Jul 25

Take a Walk Through Calgary’s History

by Shannon Calhoun · 0 comments

The Chinook Country Historical Society will present their 23rd annual Historic Calgary Week from July 26-August 5, 2013, where there will be over 70 interesting events taking place throughout the city, including walks, talks, concerts, and more.

The majority of these events are free of charge, so it’s a great opportunity to explore the city and learn more about our heritage.

Some of the highlights available in the downtown core are:

Sunday, July 28, 2022 - 10:00am-12:00pm - Jewish Calgary Walking Tour

Calgary’s Jewish community dates back to 1889.  In the historic Downtown Commercial Core, Downtown East Village, and Beltline districts, many existing and vanished sites (as well as contemporary public art installations) have connections to the Jewish community and it’s organizations. Join Harry Sanders for a walk through Jewish Calgary, past and present.

Sunday, July 28, 2022 - 1:30-4:00pm - Knox United Church Celebrates 100!

This stunningly beautiful sandstone church, with unique architectural details, celebrates 100 years of activism and service.  Guided tours at 2:00pm and 3:00pm include behind the scenes commentary, stained glass windows, and rousing organ music selections.  Conclude your tour with high tea in the parlour.  Early 20th century antique cars will be on display outside.

Monday, July 29, 2022 - 12:00-1:00pm - Langevin and Bow Marsh Bridges

John Gilpin, historian and author, recounts the history of Calgary in the 1880s as revealed by the construction of the first two bridges across the Bow River in 1888.  The construction of the Bow Marsh Bridge, located where the Louise Bridge is today, and the first Langevin Bridge were occasions for community cooperation, rivalry and celebration.

Monday, July 29, 2022 - 7:00-8:30pm - Mid-Century Modern - West Downtown Walk

From brick to brute concrete and curtain walls, the west end of downtown recalls mid-century Calgary and our transition from small prairie city to a modern metropolis built on oil and gas wealth.  Some of the significant stops along the way include the Barron Building, the Elveden Centre “superblock” and the concrete waterfall landscape of Century Gardens.

Friday, August 2, 2013 - 12:00-1:00pm - The 7th Avenue Hudson’s Bay Store - Celebrating 100 Years

Based on the business model of Harrod’s Store in London, England, Calgary’s granite “Palace” has stood the test of time.  Learn from Linda Gernhardt what early services were offered.  Many departments are now a distant memory.

A detailed schedule of events can be found here.  Please note that some events were cancelled or rescheduled due to the recent flooding - check here for updates to the brochure.

The Chinook Country Historical Society’s year-round calendar can be found here.

Related Posts




Previous post:

Next post: