61 projects to receive Alberta Historical Resources Foundation grants

Lethbridge's historic Sir Alexander Galt Hospital (grants recipient) was designated a Provincial Historic Resource in 1978. The impressive structure now houses the Galt Museum and Archives. (photo courtesy Galt Museum and Archives)

• Lethbridge, Fort Macleod, Standoff, and Crowsnest Pass projects among the recipients

Today the Alberta Government announced that 61 projects across the province will share in more than $790,000 in grants through the foundation’s Alberta Historical Resources Foundation's Heritage Preservation Partnership Program.

One of the recipients is the Crowsnest Historical Society, which will receive $2,700 towards the publication of "Booze and Bars: A Brief History of Pub Culture in the Crowsnest Pass", the sixth in a series, which explores the social aspects of alcohol consumption and the heritage of alcohol in the Crowsnest Pass. "The book reaches beyond the history of coal mining and disasters that comprise most Crowsnest Pass history publications."  

Randall and Pamela York of Blairmore will receive $11,930 for structural assessment and repair of the porch, window replacement and repairs to the historic flagpole of the Blake/Burgman Residence.  " This residence was built in 1940 by the coal-mining company West Canadian Collieries for the superintendent of the Greenhill Mine, Henry Blake. The bungalow, which features Arts and Crafts-inspired design and interior elements reminiscent of the Art Deco influence, was later purchased by Robert and Jean Burgman."  

“With pride in our past and a vision for the future, Albertans are working hard to preserve and share the rich heritage of our province. We are proud to partner with individuals, organizations, municipalities and businesses in investing in projects that create knowledge and awareness of our past, pride in our communities, and economic growth for a strong future.” - David Eggen, Minister of Culture and Tourism

Other recipients include:

Town of Fort Macleod (Fort Macleod): Fort Macleod PHA Research Enrichment Project Grant amount: $16,000: This project will collect and collate data on all buildings (previous and extant) within the Fort Macleod Provincial Historic Area. Objectives include developing a detailed understanding of the evolution of various buildings and use of the information in façade improvements and conservation plans.

Ninastako Cultural Centre (Standoff): Historic Sites on the Blood Reserve. Grant amount: $6,150. Part of a larger plan to build a new cultural centre, the grant will allow recipients to produce and install eight 32” x 20” granite markers at historic sites on the Blood Reserve, including Levern, Snake Coulee, Old Agency, Bull Horn Coulee, Stand Off, Belly Buttes, Moccasin Flat and Dipping Bath. The markers will foster pride among Blood Tribe members and promote Blood Tribe cultural heritage to tourists.

Galt Museum and Archives (Lethbridge): A Legacy in Adventure and Art: The Life of Miss Edith Fanny Kirk. Grant amount: $5,880. This book tells the story of artist and art teacher Miss Edith Fanny Kirk (1858-1953), highlighting “the adventurous spirit and dedication to art of a unique woman.” The book covers Miss Kirk’s early life in England, her travels and painting adventures in British Columbia and the United States, and her move to Lethbridge in 1918 at age 60, where she spent her final 35 years. The book will be published to coincide with the 2015 Edith Fanny Kirk exhibit at the Galt Museum and Archives.  

City of Lethbridge (Lethbridge): Sir Alexander Galt Hospital Grant.  Amount: $78,000. The project includes foundation drainage improvements, the first phase of a multiyear exterior rehabilitation program. The Sir Alexander Galt Hospital is a two-storey, brick and sandstone building overlooking the Oldman River in downtown Lethbridge. Constructed between 1908 and 1910, it was built as a company hospital for coal miners and other employees of the Alberta Railway and Coal Company, founded by the late Sir Alexander Tilloch Galt, a prominent figure in Canadian history. An excellent example of Edwardian Classical style and a rare early example of hospital architecture in Alberta, the building functioned as a hospital until 1955.

Patrick and Karen Hammond (Lethbridge): Shackleford Residence Grant.  Amount: $18,230.  Exterior conservation work includes rebuilding the brick front steps, repairs to the front door, tree pruning to prevent roof damage and construction of a new foundation (rear addition) to resolve a structural problem. Non-conservation work includes code-compliant wiring and upgraded heating. Built in 1927, the cottage-style design elements feature a hipped gable roof with rounded eaves, eyebrow dormers, an eyebrow eave above a semi-circular front door and a detailed stucco chimney. Alfred and Ada Shackleford lived there until the mid-1950s. Alfred became a city alderman in 1939 and mayor in 1944-1946, 1952-1955, and 1957-1961.

For a complete list of recipients click here (pdf).