From the Archives of Western Newspapers

Posted on May 7, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

By Samantha Johnson
For Southern Alberta Newspapers

May 6, 1882 – Edmonton Bulletin

A number of Edmonton people are thinking of going to settle at the Bow River Trail crossing of the Red Deer River and starting a townsite. It is a good point and beautifully situated, just within sight of the mountains.

Walter’s ferry scow began running on Wednesday afternoon. The cable is a vast improvement on the old style. It is, however, rather too high above the water for the scow to run easily.

There is considerable sickness just now at Whitefish Lake, principally whooping cough. Five children died in one week.

Matters at Calgary are not very stirring as the place has not grown for the past three to four years. There are about 20 police stationed at the fort.

May 7, 1909 – The Raymond Rustler

At the town council meeting all present heartily approved of the Day Light Bill that is under consideration in Ottawa and the secretary was instructed to inform M.Y. McLean, the father of the bill of our endorsement.

An enterprising English journalist recently wrote an interesting, if not instructive, article on King Edward’s clothes and what became of them after service. In the article, the journalist stated the King never wore a pair of gloves more than once. While this is true of white evening gloves, Lord Knollys, the King’s trusted friend and constant companion, described, in a moment of candor, the story as being ridiculous.

The prolonged inquest into the death of Ethel Kinrade in Hamilton, ON was brought to a close on Tuesday last with the verdict being Miss Kinrade died of shots from a person or persons unknown. Attorney-General Foy has announced the investigation will continue. Thus far, the case has cost the Crown $9,000 and the delay in naming any particular person is due to the unreliability of evidence.

May 5, 1910 – The Bowden News

When times are bad and many people find it difficult to obtain work, we expect to hear something regarding the tyranny of capitalism and the sufferings of the toilers. But surely Mr. Matthews and his followers have embarked on an entirely new and utterly untenable course of action when they complain about an epidemic of prosperity because times are good and many are obtaining profitable employment. When trade is bad and work is scarce, they complain. When times are good and people are happy, they also complain.

Another large contracting firm of graders arrived from Edmonton this week and are working on the line immediately north of Trochu. The outfit contains 150 head of mules and about 40 head of horses. Other contracting firms are expected to arrive in the district over the next few weeks.

A young homesteader met with an accident while trying to catch the freight train last Monday. He fell and one foot was taken off at the ankle. He is doing well and is under the care of a doctor. He is recently from North Dakota and had located some land, so was in a hurry to get to Calgary to file.