened to burn down the buildings. G.C. King loaded on his wagon two sacks of flour to appease the Indians, but Bullshead took his knife and cut the sacks, letting the flour run on the ground. Of course, he was right as how could two sacks of flour appease the appetites of 400 Indians who were accustomed to eating 10 pounds of buffalo meat per day, per man. A messenger was sent to Fort Macleod police headquarters. No time was lost in sending relief and a Capt. Denny with a sergeant, eight men and two wagons loaded with supplies made the trip back in two days. The natives still declined to go to Fort Macleod for the winter and after three days of parleying, Capt. Denny decided to put on a bold front. Denny told Bullshead that if his tents were not down at a certain time they would be pulled down. The order was not obeyed, so Denny with 13 men, who with loaded rifles, commenced pulling down tents. The natives swarmed out like bees but when confronted by armed police, proceeded to leave. 

During the winter of 1880 and 1881, they were fed at Fort Macleod. They got their reserve on the Elbow in 1883. By this date, the Cochrane Ranche had a large herd of cattle at Cochrane and supplied the reserve with beef through a government contract. 

Deep Dive

The Draft Horse Industry in Cochrane

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page 37 Big Hill Country 1977

As soon as a Cochrane area homesteader filed his claim, he needed workhorses. In some parts of the West, oxen and mules were the forerunners of the horse, but few were used in the Big Hill country. Heavy horses were in great demand; in almost all of a farmer’s work, his horses were his essential helpers and partners. 

In many localities in the West, the quality and breeding of work horses did not matter too much, as long as they could do the job expected of them. However, at Cochrane, farmers and ranchers took a pride in the pedigree and quality of their horses. This tradition may have been due to the fact that several of the area’s early ranchers were able to afford imported foundation stock. Some of their progeny was sold to other local horse breeders, and Cochrane became well known to dealers throughout Canada for the quality of its horses, and hundreds were shipped out. The popular breeds were Clydesdale and Shire; later on, Percherons and Belgians were also raised. 

The first pedigreed draft horses were brought to Cochrane in the 1880s by Senator Cochrane. A number of other early ranchers either imported breeding stock from Britain or purchased them from other parts of Canada during the era “when the horse was king.” Several Cochrane breeders showed successfully at provincial and dominion fairs and brought home an impressive collection of awards. R. W. Cowan, D. P. McDonald, Charles Perrenoud, R. J. McNamee, Cook Brothers, Donald McEachen, Andy Garson, Frank Brown, Stuart Walker, Earl Paterson, Walter Thome, Frank Postlethwaite and Frank Tindal were among those breeders through the years whose fine stallions and mares helped to maintain the quality of horses in the Cochrane area. 

Until the tractor caused the downfall of the heavy horse industry, many farmers kept pedigreed stallions. Some owners “traveled” their stallions around the district to service farmers’ mares for a fee. To own a stallion was a mark of prestige; perhaps the proud bearing of these beautiful animals helped to give their owners pride of possession. They were a familiar sight as they pranced along, from farm to farm, led by a rider. 

As tractors became more efficient and more plentiful, the demand for workhorses gradually decreased; the shortage of manpower during and after the Second World War hastened farm mechanization until few farmers even owned a team of horses by the 1950s. 

Deep Dive

Pleasant Memories

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By Anna Robertson pg 689 Big Hill Country 1977

My dad, James Robertson, crossed the Atlantic several times in charge of groups of immigrants to Western Canada. Later he took up ranching. In 1898 he purchased a ranch west of Airdrie from Andy (Shorty) Smith and later, from 1901 to 1906, added many fine grazing sections. This ranch was always called the “Smith place.” Dad also grazed sheep and horses on his Bow View Ranch, west of Cochrane. 

Dad passed away on March 21, 1917, after a brief illness. Mom carried on with the difficult task of running the ranches. Mom was Vice- President of the Southern Alberta Pioneers and Old-Timer’s Association at the time of her death in a tragic bus accident at High River in 1933. 

Unfortunately, I remember very little of my father. He died when I was quite small, having contracted pneumonia after attending an auction sale. I do remember a few precious things about him that keep his memory close to my heart. Once, my parents left the four of us youngsters for a few days in the care of close neighbors, the Harringtons, while they went by team and democrat to Cochrane to attend a funeral. I was absolutely heartbroken at the separation and spent almost all the time under the stairs, crying my eyes out. I’ll never forget the joyous reunion that occurred on their return. I ran pellmell down the road on my fat little legs to meet them. 

I remember Daddy returning in the cutter from a trip to Crossfield in the winter. Excite- ment knew no bounds when he came into the warm kitchen where we sat around the friendly old coal stove. The older girls landed in his arms while all I could do was hug his knees and feel the lovely softness of his huge coonskin coat, then look up and see the frost on his eyebrows and the icicles on his moustache. 

One day I was allowed to go with him in the buggy while he looked over the cattle and dropped off blocks of salt. I was delighted and felt so important sitting up there beside him on the seat, as we children were usually relegated to the floor of the buggy at the feet of the driver. I asked him if the cattle belonged to him. 

“No,” he said, “They belong to us.’ 

Music was always present in our home. My father had a beautiful singing voice. Each member of the family contributed something, playing a musical instrument, singing or dancing. 

I was forever asking Daddy when I would be allowed to ride a horse all by myself. One day he measured me on the side of the barn and then put a distinct mark several inches higher up. 

“When you’re as tall as that mark, then you may have your own pony.” How I stretched and waited for the day. 

Scotty and Doug McDonald and Angus Perry were cousins of mine who worked for us. Ernie Archibald was our first foreman and Jock Herron often looked after our south ranch until my brother Angus moved there. Deaf Scotty looked after the sheep at Bow View. 

