Historic Downtown Drumheller

Downtown Drumheller, with it's many old buildings is also a must-see for visitors to the Valley. Many of the buildings have been restored by the Alberta Main Street Programme. Watch for the plaques on the buildings which give a brief history of each building, from when it was first constructed, to who has occupied it over the years.

Downtown Drumheller

ONTKES CLARKSON BLOCK AND THE DRUMHELLER MAIL

Ontkes Clarkson Block and The Drumheller Mail

The Ontkes Clarkson Block was constructed in 1927 and housed a barber shop, billiard hall, tobacco and confectionery operation, and a beauty parlor. The Drumheller Mail, (the local weekly newspaper), which was established shortly after the turn of the century, first occupied the building in 1973, and still resides in this building today.

THE VICKERS BLOCK

vickers.gif (33115 bytes) The original building on this site was constructed in 1911 by Nelson B. Vickers, who operated his hardware and dry goods store here. In 1915, having prospered from this business the building was replaced by a large brick building. The store was an established meeting place for doctors, farmers, miners and the N.W.M.P. Fire destroyed the building first in 1937 and then again in 1941. The present day building dates from 1941.

CRAWFORD BLOCK

Crawford Block This block was constructed for Scottish photographer, Home Crawford in 1925. From 1925 and 1940 Crawford operated a studio from one of the two storefronts on the main floor of this building. In 1940 Jenkins Groceteria, an early Alberta chain of food stores, combined the original main floor storefronts into one single store. The second floor was then converted for the use of the Drumheller Associated Physicians. In 1977 Wade's Jewellery purchased the building and still operates the business from it.

BILL CROSS MEN'S WEAR

This building constructed in 1925, and the first business to occupy it was Tony's Ladies Wear, which was also the first such business in the Valley. In 1936 E.A. Toshach purchased the building and moved Toshach's Style Shop, a beauty salon into it. Toshach was a pioneer Drumheller Clothing Merchant. He was also philanthropist that donated a bell to all of Drumheller's Churches and purchased a turkey for every widow in the valley at Christmas. Bill Cross Men's Wear first occupied the building in 1982 and is still operational from it today.

Also of interest in the area are the Prehistoric animals and dinosaur sculptures installed by the Drumheller Revitalization Committee. These sculptures are littered throughout the town. See how many you can spot when touring the community. Dino

When visiting downtown Drumheller, be sure to ask the friendly Merchants and Staff for more insight into the Downtown History, many have been here for years and would be pleased to share information with you.