From the Archives of Western Newspapers

By Samantha Johnson
For Southern Alberta Newspapers

April 9, 1884 – The Calgary Weekly Herald

The first four-wheeled vehicle in this town is under construction.

On Friday, a prairie chicken flew down Stephen Avenue, looking (as no doubt I felt) considerably amazed at the change which has taken place since last fall.

It has just been discovered by the CPR that the new freight shed was built in a hollow. Consequently, they have concluded to remove it 100 yards east to a location more convenient for the public.

On Friday, a gentleman and two ladies were crossing the Elbow River when they broke through the ice and were fully immersed. Luckily, assistance was at hand. The bridge over the river will be completed this week and was only further delayed by a lack of available lumber. It will make crossing the Elbow much safer and prevent those attempting it from having an involuntary bath.

April 7, 1910 – The Blairmore Enterprise and Frank Vindicator

Work at the Frank mines was tied up last Friday due to a mass meeting. Miners from all camps within a radius of 10 miles attended with all making a fixed and unanimous decision that the propositions of the company were unacceptable. The first clause to lower wages was of particular concern and the workers are making demands for an increase due to climbing prices of all commodities.

Over 12,000 settlers have arrived in Canada this week alone. Special trains from Halifax and St. John, 17 in all, arrived in Montreal on Friday and Saturday last carrying 6,000 passengers. This is the biggest week of immigration Canada has seen in many years.

There have been so many cases of reported inventions that proved to be very different from actual inventions that it will not do to accept Saturday’s dispatch news regarding a pocket wireless telegraph apparatus exhibited in Munich. That such a device has been made or will be made in the not-so-distant future is highly probable. The wireless has played a great part in the accomplishment of the impossible and who can doubt a means will be found to make one of a convenient size and portable character.

April 9, 1914 – The Bassano Mail

A local restaurant and adjoining laundry were reduced to ashes on Saturday morning. Many residents were awakened from their slumber when the alarm was given about 3:15 a.m. It is presumed the fire started in the laundry and the building was already engulfed before it was noticed. While both buildings were insured, a large amount of paper money was also lost in the blaze.

The waiting room in the CPR depot would make one think it was a lodging house. Travellers on the late trains say those taking refuge there overnight are packed in like sardines.

Owing to the wanton waste of water, the town has found it necessary to install water meters in all places connected last fall. It is hoped this will have the desired result of making users more economical.