Alder Flats Community Agricultural Society History
History
Alder Flats' first homesteaders arrived as early as 1919, but most homesteaders came to the area in the early 1930s. Logging camps employed early residents of Alder Flats. Others eked a living by trapping and hunting. Oil and gas discoveries in the early 1950s slowly replaced logging as the main employer. Settlers improved their land, and horses, cows and bison farming flourished. The original community hall was established in the late 1950s, and the current community centre was finished in 1978.
Although oil and gas are still king in Alder Flats, the construction of Em-Te Town and recreational trails opened the area to light tourism in recent years. Many come to enjoy the picturesque wilderness surrounding the hamlet.
To read more great stories about our local history, you can purchase the Packhorse to Pavement History Book from Seely's General in Alder Flats or call Al Clemmer at 780-388-3954.
About Alder Flats Community Agricultural Society
1910 - 1950
1910 - 1950
1910 - 1950
Early Alder Flats settlers' homes were built of logs and slabs, with mud and moss chinking. In the 1930s, trappers could make more money in a day than loggers. Many early settlers made pets of wildlife, including moose and bears!
1950 - 2018
1910 - 1950
1910 - 1950
In the 1950s, Alberta's oil boom reached Alder Flats. Every kind of skid shack became a temporary home, and businesses flourished. Since then, the West Country has been transformed by lease roads and the oil and gas industry.
CANADA 100
1910 - 1950
CANADA 100
In 1967, the Centennial Canoe Pageant made its first stop in Alder Flats. Locals brought food, horse races, and celebrations to the river's shore. This spawned the annual Alder Flats Racemeet in years to come, which now includes a two-day rodeo and race meet on the weekend after the long weekend in May.
History book
Pack Horse to Pavement
C$ 40.00
Alder Flats History Book
Purchase at Seely's General Store or
Contact Jean Sargeant jwsarge28@gmail.com
To add to the small museum at the community hall contact Jean.