#FABTrip15: A date with Helen, Mary, Ruth and Kate

In 1926 the C.N. railroad came through Hemaruka, and the following year, Rose Healy started a restaurant, the Kayo Café. Rose remained in Hemaruka, serving meals with the help of her daughter, Frances, until Rose’s passing in December 1935. (Source: Where the prairie meets the hills: Veteran, Loyalist and Hemaruka districts) #Alberta #Canada #history #FABTrip15 @gregfarries

A photo posted by Jonathan Koch (@forgotten_alberta) on Aug 25, 2015 at 3:08pm PDT

From Spondin we continued eastward, skirting the fringe of the desert on our way to a date with Helen, Mary, Ruth and Kate – Hemaruka for short. Although possessing few amenities, this outpost on the plains was well-maintained, the hall was in good shape, and home improvements were underway on at least one residence. Judging by the lack of derelict structures, and proliferation of plaques within, Hemaruka appears to be a community that is determined not to disappear. Next stop (s): Little Gem and Naco.

A plaque at Hemaruka reads: “Hemaruka – 1926 First settlers arrived 1909. C.N.R. arrived in 1926. Town was named after engineers four daughters Helen, Mary, Ruth and Kate. There were 15 businesses. Anglician [sic] church and community hall. Post office and last business closed in 1966, school in 1967, elevators in 1975. Dedicated to the pioneers of this district Hemaruka Community 1976” #Alberta #Canada #history #mybadlands #explorealberta #FABTrip15 @gregfarries A photo posted by Jonathan Koch (@forgotten_alberta) on Aug 25, 2015 at 3:07pm PDT

The well maintained, but slowly dying, community of Hemaruka, AB. @4gotten_alberta #fabtrip15 pic.twitter.com/g6csZEtIa5 — Greg Farries (@gregfarries) August 2, 2015

“You never know what worse luck your bad luck has saved you from.” ― Cormac McCarthy. Hemaruka #Alberta #Canada #history #FABTrip15 @gregfarries A photo posted by Jonathan Koch (@forgotten_alberta) on Aug 25, 2015 at 3:09pm PDT

09/15/15 Update: A photo of the Alberta Wheat Pool elevators that once stood at Hemaruka was sent to me by Twitter user @Norwester – thanks so much McGill!