antiquing in western canada - discovering · charles edward weller, a clerk who witnessed the early...

ANTIQUING IN WESTERN CANADA

PRICELESS

May - June 2016

CANADA’S LARGEST LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM • CALGARY, ALBERTA4O3.268.85OO HERITAGEPARK.CA

This shop is a collector’s dream with a varied, constantly changing array of antique silver, china, collectables and furniture donated to

Heritage Park through our Heritage Heirloom Program.

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Daily through May 20 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Daily from May 21 Located before the gates in Heritage Town Square

Antiques & Collectables

(403) 720 4100 (403) 301 4822

Furniture, Linen, Art, Pictures, Lighting, and over 50 showcases of Jewellery, Figurines, China, Crystal, Glass, Sterling Silver, Moorcroft, Lalique, Toys, Dolls

Calgary’s Premiere Antique Store

Tue - Sat 10 to 5pm Sun Noon - 4pm

7004 MacLeod Trail SE Calgary, AB T2H 0L3

Take the virtual tour of our store at: Google street view Heirlooms Antiques

HEIRLOOMS ANTIQUES CALGARY

www.antiquescalgary.com

4 • www.DiscoveringANTIQUES.com

Urban PrairieAntique Mall

407 2nd Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta 403-929-3112

e-mail: [email protected] us on Facebook by searching: Urban Praire Lethbridge

DiscoveringANTIQUES

VOLUME 18 - NO. 2 2016

PublisherDiscovering ANTIQUES

EditorJan Mather

Layout & Ad DesignCrystal Ink

www.crystalink.ca

Contributing WritersFred Hauck

Janine VangoolCatharina VanTooren

Front Cover: This is a typewriter from Janine Vangool’s’ personal collection. A Royal Typewriter from the 1930’s era, weighs in at 35 lbs and works as well as the day it was made. Purchased for $10 late one afternoon at a flea market, the seller didn’t want to lug it home again. Thanks Janine!

Discovering ANTIQUES is published five times a year. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written consent of Discovering ANTIQUES. Discovering ANTIQUES assumes no

responsibility for lost material.

For Advertising/Subscription Info:Toll Free: 1-888-705-8978

Ph.: (403) 281-0413Fax: (403) 238-6923

E-mail: [email protected] write to:

Discovering ANTIQUES60 Cedardale Road SW, CalgaryAlberta CANADA • T2W 5G5

www.discoveringantiques.com

Table of CONTENTS

May-June 2016 • 5

8 the typewriter

18 shows & auctions

20 history of bow valley ranche

28 celebrating a milestone

30 rope makers

34 discover us near you

Victoria

Nanaimo

Ladysmith

Chemainus

Vancouver IslandB R I T I S H C O L U M B I A

1. Antique Emporium More than 35 dealers located in a 5,000 sq. ft. Antique Mall. Open Daily 10:00am - 5:00pmIsland Highway at Henry Road, Chemainus250-246-2372

2. Antique AddictRecycling At Its Finest! Quality Functional and Affordable Antique & Vintage Furniture. Open Daily.12 Roberts Street, Ladysmith250-245-OLDE • antiqueaddict.ca

3. Magpies in Chemainus Antiques & GiftsPurveyors of Pretty Things. We buy any unusual, interesting items, antiques and collectables. Open Daily. 9778 Willow Street, Chemainus250-324-1222 • facebook.com/MagpiesAntiques

4. Top Hat Antiques & CollectablesVintage Hats & Clothing, Quilts, Furniture, Crystal, China, Local Carvings, Books and lots more. Open Wed - Sun.Maple @ Laurel, Croft Place, Old Town Chemainus250-416-0432

5. Post Office AntiquesWe have three floors of antiques and collectibles. Open every day 10:00am - 5:30pm. Buy~Appraisals340 Esplande, Ladysmith250-245-7984 • postofficeantiquemall.com

6. La Petite Auction HouseFind your Objects of Desire at our auctions May 8, May 22, June 5 & June 19; and through the summer, usually every second Sunday.9687 Chemainus Road, Chemainus250-701-2902

7. Skeleton Key Gifts & ThriftsAntiques, Collectibles and "A little bit of everything!" Consignments welcome.9708 Chemainus Road, Chemainus250-710-6703

36

21

47

5

Plan a Getaway – Vacation or Weekend!Come visit Chemainus and Ladysmith, a half hour south of Nanaimo Ferry, and one hour North of Victoria Ferry. Located on the southern end of Vancouver Island. Chemainus and Ladysmith boast a number of unique and interesting antique shops guaranteed to keep you busy wandering, searching and poking around for hours.

Take your “hunt” West – you won’t be disappointed!

Typewriterthe

“The story of the typewriter is really the latest phase of another and greater story — that of writing itself.”*

by Janine Vangool, UPPERCASE Publishing, Calgary, AB

May - June 2016 • 9

I’ve recently written, de-signed and published a 336-page book entitled The Typewriter: A Graphic History of the Beloved Machine. In truth, though, telling the en-tire story of the typewriter in a single book is impossible. From the Industrial Revolution to the digital age, typewriters span an amazing time in human history. The evolution of their intricate en-gineering, the etymology of makes and models, the complexity of main-tenance and repair: each of these aspects merits an encyclopedia.

The notion of a machine to replace handwriting had been toyed with for centuries. English engineer Henry Mill patented the concept in 1714 as “an artificial machine or method for impress-ing or transcribing of letters, one after another, as in writ-ing, whereby all writing whatso-ever may be engrossed in paper or parchment so neat and exact as not to be distinguished from print.” Though there is a long list of inventors preceding him, Christopher Latham Sholes is the man history has awarded the win-ning title of inventor of the typewriter, patented on June 23, 1868. His machine was the first to be commercially successful and from it all other modern type-writers evolved.

