From the Archives of Western Newspapers

By Samantha Johnson
For Southern Alberta Newspapers

August 17, 1892 – The Saskatchewan Times

The passage made through the curling rink by the latest windstorm gives the building an ancient appearance. Mr. Knox contents himself by saying, “tis an ill wind that blows nobody luck.” It is to the contrary, since he has a load of lumber on his lot.

The harvest has commenced and grain is ready for harvesting in all directions. This will be the earliest harvest to be experienced in this country. The grain will be good although the crop might not be as heavy as in previous years.

The scene of the House of Commons in London during the evening’s final debate and decisive vote has not been equalled for excitement since the house rule debate in 1886. Every inch of available space on the floor was occupied and some members had to find seats in the gallery, although this elevated position did not prevent them from speaking. Every English member was present and total absences was thirteen. The visitors who crowded the outside galleries were well repaid for their attendance by witnessing one of the peaceful revolutions by which England overthrows one set of rulers and sets up another.

August 21, 1908 – Coleman Miner

Saturday last was payday and was the largest amount of money paid out in the history of Coleman. We are pleased to report the town was very quiet and orderly and not one man was put in the jug for drunkenness.

Considerable dissatisfaction has been caused in the district by a real estate man not giving title to the lots he is selling. The money has been paid by purchasers and he has promised time and again to hand over the transfer of property to no avail. It looks like legal action will soon be taken.

The Fernie Ledger indicates that much new is happening there since the big fire and Fernie will be rebuilt almost as rapidly as she burned. The present structures are only temporary but will give way to buildings of brick, stone or cement in about ten months time. All eleven hotels destroyed in the fire are working on new structures and are currently in a position to accommodate any of the travelling public. All businesses that were burned out intend to stay and rebuild. The fire burned through the community on August 1st, destroying everything within 90 minutes. There was no loss of life, but property damage was estimated at $5 million. It was the second major fire in Fernie in four years.

August 16, 1912 – Redcliff Review

Word was received yesterday morning of a counterfeit $20 bill in circulation in Hamilton. It is believed the spurious double sawbuck is made in the same manner as a large number of one- and two-dollar counterfeit bills floated in Toronto and Hamilton recently. The matter is being investigated by Dominion police headquarters.

In Calgary, Alexander McLaren, who has been earning a precarious living in the city shining shoes, was advised by a firm in Vancouver yesterday that he is heir to a $100,000 fortune. He will leave for the coast city in a few days to take possession of his legacy.

In Lethbridge, Judge Winter will be conducting an investigation into the police scandal that has been holding everyone’s attention for the past several days. Chief Gillespie is being charged with being drunk on duty, receiving hush money from keepers of disorderly houses and for falsifying accounts.