Mother started a library at Abernethy School and was often on the school board. She was an avid reader. She expected us to know as much about the classics and world events as she. She had a deep appreciation of the theatre, and we were fortunate in being taken to all the best shows that came to Calgary. 

From time to time we had a Chinese cook; Charlie was my favorite. He was rather difficult to understand, but he cooked sumptuous meals. One day my sister and I noticed him packing a huge box of food. We asked him why he was doing this and he replied, “Oh, I send this to Beljim.” The Belgians were starving at that time and all were encouraged to send them food parcels. We thought it wonderful of Charlie  until we learned later that it was for Jim Ballentyne at the Smith place. Charlie was using the Chinese custom of reversing names! 

I loved the early morning roundups on the ranch at branding time, the Crossfield Sports Day on July 1st, and the Dog Pound Picnic. Mom usually accompanied us to the dances at Crossfield. With moonlight sleigh rides, and skating parties and hockey on our lake in McPherson Coulee, the winters slipped by with fun for all. These are some of my memories of “Home on the Range.”

Deep Dive

Does our Social media reach people?

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This is the sixth year of re-publishing historical articles on our blog. Every year before the AGM we ask ourselves if we’re reaching people and why.

We find that our most popular articles remind people of their family and growing up. The best example of that is a post on the Cochrane Cafe which as of this writing has been shared 196 times. That doesn’t count shares from already shared posts. Every few months someone reads the old post and shares it. Then we find it being shared and re-shared all over again.

Our goal is also to inform people who recently arrived of the history of this very interesting part of Alberta. I always say it’s better than television.

I firmly believe our social media channels complement our favorite small museum, the Cochrane Historical Museum on the Cochrane Ranche site. There’s nothing like seeing the actual objects and having one of our Guides tell you about the history.

You’ll find links to the articles I mention in the Deep Dive section below.

Cochrane Cafe

The most visited website blog has been about the Graham Pharmacy. As of this writing, it’s been read 883 times.

The Pharmacy was the place to visit because of Alice and Bob’s friendliness and because it contained so many interesting objects.  When I went there with my mom I was always enthralled by Bob’s loud yet friendly voice, the smells, and the sights of the inventory. I always thought you could find anything there.

Grahams Pharmacy. Alice and Bob

Our YouTube Channel has some wonderful videos in the 100 Stories for 100 Years series. As well, the MD of Bighorns, Oral History project has been well received. Both offer some personal perspectives of Cochrane and areas history.

We’ve got a couple of Jade Lewis and companies recreation of a couple of historic events. They are quite wonderful.

One of my favorite videos is from the original Hooves of History 1990 sponsored by the Canadian Rodeo Historical Association and the Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation as a fundraising event for the Western Heritage Centre. The video is a moving tribute to our Western traditions, Pioneers, and the spirit that still exists.

Would you like to get involved?

We have a role for every interest and time committment.
Email us

Deep Dive

CHAPS YouTube Channel

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Have you seen CHAPS YouTube Channel? We have over 60 videos.

Here is a preview of some of the most viewed.

Cochrane had one of the few shot towers in Western Canada. View the video, Get the Lead out by Ron Baker.

Get the Lead out

Hamish Kerfoot tells about his families harrowing experiences

Lucky to be here

Ivan Davies talks about Dewey Blaney and growing up in Cochrane.

Skippin Sugar Cookies

Heather, Rhona and Robyn explain how Cochrane’s iconic ice cream store evolved after the passing of their father.

The Easy Way

Vernice Wearmouth talks about the Tower Ranch, Brushy Ridge fire, and ranching in early Cochrane area.

Blue Sky Memories

Bonus videos

Jade Lewis and company retell the story of the Cochrane Ranche.

Cochrane Ranche History

Jade Lewis and company retell the story of a visit by Royalty.

A Rainy Royal Visit

History of the Cochrane Library

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Introduction

The mission of CHAPS is to identify, preserve, protect, and educate the public about historically significant properties and buildings in Cochrane, Alberta. The focus of this history is of the founding and early years of the library and is not meant to be a complete history.

Institutions like the Library are particularly valuable since they were founded by volunteers with little support from any level of government. Four women visualized and implemented the first Cochrane Library. Vola McPherson, Nan Boothby, Amy Callaway and Grace Oldfield who saw the need for the hamlet of Cochrane to have a Library and took the steps to obtain books, space and staff to provide that service to residents. Over time many people volunteered and continued to grow the Library supporting the needs of the community.

We should not lose the memory or the spirit of these visionary pioneers.

Background

The Cochrane Home and School Association on October 3rd, 1950 decided to sponsor a library in Cochrane. Vola McPherson was the first librarian and retired in 1952. Nan Boothby took over. “She felt that Cochrane needed a library and she focussed on getting kids involved with books,” says Brenda Hughes, a librarian in 2000. “Her thing was to get Kids to become life-long readers.”  

The Cochrane Home and School Association on October 3rd, 1950 decided to sponsor a library in Cochrane. Vola McPherson was the first librarian and retired in 1952. Nan Boothby took over. “She felt that Cochrane needed a library and she focussed on getting kids involved with books,” says Brenda Hughes, a librarian in 2000. “Her thing was to get Kids to become life-long readers.”

The following is a quote from a History of the Library by E. B. Boothby, one of Nan Boothby’s sons. 

“Education in Cochrane was furnished by the Cochrane school district.. Following the depression years and World War 2, cash and collection of taxes was a tough role and books and educational references expensive. The school authority had difficulty in collecting enough money to pay the teachers, janitor and keep the building warm. 

A Home and School Association was formed. Mrs. MacPherson served a period as president as did Nan Boothby.. There was not a book for reading or reference in the school or a test tube in the science room for use by the students. The association and the student parents decided that something should move forward to improve the situation. For books, a community drive could take place for book donations and shelves to stock a library in the school. The community drive for book donations began. 