Leading up to Sholes’ inven-tion, others had attempted to create machines to replace hand-writing with printed letters: the “typographer” of 1829, Malling-Hansen’s “writing ball,” and the

“pterotype” of 1865. So when it came time to name Sholes’ machine, there was some debate. “Writing machine” was suggested, but be-cause the aim of typed letters was to get composers away from the notion of writing longhand, it was discarded. Neither was “print-ing machine” an apt description. Charles Edward Weller, a clerk who witnessed the early iterations of the machine, shared his recollec-tions at the Tenth Annual Con-vention of the National Shorthand Reporters’ Association in Phila-delphia on August 16, 1916: “Type-writer was an unusual name and had a unique sound, and so it was fi-nally adopted, and then for the first time was heard a name, sound-ing oddly enough at that time, but which has now become so common throughout the civilized world that we wonder that any other name was thought of.”

Lathan Sholes, inventor of the typewriter.

Continued on Page 10* Herkimer County Historical Society, The Story of the Typewriter, 1873–1923, 1923.


Fortunes have been won and lost on typewriter manufacturing and selling. The machine became an indispensable tool for busi-ness, as recognized in the 1923 book “The Story of the Typewrit-er”: “The typewriter has made it-self such an essential factor in modern life, it has become so necessary to all human activi-ties, that the present-day world could hardly be conceived with-out it. It is hard to name any other article of commerce which has played a more commanding role in the shaping of human des-tiny. It has freed the world from pen slavery and, in doing so, it has saved a volume of time and labour which is simply incalcu-lable.”*

The societal impact of the typewriter cannot be underes-timated. Most notably, type-writers brought women into the workforce, contributing to their emancipation. There is over a century of history and cultural

influence stemming from the ma-chine: “Anyone who attempted to write this greater story would soon discover that he had un-dertaken to write the whole his-tory of civilization. The advance

Continued on Page 12

Advertisement for Royal Typewriter

* Herkimer County Historical Society, The Story of the Typewriter, 1873–1923, 1923.

May - June 2016 • 11

ANTIQUES, COLLECTIBLES

& MORE

4532 Hwy 12 EastLacombe, AB

(403) 782-1909

LacombeAntique Mall

www.lacombeantiquemall.com

STORE HOURS:Tues - Sat: 10:00am - 5:30pm

Closed Sunday & Monday

Wonderful Antiques, Vintage, Collectables

& ConsignmentDiscontinued China, Jewellery,

Gourmet Chocolate, Hand-made Soap, Candles and Greeting Cards

5403 - 50 AvenueLacombe, AB

(403) 782-3191

REAR PARKING

[email protected]

www.andeverythingniceantiques.ca

5014 - 50 StLacombe, ABT4L 1W8

403-782-2341www.thevintagebelle.com

Like us onFacebook

Unique Blend of Antiques, Vintage Finds

& Home Decor Now a Retailer of Cottage Paint in 50 yummy colours as well as

CeCe Caldwell's Paints.

Current Hours:

5014 50 AVE, BENTLEY AB

TUESDAY – FRIDAY. . . . . . . . . . . 10:30 - 5:00 PMSATURDAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:30 - 4:00 PM

E M P O R I U M


of man from primitive savagery to his present stage of efficien-cy and enlightenment has been a slow process, but each stage of this process through the ages has been marked, as if by mile-stones, by some improvement in his means and capacity for re-cording his thoughts in visible and understandable form.”*

Although there are many books about typewriters that delve into each of these topics with engineering precision, histori-cal depth and scholarly opin-ion, The Typewriter: A Graphic History of the Beloved Machine is designed to be a beautiful ode an all-but-obsolete creative companion. The development of the typewriter aligns with creative industries such as industrial design, com-mercial art and advertising be-coming mainstream, and a study of the graphics associated with the typewriter also offers a snap-shot into trends in design and fashion. Documenting the ephem-era and advertising of typewrit-

ing allows for an informative and beautiful history of design over the past 150 years.

My love of typewriters goes back to childhood. When I was little, I happily tapped letters on my mother’s machine. I loved seeing thoughts become tangible, and marvelled in the satisfac-tion of seeing my words printed on the page. It was my first taste of both graphic design and pub-lishing—topics that would become my profession and my passion.

Most of the print and paper artifacts reproduced in my book are from my own collection of


May - June 2016 • 13

4732 - 50 AveCalmar, AB HOURS:Tues to Fri 11-6 Saturday 10-5Sunday 12-5

We're Worththe Drive

We're Back With Loads Of Treasurers

LoganberrysAntiques & Curiosities

Westerose, AB ~ OPEN DAILY: 10:00am-5:00pm(South Pigeon Lake) 28km west of Hwy #2 on #13

(780) 586-0733

BACKSTREET new furniture home decor antiques

Reproduction Island

www.backstreetantique.com

Located in the heart of Stony Plain

4912 - 50 AvenueStony Plain, AB T7Z 1S9

A funky eclectic spot to shop for antiques, gifts, recycled furniture and treasures.

One Man’sTreasure

(780) 963-7776

onemanstreasure.ca

Antique Emporium & Marketplace

A UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

HoursMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday . . . .10:00am – 5:00pmThursday & Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10:00am – 6:00pmSunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12:00pm – 4:00pm


ephemera. And as with any per-sonal collection, the objects give some insight into the per-son doing the gathering.

As a graphic designer, I’m particularly interested in items that have typographic and graph-ical interest, that mark a par-ticular time period with a rec-ognizable style and that have creative merit through design elements such as colour, photog-raphy and layout.

As a publisher, I’m interested in the content of old advertising and how the copywriting — with its changing voice and tone — tells stories not only about a machine, but about us as a society.

As a woman, I recognize the advancements that women have achieved since the 19th century. We’ve come a long way in surmount-ing the rampant sexism that hin-dered women (and men) for so long.

When the historians of Her-kimer County published The Story of the Typewriter over ninety years ago, they could have scarcely imagined the extreme pace at which the world would accelerate into the 21st century.

In our digital world, where instantaneous connections are virtual and fleeting, we find our-selves longing for those simpler times: a time when our written messages had heft and longevity, when office work was physical and when the tippety-tap of keys sig-naled progress and creativity.

