From the Archives of Western Newspapers

Posted on October 29, 2026 by admin

By Samantha Johnson
For Southern Alberta Newspapers

November 1, 1882 – The Prince Albert Times and Saskatchewan Review

In presenting our patrons and readers with the first issue of the Prince Albert Times, it is but right that we should say a word or two. It is a matter of surprise that the people have been content to remain without a local paper for so long. Newspapers have sprung up in the past year in almost every hamlet of considerable size in Manitoba and the North West. We have succeeded, at large expense and in the face of many great difficulties – almost insurmountable at times – in bringing up our plant and press and we now launch our literary venture onto the troublesome waters of journalism. 

In the recent term of court the verdict was found for the defendant in a trial by jury for the action of breaking down fences across what was claimed to be an old, established trail, which has been well-used for many years. It was a very important case affecting the rights, not only of the adjacent proprietors, but of the travelling public as well. 

A young man fell off a stack of hay, alighting on a pitchfork. One of the prongs impaled his leg about eight inches deep and then broke off. After a good deal of trouble, Dr. Porter succeeded in pulling it out. The patient is doing as well as can be expected.

October 31, 1912 – The Carlstadt News

Carlstadt has 673 dogs and 674 cats. If you don’t believe it, count them yourself. 

Sumptuous thanksgiving dinners were held throughout the district. Although, a few must have forgotten and came into the elevator with loads of grain. 

A traveller calling himself Mr. Dukes dropped into town last week wanting to put on a piano contest for the great and only. He failed. We understand that both the Brooks Bulletin and Bassano News were roped in by his pompousness. 

Our pumpkins are dug and now in the cellar, so we don’t care if it snows. 

October 27, 1916 – The Morning Bulletin
(Edmonton)

Private John Chipman Kerr of the 66th Battalion was awarded the greatest of all British military honours, the Victoria Cross, for great gallantry on the field of battle in early October. Born in Ontario near Hamilton 24-years ago, Kerr moved west with his family in 1905 and settled in Edmonton. He worked for several years in the survey department of the Canadian Northern Railway. He wrote to his parents letting them know he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and was getting ready to take his bombing party forward for duty. Upon reaching the trenches, he received injuries that resulted in his death. 

Baron Beresford and Baron Sydenham both spoke strongly in the House of Lords regarding the alleged breach of neutrality by the USA. American warships rescued passengers off the coast of the States after the vessels were sunk by enemy submarines. Viscount Grey replied it was a matter between the two countries directly affected as the British government had yet to be informed if there was a breach of any promises made to President Wilson. 

The casualty lists during the past twenty-four hours show a marked increase over the lists of the last few days. The percentage of missing still continues to be much higher than usual. The total of the latest list is 703, with 103 killed in action, 27 died from wounds, 209 missing, 345 wounded, 3 wounded and missing, 2 taken as prisoners of war, 10 ill and 4 died of other causes.