DRIVERS GET SOME STAMPEDE SPIRIT

The pandemic may have led to the cancellation of this year’s Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, but we’re celebrating the Stampede spirit by sharing some favourite memories and photos from the archives. Today: The Stampede in the 1950s.

The Calgary Stampede held drive-thru mini donut pop ups on the grounds on Monday. With the 2020 Calgary Stampede cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Stampede organizers have found ways to keep the spirit of the celebration alive.

CHRONOLOGY OF THE STAMPEDE: 1950S

Calgary was booming in the ’50s and the Stampede benefited from the surplus cash. Bigger is better seemed to be the motto and the old rural roots started giving way to Hollywood glamour.

1950

The Stampede Corral was opened in December. The best facility of its kind in the West, it became home ice for the Calgary Stampeders Hockey Club.

Casey Tibbs wins Saddle Bronc and Bareback titles.

1951

The Stampede organized a special Royal Winter Stampede for Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip in October during a visit here.

1952

Guy Weadick was an honoured guest, to mark the Stampede’s 40th anniversary. Weadick officiated at the closing ceremony, ending many years of a rift with the Stampede.

1953

Guy Weadick died in 1953, and was laid to rest in High River. 1954

Six hectares between the eastern boundary of Stampede Park and the Elbow River were added to the lease. Stampede Park’s total land base was then 45 hectares.

The Sonja Henie Ice Revue was presented in the Corral during the Stampede.

Evelyn Eagle Speaker became the first Indigenous Stampede Queen.

1956

The selection of a special honorary parade marshal becomes an annual event.

A Mexican village was featured at the Stampede. It included entertainers, master craftsmen and authentic Mexican merchandise and food.

1958

A special Calgary Royal Stampede was held for Princess Margaret on July 29.

1959

The Big Four Building officially opened. In addition to its role as an exhibits building, it also housed 48 sheets of ice during the winter, making it the largest curling facility in the world.

Compiled by Karen Crosby, Norma Marr and Aimee Benoit.

GAVIN YOUNG

PHOTOS: POSTMEDIA FILES Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh, along with J.B. Cross, president of the Calgary Stampede and Mayor Don Mackay, seated, attended a special Royal Winter Stampede in October 1951.

The first Stampede Dream Home, located in the community of Mayfair and worth $35,000, was built in 1958. Pictured are Stampede board officials taking possession of the home which was to be given away in a draw during Stampede week.

Calgary Herald photographer, Harry Befus was back as an NNA winner for the second time in 1952 with his win in Feature Photography for the wild horse race at the Calgary Stampede.

In 1955, hat cleaning was a bustling business, as Alma Hight and Jack Neuss found out. Although it’s not the industry it used to be, cowpokes all know that a clean hat makes a better impression.

Riders took in the new centrifugal ride at the 1958 Stampede midway.