Though its heyday has passed, the legacy of the machine lives on. As a most basic daily re-minder, the vestigial qwerty se-quence remains the arrangement of choice for our computer key-boards and even our mobile de-

vices. Typewriters can be used as a prop for nearly any point in the 20th century, an instant mise en scène. Popular decora-tion in stationery stores, cof-fee shops and at weddings, it’s not uncommon to come across a machine in daily life. The type-writer repairmen who are still around have been thrown a life-line, in that old machines are being revived by new enthusiasts.

But the typewriter has a qual-ity that will outlast its current hipster cachet: typewriters se-duce us with the romance of mean-ingful correspondence through letter writing; the iconic appeal of the author banging out a novel at its keys; the sexy but stereo-typed allure of a secretary; and the innocent wonder of a child in awe of pressing a key.

The typewriter is a very spe-cial machine. Seek one out and show it some love!

Find out more about The Type-writer book and purchase a copy at uppercasetypewriter.com.

The author, Janine Vangool in her studio

surrounded by her collection.

May - June 2016 • 15

404 Railway AvenueDonalda, Alberta

403-883-2760

OPEN WeekendsMay - Oct, Fri - Sunday

COULEE�TRADING�COMPANY

» Quality Antiques» Unique Collectables

» Country Home DecorHandcrafted Furniture from Reclaimed Wood

Located in a tastefully refurbishedArt Deco garage building.

121 - 15 AvenueWainwright, AB on Hwy 14

Open 7 Days a WeekMonday - Friday . . . . 11am - 7pmSaturday . . . . . . . . . . . 12pm - 6pmSunday . . . . . . . . . . . . 12pm - 5pm

Everything from A-Z in the store!Plus: Antique Mall Vendor Booths Available

780-845-9167780-845-9167

anti�es, collectibles, etcetera

O� the WallAntiques & Collectables

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Apr. 29, 30 ......... CAVAC Swap Meet Westerner Exhibition Park, Red Deer, AB

May 14............... Toon Town Auto Swap Meet Prairieland Park, Saskatoon, SK

May - June 2016 • 17

(780) 452-478714423 - 123 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5L 2Y1

www.atticaantiques.com

Quality & Quantity Dealing Exclusively in Furniture

Shaw- Walker Tambour Fronted Filing Cabinet, 1/4 cut White Oak, Working Lock w/Key $4,200

Open House: Every Weekend

Celebrating Our 8th Anniversary June 2016

New Shipment Just Arrived

7,000 SQ.FT. Hidden Treasures & Collectible Treasures

Street Sale - Sunday, June 12

CONTACT ANNEKE:780-482-4414 Cell 780-699-7839

tuesday – friday 11:00 – 5:00saturday & sunday 11:00 – 4:00

Rocky Mountain Antique Mall

Gateway Blvd & 70 Ave, Edmonton AB

• 14,000 square feet• 85 dealers• over 100 booths of antiques

and collectibles• farm, ranch, gas, oil, car,

music, miltary, art, guns, native, toys, jewelry, sports, books, furniture, primitives

• looking for new vendors

www.rockymountainantiquemall.ca

HoursMonday-Saturday 10-6pmSunday 11-5pm

ALWAYS BUYING

Telephone 780-485-0020rockymountain_antiquemall @ shaw.ca

7025 - 103 St. (Gateway Blvd.)

Alberta’s Favourite

Always Buying

Antique Mall

EDMONTON, AB

(780) 485-0020 [email protected]

www.rockymountainantiquemall.ca

Rocky Mountain Antique Mall

· 14,000 Square Feet· 85 Dealers· Over 100 Booths of

Antiques and Collectibles· Farm, Ranch, Gas, Oil, Car,

Music, Military, Art, Guns, Native, Toys, Jewellery, Sports, Books, Furniture, Primitives

· Looking for New Vendors


Apr. 22, 23 ... 7th Bi-Annual Antiques & Collectibles Show D-Company Armoury, Grande Prairie, AB

Apr. 23, 24 ... Acadia Vintage Retro and Antiques Show Acadia Rec Centre, Calgary, AB

Apr. 29-May 1 .. Fraser Valley Antique Collectors Club Show Queens Park Arena, New Westminster, BC

Apr. 30-May 1 .. Grande Prairie Antique & Collectibles Show Revolution Place, Grande Prairie, AB

* May 6 .......... Coin & Currency Auction Scribner Auction Ltd, Wainwright, AB

May 7 .......... Hillhurst-Sunnyside Antiques & Collectibles Market Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Centre, Calgary, AB

* May 7, 8 ...... 27th Annual Mother’s Day Antique Show & Sale Westerner Park, Red Deer, AB

* May 8 .......... Antique Show Vancouver Flea Market, Vancouver, BC

May 15 ........ 21st Century Flea Market Croatian Cultural Centre, Vancouver, BC

May 22 ....... Historical Arms Collectors of B.C Trade Show 9291 Corbould St. Chilliwack, BC

* May 23 ........ Parking Lot Sale – Old Strathcona Antique Mall Edmonton, AB

* May 28 ........ Elaine’s Antiques & Collectibles Show & Sale Marlborough Park Community, Calgary, AB

May 28 ........ Antiques & Collectibles Auction Charlton Auction, Roundup Centre, Hanna, AB

* June 4, 5 ..... 9th Annual Calgary Antique Show & Sale Garrison Curling Club, Calgary, AB

* June 12........ Street Sale Classic European Antiques Edmonton, AB

June 12........ Retro Design & Antiques Fair Croatian Cultural Centre, Vancouver, BC

* June 17, 18 .. Vintage with Flair Park for All Seasons, Springbank, AB

* June 18, 19 .. 15th Annual Fort Macleod Antique Show & Sale Sports Complex, Fort Macleod, AB

June 18........ Pow Wow Sept. Springs Ranch, Pincher Creek AB

June 19........ Historical Arms Collectors of B.C Trade Show 9291 Corbould St. Chilliwack, BC