At the same period, roads in the area had improved. The adjoining school district wanted to close the Horse Creek, Bearpaw, Glendale schools and build a new school. Discussions took place to merge the Cochrane school district with them and have the new school in the town of Cochrane. Ratepayers of the Cochrane school district approved the merger. On the new school term, there were now bookshelves stocked with books supplied by the school district, leaving no action required by the home and school association. 

Many of the student parents, including Nan Boothby and Mrs. MacPherson, decided that a community facility stocked with reading and reference material and located in a public environment would be nice for the student body and a wonderful place for adults to obtain fresh titles to borrow and return. 

The town of Cochrane had recently purchased a privately owned recreational building that had been used as a town hall. The upstairs was rented for dances and public events. An unused room existed in the basement. The town authorized the use of this room for a library but advised that not a cent of public funding was available to improve the facility or finance any library function. 

Now funding had to be put in place. Nan Boothby, Mrs. Wallace, Mrs. Callaway thought that funding could be put in place to modernize the room and build shelving by providing snacks at baseball games and light catering undertakings. The group would be called w.w.w. in short for willing, working, women. They would be joined by other volunteers in the community.. The room was quickly sanitized, and funding starting to fund modernization of the room. Mrs. Ed Davies would visit Nan Boothby and they would spend hours repairing books donated by the community. These old editions could now be moved to the new location and the doors opened. Discussion took place as to a name, but no decision was made and the doors opened without a sign and was known as the “library“. an organization name was structured to enable banking and required usage. “

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Locations

Library entrance was on North Side

The library has been in several locations. The first was in a broom closet in the basement of the Community Hall.   The second location, also in the basement of the old Community Hall in a room that formerly was used to store coal.  

In 1975, the third location became the basement of the town hall which was warmer but not much bigger.   Then a move to a much larger location in the former St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The library was renamed the Nan Boothby Memorial in honour of the women that worked hand in hand to build the library in its first 12 years.  

Odd things were reported at that location. The site was a former cemetery. Human remains were later found by the University of Calgary and moved to the cemetery.    

The current location is on Railway Street.

Growth

Again from E.B. Boothby

“Use of the facility gradually grew, and would be influenced by five factors: 

First: The government of Alberta introduced a matching grant to libraries which now meant that an increased flow of new reading an reference material could be obtained. 

Second: Local service groups began providing cash donations which enabled funding for new editions. 

Third: The town would improve the fire equipment and convert the town office to a fire hall. This meant that the nicely furnished library would be needed for the office of the town secretary. The library could move to the empty coal room if desired, but there would be no financial support to renovate the room. The library volunteers and Nan Boothby understood well that the location took a lot of work to renovate but the location had an outside north entrance.. With some lights installed and renovation, the balance of the community building could be sealed off, and the doors of the library opened for evening use. Students and youth could now come and research. Adults could now pick up reading material at this alternate time. I was always highly impressed with the spirit of Mrs. Beatty, Mrs. Lathwell, Mrs. Callaway and others who joined Nan Boothby in this new location. Only a single teenager would come on many evenings. The ladies knew in their hearts that this person was now occupied in a positive manner and would go forward and take his or her place in society in a positive manner. The time was well spent. 

Fourth: An election was called in Canada. At Cochrane, John Boothby, Nan‘s husband, was called upon to assist Carl Nickle in his campaign for election to Parliament. Carl was owner and editor of the Nickel Oil bulletin. On the afternoon prior to the public meeting, John would take Mr. Nickle to the library. I long remember the astonishment of Mr. Nickle when he viewed the library and discovered that it was operated by volunteers and without public funding. Mr. Nickle was aware of the Alberta matching grants for libraries.. A couple of months later, the library received a letter. The donation allowed the library to go shopping for new editions and apply to the province for the maximum grant. 

Fifth: There are those in the community who have much,, many with some and those with little. There are those in their teens who have much energy, many with some and those with interest not held by the majority. There are adults with sound minds, active minds and those who need to keep their mind active with an activity that is of interest and available. None will be drawn to a library because of the name, but will come to a service whatever the name and will tell their friends when the atmosphere at the facility is most positive. 

Nan Boothby died in 1962. 

The Cochrane Art Club began about the same time as the library. One of their members painted a likeness of Nan Boothby and presented it to the library to honour Nan Boothby. Nan was actually the first librarian. 

In due time, the town would construct a new building. This would now contain the library. The library portion was named the Nan Boothby Memorial Library. The name carried forward when the next new building was constructed.” 

Carl Nickle was a politician from 1951 – 1957 

I believe Nan was actually the second Librarian after Vola MacPherson.

In 1980 the library became a municipal library.  

Fee’s in 1950 were set at $1.00 per year for adults. Children attending school $.50 and if not attending school $1.00.   

The newsletter Nan Boothby Memorial Library History and Development (Appendix) contains a listing of the first Library Board and library staff from 1950 through the 35th anniversary in 1985. 

Stories from the early Years

Gordon Davies recalls that his mother and Nan Boothby used to travel to Calgary by bus to obtain books.  Books were often in need of repair so covers were replaced and the books put into circulation.

There have been many long-serving volunteers since the library’s inception including Emily Lathwell (33 Years), Margaret Beattie (32 years), Catherine Hansen (25 years) and Dorothy Steves (21 years). Some of their service dates back to the mid-’50s.

The Hansen family moved to Cochrane in the early 1950s. Linda Steeves (Hansen) and Fay Lewis (Hansen) shared their memories of the impact of the Library. 

