It’s estimated close to forty years separates the two photos seen in this comparison post. It’s a strange subject we’ve picked, an obscure little corner of our city, but we like out of the way places. Anyway, it looked like it had the potential for some silly fun, so for that reason alone we’re in. It’s time for a Calgary (Transit) Then & Now and today we’re looking at the Ogden Bus Loop there in the southeast
First off, a big thank you goes out to the Motor Bus Society for allowing use of the old photo. It comes from the Gerry (or Gerald) Squier Bus Photo Collection and may be the first of many CTS T&Ns to come with his name attached. They said have at it and use any you like from the group sent to us as fodder (and there’s a lot). We might have to travel too as we see other Western Canadian cities were included in the group of images sent. Edmonton…lock up your silverwear. We’re coming!
Calgary Then & Now: Ogden Bus Loop – decades apart but little changed. Ride along with Chris Doering and Connie Biggart (BIGDoer/Synd)
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The Ogden Bus Loop was traditionally used by and most often associated with the number #24 route from downtown. It’s here where the “Ogden Bus” reversed and headed back to the city core. Now it continues further south and no longer pays this (once) turn around point a visit and hasn’t for years. Neither does any other route, and different ones have used it over time, but with changes to roads in the area it was taken out of service recently. Back in the original photo, this was the very edge of town, but today, it’s deep in the city. There’s one constant in Calgary and that’s growth.
Scroll down for photos and to comment.
The old photo shows Calgary Transit #766 at the Ogden Loop. A GMC New Look from 1974, a photo from our friend and bus nut Peter McLaughlin shows it in retirement by 1992. They got almost two decades out of it, so that’s not bad I suppose. Known affectionately as a “Fishbowl” (all that glass) the model was popular with transit systems all over North America in the 1960s-1980s period (with some even lasting in the 2010s). They were made in both the US (1959-1977) and Canada (1961-1986) with this one, naturally, a home-grown product. CTS had hundreds of them.
Want to know more about this iconic transit bus? Off course you do and maybe it’s because you rode in one, but no matter the reason, go here: (deep rabbit hole warning): GMC Fishbowls @ BIGDoer.com.
It doesn’t look like anyone’s on the #24 back then, but by the time it got to the loop, there were few riders to be had anyway. With a few scattered industries, the occasional house here and there and a small trailer park, not many folks would need to go to the end of the line. All the houses are gone now but the trailers are still there, incidentally. Old aerial photos at the City of Calgary from the 1970s-1980s period show just how “out there” the loop was at the time. You had Ogden, Glenmore Trail and then nothing.
The original photo did not come with a date but with a bit of detective work, we can make a reasonable estimation. Here’s what we know…
The bus loop, put in around 1977-1978-ish, took on its current three-lane two-island form in the early 1980s (exact year unconfirmed). Before that it appeared single lane and may have been unpaved.
Next it’s the licence plate and the yellow style seen dates back to 1975-1984 period. All things considered then, the first few years of the 1980s seems a good bet.
The ad on the side of the bus could not be accurately dated so did not help in any way. But it’s super interesting. Advertising Barney’s Kentucky Fried Chicken there’s a tag line that reads: “DinnerInABucketInAMinute”. Barney’s held all the KFC franchises in the Calgary area starting in the 1950s and did so until about 1987. It wasn’t the Colonel’s Chicken if you were a Calgarian back then, it was Barney’s.
At various times the loop functioned in a clockwise fashion and other times counter-clockwise, but when and why does not make mention.
Fast forward to 2020 and we’ve paid the Ogden Bus Loop a visit as you can see. It’s all quiet present day with no buses having used it for a while. It’s pretty intact, however, and little changed over the years as you can see. That traffic cone makes for an interesting coincidence.
