Bragg Creek is a quaint community just west of Calgary that has become a hub for a multitude of recreational opportunities. Although it has always been a desired destination for those escaping big city life, it retains much of the charm and character from its past. The hamlet is named after two brothers, Albert Warren Bragg and John Thomas Bragg, who travelled west from Collingwood, Nova Scotia with dreams of living the ranching lifestyle. Their first cabin was erected next to a small stream, which came to be called Bragg Creek in their honour. Although, not long after settling in the area, Albert moved to Gleichen and John returned home, their surname is still attached to this picturesque community in Alberta’s foothills.
Sarcee woman butchering blackleg cattle at the ranch of E. G. May, Alberta, 1900One of the first bridges across the Elbow River at Bragg Creek, Alberta, 1919Signal Hill #2, early oil well between Bragg Creek and Jumping Pound Creek, Alberta, 1920-1925Town stores, Alberta, 1923Prospecting for land, Alberta, 1906Bragg Creek Stampede, Alberta, 1923Camping, Alberta, 1922Picnic at J. Fullerton farm, Alberta, 1915British Alberta Oil well #1 [Mowbray-Berkeley well], Alberta, 1914-1915The “Alberta Sphinx”, Alberta, 1930sCabins along the creek, Alberta, 1932First youth hostel in North America, Bragg Creek, Alberta, 1933Hikers on road, Alberta, 1940Youth hostel, Alberta, 1940sDonkey on Tom Fullerton ranch, Alberta, 1940sPaladium dance hall, Alberta, 1929Jake Fullerton with horse team and sleigh, Alberta, 1939Doctor John Nisbet Gunn displaying fish he caught, Alberta, 193531st St. Mark’s Church Boy Scout troop camping, Alberta, 1932Kamp Kumfort, Alberta. Woman on horseback in front of log cabin, 1922. Object #A14637Man building a fence, Alberta, 1921. Object #A14640
The photos above were collected from the Glenbow Archives and the Provincial Archives of Alberta. If you’re interested, additional information can be found for each photograph on the Glenbow website by searching the identification number that is printed on the photo. There is also the option to purchase a high resolution copy. If you search the object number that can be found in the photo captions, you will find additional information about the photographs on the Provincial Archives website. Stay tuned for additional posts featuring historical photos from across Alberta. We’d love to know what you think in the comment section below.
Tyler is originally from Saskatchewan, and yes he cheers for the Roughriders, but don’t hold that against him as Calgary has been his home for the past eight years. He is a teacher working at a wilderness-
based treatment program for youth working to overcome addiction. Tyler is also a volunteer with the GOT Parks initiative, which aims at reconnecting Canada’s youth with our national, provincial, and territorial parks. During his time away from work, Tyler enjoys outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and snowboarding, team sports, travelling, photography, spending time with good friends, and being at home with his wife and German Shepherd, Rome.
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