“The Cochrane Library was located in the basement of the Community Hall and became an important part of our first summer in Cochrane. I, (Linda) would go to the Library at 2 pm (opening time) and take the two books I was allowed to borrow home. 

I would read the books, have supper and go back to the Library in the evening to get 2 more books. These books had to last until the next opening of the Library!.

The hours of the library at this time were:

Monday 2 PM – 5 PM, 7 PM – 9 PM

Wednesday 2 PM – 5 PM, 7 PM – 9 PM

Saturday 2 PM – 5 PM, 7 PM – 9 PM

All of us used the Library for recreational reading and research for school projects.

Our mother, Catherine Hansen became an active member of the Library Board.

Catherine’s family is proud of their mother’s commitment to the library and the commitment to community work she had. “ 

Final Thoughts

“Gordon Davies, a CHAPS member who remembers visiting Nan and her library in the basement as a kid said volunteers are the cornerstone to many services in town and their efforts shouldn’t be forgotten once it’s taken over municipally.

It’s a shame that people who are recent residents of Cochrane don’t understand (the history). I think that’s too bad because I think that part of Cochrane is really important. I think there are other organizations and groups that will face the same thing.” Davies said.”  Cochrane Today article by Amy Tucker Jan 10, 2019

Golf had an early beginning

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page 53 A Peep into the Past Vol. 1 Gordon and Belle Hall

In the middle 1920s Cochrane had a nine-hole golf course. It was situated where the subdivision of Cochrane Heights is now. The golf course had sand and greens and the first green on the first hole was situated where the Cochrane High School sits. The land at the time was owned by the late Andrew Garson. Golf was played each summer for about four years when it was abandoned. Caddies for golfers made about 50 cents a round and wooden-shafted clubs were used. 

For years afterward, this land was known as the golf course and in later years was fenced and used as a cattle pasture. The McConachies owned it for a time, but the land was eventually sold to the town. 

There was an early tennis court in the village, it was located where Dave Whittle had his upholstery shop. The court was made of crushed red brick and had a high fence around it. The younger fry had a skating rink north of the lane behind Downs Hardware. It was hard to haul water to make ice; however, this rink didn’t last long and a new rink was built where Andrew Sibbald stands. The school well was used for water for ice making. the caretaker of this rink was Bert Sibbald. Bert’s word was law, with very little fooling around. This rink was used for a good number of years, up until the new school was built. 

In the late 1920s, the kids of the town used to skate on the Big Hill Creek and down onto the Bow River, which in those days before the Ghost Dam was built, used to freeze quite smooth. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Clark lived close to the river and their house was always a haven to thaw out in and get some hot chocolate. 

February of these years was what was called Dog Days. Farmers coming to town with a team nearly always had a dog with them. Seems the farmers went home without the dog, who stayed in the village. Some smart cookie used to set out poison and it got so bad people were scared to go out at night. There were mad dogs running up and down the streets and in the morning there would be about 15 or 20 dead dogs around the village. If we were out skating on the creek, Walter Crowe would come to meet us, get us to walk behind him, then he would march us up the street. Walter had a big Colt 45 six gun in his hand to protect us from poisoned dogs. Several people were blamed for the poisonings, but when one of the local merchants poisoned himself, the episode of dog poisoning came to an end. 

Deep Dive

James Holme comments on the Cochrane Ranche 1883

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Trip West in 1883 in AB History, spring 2000, Vol48, #2. Pg 14& 15

An article suggested by Lynn Ferguson, our Museum Coordinator.

A railway surveyor James Holme travelled west in 1883 to check on the progress of building the railway and his excerpts are recounted in “Trip West in 1883” in AB History, spring 2000, Vol48, #2. Pg 14& 15 are about his arrival at Cochrane Ranche.

Deep Dive

Allan and Helen Elliott Family

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by Danny Elliott page 437 More Big Hill Country 2009

My name is Danny and I am the Senior Son so I am going to write our story. It’s “Danny”, not Dan or Daniel. It’s Danny because that is the name my Mom gave me. 

We are Cochrane people. Corporal Allan Glen Elliott (everyone knows him as Curly Elliott so from now on it is Curly) and his young family arrived in Cochrane on August 30th, 1960. Curly had been transferred to Cochrane from Fort Vermilion, Alberta, to be the COP (Chief of Police) and we are rather proud of that. 

We lived in the old and original “Police Detachment”. It was a small, square, white house built in the early 1900’s. It was a big move for us from Fort Vermilion. We had like a ‘toilet’, not an outhouse, and a bathtub, and an electric stove (not wood burning). The house was small. It held both the “Police Detachment” with a cell for the prisoners as well as our living quarters, but we were in the Big Town now. 

Curly was the COP. There was also a young single Constable and Moses Ear. That was it for Police in the Cochrane area. I have to tell you about Moses Ear. Moses was a Stoney Indian from Morley. He was the last official “Indian Scout” that was RCMP employed. Jerry Potts was the first. Jerry worked with Colonel McLeod on the great March West of the NWMP in 1874. Moses was the last scout and he worked with Curly. He guided, interpreted, helped out and was a good friend to us. He should be recognized and remembered in a book like this.

 

 Cochrane was a lot smaller when we moved to town, no houses up on the hill, no shopping center. Everyone knew everyone and word soon spread that there was a new COP in town. It just happened but here is the story. A lot of the local Ranchers used to come to town every Tuesday or Thursday or whenever it was to have cof- fee and conversation. One of them was coming in on the IA Highway when he saw the new COP. Curly had spotted a big coyote running full tilt across the field. He stopped the police car right on the road, cracked out his handy 30-06 rifle, leaned over a fence post and shot him flat. Didn’t even twitch. I asked Dad later how he did it and he said, “Well, about three feet high and about 6 feet in front of him”. The fact that he could never do it again in about a hundred tries is a story that won’t be told. Anyway, within about an hour the story was out. “There’s a new Mountie in Town and it is going to be Law and Order from now on ’cause that new RCMP guy can really shoot”. 

