Category Archives: Medicine Hat and Area History

The 3rd Canadian Mounted Rifles (3CMR) and the Mystery Surrounding the Benwell Tablet

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A Chairman of the Family History Research Group of the Medicine Hat & District Genealogical Society, we receive requests from around the world requesting assistance or information regarding a relative or family member who may have had in the past a connection to Medicine Hat. Some of these enquires are very interesting and several have been an inspiration for an article, as I endeavour to document the history of my hometown. Here is one such story, which I hope you will find both interesting and informative. It is entitled, “The 3rd Canadian Mounted Rifles (3CMR) and the Mystery Surrounding the Benwell Tablet”

“Tents, Trade and Tweed”: The First Shopkeepers in Medicine Hat- A Historical Vignette

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The life and times of pioneer businessmen like Thomas Tweed, John Ewart and James Lougheed provide a fascinating glimpse into the past and provide us with the opportunity to explore broader historical events in a relatable context. They, like many others, demonstrated foresight, fortitude and resilience as they shared a powerful vision for both their themselves and the community they served.

Their contribution is an important part of the history of Medicine Hat and is worthy of being recognized and documented. READ ON 

 

 

 

 

On a Wing and a Prayer…

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If you do something on a wing and a prayer, you do it hoping that you will succeed, although you may not be fully prepared for success.

This is a story about a part of Canadian history, for which I, like many others, was completely unaware. It is a story, which should be told, as it has been often suggested in political discourse that learning and understanding world history helps avoid repeating past mistakes. Winston Churchill is famously quoted as saying, “those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it”. READ ON

 

How Medicine Hat Got Its Famous Title

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Several theories have developed over time as to how “Medicine Hat” got its famous title. Oldtimers and amateur historians have debated the issue for years without arriving at a clear consensus. Here is my effort to bring perhaps,(?) some clarity to the matter. Regardless, this much is clear, and that is that the heralded name is rooted in Indigenous culture and mythology. READ ON 

They Evaded Capture”-The WWII Story of Medicine Hat’s Own Pilot Officer Borden Carrick Dennison of the Royal Canadian Air Force (“RCAF”) and the Halifax II Bomber That He Piloted That Was Shot Down Over France On March 12,1943

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LEST WE FORGET

In honor of those who gallantly fought for our freedom, here is a story of one of those unsung heroes from WWII who chose Medicine Hat as his home. It is entitled “They Evaded Capture”-The WWII Story of Medicine Hat’s Own Pilot Officer Borden Carrick Dennison of the Royal Canadian Air Force (“RCAF”) and the Halifax II Bomber That He Piloted That Was Shot Down Over France On March 12,1943

This story is a fascinating account of courage, determination, perseverance and in some cases, incredible luck!

“The Apple Does Not Fall Far From the Tree”

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The Story of George Lyall Arbuthnott McIntosh and his son John “Jack” McIntosh and their Very Special and Unique Connection to Medicine Hat     READ ON

The story behind a WWII Halifax bomber and its unique nose art and the young pilot who flew the aircraft is another interesting chapter in the history of Medicine Hat.