* June 26........ Parking Lot Sale – Old Strathcona Antique Mall Edmonton, AB

* July 10 ......... Antique Show Vancouver Flea Market, Vancouver, BC

July 10 ......... Historical Arms Collectors of B.C Trade Show 9291 Corbould St. Chilliwack, BC

July 17 ......... 21st Century Flea Market Croatian Cultural Centre, Vancouver, BC

* July 24 ......... Parking Lot Sale – Old Strathcona Antique Mall Edmonton, AB

* Aug. 6 .......... Coin Auction Scribner Auction Ltd, Wainwright, AB

* Aug. 7 .......... Antique & Collector Auction Scribner Auction Ltd, Wainwright, Ab

Aug. 7 .......... Historical Arms Collectors of B.C Trade Show 9291 Corbould St. Chilliwack, BC

* Aug. 13 ........ Premier Firearms Auction Haynes/Ward’s Auction, Edmonton, AB

Aug. 19, 20 .. The Valley Antique & Collectables Sale 7380 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan, BC

Aug. 20, 21 .. Antiquing at the ARC Acadia Rec. Centre, Calgary, AB

Discovering Rare TreasuresDiscovering Rare TreasuresDiscovering Rare Treasures2016 Shows & Auctions2016 Shows & Auctions2016 Shows & Auctions

*Indicates an ad in this issue. Discovering Shows is a complimentary listing. Contact us regarding your event at: TOLL FREE: 1-888-705-8978 or (403) 281-0413 Fax: (403) 238-6923

email: [email protected]. For the most up-to-date listings visit www.DiscoveringAntiques.com

May - June 2016 • 19

MARLBOROUGH PARK COMMUNITY6021 Madigan Dr NE, Calgary, AB

10:00am – 4:00pmSaturday, May 28, 2016

Over 70 tables of antiques, collectibles, retro, mid-century, vintage, dolls, toys, militaria,

ephemera, jewellery, etc. Concession on site.

Admission: $3, Children under 12 FREEFREE PARKING. No ATM on site, please bring Cash.

Contact [email protected] FOR MORE INFORMATION

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLESSHOW & SALE

Springbank Park for All Seasons 32224A Springbank Rd., Calgary, AB

www.springbankpark.comPreviously in Priddis

June 17 & 18Fri: 4pm - 8pm • Sat: 9am - 4pm

A grea� wa� t� kic� off th� summer! Curate� Vintag� �nd�,

Han�-Cra�e� Creation�,Boutiqu� Trailer� & Foo� Truck�

2016 Spring Market

Entry at door: $4.00 (Under Age 12 FREE)

Email: [email protected]/VintageWithFlair

www.twitter.com/VintageFlairPamwww.instagram.com/VintageFlairPam

vintagewithflair.blogspot.com

Vintage with Flair Vintage with Flair Vintage with Flair

Show Dates May 8, July 10, Sept 25, Nov 6

Admission: $1.75 Table Rental Price: $40

604-685-8843604-685-8843703 Terminal Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6A 2M23 Short Blocks from the Main Street Science Centre Station

Bud Haynes & Co. Auctioneers & Ward’s Auctions (Edmonton)

For Insurance Evaluations, Matrimonial Appraisals & Estate Planning contact: Linda (Haynes) Baggaley C.P.P.A.G.

(Certified Appraiser & Auctioneer), President of Bud Haynes & Co. for Discreet enquiries, with no obligation.

Red Deer Office – By Appointment ONLYJim or Linda Baggaley: 403-347-5855 / Eves: 403-343-2929

Cell’s: Linda: 403-597-1095 / Jim: 403-597-1094

Premier Firearms Auction Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 10:00am

Preview Friday, August 12 between 3:00 and 8:00 p.m.Location: Ward’s Auction, 11802 – 145 St. Edmonton, AB

(Turn off on Yellow Head Rd, off Anthony Henday)Includes Private Collection of Wayne Currie, Quesnel, BCAs well as Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns Antique Firearms & Collectables. Consign now to avoid disappointment.

JUNE Auction Date Pending For Additional Information & Other Sale Dates Visit:WWW.BUDHAYNESAUCTION.COM

of the

Bow Valley RancheA feature story by Catharina Van Tooren, Dealer, Calgary, AB

HIS

TORY

Photo by Benjamin Herrington


May - June 2016 • 21

of the

Bow Valley Ranche

Patrick Burns, Photo provided by: The Glenbow Museum via Bow Valley Ranche Brochure.

A n outstanding example of late 19th century architecture, with pristine surroundings and a spectacular setting - that sums up the Bow Valley Ranche

House. Located in an urban provincial park, the house represents one of Calgary’s finest landmarks. Also known as the William Roper Hull House, it is situated in Fish Creek Provincial Park and is accessible to anyone visiting the 2800 acre park. The ranch house itself has quite an interesting history.

Archaeological excavations have indicated that First Nations People, while hunting bison for their sustenance, made Fish Creek Valley home for over 8000 years; and the first (European) settlers did not arrive until the 1870’s. John Glenn came from Ireland and built, together with his Métis wife Adelaide, the first cabin in the Valley at the confluence of Bow River and Fish Creek in 1873. Farming became their mainstay while starting their family. Two years later a second and larger homestead was constructed, which they sold to the Federal Government in 1879. Subsequently Glenn’s farm became Supply Farm #24, providing much needed provisions to the First Nations people in the area. John and Adelaide moved further upstream and built their final home in an area presently known as Glennfield, aptly named after its first inhabitant. John Glenn is credited with building the first irrigation system in Western Canada, an innovation that benefitted, among others, Samuel William Shaw, an immigrant from England, to power his newly established woolen mill in the Midnapore area, south of Calgary.