The blue roof building seen in the now photo also appears in the first image, but was smaller then and mostly blocked from view by the bus. How about those old school big-rigs in back? Glenmore Trail marks a big change in the background. It used to be out of view, but for a few years now runs atop a big embankment (you can’t miss it) taking it over the busy Canadian Pacific Railway mainline. The train is just a couple blocks away and with each passing freight came big traffic snarls on that busy roadway. Those who work in Foothills Industrial are no doubt thankful for this new flyover.
This change to Glenmore has the roads around the loop mostly dead-ending and was responsible for the traffic pattern changes mentioned. It cut off or cut in half a number of well used roads and the loop therefor made rather pointless. The need had passed.
Most of the poles seem the same and overall change here has been pretty minimal. It’s an off the radar kind of place, so I guess it’s no surprise.
The mighty BIGDoer-mobile does a reasonable job of filling in for the transit bus in our now photo. It’s a GM product after all, although I don’t think it’s seats quite as many people. It’s usually seen photo-bombing our work (no matter where we park it somehow makes it into a picture), but here we put it to work. In spirit it’s usually a Jeep, but today it’s channeling a CTS Fishbowl.
Even though the city is all around present day, there’s still spotty development near the Ogden Bus Loop. Further south it’s strip mall after strip mall, each looking much like the other and vast tracts of housing but here, there’s many empty lots. To the north, it’s the well established neighbourhood of Ogden going back to the 1910s and forever tied to the railway. Look up Ogden Shops to know what we mean.
The loop still had a passenger shelter when we visited in 2020 but we suspect it might be gone soon. Ditto for the entire loop. The future Green Line LRT, it’s said, will pass close by on its way south and plans show a station (called South Hill) might be put very close to this spot. Or even on top. Construction will start soon according to the CTS.
Turn around points like this often have a facilities for the driver and here it’s a little bunker looking place seen in the photos. It’s quite substantial in construction…you might say it looks almost explosion proof. Just what do these CTS drivers eat (wink-wink)? We told you those gas station enchiladas would come back to haunt you!
Wasn’t that fun? Stay tuned for more like this down the road and other new content being posted regularly.
To know more about the group that supplied the old photo, go here (new tab): Motor Bus Society.
They’re saying…
“The subject matter is always interesting and Chris & Connie do an amazing job on studying their subject matter.” Rik Barry.
If you wish more information on what you’ve seen here, by all means contact us!
Date: May, 2020. Location: Calgary, AB. Article references and thanks: Motor Bus Society (Gerry Squier Collection), Calgary Transit, City of Calgary, BusDrawings.com plus vintage phone books at the Calgary Public Library and the Medicine Hat and District Genealogical Society.
I remember that loop when I was with CT. The 24 used to terminate there after a certain time and I think on Sunday (I would need to check my old CT manual).
The lonely bus stop. Just to look at that picture brings the exact same feelings as back then of this place having such a feeling of abandonment and being on the way to no where in the city. Wow! Old memory and a very old thought!
That was one of the best Bus Routes when I lived in Calgary, over 15 years ago. For awhile, I lived in Ogden and the bus took you all the way downtown without a transfer. This included a Drop off and Pickup regularly at the Grounds. It was terrific during Stampede and Flames games. All in one 20 -25 minute ride. Very efficient and well run back then.
Glad you like what we do (not many folks do these days).
Sadly, we can no longer afford to have the website all-access for everyone so limit views to non-members. Sorry about that. Given the size of BIGDoer.com (1 million words, thousands of pages, 20+k photos) it’s a huge resource hog and until we find a solution, doing this is the only option short of turning off the lights altogether. But even our membership (it’s free) has swelled to a point that we can rarely add more people. We’ve created a monster! The website was (mostly) underwritten by our society, but all our income streams stopped dead with Covid. Still, we should be opening up the site to new members next week, for a few days. Drop by then and even if you don’t make it in time, drop us an email and we’ll add you manually.
(A long read) After twelve years it's time to put a face to the name and come clean on something. That's rarely-seen Chris in the photo, one half of Team BIGDoer, my best friend for almost thirty years and orchestrator of everything you see here. For his entire adult life, he's battled a deep depression.
