From the Archives of Western Newspapers

By Samantha Johnson
For Southern Alberta Newspapers

July 24, 1891 – The Times (Moose Jaw)

In world news: heavy floods in Melbourne, Australia. An unsuccessful assassination attempt was made on President Garnot in France. The Michigan forest fires have been checked by long-awaited rains. The Grenadier Guards, who were sent to Bermuda as punishment for insubordination, are to return to London.

It might be thought that with Sir John MacDonald now resting in his grave, the Toronto Globe would, out of common decency, cease its attack on his character. However, it continues its malicious insinuations unabated.

We have read of the struggles and privations of scientists who have spent their own money, along with that of their friends and family, to invent a contrivance for causing rain. To us the thing is a marvel of simplicity, merely get up a picnic and on the day appointed, you can be sure the contract made of old with Noah has expired.

July 31, 1908 – The Coleman Miner

The Winnipeg Free Press reported the Ottawa government has a surplus of over $19 million for the year while the Winnipeg Telegram states there is a deficit of $16 million. Who is to be believed?

Dr. Betchel, who came to Alberta from Massachusetts, was admitted into the medical profession in Alberta and attempted to get a practice in many different towns. He is known, not favourably, from Lundbreck to Fernie. When he found he could not get a contract in the mining camps legitimately, he tried other, illegal, means. His trial was held at Blairmore on Thursday and his name has now been struck from the list of physicians and surgeons.

A local resident’s young son had a bad day when he fell from his chair and broke his collarbone. Dr. Johnson of Lundbreck rendered the necessary aid but when going home, the boy fell and cut a gash in his forehead, which Dr. Johnson then sewed up.

July 30, 1910 – The Strathmore and Bow Valley Standard

The town of Banff had a narrow escape from a serious fire. About 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, smoke was seen rising from the trees near the hot springs where a careless person had dropped a match or cigarette. A high wind increased the fire rapidly and it looked as though it would take all of Sulphur Mountain. The fire was turned just in time to keep it from the cave and basin road and after several hours was brought under control.

A new bakery and confectionary store will soon open in Strathmore. Martin and Evans have had numerous difficulties in the erection and preparation of the business, owing to lack of labour and building materials.

Liquid light is to be the next invention and people will pace it home in cans much the same as beer is now transported. If somebody would only invent a priceless meal ticket, the joy of the world would be nearly complete.