Southern Alberta Pioneers and their Descendants

09/15/2026

If you have seen conflicting stories online about the historic sandstone arch near Calgary’s Peace Bridge, here is the true history behind it.
The 1910 Sandstone Arch standing in Peace Park today was originally constructed as the grand entrance to the Rohl Block, a building erected at the corner of 3rd Street and 7th Avenue SE in 1910. A few years later, in 1916, the building underwent a name change, but it remained a fixture of the downtown landscape for decades.
When the structure was ultimately demolished around 1979, the City of Calgary recognized the architectural value of its beautiful sandstone entryway. Instead of letting it turn to rubble, the city salvaged and stored the pieces for years. Today, the arch has been given a second life, carefully rebuilt in Peace Park to connect Calgary’s modern riverfront with its early pioneer history.

07/26/2026

Original photo by Burell, Calgary CPR train station 1885. 140 years later train added to picture. My how things have changed.

06/26/2026

Fantastic presentation. Went last year and enjoyed very much!

AIN’T WE GOT FUN: CALGARY AND THE ROARING 20’S

The War to End Wars was over, and women had won the right to vote. We did it, we won, so let’s party! We often see the 20’s through an American lens — gangsters, speakeasies, shocking fashions, fast jazz, scandalous movie idols, relaxed morals, crazy stunters, a booming economy and shady stock deals - till it all came crashing down in 1929.

But what were the Roaring 20’s like in Calgary? How loud was Calgary’s roar? Find out next Tuesday, June 30, 2026 6:30 pm at the Good Cheer Brewing- 1220 20 Ave SE

Register by donation. All funds raised through donations will be sent to the Historical Society of Alberta.

04/22/2026