Heritage in and around Stampede Park

Stampede is chock-full of Calgary’s history. But did you know there’s plenty of heritage in and around Stampede Park? Let’s take a tour.

“Guy Weadick in his 21st year.”, 1906-01-01, (CU182853) by Unknown. Courtesy of Glenbow Library and Archives Collection, Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary.

Named after Guy Weadick, the organizer of the first Stampede, Weadickville is a replica Western streetscape from 1912. Some of its buildings were moved to ENMAX Park, including Quirk Cabin, which was built around 1885 and now displays stories from the past. Also in ENMAX Park is Indian Village, designated Elbow River Camp in 2018. Visit a living cultural site of the Treaty 7 First Nations.

While still on the grounds, stop by Victoria Pavilion. Located in the Agriculture Building, the concrete, rectangular-shaped amphitheatre dates to 1919 and is the oldest functional building in Stampede Park. It hosts dairy shows, bull sales and livestock judging. It was also the venue for Stampede Wrestling, featuring Stu Hart.

“Stu Hart, undefeated Canadian amateur wrestling champion, Edmonton, Alberta.”, 1936. Note beaded belt was handmade by Stu Hart. (CU1141915) by Unknown. Courtesy of Glenbow Library and Archives Collection, Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary.

There’s more to see around Stampede Park. At Enbridge Plaza, check out Doherty Hall, a replica of Westbourne Church, containing some of its original windows and bricks. At church in 1915, William Aberhart first delivered Sunday sermons, putting him on course to becoming Alberta’s seventh premier.

Westbourne Church in April, just prior to its demolition in June, 2017. Calgary Heritage Initiative.

“Premier William Aberhart and niece, Irene Barrett in Ontario. Irene was the daughter of Lewis Aberhart. “, [ca. 1937], (CU1123698) by Unknown. Courtesy of Glenbow Library and Archives Collection, Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary.

Across the Plaza is Weston (Golden West) Bakery. It functioned as a bakery until 1989, producing 1,800 loaves per hour when it opened in 1930. Soon to be moved is the Stephenson & Co. building. Built in 1911, it served Victoria Park as a grocery store and post office. And the brand new Sam Centre houses over 100 years worth of Stampede history.

Formerly the Weston (Golden West) Bakery, now the Calgary Arts Academy’s Erickson Centre, located at Calgary Stampede’s Youth Campus, 2019. Photo courtesy of Karen Paul.

“Golden West Bakery cart, Calgary, Alberta.”, [ca. 1920], (CU1193913) by Lane’s Studio. Courtesy of Glenbow Library and Archives Collection, Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary. Postcard view.

At Rundle Ruins are the remains of Calgary’s Second General Hospital, circa 1895. Jimmy Smith, a Chinese and Christian businessman, died of tuberculosis and willed to the hospital its first funds. Across the street you can check out a railway worker’s Edwardian cottage, built in 1906. For comparison, see how professionals at the time lived at Dafoe Terrace, located beside Cowboys Casino. It’s a 1910 woodframe Georgian Revival-style terraced apartment building, which today houses shops and an Italian restaurant.