Shortly after 1887, Hull Bros. & Co had leased the Glenn House/Supply Farm from the Government to accommodate their cattle being closer to their butcher shop. William Roper Hull, a young lad from Somersetshire, England, came, together with his brother John, to Kamloops, British Columbia to work on his uncle’s farm. At a young age they showed their entrepreneurial talent. They advanced themselves from farmhands to cowboys to major businessmen in just a ten year period. William (Bill) and John

started out with a small butcher shop in Calgary in 1883. They named their business Hull Bros. & Co. The brothers raised, processed and retailed their cattle very successfully. One of their major contracts was to supply meat for railway construction workers. To operate more effectively they leased, as mentioned, the Glenn House and farm which they later purchased from the Government in 1892. The Calgary Daily Herald referred to the place as Hull’s Irrigation Farm, as a five

kilometre irrigation system successfully had been put in place. W.R. Hull became renowned for his two meter high crops, producing a significant higher yield than previous years.

“...irrigation is just the differ-ence between a good crop and no crop at all...”

Meanwhile the partnership dissolved, and John went his own way. William was well established in the community. He commissioned architect James Llewellyn Wilson to design and build a house, befitting his status. Wilson created a 2-story brick mansion in the Gothic Revival style, known as the Bow Valley Ranche house, which had a total cost of $4000. The designed house showcased a gabled roof


and a wraparound veranda with an impressive and somewhat eccentric entry consisting of two whale ribs and a whale vertebra. Although W.R. Hull did not use the house as his permanent residence (that was another mansion in Calgary named “Langmore”), it became the social centre for the elite, businessmen and dignitaries. The guests gathered here for hunting parties, friendly sports competitions and extravagant dinners. However, in 1902 W.R. Hull sold the property and farm to Patrick Burns and focused on real estate instead.

The Grain Exchange Building, commissioned by Hull, was known as Calgary’s first skyscraper and the Hull Opera House on 6th Avenue was the only theatre in Calgary in 1902. The Calgary Brewing & Mulling Company was founded by Hull along with A.E. Cross and W.F. Cochrane. All in all, William Roper Hull had left his mark in the city he loved, but nothing left a bigger impact than the bequest he left upon his death in 1925. A fund was established, according to his wishes, to finance a social assistance program for children and their families. The William Roper Hull Home gives youth a second chance, while his Bow Valley Ranche got a second chance in the capable hands of Patrick Burns.

Upon this purchase, The Bow Valley Ranche became the Bow Valley Ranch (without the “e”). Burns utilized the farm and land as a holding and sorting facility for his cattle on their way to the processing plants. The home itself was not meant as his permanent family home, although it again became an inviting place for welcoming dignitaries and other officials.

Patrick Burns had a humble start in life leading to his business empire. Born in Ontario in 1854 as the fourth of eleven children, his schooling was sporadic as he was needed to assist in supporting his family. In 1878 he headed west, along with his brother John, and worked for a farming business in Winnipeg. A year later, weary of homesteading, he began buying and selling cattle. He started off with two steers, given to him as payment for some farm labour, and he knew then that this kind of business was his calling.

“I wasn’t going to work for any-one anymore.”

By 1884 he was the supplier of beef to the construction workers of the Canadian Pacific Railroad. With his keen and practical business sense

May - June 2016 • 23

5912 - 54 AvenueRed Deer, AB

403-347-7420

Open Daily 10:00 – 6:00Sunday 11:00 – 4:00

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

classicsbuyselltrade

Antiques, Vintage, Retro, Home, Shop and Vehicle DecorSeeking out “classics”, parts and projects

ANTIQUES

www.theoldcreameryantiques.com

ANTIQUES

Open Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 - 5:00

5, 5112 - 49 AvenueInnisfail, AB



he expanded quickly. Beef prices rose from 4 cents to 14 cents per pound due to high demand. By 1890 Burns left Winnipeg and settled in Calgary where he opened an abattoir. Other than the railway crews, he also acquired beef supply contracts for other work camps including the Klondike gold rush mining camps in the Yukon. At that time the beef price had increased to $1.00 per pound.

In 1901, at the age of 47, Pat Burns married 27 year old Eileen Ellis, in London, England. A year later in 1902, he purchased the property (the Ranche) from William Hull.

Many found employment under Burns, but two of them should be mentioned. F. W. (Billy) Bannister became the ranch foreman looking after the day-to-day operations. Billy, together with his wife Annie, first lived in the ranch house until a foreman’s house was erected on the property. This small abode is still standing, and will be discussed later in the article. The cook and caretaker, Yuen Chow, who also lived at the ranch house, had previously been employed by Hull, but seemed indispensable to Burns and stayed until his new employer’s death in 1937. Then Charlie Yuen, as he was commonly called, returned to his native China.

Within a relatively short time Burns had acquired so much land that the common joke among his peers was that Burns could travel from

the town of Cochrane all the way to the U.S. border without leaving his land! To put the size of his land into perspective: to feed his cattle in winter, 250,000 tons of hay was needed. The fall round-up employed over 4000 men. Certainly no small enterprise! As a tribute to the “Old West” lifestyle of cattlemen, four prominent ranchers came together and lent their financial assistance to a young cowboy named Guy Weadick, who, with help from H.C. McMullen, a general livestock agent, organized this special event. It was a gigantic outdoor western show that we now know as the Calgary Exhibition & Stampede, the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth! The four ranchers, who became known as the Big Four, were Patrick Burns, George Lane, A.E. Cross and Hon. A.J. McLean. The year was 1912.

In 1920, P. Burns & Co. Ltd. was sold to Dominion Securities for almost ten million dollars. The meat empire had grown to a corporate giant

Annie’s Bakery, photo by Benjamin Herrington

May - June 2016 • 25

5215 - 54 AvenueRed Deer, AB

403-986-1996

RESCUEDTREASURES

MEMORABILIA • TOYS FIREARMS • AMMUNITION

MISCELLANEOUS

DIVISION OF C & R ENDEAVORS LTD.

