From the Archives of Western Newspapers

Posted on February 19, 2026 by Vauxhall Advance

By Samantha Johnson
For Southern Alberta Newspapers

February 19, 1886 – Qu’Appelle Progress

As we go to press, we have learned the government intends to transport the seed grain to the settlements affected by the rebellion by the Saskatchewan River. This would be a stupendous blunder as navigation of the river is not to be relied on if the settlers are to receive the seed grain this season. It is hoped consideration for the settlers will rise above saving a few dollars of expense in the transport.

Alexander MacDonald, contractor, has entered suit against the NW Central Railway to recover $139,000 and interest since 1883 for work done on the old Souris and Rocky Mountain Railway.

A Pennsylvania court has decided that, as elections are not under the common law, bets thereon are not forfeit.

In Edmonton, insubordination bordering on mutiny has been going on in the police force since last Thursday. The cause being the obnoxious appointment of non-commissioned officers.

February 18, 1911 – Redcliff Review

“Old Bill” a well-known figure on the trail between here and the Hat, where he used to negotiate Mr. Woodcock’s buggy, is now in the coal mine. He succeeded that old stiff “Old Dan” who is now doing the “wild oats” business somewhere on the prairie.

Miss Phyllis is now walking and looks charming in a pair of hand-painted overalls. She is a society gem and is aged about two years old.

During the past week, no less than 61 companies have been granted certificates of incorporation by the provincial government. All of them propose to operate in the vicinity of Morinville, where the petroleum rights on over 100 sections of land have been leased by the Dominion Government. It is understood that applications for incorporation by about 40 more companies are being prepared.

February 15, 1918 – Granum News

The heavy wind last week did considerable damage in the area. Mr. C. Reynolds had his barn and chicken coop blown down. Phil Rose lost a few bushels of oats when a blaze was fanned up in the straw stack by the wind. Granum itself looked like a fellow does the day after the night before, but it was only a chinook wind that ran away with itself and not the town having a misspent night.

Convalescent hospitals in the west have received a gift of 20,000 pounds of jam. Jam is the most universally popular delicacy on the soldier’s menu, whether he is sick or well. According to Miss Violet Riley, general organizing dietician for the convalescent hospitals, no gift could be more welcome.

Out of the 58 members who sit in our own provincial legislature, it is safe to say that during the five years they will be in office, 75% will never utter a word on the floor of the House that will be worth two pins to the province. All the good legislation for which this province has become known throughout the Dominion has been issued outside the House, chiefly by the UFA and Social Services League.