We’re Anglicans. I was just born that way. I never had a choice, but I learned to like Catholics in Cochrane. You see our house was built about where the Fire Station is now. The Roman Catholic Church was right beside it. One of the first stories I heard when we moved in was that a truck lost its brakes coming down the big hill and ended up in our bathroom. I always thought it was highly considerate of those Catholics to build their new church there. 

There are two other stories I should tell you. The old Fire Hall (now in Heritage Park) was right beside our house. It was not used too often and was a great “fort”. My brothers and I played in there all the time, catching birds and jumping on the old Fire Truck. One day we found a box of “Secret Buried Treasure” right under the truck. It was a case of dynamite that had turned into nitroglycerine. That was cool for us but a big deal for Curly. 

Cochrane Fire Hall Heritage Park

We also had a “Bomb Shelter”. The Government thought the Russians might Nuke us in the 1960’s. And of course, Cochrane, being what they thought was a primary target in Canada, had a Bomb Shelter at the Police Detachment. It was a big culvert buried in our back yard, another totally cool fort. 

One of the best parts of growing up in Cochrane was being able to walk to any and all of our activities. We knew everyone in town. Cubs and Scouts had a high priority in Cochrane. The campouts were great. I proudly became a Queen’s Scout. The swimming pool was our summer highlight. We were in Competitive Swimming and won a few medals. In winter we played Hockey. We competed with teams around Cochrane, which included Canmore, and leaving home at 6 a.m. became a regular routine. 

Curly, or Corporal Elliott, organized the first School Patrol in the Cochrane schools when I was in Grade One. I remember being chosen to represent the Cochrane School Patrol in the Calgary Stampede Parade when I was in Grade Six. That was a long walk. 

And now about us later on. Curly was in charge of the Cochrane Detachment from 1960 until 1967. While in charge of Highway Patrol in Calgary he initiated the Aircraft Speed Control. That led to Dad and I buying a Taylorcraft airplane, CF-DOC Elliott. His last posting was in charge of Security at the Calgary International Airport. He then went to work for the Royal Bank as a Private Investigator for fifteen years. He built a house on Mara Lake in British Columbia, caught a lot of fish and today lives happily in Calgary. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge in Cochrane, belongs to many other Lodges and was Provincial Grand Master of the Royal Order of Scotland. Mum, Helen Louise Atkins, now Elliott is a highly educated teacher, artist, mother and grandmother. She was an original member of the Cochrane Art Club. She retired as the principal of Acadia School in Calgary. 

I, Danny Charles, was born in 1954 in Grande Prairie, Alberta. David Allan was also born there in 1956 and my other brother Robert Lee was born in 1959 in Fort Vermilion. Dave has worked for Shell throughout his career and is now with Shell International and lives in Holland. Lee is with Revenue Canada. He loves history and is involved in Medieval Reenactment. He organized the Canadians who fought at the 940th Anniversary of the Battle of Hastings in England on

 

October 14th, 2006. The Canadians were one of the twenty countries that participated in this historic event I now work as a Crown Prosecutor. I’ve prosecuted more people than anyone else in the history of Alberta I could tell you about the day the Judge drove his Cadillac through the Courthouse wall or the day I had nine prisoners escape all at once. Then there are all the fish we caught and all our hunting adventures. But those are stories not to be included here.

Deep Dive

Brooker Family

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by Ian Brooker Page 313 More Big Hill Country 2009

Just after the war in March 1947, our family emigrated from England. My father had arrived six months earlier and bought 160 acres SW of Condor, Alberta. Mother was left to bring over whatever personal effects she could and two kids, myself age six and my sister Glenda age nine months. We came on a converted troop ship five days on the sea and seven days by train across Canada. 

Times were tough for everyone in our district. The land was either rocky or muskeg and required a lot of work to make it farmable. Dad had little farming experience and we arrived with no money, so buying tractors and equipment was out of the question. My parents bought a rogue team of horses and some old horse drawn equipment and attempted to make a living. We raised a few pigs and hand milked six to eight cows from which we shipped cream. That is we tried to ship cream as often the road was impassible and the truck from Red Deer could not get within a mile of our place. 

I attended a one room, 18 kids grades 1-8, school locat- ed about 1 1/2 miles away. No school buses, so mostly the kids walked. There was a barn at the school, so some kids rode horses. I often walked 3/4 miles then doubled with a friend on his horse to school the rest of the way. 

Mother had four more kids by the time I left school, and we were pretty destitute. As we lived on the farm we didn’t go hungry, but we sure didn’t have much. The winters were very cold, and our old house was not much more than a shack. No power or indoor plumbing. Mom and Dad finally threw up their hands after about eight years and moved to Calgary, where Dad went to work at the Post Office and Mom at the Colonel Belcher Hospital. 

I left school after grade 9, and worked various jobs including cowboying at various ranches, oil patch work and whatever I could get.

approx. Cochrane Foodmaster Location

In 1964 I met Diane (she was a farm girl from Lyalta) and we married and had two children, Ivan and Kathy. I apprenticed as a meatcutter and worked for Safeway, ending up as meat department manager in Banff, but the rural life kept pulling, so in 1970 we bought 253 acres at Dog Pound. A couple of years later we bought the old Wigmore Ranch at Boggy Lake and about 100 head of cows and some machinery. 

No sooner had we gone into debt to purchase our land, etc. than the price of cattle and grain nose dived. We had lots of debt but I could see the potential of the ranch so we purchased about 20 horses and gear and borrowed a few more and started a trail riding business which we called Silver Valley Ranch. 