[email protected]

BUY, SELL,CONSIGN OR RENT SPACE

ANTIQUES COLLECTIBLES

403-348-5527

Psychic Readings

Excellent SelectionVictorian, Romantic

& Country Styles

Open: Mon to Sat 11am-5pmBuy • Sell • Trade

Find us on Facebook

Susan ManylukPhone 403.347.0516

The Farm with the Good Food2 Miles West of Red Deer, AB

Wild Rose Draft Horse

Field & Pioneer Days

June 4 & 5, 2016

Double Tree Village Museum, Spruce View, AB

6 Miles West on Hwy 54 then north on R.R. 41

69th Annual Red Deer

Highland Games June 25, 2016

Titans Rugby Park, Red Deer, AB

Comevisit

us at:


that included ranches in southern Alberta and British Columbia, abattoirs, processing plants and retail outlets (Burns Meat). “Palm Dairies” a milk processing company was established by Burns in 1927. Four years later this respected business man was appointed to the Canadian Senate. Senator Burns served this post until his death in 1937.

So what happened to the Ranche House in the meantime?

First of all Patrick’s nephew, John Burns, inherited the house and took up residence. He started drastic renovations to make it more accommodating for his family. He died in 1953. His son Richard took over in 1957 and added some more luxuries to the place. When he and his family moved out sixteen years later, the property became part of the development of Fish Creek Park and was used as a park warden station (1973). When the provincial government designated the area as a provincial park, Fish Creek Provincial Park became official on June 10, 1975.

By 1978 however the station was no longer needed and the house was sadly boarded up and sat idle. Fortunately, thanks to some prominent and caring Calgarians, The Ranche at Fish Creek

Restoration Society was founded in 1995. With memberships and sponsorships, corporate as well as private, funds were raised to bring back the glory of the property. It took many years of hard work and large amounts of money, but by the millennium year the house opened its doors once again to the public, this time as a fine dining restaurant. Here guests may take in the bucolic setting, the splendour of the house and last but not least enjoy an exquisite dining experience. The former foreman’s house was restored as well, enabling park visitors to flock to this interesting little place called Annie’s Bakery Café (named after Bannister’s wife) to taste delicious snacks and lunch items.

In order to keep the place financially afloat, a large art section was created, containing outdoor art offered for individual sponsorships. The Branded Patio (built in 2012) reflects the history of the livestock brands and includes the brand used by Burns. This symbol, a reverse NL represents ranch gates that are never locked (see illustration). One of a kind pieces of art, bronze statues, wooden carvings, artisan benches hand carved from Quebec lime stone, and other interesting objects are set between “Annie’s” and the Ranche House offering a tranquil place for visitors to reflect and ponder.

If visitors wish to ponder and reflect, they can go to the Visitors Centre for a visual glimpse of this park’s history.

The Cookhouse. Photo by Benjamin Herrington.

May - June 2016 • 27

4839 - 49 Street Rocky Mountain House, AB

Eclectic selection of Antiques, Collectibles, Shabby Chic, Canadiana and Furniture

Serving the Rocky Mountain House Community Lillian Stomp, proprietor

�is is one antique mall you don’t want to miss!STORE HOURS

Tues - Sat 11:00am - 5:30pmClosed on Statutory Holidays

403-845-9979 | [email protected]

WWW.BECKANTIQUES.COM

find your treasures here...

Vintage, antique, retro, jewellery, attire, furniture, porcelain, crystal, tools and so much more.

Two big floors full of great treasures.

Lots of customer parking 10423 79 Avenue, Edmonton, AB.

www.ibonantiques.ca780 757 6777

IbonANTIQUES


Celebrating A MILESTONE

For more information about the school’s antiques and appraisal program, call: (877) 444-4508 or visit their web site at: www.asheford.com. The mailing address is: The Asheford Institute of Antiques 981 Harbor Blvd., Suite 3, Dept. 275FA3 Destin, FL 32541-2525; or for their Canadian office: 131 Bloor Street West, Suite 200, Dept. 124FA3 Toronto, ON M5S 1R8.

FLORIDA – While not considered an “antique” just yet, the Asheford Institute of Antiques, a professional-level distance learning program on antiques, collectibles, and appraising, turned fifty recently, marking a milestone in antiques and appraising education, as the longest running Institute of its kind. Although the school premiered its home-study program to the antique world in late 1965, it didn’t officially open its doors to students until 1966.

“We’ve seen an awful lot of changes since our inception,” said Peter Green, the Institute’s original founder. Green, who started the school based on the notion that there was a need for antique and appraisal education, said he could hardly believe how the antique and appraisal services market had grown over the past 50 years – “I can remember when antique stores were hard to find… now you can tap your phone and find virtually anything instantly!”

APPRAISAL INSTITUTE RELEASE:

During the 1980’s, Green’s son, Charles took over the day-to-day operation of Asheford, and is the school’s current director. When asked what he thought represented the Institute’s high-water mark over the past fifty years, Green unabashedly responded that the introduction of the school’s new online e-Course earlier this year was a game-changer for antique and appraisal education in general. ”The e-Course allowed us to bring a half-century worth of teaching expertise to a new and expanded format,” said Green. “With the ability to use online interactive multimedia for instruction, we’ve really been able to raise the bar in antiques and appraising education for our students.” Green went on to say that although online instruction had obviously become the new norm, the “textbook” version would still be offered for a number of years to come.

According to a press statement, as part of the school’s year-long celebration, staff from the Institute will also participate in a traveling roadshow to commemorate the school’s 50th anniversary. Plans reportedly include tours of major antique events and shows throughout North America, and will incorporate free appraisal clinics, business seminars and evaluations to mark the Institute’s anniversary. “We really want to give something back to our students and those interested in antiques,” said founder Peter Green, “It’s been a great privilege to teach so many… it’s just our way of saying thanks.” Exact dates for upcoming events have yet to be released, but are expected to be announced soon according to school spokesperson, Pamela Drew.

May - June 2016 • 29

131 Bloor St. W.Suite 200

Dept 124XP46Toronto, ON M5S 1R8

Or call Toll FREE:1-877-444-4508

Name _______________________________________________Address _____________________________________________City_________________________________________________

Email: [email protected] ________________ Postal Code__________________

Since 1966, The Asheford Institute of Antiques has been providing a Profit and Pleasure Home Study course that offers tremendous financial

and personal rewards.