Mostly it's manageable, but there are extended bouts where it's crippling and his life comes to a grinding halt. Sometimes there are days or weeks where he's lost. Sleep does not come easy at this time and further aggravates the issue. As he ages, it's worsening and seems intent on destroying him from the inside.
If you see a lack of posts here, or ones poorly worded, confusing or simply off, it's from one of these periods.
Through all this, he remains as kind, thoughtful and loving as ever, but is somewhere else. To the family, it's just Chris and accepted as it should be. The kids and grandkids adore him no less. Until today, however, this has been hidden from the outside world, although closer friends and some readers were probably already suspect of his condition. I hope admitting this does not break the site.
He finds clarity when we're out and doing things, hiking or documenting something historic and it's only THE reason this page and our website exists. It's therapy. Then he's a new and passionate person, but the monster as he calls it always returns. The Beer Parlour Project has brought out a side I've never seen and when out in the field he's never been so on point and confident.
This post is not for sympathy but to inform. Just so you know where he is and here's what you can do to help (a last ditch request)...
If you see a missed comma or oddly worded sentence in a post, please be kind. You'll probably see his uncertainty when he's off and be nice there too. But if you like what you see, even if the write up could be presented better, post your encouragement. Say something and say it loud...it's important and will keep him sharing. Help Chris get better by cheering him on.
Other than some photos that are mine, everything else comes from him. All the tiring research and the writing (he admits he's NOT a writer), are his.
Chris puts every dollar he makes into this "project of a lifetime", and it's supplemented by donations from readers who enjoy the content. If you want to help...
Admittedly he was not thrilled with the idea of posting this but agrees it probably should be said, even if it makes him uneasy. He doesn't like appearing in photos either. He's so shy, thinks he looks goofy and hates his husky eyes. I love them and they're windows into a wonderful, complex and quiet, but tortured soul. It breaks my heart when he's in a bad space.
This image comes thanks to photographer Arturo Pianzola and was captured while exploring the historic Riverview Mental Hospital in Coquitlam BC. Chris thought since he was in the area last year, he'd stop by to visit with a grandfather he never really knew, who spent his last years at the facility and is buried on the grounds.
Thanks for listening and your understanding. Hopefully we'll see you next week. Johanna (Connie).
Journey of Natty Gann (Disney 1985) and the same location in the Crowsnest Pass 2014. We're visiting the Pass over the new year, as we often do, and this time we'll be staying at a house that appears (briefly) in the film. How cool, eh? Chris has decided it's time on this visit to reshoot this and other Natty Gann comparison shots we did from ten years ago. Stay tuned!
This scene was shot in historic downtown Coleman and shows the former Holyk's Grocery. It was built in the early 1900s and the store closed in the '60s. _______
Exploring history with Chris & Connie from Off the Beaten Path. Thanks, Johanna (Connie).
From 2015. Rob Pohl and his strange old-style view camera joined us in documenting the Laing House (with permission). Head down to the comments to see an amazing coincidence with something I found inside.
From the Crossley slides, it's an undated view of Towers School, out near Cluny Alberta. It was originally called Swastika School but that's before the word and symbol were ruined by negative connotations. Built 1922. Gone? _______
Exploring history with Chris & Connie from Off the Beaten Path. Thanks, Chris.
The same alley in downtown Calgary's west end, in the 1970s & today. You have to look hard to see the connection! The area was quite run down back then and is in stark contrast to all the shiny condo towers seen present day. Calgary Place West, an apartment block, appears in both images although it's barely a sliver in ours. Check the comments for more info.
Photo credit: James Tworow collection. _______
Exploring history with Chris & Connie from Off the Beaten Path. Thanks, Chris.
Lost highways (2022): a section of old #93 in Southeastern BC. That BIGDoer-mobile is gone now but quite famous and had a following of its own. Old mine roads, cow paths, 4x4ing across fields - no problem and people would recognize us out in remote areas just by this car. _______
Exploring history with Chris & Connie from Off the Beaten Path. Thanks, Chris.
