The first two posts of this series, which looked at early Calgary communities and social organizations in relation to Chinese and Black populations, led to some understanding of certain groups seeking solidarity and a sense of belonging within their community. White colonial settlers also formed organizations, often with a stated aim of benevolence as well as a desire for connection and belonging. However, groups formed by White settlers tended to function as exclusionary organizations that unwittingly forged power structures. The odd thing about the notion of belonging is that it can both construct and damage communities, perpetuating an “us and them” dynamic sustained by zealous belonging. Settler colonial groups often encompassed imperial underpinnings that functioned to drive a wedge between races and classes, generating an elitist hierarchy within the growing city.  

In Calgary’s early settler colonial society, new arrivals from eastern Canada and Britain sought to became established in their new community as western Canada opened to settlement. Newcomers aspired to make connections among those they perceived as peers with similar social standing. Two groups, the Old Timers’ Association and the Ranchmen’s Club, are explored here in relation to men’s social organizations (women’s associations will be examined in a future post). James Lougheed, enterprising lawyer, businessman, real estate investor, and senator (1889 – 1925), was involved in the development of several of these groups.  

The Calgary District Old Timers’ Association

The Calgary District Old Timers’ Association has been operating in some form from 1901 to the present day (now known as Southern Alberta Pioneers and their Descendants). As early colonial newcomers established their occupancy in the town of Calgary, validation of their stamina against the hardships of settlement was something they wanted to recognize, along with acknowledgement of their early arrival to this land to set them apart from settlers who arrived later. 

The Old Timers inaugural meeting was held at the Royal Hotel in June 1901. At that meeting, Senator James Lougheed moved that those present would organize themselves into the Calgary District Old Timers’ Association. James Reilly, a local businessman and politician, was elected President. A committee of Messrs Van Wart, Brown, Smart, Lougheed, and Brett was appointed to act as officers and to draft a constitution and bylaws.¹  In 1901, membership was limited to men only who resided in the Calgary region prior to 1884. James Lougheed would have just qualified, given his arrival in 1883. It seems absurd that this group would label themselves as “old timers” for living here for only 17 years (1884-1901) and yet provide no recognition of the presence of Indigenous peoples who already occupied the land and had been thriving here for millennia. 

In January 1922, the group evolved to become The Southern Alberta Pioneers' and Old Timers' Association and membership was expanded to men who resided in Alberta between Red Deer and the US border. The group’s historical documents, specifically the constitution and bylaws, indicate that one of their purposes was “to rescue from oblivion the memory of the early pioneers of Southern Alberta and to obtain and preserve narratives of their exploits, perils and adventures.”² An example of their membership certificate indicates “with courage and determination they came and conquered.” Use of the language ‘conquer’ indicates subjugation and dominance. In the Calgary Herald, members were described as the “Men who blazed the trail of civilization.”³