From the Archives of Western Newspapers

By Samantha Johnson
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Thursday, October 4, 1888 – The Brandon Mail

The bibulous (fond of alcoholic beverages) W. Evans was required by R.M. Todd to enrich the city treasury by a couple of dollars this past Monday.

The people of Portage declare the Salvation Army is the biggest nuisance they have about and are trying to get rid of them.

Aleck Graham, who works in Brandon over the winter and runs his farm at Elkhorn through the summer, has been most unfortunate this season. In the Spring, his buildings were all swept away in a prairie fire. The other day, the whole of his crop, which was in stacks, was completely consumed by the same devouring element. He had 35 acres of wheat, which was untouched by frost. Should it have been saved, he would have received top dollar for it.

A considerable scandal has been created in the west end of Montreal. On Saturday morning, Miss Maggie McDonald instituted an action against Professor J. Hopkins for seduction under promise of marriage. Hopkins promised the girl last winter and subsequently accomplished her ruin. A child was born on Sept. 4 and Hopkins has since left the city. He has considerable property of value, which has been seized to pay damages of $5,000 to Miss McDonald.

Thursday, October 7, 1909 – The Bowden News

The editor of the Alix Free Press claims to be the only editor in Alberta with a wooden leg, the consequence of having it pulled so much. He adds there are many editors in the province with wooden heads. He must mean some other editors than the Bowden newsman for it don’t fit us.

You can say what you like, but the editor likes to read the Eye Opener (Calgary) as well as anyone. We bought a copy last week and every man in town has asked to see it with the exception of two, but everyone in town can guess who they are.

Still a mystery who was at the Pole first, but our sympathies are with Cook. Cook has started on a lecture tour. We’ve invited him to come to Bowden so he can tell us firsthand who is the liar, Peary or himself.

Wednesday, October 4, 1911 – Red Deer News

The breaking of a dam has almost completely wiped out the small city of Austin, Pa that has a population of about 3,000. The nearby town of Costello was also partially wrecked. It is estimated that 300 people drowned. Relief trains have been slow in getting through but the first finally arrived on Oct. 2.

Sir Wilfred Laurier and R.L Borden met for the first time since the election at the Rideau Club in late September. Laurier and Borden shook hands with the former extending his hearty congratulations to the man who succeeded in defeating him at the polls. The dinner was given as a farewell to Earl Grey with both Laurier and Borden paying him high tributes for the services he rendered to Canada.

Not a week passes where there isn’t an incident of someone being killed or seriously wounded by a stray bullet from a rifle. All too often, the accident takes place in town where it is least expected. It is almost always a mystery as to who fired the shot. It is time something is done to prevent these accidents.

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