Available at uppercasetypewriter.com or inquire at your local bookshop!

www.antiquescollectablesandjuststuff.com

HIGHWAY 53 WEST OF RIMBEY TO RR 34ATURN NORTH 2ND PROPERTY ON LEFT.

Tuesday to Friday 11 am – 5 pm

Sat & Sun "By Chance"

A division of Classic Car Ranch

Open for the seasonMay – September

403-843-4289 or 403-505-2246

Antiques Collectablesand Just Stuff

Antiques & Collectibles 4823—50th Ave. Alberta Beach

Phone 780-237-3528

“Antiques at the Beach” Authentic Country Primitives, Folk art, Native Beadwork

& so much more!

Ever afterEver after

4823 – 50th Ave., Alberta Beach, ABPhone: 780-237-3528

Check us out on Facebook!

Authentic Country Primitives, Folk Art, Native Beadwork, Advertising Collectibles & So Much More

May – September 2016 Tuesday to Saturday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

“Antiques at the Beach”

Antiques & Collectibles


W H AT I S I T W O R T H ?WHAT IS IT?WHAT IS IT?

Rope Makers

F or those of you who have read the magazine for many years, you will remember a regular column by originally Wayne McMurray, and

following his death, Dan Thomson called, “What Is It? What Is It Worth?” This article fits that theme. The item in question is a rope maker. Some may know what I am talking about, some may have seen one and did not know what is was, and most have no clue how one works or that the variety of different rope makers is astounding.

My first experience with one came in the 1980’s at the Calgary Stampede as I walked around the agricultural area of the grounds. At the time there was, and still is, a small log cabin on display. Outside the cabin there was a small machine lying there, not being used at

May - June 2016 • 31

that time. I assumed it was a rope making machine, but never having seen one, I had to ask. As it turned out, the gentleman who was there at the time and who answered my question, later became my friend, Ken Taylor from Langdon, AB. Ken not only confirmed it was a rope maker but offered to give me a demonstration. From that time I have been on the lookout for a rope make of my own. The original machine I saw was the more common three-hook type which was patented in 1901. A year or so later, after many demonstrations at the Stampede, it broke and was no longer usable. Ken built a new, indestructible one which will last for many years to come.

Since then, the first rope maker I acquired was identical to Ken’s except for the fact that it had been broken and welded (many broke in the same spot due to the thin metal in one particular place). Previous to getting a metal one, I had a very simple, mostly wooden machine. I donated it to the Medicine Hat Stampede for their black smith’s shop and it is still on display. At one time I made a rope maker from meccano parts. It was very small, about 5” x 5” and surprisingly enough, it actually worked. During my


travels I have been able to add seven totally different rope making machines to my collection.

These devices range from three-hook to five-hook. The home-built machines are usually the three-hook type and are generally constructed of scrap wood and metal rod. One thing to remember, the more hooks there are, the harder it is to turn, creating more work. The home- or farm-built are also the cheapest versions because the materials used were whatever was on hand at the time.

Rope makers date back well over 100 years and were mostly used on farms. It must be remembered that if a piece of rope was needed, going to town to buy some was not usually a reasonable option. 100 years ago, a trip to town wasn’t a five minute drive with a horse and buggy, and rope cost money that often was not plentiful. If a piece of rope was needed for a halter shank, a plow trip rope or a rope to pull the bucket out of the water well; you simply recruited two more family members (usually kids) and with the help of the rope maker, some new rope was made. The rope maker allowed you to make rope any length or diameter needed. Over the years I remember my

Two parts of a rope maker.Three pieces needed to make rope.

Beswick owl #1096Dad telling me that his grandparents had one on their farm. My grandmother remembers using it as a youngster. Theirs could still be on the farm, but has not been seen for years. It could also have been sold as occasionally antique dealers stop by and purchase things like wagon wheels, etc. The thinking being why keep obsolete items like that when someone was willing to pay you for them.

When it comes to rope makers there is one major question that I cannot answer – when a rope maker comes up for sale at an auction why does everyone feel they need one and drive the price up? Most people do not know how to use one, and the machine sells by itself and the other two parts are missing. These are needed in order for the rope maker to work. There are three separate parts to this machine. If I had the answer to this I would also know what the colonel’s eleven herbs and spices are! I do know that at antique shows the prices are usually high. I did buy one over a year ago for $100.00, but this is the exception. The original asking price was much higher and I guess this dealer had lived with this item long enough and dropped his price drastically. But most, if not broken and in good condition, are priced several hundred dollars more, not including the other two parts.

These other two parts include the anchor (my name for it), which is located at the opposite end from the rope maker. The twine used is either baler or binder twine (binder was used in the old days). It starts on the anchor end tied to the swivel hook.

From there it goes to the rope maker, is looped over one hook then back and forth until all the hooks are used and then it is tied off at the anchor end. For a thicker rope, use the hooks more than once. The anchor has a crank, shaped like a brace for a brace and a bit, and a hook end with a swivel on it to allow the anchor end to turn at the right time. The third part is the spreader. It is sometimes shaped like a cross and keeps the twine on the hooks separated so it does not tangle while cranking the machine. The twine is kept tight at the anchor end and is slowly moved forward toward the rope maker at the appropriate time. Spreaders are commonly made of wood and crudely fashioned, but still effective. Nowadays with plastic baler twine in various colours, mixing colours makes for a nice rope.

I mentioned making rope as thin or thick as needed and I needed a rope that had a very thin diameter to be used for a gasket to go between the headlight lens and headlight pot of my 1920 Ford Model T. Setting up my three hook machine, but using only two hooks I was able to make the thin rope needed and it worked perfectly.

Rope maker including spreader.

Cast iron rope makers.

May - June 2016 • 33

“We do things the old way.”A pharmacist for 41 years with a love of antiques. This unique drug store sells quality antiques and collectibles at a reasonable price. This addition to the store provides customers with a diversion while prescriptions are being filled, or can be a great place to browse anytime. Welcoming pickers who have serious enquires.

