271 First Street was built in 1896 and was inhabited by William Cousins. Cousins became the first mayor of the "City" of Medicine Hat, according to the Heritage Resources Committe (Tiffany Goodwein CHATNEWSToday)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Historic First Street Tours provide glimpse into Medicine Hat’s early years

Jul 12, 2021 | 8:00 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB- Take a drive along First Street and a defining feature almost always captures the eyes. The large tree-lined street, and some of the oldest homes in Medicine Hat. Now the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre is providing a trip back in time, using these historic homes to some of Medicine Hat’s earliest days, which was largely spurred by the Canadian Pacific Railway.

“Medicine Hat began in 1883. It was set up as a terminal in their move westward through Canada, and where a terminal was going to be set up enterprising entrepreneurs knew there would be a town and they followed the rails and in no time they had a tent town here of over 200 people. Those who stayed were successful,” said Sally Sehn, a volunteer with the Esplanade.

First Street, according to Sehn, wasn’t actually called First Street to begin with. Instead, it was called the Esplanade, and it was where pioneers of some of the city’s most historic landmarks called home.

“The William Babb house. William Babb, he was one the co-owners of the Corona Hotel. The Assiniboia Inn was actually built as a business block and that was built by Walter Huckvale,” she said.

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Vic Ready, one of the original co-owners of the Monarch Theatre and Joseph Carbert, who designed and oversaw the construction of the Finlay Bridge also lived on First Street.

With so many historic homes, the street also houses the oldest home in Medicine Hat, otherwise known as the Ewart Duggan House. It was built back in 1887 and according to Sehn, it holds another unique distinction.

“It is significant because it is also believed to be the oldest brick residence in all of the province of Alberta,” she said.

The unique features of each home, from coal storage facilities to the style of brick architecture, according to Sehn shows that life on First Street back in those days was a lot different than today.

“It was very quiet and people didn’t have their decks and patios in the back yard. They had it in the front yard so it was much more sociable,” she said.

Starting at 2 p.m. on Saturdays local residents have the opportunity to learn more about the homes and how the residents back then helped shape the city.

“I think it is a wonderful idea. It is a great promotion for the city and it is also great to know the heritage of the city,” said Delores Sailer who took part in the tour.

Sailers own grandparents lived on the Esplanade lot and her grandfather’s upholstery shop was right next to city hall. She said she enjoyed learning about the city’s history while reflecting on how much the area has changed.

“It is so nice to know they are preserving the streets, the boulevards. I mean there are an awful lot of the houses being upgraded and there are some absolutely beautiful houses going up or are going up on that street. So I am glad they kept it because it was always a street where they kept all the nice big beautiful houses,” she said.

First Street South was designated as a Municipal Historic Area on March 7, 2016.

The Historic First Street Tours run July 3 to Sept 11. Tickets to register can be found here.