Lethbridge’s Oliver Block, located across the street from Draffin’s Pharmacy on 5 Street downtown, has borne an interesting story since the day it was built. Constructed at the turn of the twentieth century, the building was named for its owner William Oliver during his term as Lethbridge’s seventh mayor. The building opened in two separate segments at Oliver’s behest, as he was eager to open his blacksmithing business as soon as possible! In the 120-odd years since, the building has housed a wide variety of tenants. Perhaps what the building is best known for now, however, is how close it came to destruction.

ArticleAvery RaineAugust 1, 2023Oliver Block, Built Heritage, Renovation, Heritage Buildings, Mayor, Lethbridge, Buildings, DowntownComment

Lethbridge’s Hidden Coffee House Gem: The Inn Purple

The Inn Purple was a coffee house for young adults that was open from 1967 to 1968 in Lethbridge. It was a place where teens and young adults could go to hang out, listen to music and dance without drugs, alcohol or their parents.

The MacDonald Block

The MacDonald Block is one of few buildings that have held a vintage advertisement and withstood the test of time. One hundred and twenty-five years’ worth of local business have held a place in this building at 302 5 Street South.

Over the Years: How Transit Encourages Access to Lethbridge Culture

Public transit is an ever-evolving part of life within the local community, and free or inexpensive access to local culture is crucial. Much like the streetcar initiative over a century ago, an innovative transit project called cultureLINK is launching in Lethbridge this summer.

100 Years Back: Door Delivery Makes a Comeback

Lethbridge traffic was dominated by delivery vehicles in the 1920s. What was the difference between the deliveries a century ago and those of today?

ArticleAndrew ChernevychMarch 22, 2022Galt Museum & ArchivesCOVID-19, Pandemic, Delivery, Commerce, Downtown, Transportation, Cars, Groceries, ShoppingComment

100 Years Ago: 6A Avenue South is up in arms

A century ago the micro neighbourhood of 6A Avenue South was neglected by the city authorities to the point that it provoked the local residents to take action.

From Trendsetter to the End of an Era

In the later twentieth century, traditional department stores faced growing competition from shopping malls, discount retailers and online shopping. The Hudson’s Bay Company, Sears Canada and Zellers all took market share from Eaton’s, and the creation of big-box stores in the 1990s made it difficult to compete.

Eaton’s Community Involvement

Lethbridge Eaton’s was a destination for women to enjoy the afternoon. The store had a soda bar where shoppers could rest and enjoy something to eat and offered the latest fashions, cosmetics and everything a household could need. The store was also an important employer for women in Lethbridge and many worked long careers as “Eatonians.”

Aimee BenoitNovember 26, 2019Eaton's, Commerce, Downtown, Lethbridge, Department, StoreComment

The Rise of Eaton’s and Lethbridge

Eaton’s opened its first “TECO” store in Lethbridge in 1927 at the corner of 4 Avenue and 6 Street South. The store became so successful that in 1955 the company built a new, modern building at the same location. Eaton’s became a landmark in Lethbridge and the central shopping hub for residents looking for quality goods.

ArticleAimee BenoitNovember 19, 2019Eaton's, Commerce, Downtown, Lethbridge, Park Place Mall Comment