Business was brisk, and so with farming, trail riding, cutting logs, post and poles, plus even Christmas trees, we did just fine. Occasionally in the winter I helped out as a meatcutter at M&K Foodmaster in Cochrane. After a few years, M&K was put up for sale and we decided to buy it and sell the farm and ranch. 

We operated the store, which we now called Cochrane Foodmaster, and business improved. Our sales doubled as we started supplying oil camps and doing most of the custom meat cutting for local farmers and hunters. In 1983 I was elected Mayor of Cochrane, my first and only stint in politics. 

In 1985 we sold the store to Mr Frank Krause of Red Deer. 

Our daughter Kathy is a Legal Assistant for MacLeod Dixon in Calgary and has been with the firm for nine years. Our son Ivan married Christa Stehr in 1985. They have three great kids: Tyler, Jessica, and Mikayla, all living in Cochrane. In about 1986 Ivan and Christa purchased and ran Big Hill Meats & Deli for four years. 

Ivan was elected to Cochrane Town Council for the term 2000 to 2003. He and Tyler have a couple of franchised distribution routes, supplying bakery products to stores and restaurants in the Calgary, Canmore and Banff areas. Jessica is planning to continue her education to become a psychiatrist and presently works at Mark’s Work Wearhouse. Mikayla is in grade 7. 

After selling Cochrane Foodmaster, I moved to Christina Lake where I met Faye Gustafson. We opened the 50’s theme ‘Great Canadian Ice Creamery’ in 1996 and have operated it as a summer only business for the last 11 years, so were able to travel in the winters. It has become quite a well known shop and we have had some great write ups in travel magazines. We have recently sold this business and Faye is able to go back to her first passion, which is doing western art (fayegustafson.com) and I am going fishing! 

Winters Last Fling by Faye Gustafson

Deep Dive

Pioneer Days in Morley (Mini Thni)

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By Annie Niddrie Page 81 Big Hill Country 1977

I, Annie Niddrie of Edmonton, am the only surviving child of William and Hannah Niddrie who came to Morley in 1890. Prior to this time, they lived in Winnipeg for seven years. Three sons were born while they lived there: Willie, born November 3, 1885; John, born October 2, 1887; and Fred, born March 27, 1890. Two daughters were born in Morley: I, Annie, born February 18, 1892; and Fanny, born February 18, 1894. 

At Morley, my parents decided to start a cattle ranch. They bought a quarter section of land from Andrew Sibbald for $700.00. The land was partly improved. I think it was fenced and had a three-roomed hewn log house on it. 

Andrew Sibbald rates among the truly great pioneers of the West. He was the first teacher in the territory of Alberta, long before it became a Province. Although Mr. Sibbald had lost part of one hand in his youth, he and my uncle, John Niddrie, became famed axemen and could build a log structure with dovetailed corners, probably better than anyone in the area. 

My father’s place joined the Stoney Indian Reserve on one side. Mr. and Mrs. Sam Fletcher and their son Arthur, who neighbored with my parents in Winnipeg, came to Morley in 1889 and had a cattle ranch three miles away. The Potts and Warnocks also played a noble part in pioneering at Morley. Reverend George McDougall was the first missionary to settle at Morley and his son John followed in his footsteps. 

There were Indians (sic) everywhere. They all rode horseback. Often the mother rode in the center and had a child in front of her and one at the back. After giving birth, a mother often named a new baby after the first object she saw such as: Mark Poucette, Johnny Powderface, David Bigstoney, Johnny Two Young Man and Walking Buffalo. 

There were no modern conveniences. The washing had to be done on a washboard. There were no bathtubs or indoor bathrooms. The mothers usually sewed all the children’s clothes, dad’s shirts, and knit all the stockings and mitts by hand. Everybody burned wood in the stoves. The wood had to be cut with an axe or sawed by hand. The water had to be pumped from the well and carried to the house in pails and heated on top of the stove for washing and scrubbing. 

Times were hard. There wasn’t any income except for the sale of a few fat steers in the fall, which sold on foot for three or four cents a pound. It took a large animal to sell for thirty-three or thirty-four dollars. 

Tuberculosis had never been heard of in Canada until the white people came to live among the Indians (sic), and then it spread like wildfire. The Indians (sic) called it: “The White Man’s Plague.” It was many years before “Sans” were built and this dreaded disease came under control. 

We had several dry years in the Morley area so my parents decided a change must be made. Feed for the cattle couldn’t be had and the cattle were bellowing for water. It all had to be pumped from the well for them as the river was several miles away. The McDougalls had a large herd of cattle on the north side of the Big Red Deer River. My dad also moved his cattle there but took a squatter’s claim seven miles away from McDougall’s ranch. 

My parents sold their ranch in Morley for six hundred dollars to Mr. Graham in 1894. Every cent had to be traded out at Graham’s store. Not one cent of cash was given out. Hundreds of dollars’ worth of work had been put on the place. 

Three Morley families moved to the Big Red Deer area: Lucius Coleman, Arthur Fletcher and William Niddrie. Mr. Coleman, a Justice of the Peace and graduate of Victoria University at Cobourg, Ontario, was a gentleman in every sense of the word. 

At our new location, there was hay and water everywhere and the cattle thrived. We milked cows and raised chickens and had milk and butter for our use. 

My uncle, John Niddrie, came to Morley in 1889. The Reverend John McDougall invited him to come and start work among the Indians (sic). He helped on the ranch and also with the Church work. He taught the Indian (sic) day school for four years and supervised the Indian (sic) orphanage for seven years then taught day school again. He preached the gospel and was a real blessing to

Morley. My grandmother, Jane Niddrie, had lived with John, her son, for some time and died in 1894, just eight days before Margaret Fletcher passed away. They were buried side by side in the Morley graveyard. 

