Fort Edmonton Parkin Photos (part 1)

Upon entering Fort Edmonton Park through the gift shop, you find yourself standing on the train platform from which you can hop the steam powered train (circa 1880-1920) to the Fort proper. This is what 90% of the school groups were doing so we opted to walk backwards in time from 1920 to 1905 to 1885 and finally to the Fort of the Fur Trading Era (1795-1870).

Immediately across the tracks from the station is the Midway from which a gentleman with a megaphone announced the show's attractions and ticket costs.

1920s traveling midway.

It reminded me of the Ray Bradbury novel: Something Wicked This Way Comes. We did not attend although many of the impressionable youngsters wanted to take a ride on the Ferris wheel and carousel.

Electric street trolley.

The 1920s street is serviced by an electric trolley while the older streets (1905 and 1885) have buckboards and stage coaches.

The first mosque in Canada.

The first mosque in Canada was erected in the 1920s in Edmonton, of all places. One would think the coastal cities, or Montreal, Quebec or Toronto would have been the site of the first mosque.

Ukrainian Book Store.

After several decades of government (Canada's government) encouraged immigration, Ukrainians had a firm foothold in central Alberta. This bookstore did a thriving business in 1920s Edmonton.

The Hotel Selkirk.

An imposing brick edifice, the Hotel Selkirk entertained guests in style in 1920s Edmonton. You can still book a room for the night or enjoy a meal at this location within the park.

We turned the corner and entered 1905 Street. (...to be continued.)