From the Archives of Western Newspapers

By Samantha Johnson

Commentator/Courier

Wednesday, April 04, 1883 – The Prince Albert Times

Such a piteous spectacle of humiliating exhibition has never before been witnessed in Prince Albert than that by Dr. Porter last Saturday night. Even his followers were disgusted by his conduct. It is only charitable to assume that his excitement was due to something stronger than that usually found in a glass jar. For an honourable opponent, some pity might have been felt. However, for one whose platform was a tirade of abuse and vilification, no sympathy was felt. 

There were some inaccuracies in the hurried obituary notice for the late William Oliver published in last week’s issue. Oliver died suddenly at his stables and Sgt Brandon of the Mounted Police Force has supplied a statement. Oliver’s body was found on a Saturday night and was removed from the stables to his residence. Police and Dr. Porter were called out on Sunday. Upon examination of Oliver, Dr. Porter determined he’d died from heart disease. The funeral took place last Wednesday and was largely attended by Freemasons and other prominent residents of the settlement. 

Tuesday, April 06, 1909 – Western Globe (Lacombe)

Four thousand Alberta coal miners went on strike last week. 

Swindler Potter, whose arrest we chronicled last week, was brought to Lacombe from Vancouver on Thursday. Currently, he is confined in the police barracks in Edmonton and his trial will begin in a few days. 

Oxford has won the great annual boat race on Saturday in Putney, England. They beat out Cambridge by three and a half boat lengths. 

Sensational developments are being heard regarding the Stettler cattle stealing cases. The police are now after a prominent citizen who is said to be the ringleader of the gang, five of which are now behind bars. 

A vote was taken in the House to supply $3.5 million for the upkeep of the Northwest Mounted Police. The force is now 700 strong, with 400 officers in Alberta and Saskatchewan, 100 in the Yukon, and 100 in the unorganized territories. 

Tuesday, April 04, 1911 – The Edmonton Capital

1200 new settlers are leaving today from Montreal, Toronto, Montana Wisconsin, to come to Alberta. This influx is due to the tireless work of the provincial publicity bureau and is the culmination of months of organization. The excursions from Montreal, Toronto and Wisconsin are all headed for the Edmonton area. Those coming from Montana will be settling in Southern Alberta.  

Government gangs will get to work tomorrow on installing a telephone line from Edmonton to Calgary and then onto Lethbridge. 60 men divided into four groups will be employed for the next two months getting the line installed. Presently, the calls connect through all the sub-stations along the way and the delays and interruptions have been the cause of numerous complaints. 

Ladies’ hats have always been a source of annoyance with the postal authorities due to the large, yet fragile, boxes they come in. The size and number of them being shipped make it difficult to stow them with proper care. The Dresden Post Office has been called upon to handle an increasing number of these packages and their postal secretary has devised a solution. A van covered in brown sailcloth is now being used exclusively for the collection and delivery of hats. 

Get More Bow Island Commentator →