Later, John Niddrie received his ordination in Winnipeg. After twenty years in Morley, he was transferred by the Methodist Church to Oxford House, Manitoba. He spent five years there and was then moved to Island Lake. He spent another five years there and again moved to Berens River, which is one hundred and fifty miles north of Winnipeg. He remained there for twenty years. He mastered three Indian languages and was known all over the North. He had helped to raise seventeen Indian (sic) boys. His picture hangs among those of other pioneers in the McDougall Church at Morley. His work was finished when he passed away at Berens River, May 4, 1940, at the age of 76, after preaching the gospel for forty-eight years. 

Deep Dive

Irvine and Isabella Brodie and Family

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by Ida Edge Page 200 Big Hill Country 1977

Dad, son of William and Ida Brodie (Seyler) of Waterloo, Ontario, was born in 1886. He came to Cochrane in 1906 to work with his cousin, Dave Alexander, in the Cochrane Hotel. Dave was managing the hotel at that time. 

Mother, Isabella Tweedly, daughter of Margaret and John Tweedly, came over to Canada from Rothesay, Scotland, in 1909. She was seventeen years of age when she came to visit her sister, Jessie Lowill, whose husband worked at the Glenbow Quarry as a stonemason. 

Mother got a job working in a restaurant in Cochrane, operated by Mrs. Jack Beynon Sr. While working there she met Dad and they were married in 1910 in the Macleod house, now owned by Mrs. Dave Murray Sr. There were two girls in our family, myself and Thora. 

When World War I broke out, Dad enlisted with the 137th Battalion and went Overseas in 1915.

Irvine Brodie WW1 Veteran

 Mother took Thora and me and moved into Calgary to be near her sister while Dad was away. After the war was over we came back to Cochrane and Dad established himself in a barbershop and poolhall business. 

Dad was a very active young man in sports of all kinds, especially hockey and baseball. When he got older and couldn’t play, he refereed most of the games played in Cochrane. Dad was a very fun-loving person and helped organize a drama club and later the Cochrane Minstrels. They were a great success and traveled to different towns putting on shows. I was lucky, for one season I had a part in a little skit with my dad, and did I ever enjoy traveling with them! 

Times were hard back then; we kept a few chickens and there was always a big garden. Dad worked from 9 a.m. until 1 a.m. nearly every day. A shave was twenty-five cents and a haircut was fifty cents. Dance nights were always busy with men coming in from the country for haircuts, prior to going to the dances. 

Thora and I both attended school in Cochrane and we both worked at the Telephone Office, operated at that time by Ernie Crowe. 

I married Ollie Edge on November 4, 1936, in my parents’ home in Cochrane and moved to Ollie’s ranch in the Brushy Ridge area, where we made our home. We have two daughters, Myrna and Gail. Myrna married Bob Lathwell and they have two sons and one daughter. Gail married George Lauder, and they have one son and one daughter. 

Thora married Dick Shantz July 7, 1941. Dick has retired from Calgary Power and they reside in Calgary. They had two sons Harvey and Richard. Harvey lost his life at the age of three, while they were living in Seebe. Richard is with the Edmonton Police Force. 

Dad retired in 1943 due to ill health and passed away in July 1945. Mother was active in her church and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Canadian Legion. She loved tea parties, finding great enjoyment in reading tea cups. Mother passed away in September 1968, after a lengthy illness.

My husband passed away in 1965, and I now make my home in Cochrane.

Ida Brodie Cochrane Advocate July 12 1923

CHAPS recently had early articles of the Cochrane Advocate digitized. They are proving to be useful research tools.

The Advocate contained articles about local activities, much as social media does today.

Deep Dive

Vote for Cochrane Arena at Kraft Hockeyville

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Cochrane Arena, built in 1974 could use some upgrades. Cochrane has been nominated as one of the top 4 rinks in Canada in the Kraft Hockeyville competition.

Voting starts at 9:00 AM ET on March 29 and runs until the %:00 PM ET March 30th. The top prize is $250,00.00 for arena upgrades and the chance to host an NHL game.

Show your support by voting for Cochrane.

Cochrane arena under construction 1974 supplied by Pat Woods
Front of Cochrane arena Credit Nicole Henson
Aerial Cochrane Arena from SW Credit Nicole Henson
Aerial from north Cochrane Arena Credit Nicole Henson
West side Cochrane Arena Credit Nicole Henson

Thanks to Nicole Henson, of Nicole Henson Realty, CIR Realty for providing the most current photos of the Arena. Date unknown but the arena is currently a different colour.

Vote for Cochrane

It would be thrilling to host the NHL game and to upgrade the 50 year old arena.
Vote here

Deep Dive

Five years ago today, Big Hill Springs Flooded

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At today’s AGM, Larry Want recalled that 5 years ago this very date and time the Museum was heavily damaged by spring flooding.

Here is the story of the flood and our recovery.

This past year has been a challenge with 2 floods of the Cochrane Ranche. The Museum is put back together but we’re still working on restoring or replacing some of our exhibits. Here is a slide show that shows our progress.

 

Deep Dive

Mary and Jane McQuitty

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Page 600 More Big Hill Country 2009

Mary McQuitty 

In a rainstorm in 1965, we arrived in Cochrane, having driven from Montreal, George to open a medical practice in Cochrane, with Jane, our daughter, and our dog. My first memory is of crossing the wooden bridge over the Bow and getting a first glimpse of Cochrane, a small village then, unpaved, which gave rise to the effect of a Chinook on our first or second night. George had gone to Calgary to collect some luggage. Late in the evening, a Chinook blew in. I had no idea what was happening, dust blowing with the odd bits of paper, etc. past the window. Jane and I huddled in a dark corner away from glass, wondering if I would see my husband, who should be on his way home and was perhaps blown off the road. He arrived safe and sound, the wind had abated and when we asked how he had survived he said, “It was only a strong wind”, he was on a paved road! 