BUY • SELL • TRADE

HoursMonday - Friday9:00am - 6:00pm

200, 770 6 St SWMedicine Hat, ABT1A 4J8

Greg’s

403-529-0577 • remedysrx.com

Remedy’s RxDRUG STORE

COZY COTTAGEI N T E R I O R S

Specializing in Country & Co�age Decor

www.cozyco�ageinteriors.ca

Vintage Decor

Furniture

Lighting

Linens

Lodge

Unique Gifts

Heritage Hill Shopping Centre Over 6,000 Sq. Ft.#162-8228 Macleod Tr SE Calgary, AB403-238-2767

Olde Town Okotoks3,600 Sq. Ft.

43 McRae StreetOkotoks, AB (403) 995-9631

Grandma’s Antiques

328 13 th Street NorthLethbridge, Alberta

We are open: Tues−Sat 10:30−4:30

Phone the Store: 403-328-0909Phone After Hours: 403-330-8504

We have a wide assortment of antiques & collectables. Don't forget to dig around in our basement. We buy & sell antiques, collectables & coins.

Calgary, ABT2E 1Y3

WILF & STEVEAlways looking forQuality [email protected]

CERTIFIED APPRAISER

TQ ANTIQUESwww.tqantiques.com

403-263-6948

587-777-6948


& Everything Nice Antiques & Collectables Lacombe, AB (403) 782-3191

A Vintage Affair Calgary, AB (403) 233-7770

Antique Addict Ladysmith, BC (250) 245-6533

Antique Emporium Chemainus, BC (250) 246-2372

Antique Mall Red Deer Inc. Red Deer, AB (403) 341-6685

Antiques, Collectables & Just Stuff Rimbey, AB (403) 843-4289

Antiques, Collectibles & More Lacombe, AB (403) 782-1909

Asheford Institute of Antiques 1 (877) 444-4508

Attica Antiques Edmonton, AB (780) 452-4787

Backstreet Gifts & Antiques Westerose, AB (780) 586-0733

Beck Antiques & Jewellery Edmonton, AB (780) 474-7447

Blue Jar Antique Mall Edmonton, AB 587-523-5550

Bud Haynes & Co. Auctioneers Ltd. Red Deer, AB (403) 347-5855

Carswell’s Promotions Red Deer, AB (403) 343-1614

Classic European Antiques Edmonton, AB 1(877) 482-4414

Classics Red Deer, AB (403) 347-7420

Coulee Trading Company Donalda, AB (403) 883-2760

Cozy Cottage Interiors Calgary, AB (403) 238-2767 Okotoks, AB (403) 995-9631

Elaine’s Antique Show Calgary, AB

Ever After Antiques Alberta Beach, AB (780) 237-3528

Fort Macleod Antique Show Fort Macleod, AB (587) 220-5335

Grandma’s Antiques Lethbridge, AB (403) 328-0909

Greg’s Remedy’s Rx Drugstore Medicine Hat, AB (403) 529-0577

Heirlooms Antiques Calgary, AB (403) 720-4100

Heritage Park Antique Shop Calgary, AB (403) 268-8500

HolmeHus Antiques Red Deer, AB (403) 347-0516

Ibon Antiques Edmonton, AB (780) 757-6777

Inside Avenue Antiques Calgary, AB (403) 287-1988

La Petite Auction House Chemainus, BC (250) 701-2902

Light Up Your Life Calgary, AB (403) 243-4016

Loganberrys Antiques & Curiosities Calmar, AB (780) 985-2553

Magpies in Chemainus Antiques & Gifts Chemainus, BC (250) 324-1222

Mantiques Calgary, AB (403) 235-6325

Off the Wall Antiques (306) 244-7229

Old Creamery Antiques Innisfail, AB (403) 865-1002

Old Strathcona Antique Mall Edmonton, AB (780) 433-0398

One Man’s Treasure Stony Plain, AB (780) 963-7776

Past Connections Emporium Bentley, AB (403) 658-2300

Post Office Antiques Ladysmith, BC (250) 245-7984

Prairie Creek Antique Mall Rocky Mountain House, AB (403) 845-9979

Red Deer Antiques Red Deer, AB (403) 348-5527

Rescued Treasures Red Deer, AB (403) 986-1996

Rocky Mountain Antique Mall Edmonton, AB (780) 485-0020

Scribner Auction Ltd. Wainwright, AB (780) 842-5666

Skeleton Key Gifts & Thrift Chemainus, BC (250) 710-6703

Spanky’s Corner Calgary, AB c/o (403) 287-1988

Strathmore Pawn & Collectables Strathmore, AB (403) 901-1100

Sugar Belle Antiques Bonnyville, AB (780) 826-4111

Top Hat Antiques & Collectables Chemainus, BC (250) 416-0432

The Typewriter, UPPERCASE Publishing uppercasetypewriter.com

T Q Antiques Calgary, AB (403) 263-6948

Urban Prairie Antique Mall Lethbridge, AB (403) 929-3112

Vancouver Flea Market Vancouver, BC (604) 685-8843

Village Mercantile Wainwright, AB (780) 845-9167

Vintagebelle Antique Shop, The Lacombe, AB (403) 782-2341

Vintage Stove Restoration Didsbury, AB (403) 335-3905

Vintage with Flair Springbank, AB

Ward’s Auctions Edmonton, AB (780) 940-8378

Where On Earth …did you get that? Antique Mall Airdrie, AB (403) 948-3669

May - June 2016 • 35

Creating your corner with treasures from the past.

Specializing in vintage Pyrex, Jadeite and vintage toysOwners Dawn, Elizabeth and Colin Spanky Donoghue

Inside Avenue Antiques Inc.3419, 8 Street SE Calgary, AB T2G 3A4

Check us out online: www.spankyscorner.ca

Shop #10

[email protected]

antiquing in western canada - discovering · charles edward weller, a clerk who witnessed the early...

Documents