Many current Medicine Hat residents can identify themselves and their ancestors as being proudly, “Germans from Russia”. Indeed a great deal of academic research has been carried out and a “Germans from Russia Society” has been established at the University of North Dakota. Medicine Hat has its own ‘Germans from Russia’ Heritage Society. The Medicine Hat and District Germans from Russia Society was founded in 2005 and was instrumental in working to complete the Legacy Project–the dedication of the Jim Hauser life sized bronze statue, which is inscribed as “Germans from Russia and their descendants dedicate this monument to all immigrant pioneer settlers in Western Canada as a tribute to their sacrifice in building this new land of freedom and opportunity.”

The Bronze sculpture is situated in front of the Esplanade in Medicine Hat. Few are fully aware, both from a historical or genealogical perspective of the significance of the mass exodus of German-speaking people from the Russian Empire to North America and beyond in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.

Here is an interesting story of self -discovery, which may be of interest to those “Hatters” who proudly claim as their ancestors “Germans from Russia”. It is entitled “Regards from South America”

In Celebration of the Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge (April 9th)

The monument situated in Riverside Memorial Park is the most iconic and predominant landmark in Medicine Hat, yet few are aware of its historical importance. For decades, this centrepiece of the park has been witness to the annual Remembrance Day celebration as appreciative citizens pay tribute to those who gave their lives in defence of freedom with the old adage, “Lest We Forget”. Following the First World War, the monument was erected in 1922 by the grateful citizens as an everlasting tribute to those men and women from Medicine Hat and the surrounding area who had made the ultimate sacrifice for love of country in the Great War (1914-1918). One of the tragedies of the First World War is that there were countless numbers of young men, whose bodies of were never recovered and as a result of the misfortune of war have “No Know Grave”. READ ON

Here is Part Three from the desk of the Mad Hatter Historian. READ ON

In an earlier article entitled, “Cousin Connie”-The Mysterious Life of Constance Mary Greenwood, I chronicled the life and times of a dear relative on the Williams/Medlicott side of the family. The story gave rise to some peculiar questions about her involvement in WWII and the quiet emergence of a mysterious female of the same age and name (Constance Mary Greenwood) and her rather curious journey from England to Canada during the height of the Second World War. I surmised in the conclusion of that article that there might be another interesting story to be told beyond that of dear “Cousin Connie. This is that story. READ ON

This is the first of of a two part series.

Hutchings and Sharp was a prominent western wear retailer in Medicine Hat, Alberta, with a rich history spanning over a century. 

The history of Medicine Hat would not be complete without delving into the story of this iconic business, which will no doubt bring back many memories of by-gone days, when local entrepreneurs carried on successful businesses in the downtown core, which in turn became the lifeblood of the local economy. READ ON

The Cypress Hills is a geographical area in southwestern Alberta and southeastern Saskatchewan. From a historical perspective, this unique forested area has always intrigued me. My fascination with the Cypress Hills has resulted in several stories about early pioneers to the area.

Any examination of the history of Southern Alberta would not be complete without telling the story of a celebrated pioneer family- the Armstrong family and in doing so, chronicling the origins of the infamous East-West Ranch.

This is that story! READ ON

With another hockey season rapidly approaching, Medicine Hat Tiger hockey fans are eagerly awaiting the first home game. It is appropriate that in preparation for the season opener that Medicine Hat Tiger Nation be reminded of yesteryear and the early beginning of this storied WHL franchise. Here is a historical vignette which many will find of interest and which for some will bring back some vivid memories. It is entitled, “It Must Be the Water”  Click on the link bellow

  https://docs.google.com/document/d/14S1BfXDQBDQ5l2_EJLWEPvyW8-r1qejH/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110707670742934304532&rtpof=true&sd=true

Here is the story of a true visionary who made a significant impact on Medicine Hat at the turn of the 20th century and whose efforts created a lasting legacy.  

READ ON

Here is a brief historical vignette about Medicine Hat and one which demonstrates how closely we are all connected. For some, it may bring back some vivid memories of yesteryear. It is entitled ” Six Degrees of Separation”  READ ON

As a member of the Medicine Hat and District Genealogical Society, I volunteered to be Chairman of the Family History Research Group (Queries). From time to time, we receive outside requests for assistance in finding a lost relative or other information regarding a friend or family member, who may have had at one time a connection to Medicine Hat and the surrounding area. 

A recent request caused me to examine in greater detail an important part of Medicine Hat history for which many are unaware or which for some, is only a distant memory. The role of #34 SFTS in WWII cannot be underestimated and for the many pilot graduates their contribution to the war effort should not be forgotten. It also had an enormous impact on the community.

This is also the story of a pilot graduate of #34 SFTS, who like many others tragically gave his life for love of country. Hopefully this brief historical vignette about an important part of the history of Medicine Hat, will encourage others to explore this important part of our history and which remind us about all of the young men who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defence of freedom. READ ON

Lest We Forget!