Sally Sehn outside the Cory House (Photo courtesy Colton McKee)

By Hayley Ferguson

Historic Homes

Walking tour tells story of First Street

Aug 9, 2019 | 5:24 PM

Medicine Hat, AB – Sally Sehn was born and raised on First Street.

She grew up loving to hear the stories of the beautiful homes that were built by early settlers in Medicine Hat.

That’s why she worked with along the Heritage Resources Committee to design and lead a walking tour of the south east part of the street. To ensure those stories are told.

We want to ensure that these houses are preserved and by telling the story of the house by showing the architecture, talking about the social history of the occupants it shows interest in the house.” Sehn said.

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Karen-Anne Cherwonogrodzky who is a heritage assistant with the city and also on the committee says Sehn brings something special to the tour.

“We are so fortunate to have Sally lead it because Sally has done the majority of the research. She’s done extensive research to put the booklet together.” She said.

The booklet gives background information about each of the 31 sites the tour visits.

Sehn says that each one plays an important role in the history of Medicine Hat and couldn’t pick a favourite.

“You see a house architecturally that is appealing and then you hear the story of another house that really doesn’t have anything to show for it. But the story of the people are fascinating.” She said.

One of those fascinating stories on the tour is the Cory House.

It was built in 1912 for Thomas A. Cory who had moved to Medicine Hat as a conductor for the Canadian Pacific Railway.

“He started chopping wood with the railway and worked his way up until he was the conductor with the CPR.” Sehn continued. “And the next owner was Dr. Fred Gershaw. He came to Medicine Hat as the CPR medical officer.”

Cory house in 1912 (Photo courtesy the Esplanade archives)

Dr. Gershaw went on to become the local MP and was appointed a senator in 1945 by Prime Minister Mackenzie King.

The tour takes place every second Saturday at 3:30 p.m. beginning at the Esplanade.

“Basically go to the box office purchase a booklet for $5 and sign up.” Cherwonogrodzky explained.

The box office opens at noon at Saturdays.

The tour, which takes about an hour, ends at the Ewart Duggan House beside the Esplanade.

It is thought to be the oldest standing brick house in the province.

“You won’t drive down First Street and think the same way again because the social history that Sally shares just brings the street alive.” Cherwonogrodzky said.

Sehn is working on another booklet for the south west part of First Street.