Wandering Historic Downtown Coleman

One evening in Coleman Alberta, in the wondrous Crowsnest Pass. With no goals or plans in mind we simply wander the historic downtown taking in this and that, passing trains and old buildings from the boom days when coal mining drove the local economy. It’s about getting out, working those legs and connecting with history. We’ve done it many times here and seemingly will never tire of it. Abandon the car at one end of the community, camera in hand and go. The streets are quiet and all ours and for a time we’re lost in the moment.

So here, it’s just random things seen in downtown, the stuff that captured our attention this day. We by no means documented all the historic buildings here. Didn’t even scratch the surface. But we’ll be back time and again for a do over. This place is just that special. Come tag along with us as we get out and explore. And before you know it a couple hours will have passed. And it’ll be smiles all around.

Within minutes, a horn. A train! Run to the tracks as it speeds past. It’s doing a good clip here. And mid-point a most interesting load, a brand spanking new LRT car coming in from a plant in the US and headed to Calgary. It’s wrapped up all tight in a cocoon. “Do not Hump” – that always elicits a chuckle from us unsophisticated types. It has nothing to do with getting it on, however, but rather is an instruction to trains crews forbidding it from going into a “hump” equipped marshalling yard, which uses gravity to move cars about. Things can get a bit rough there and damage to sensitive cargo can happen. Now you know…and still you snicker. Trains are a lifelong obsession…and there is no cure.

Passing the Roxy Theatre, built circa 1948 (some reports, mistakenly I suppose, speak of it being built a decade sooner). The silver screen’s dark now, the legends of Hollywood visit no more, it’s been closed for some time. Old photos show it looking much as it does today. That neon sign! And don’t forget to take home a carton (of Pepsi). The light softens and we’re pleased as punch. It’s a most magic time and makes for dramatic photos.

Across the road, a Ford Model A, circa 1928-1931. It looks ready to hit the road. Over four million of these were made. To take it for a spin…if you’re out there listening.

On the left, the circa 1904 Italian Hall (for a time a hardware store) and beside it on the right, the circa 1909 Eagles Hall. Both were places to hold meetings, parties and events connected to their respective “benevolent” associations. Today one is used for storage and the other an art studio. Oh, to see the insides…

The left most building makes an appearance in a movie. See: Journey of Natty Gann – town scenes.

Further down the street, the Morrison Block, circa 1912. For a time long ago an auto dealership and service centre operated out of the building as did an insurance and real estate business. Today it’s used for storage – the same can be said of many old buildings around here. Better that than being torn down. Notice the Morrison lettering on the upper facade. And it hits us, we’ve not seen another soul for some time now. We’re completely alone.

There’s many fine old houses in this part of Coleman and we photographed one. We’ll be back to capture more of the others. This one’s rather odd as it fronts on an alley and not the street. It’s also a bit bigger than the typical miner’s cottages found here in town. We couldn’t find a build date for this structure but it’s safe to assume it’s from the early days (update: we’ve since heard it’s from 1904 – thanks Ian). And the light keeps getting better.

The old Coleman Fire Hall dates from 1909. A 1930s era renovation gave it the appearance it has today. The fire department moved out in the early 1970s and it also housed town offices for a time. Now it’s a private dwelling. And a most amazing one at that. The sky is alive.

On the grounds of the Crowsnest Pass Museum, housed in an old school, this here little locomotive that once worked at a nearby coal processing plant. To know more, go here: Coleman Collieries #DL11 and The little yellow locomotive.

Chris’ Restaurant, a great place to eat. Been there, done it, will go back again. And it can an awfully busy place so come early. This is one of the few open businesses in old downtown Coleman and seems to be thriving. Mmmmm, steak and eggs and thick toast, oh the toast, and a piping hot mug of coffee. It might not be heart healthy, but damn…

Strolling about, a little library. We find these all over and make good use of them. Connie’s a big reader.

Peeking inside the Legion Hall, it’s pretty quiet this evening. Then the rumble of a passing hot rod breaking the silence. This is the defining photo of the night. Here, with no one about, a single car passes, and it’s not just any, but an old school ride from the ’50s, the pride and joy of someone, looking good and sounding good, out touring this most historic town. With it gone the stillness returns. And the Legions member who stepped out to see what the commotion was, they’re back at their VLTs. Coleman has had a Royal Canadian Legion since the 1920s.

Across the tracks, the Polish Hall dating from circa 1927. This here building is still used from time to time – most recently we attended a garage sale type event here. Coleman sure had its share of places like this. But then coal mining towns were often multicultural, so it all makes sense. It gave those from the old county, where ever that was, or those of a specific political leanings, beliefs or ideals, a sense of brotherhood.

Some incredible places seen this evening. And mother nature sure helped. Coleman is something special and we’ll be back to connect with it again. We’re working on a more intimate tour, where we take in the interiors of these places too. A lot of work but if it pans outs, it’d be something else. Our dreams come big.

More like this…
Wandering Beiseker.
Wandering Shaunavon.
Exploring Viking.
Carmangay Alberta.

If you wish more information on what you’ve seen here, by all means contact us!

Date: June, 2018.
Location: Coleman, AB.
Article references and thanks: Municipality of Crowsnest Pass.

Do not hump!

Trains…an obsession since forever.

What’s playing at the Roxy?

Henry’s Model A.

Italians and Eagles.

The Morrison Block.

The alley house.

Once a fire hall, now a home.

On the grounds of the Crowsnest Museum.

A fine place to eat.

Take a book, leave a book.

Hotrods and Legions.

In the soft light, the Polish Hall.