Getting an original Editing Luke documentary project, such as this one, collaboratively funded and moving forward is an achievement in itself. Discussions began earlier this year about an idea I had for creating a short-form documentary about the rapid evolution that's taken place on 2nd Street in downtown Medicine Hat, Alberta over the last few years.
From renovations, street upgrades, new businesses, and the growth and popularity of my Medicine Hat photo series - I've been surprisingly close to a lot of the change on 2nd Street over the last 5 years without fully recognizing my connection. That was until this year at least.
While a lot of the plans and ideas for this project have been roughly laid out for months, the last few weeks have been especially exciting. With the budget finally secured, partners on-board, questions prepared, and interviews scheduled, production on the documentary is now officially underway. Naturally, that means there will be a lot more to share very soon.
I'm keeping a lot of the production details quiet for the time being, but if you're an individual with a close connection to this street or a business that would like to become a last-minute sponsor / partner get in touch with me here and let's chat.
It's always difficult to make predictions at this stage, but if the numerous photo essays I've shared are any indication it seems likely that this project will also reach thousands and thousands of interested viewers. A documentary like this is unique for a community like ours, and it wouldn't be possible without local support. Given the interest already shown, I know this is going to be something special.
A continuation of my "Then & Now" photo series of Medicine Hat, Alberta featuring archival and modern day images in side by side comparisons.
1955 & 2017 - Crystal Dairy Building
Trucks lined up outside of the Crystal Dairy in 1955 are contrasted against the modern day apartment building in 2017.
1920 & 2017 - 2nd Street
Elephants parade down 2nd Street in downtown Medicine Hat advertising the arrival of the circus in 1920. While part of the building in the background has since burnt down, in 2017 these elephants would be about to walk by Station Coffee Company.
1966 & 2017 - Esso Station
A brand new Esso in 1966 meets modern office space in 2017. This is the corner of 1st Street and 5th Ave. The fire hydrant is still in the same place.
1929 & 2017 - Elm Street School
While education has changed a lot between 1929 and 2017, the biggest difference to Elm Street School is actually barely visible in this archival image. Notice a few more windows peeking out from behind the school in 1929? Elm Street School originally had a giant rear wing that was later demolished in 1973.
1939 & 2017 - Train Station
Seen here in 1939, King George VI (on the right) and Queen Elizabeth arrive at the train station in Medicine Hat on their cross country tour of Canada. Leading up to the outbreak of WWII, the unprecedented scope of the visit saw the royals visit each Canadian province, traveling much of the country by rail.
Thousands upon thousands of spectators greeted the royals in each of the numerous communities and stops along the way. The tour was meant to emphasize the Dominion of Canada's independence from Britain, while also rallying support in the event of war. It marked the first time a reigning British monarch had visited Canada, and as such, the visit proved to be a huge morale booster for the country.
Medicine Hat's train station is easily recognizable in the background of this archival photograph, and the exterior still looks very much the same in 2017.
1920s & 2017 - 2nd Street
Lots of changes, but also lots of similarities along 2nd Street between the 1920s and 2017.
1962 & 2017 - 2nd Street
What's particularly interesting about the 1962 image is that the corner building is seen with a renovated mid-century facade. By contrast, the same building in 2017 was clearly refurbished at some point after 1962 to look like it originally did when it was constructed in the early 1900s.
1914 & 2017 - River View
Once again one of the defining differences between Medicine Hat nearly a century ago and Medicine Hat today - TREES!
1913 & 2017 - Rail Yard Warehouse
Seen here during construction in 1913, this rail yard warehouse is often remembered for housing the Dominion Fruit Company / Dominion Grocers. The building still stands today and looks very much the same, however I'd be really curious to see the inside.
Originally built in 1875, Fort Walsh was an outpost for the North-West Mounted Police that was in operation until 1883. Located on the Saskatchewan side of the Cypress Hills, the fort was established to curb the illegal whiskey trade, protect Canada's nearby border with the United States, and aid with native policy in the region.
It was the Cypress Hills Massacre, where at least twenty natives and one trader died, that lead the Canadian government to accelerate the deployment of the NWMP in the west. Fort Walsh became a key part of preventing further conflict and from 1878 to 1882 it was a NWMP headquarters. Although dismantled in 1883, the site was eventually designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1924. It was later reconstructed in the 1940s and was used to breed horses for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and their iconic Musical Ride.
Today, this remote site is a beautiful spot to learn about the North-West Mounted Police and their impact on the region. From touring the fort buildings and trading posts to watching a live cannon firing demonstration and taking in the scenic views of the surrounding Cypress Hills, Fort Walsh (near Maple Creek, Saskatchewan) is a fascinating place to experience and explore.