Wow, I can’t believe the same traffic cone is been there all these years!
I suspect it’s not the same one and the now cone appears bigger for one. Just a coincidence.
Funny i was thinking of taking my bus down to that terminal earlier today.
Ken’s bus…Calgary Transit #7632.
Barney’s Chicken, they use to make Barney Burgers & they were so good.
They did burgers? Did not know.
Pretty sure I rode that bus from Sunridge Mall to home dozens of times.
A mall rat?
Still call it Barney’s, confuses my kids to this day and they are in their late 30’s!! Haha!!
It’ll always be Barneys…
The #72/73 bus stop!!
…for when I missed the last 36 or 41 of the day, to Riverbend. Just a bit farther to walk…
Keeping late hours, eh?
Shared on people of Ogden fb page.
Thank you!
I remember Barney’s! Brings back great memories of special family dinners.
Buns…corn on the cob…macaroni salad…
I surveyed the building in the background lol…
The chemical place?
Barney’s was Kentucky Fried Chicken. First one in Canada. Barney was my dad….
Your dad? No way!
I remember that loop when I was with CT. The 24 used to terminate there after a certain time and I think on Sunday (I would need to check my old CT manual).
The loop was the end of the line for some time.
Good job!
Thanks for your help.
Serendipity in the form of a traffic cone. How cool is that!
I know. We call a little magic and it happens to us all the time.
That’s why my mom would ask me do you want Barney’s chicken and it was KFC. She still says Barney’s!!
It’s ingrained into the minds of every older Calgarian.
I used that loop almost every day for a decade
So you were the one?
Insert smiley face here!
Insert clapping hands here…
Live in Nanaimo now but when we want KFC we still call it Barney’s.
Your Calgarian is showing!
I grew up in Ogden, first house right by Ogden Bus Loop, shades of homesick.
The last houses along the route.
Always Barney’s
Always and forever.
The lonely bus stop. Just to look at that picture brings the exact same feelings as back then of this place having such a feeling of abandonment and being on the way to no where in the city. Wow! Old memory and a very old thought!
It was out of the way…
Yup, in Calgary it was Barney’s chicken not KFC.
And always will be.
That was one of the best Bus Routes when I lived in Calgary, over 15 years ago. For awhile, I lived in Ogden and the bus took you all the way downtown without a transfer. This included a Drop off and Pickup regularly at the Grounds. It was terrific during Stampede and Flames games. All in one 20 -25 minute ride. Very efficient and well run back then.
It’s still easy to get into downtown by this route.
I still call it Barney’s. Rode those 70’s busses often. Good memories.
A lot of older Calgarians still do. Barney’s will live forever.
Chee all the power lines n poles still at the exact place….
Most of them, anyway.
Loved Barneys Chicken…remember that Bus Loop
It seemed a little bit better back then, but it could be sentiment kicking in.
My parents called it Barney’s for ever, even when they retired out to the coast!
Once Barney’s always Barney’s.
Yes, I remember Barney’s
If you’re a Calgarian, you probably do.
I love what you’re writing about, very interesting. How do I become a member and read all your articles?
Glad you like what we do (not many folks do these days).
Sadly, we can no longer afford to have the website all-access for everyone so limit views to non-members. Sorry about that. Given the size of BIGDoer.com (1 million words, thousands of pages, 20+k photos) it’s a huge resource hog and until we find a solution, doing this is the only option short of turning off the lights altogether. But even our membership (it’s free) has swelled to a point that we can rarely add more people. We’ve created a monster! The website was (mostly) underwritten by our society, but all our income streams stopped dead with Covid. Still, we should be opening up the site to new members next week, for a few days. Drop by then and even if you don’t make it in time, drop us an email and we’ll add you manually.
Thanks for getting back to me. Ya, I feel your pain wrt the COVID thing.
All the best! and keep up exploring all your new adventures.
We’ll keep on it till the bitter end.