From the Archives of Western Newspapers

Posted on September 4, 2025 by Ryan Dahlman

By Samantha Johnson
For Southern Alberta Newspapers

September 7, 1883 – The Calgary Herald

This week two of our young merchants, who sleep in the store, were aroused by what they thought were burglars. They hastily arose and dressed and sallied forth armed to the teeth with rifles and six-shooters. Imagine their relief when they found two innocent hogs quietly taking stock of the wares. The great wonder is there was not a shortage of fresh pork the next day.

At Newport’s camp, labourers were engaged in excavating under an overhanging bank when it collapsed. One man received a broken leg and another, who went by the name Jerry, received severe injuries that resulted in death on Sunday. Jerry refused to give his full name and nobody knows where he is from. He had no papers on him but did have $80 in cash along with a silver watch and chain.

The island of Java has lately been the scene of one of the most terrible earthquakes ever recorded with thousands of people losing their lives. On Sunday, the 26th, the shocks seemed to reach their height, but then late in the afternoon the violence increased and the entire island seemed to be buried in a mass of fire and sulphurous ashes. (Note: This was not an earthquake but due to explosions from the Krakatoa volcano).  

September 3, 1907 – The Daily
Edmonton Bulletin

Two years ago last Sunday, on September 1, 1905, Alberta became a self-governing province and, with her sister Saskatchewan, completed the chain of the Canadian federation from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

M. Francis, the French aeronaut who assisted Walter Wellman in the construction of his balloon for the Wellman-Chicago Record-Herald Arctic expedition, was interviewed at Bergo Harbour. Francis stated he was invited to take part in the expedition but declined as he doubted the safety of Mr. Wellman’s plans.

The Quebec Bridge collapsed at the end of the workday on August 29 and the president of the company has been at the site of the wreck for the past two days with two men from the Dominion Government who have been assigned to investigate the incident. Parent stated it is believed the accident was caused by the superstructure of the bridge as the masonry was in perfect condition. It is believed the 61 workers still missing are presumed to be caught under the wreckage 200 feet below the surface of the river.

September 2, 1910 – The Bassano News

Mdme. Blanche Marchesi, who has won innumerable hearts with her singing, recently gave a concert at St. Joseph’s School in London. Father Matthew assisted the singers to the stage, along with Mdme Marchesi. She appeared to intimate to the Father Matthew he should retire, but he didn’t understand for the moment. Impulsively, she took him by the shoulder and conducted him to the stairs and, to uproarious laughter, kissed him on the cheek in recompense for escorting him offstage.

Workmen at Leigh in Lancashire were repairing a water pipe in the yard behind the house of a miner when they discovered a petroleum spring about two feet below the surface. The news spread and hundreds visited the spot and were supplied with cheap petroleum, which was clear and burned well. More than a hundred gallons were distributed before the landowner showed up and took possession.

A few weeks ago a boat was found deeply embedded into the mud of the foreshore during the excavations near Westminster Bridge. It has been discovered to be a rare specimen of a Roman boat of the kind in use about the middle of the third century and is about 50 feet long with a 16-foot beam. Within the boat were found several pieces of Roman pottery, iron nails, glass gaming buttons and coins. The boat will be put on exhibition at one of the London museums.