From the Archives of Western Newspapers

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

By Samantha Johnson
For Southern Alberta Newspapers

May 9, 1890 – The Times (Moose Jaw)

The best way to cook an egg is to place it in a saucepan of boiling water and then at once take it off the fire and place it on the hearth. Depending on the amount of water used, the egg will be cooked from between five to seven minutes. The egg will be evenly cooked and much more pleasing to the palette than one cooked in the ordinary way as the boiling point is much too high for the gradual and proper cooking of an egg.

We are told the English physique is deteriorating due to the decline of agriculture combined with the unhealthier conditions of manufacturing life. One writer recommends, for not only the upper and middle classes, but labourers as well, gymnastics exercises to strengthen the body. Statistics show that muscular additions on those training to be military gymnastics instructors produced some embarrassing results. In less than four months, some men were unable to get into their jackets and tunics without assistance and eventually not at all, having to wear their great coats to the gymnasium until new clothing could be procured.

A movement is afoot among the clerks who work in the stores of Moose Jaw to try and induce the merchants to close one hour earlier during the summer months. This does not seem unreasonable, as long as all merchants agree and stick to it. These young men would benefit from some recreation and outside exercise after being shut up in the shop all day.

May 12, 1905 – Portage la Prairie Weekly

The eastern express 38 on the Pennsylvania railroad ran into a freight train in South Harrisburg. Two cars on the freight train were carrying dynamite resulting in three explosions following impact. Both trains were piled in a mass of wreckage and immediately took fire. Definite figures are not available, but it is estimated 50 are dead with at least 100 injured.

A week ago, a young resident of this town was travelling from Winnipeg to Portage but was asleep when the train passed through here. He awoke about four miles out of town and, running out on the steps, took a flying leap from the moving train. He cleared the wheels, but when he landed his head struck a tie or some other object and he sustained a severe concussion to the brain. He revived somewhat in hospital, and it was thought he would be okay. However, he relapsed yesterday and succumbed to his injuries late last night.

The proprietor of the Padrone cigar factory in Portage la Prairie was in Winnipeg on business yesterday. The factory, which was lately destroyed by fire, is to be refitted.

May 15, 1915 – The Review (Courtenay, BC)

In England, a spaniel was trapped on a ledge 300 feet high on the face of the eastern Dover cliffs. A coastguard was lowered down the cliff by rope to rescue the animal.

The daughter of the vice-governor of one of the provinces in China has offered her hand along with a dowry of $5,000 as first prize in a lottery organized by her in aid of the famine sufferers.

In Cumberland, the provincial police made a good haul last week. Several residents were fined $5 each for not having the number plates on their autos exchanged by last December. James Webster appeared on two charges, one for speeding and another for operating an auto while under the influence of alcohol. He only received nominal fines as it was the first case of this kind to come up in the district. Mike Hennessy was given the option of a $10 fine or 30 days for hurling disgusting epithets at the police.