Until his death, Cochrane was always special to George. He loved going to the old office twice weekly after it became apparent permanent residence was not possible because of the distance from the hospital. 

So many people were so helpful in those early days and the many kindnesses we won’t forget. 

One project that was important to George from the very early days was the need for a lodge so that elderly people were not sent off to Calgary, away from their families. Clarence Copithorne, then MLA for the area,

was instrumental in helping him achieve that project; the other was to have a resident doctor in Cochrane, which he was able to do when his practice became a satellite teaching unit of the University of Calgary. Nurses were provided and medical services grew. 

I have watched Cochrane grow into the large town it is today, and I am sure it will retain a great deal of its character through the many changes.

Jane McQuitty 

I had just turned seven when we moved from England to Canada, and remember arriving in Cochrane as the culmination of a most amazing family adventure. We had spent a week crossing the Atlantic on a huge ship called The Empress of Canada. It created a very favorable impression on a little girl, with stunning morning buffets of amazing dishes like stewed raisins, masquerade parties for children, the thrill of being reunited with a favorite toy that I believed had had to be abandoned in Birmingham, whales, and then the first sight of a forested island, I think it was Anticosti. There was the thrill of discovering Quebec City, a taxi ride during which my father spoke in French and English to the taxi driver all the way to Montreal (there was a train strike on), a few days in a hotel of an elegance I’d never seen before, while we waited to be reunited with our luggage. Next, the arrival of a huge station wagon, now ours, and the start of another cramped in like a sardine with the luggage, seven days drive west. West! The place I could only hope would actually be very like ‘Bonanza!’ and where I had been assured by the lady at Customs, I would find real live cowboys and Indians. Thrills of the drive were many, including the sequential blowing of all four tires on the station wagon, being

able to tell my parents that they were looking at a chipmunk (my T.V. watching in Birmingham had not been a complete waste of time, it had made me much smarter than I’d realized), hunting for mysterious things called ‘pollywogs’, which turned out to be tadpoles, with friends instantly made at a Thousand Islands picnic site and some stunning, bone-rattling prairie thunderstorms. I immediately liked Cochrane. It was really in the country and we were camping. It appeared that all three of us, Mum, Dad, and Patch, the dog, were going to be spending quite some time living on top of each other in the downstairs room at the back of Dad’s Main Street office. In spite of the terrifying Chinook my mother remembers, I remember the first weeks of July 1965 as hot and sunny and blue-skied everyday, perfect weather to be outside. Miraculously, something about the move from Birmingham to Cochrane had changed all the rules so that, for the first time in my life, I could wander in and out and find my way to the playground without anxious adult supervision. And, to my delight, the Customs lady had been serious, not just talking down to a child, there actually were real live cowboys and Indians. The first morning I woke up in Cochrane, I went outside to find an elderly lady with long braids, a blue cardigan, a print skirt, moccasins, and wrappings around her legs sitting on our doorstep drinking an Orange Crush, and there, walking by, was a real live cowboy with a Stetson hat, a press button shirt, and cowboy boots. 

People and children my age were kind and welcoming but I soon noticed, especially out of the stratosphere of my parents, that I wasn’t quite right; I talked funny and dressed funny. Getting out of pastel cotton dresses and Clarks, and into blue jeans, Keds, and my very own press button shirt from R.E. Moore’s was thanks to the largesse of my Dad. He couldn’t help me with the funny talk though, and I didn’t have the effrontery to suggest that maybe he and Mum should be doing something about their own stick-out-like-a-sore thumb funny talk, so I decided to work out a solution for myself. In the next few days, I put a lot of effort into copying the speech of two friendly girls from a trailer park in Ontario. In no time I was flawless at it. I was very sad when the camping ended and we had to leave for Calgary.

Deep Dive

Mrs Chester and Mrs Sid Chester Grand Valley 1895

Sid Chester

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Pg 210 Big Hill Country 1977

SIDNEY D. (SID) CHESTER 

Born in London, England, in 1873, Sid Chester came to Vancouver at the age of 16 years. He met and married Tina Campbell while he lived in Vancouver. About 1895 he came to Cochrane and took out a homestead, the NW 14 30-26-4-5, in Grand Valley. After residing there for a few years he purchased land northeast of Cochrane, where he farmed for awhile. This land is now owned by Gordon Callaway. 

Sid and his wife adopted two boys. One boy, Wallace R., passed away in 1913; the other boy lost his life in World War I. 

Sid and his wife moved into Cochrane around 1913, where Sid purchased the Howard Block and set up a store business. The block became known as the Chester Block. There was a dance hall upstairs, where many a good time was had by the young folk of a few years back.

Sid operated a lumber yard in Cochrane for a number of years. He was also in the real estate business. At one time he owned several houses in Cochrane. 

Mrs. Chester passed away in 1953, and Sid passed away in 1960.

Sid’s homestead is now owned by P. and M. Cary.

Mrs Chester and Mrs Sid Chester Grand Valley 1895
Mislabeled photo of Sid Chester

Deep Dive

2024 Museum Summer Hours

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Plan on joining us at Cochrane’s favourite little Museum this summer:

  • Learn about the equine influence on the development of Cochrane. See our miniature display of the famous Cochrane Race Track. People used to come by train and plane to take in Race Week. Red Pollard and Johnny Longden made appearances as jockeys.
  • Take a look at the historic and current photos of Cochrane locations.
  • See how one of Cochrane’s first hospitals looked.
Crowd in front of building at Racetrack
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