Forgotten Alberta

In 1925 the Canadian National Railway began to construct a branch line west from Loverna, SK to Hemaruka, AB. By 1926 it had reached New Brigden. The railway brought grain elevators, a hardware store, grocery stores, restaurant and other services to New Brigden. A water tower was also erected to provide a reliable water source to the early steam locomotives. Constructed almost entirely of wood the approximately, the 13-meter water tower is the tallest feature of the New Brigden skyline. In the early years New Brigden was served by train three days a week. In time however, improved roads in the region made it easier to move around, making it necessary for the train to come to New Brigden only once a week, Fridays. In 1979, New Brigden lost its railway service. The water tower remains as the oldest structure in the community and the last prominent reminder of the settlement period. Sources: newbrigden.ca, Alberta Register of Historic Places #Alberta #Canada #railway #history #mybadlands #FABTrip15 @gregfarries

A photo posted by Jonathan Koch (@forgotten_alberta) on Sep 7, 2015 at 1:10pm PDT

A few miles east of Sedalia is the hamlet of New Brigden. For many years, this community was known for being the home of long-serving Alberta politician, and one-time Deputy Premier, (Hon.) Shirley McClellan.  This community seems to have weathered the recurring cycle of drought and depopulation better than many in the dry belt, and today still boasts a school, post office and community hall. New Brigden also possesses enough community spirit to acquire almost $40,000 in provincial grants to preserve the hamlet’s 90 year old water tower, which while weathered and leaning, has long out-lasted the railway that preceded it. 

The first large group of homesteaders came to New Brigden in 1909-10 from Brigden, Ontario, Another large group from the United States was joined by homsteaders from western Alberta and other points. According to newbrigden.ca, the community was named in 1912. At a public meeting a migrant from Brigden, Ontario, Frank Tye, proposed that the hamlet, because of the number of former Brigdenites, should be a “new” Brigden, and New Brigden it became. #Alberta #Canada #mybadlands #anglican #church #FABTrip15 @gregfarries A photo posted by Jonathan Koch (@forgotten_alberta) on Sep 7, 2015 at 12:51pm PDT

Railway water tower in New Brigden, Alberta. @4gotten_alberta #fabtrip15 pic.twitter.com/0dUBtkRiJW

— Greg Farries (@gregfarries) August 2, 2015

Inside look of the railway water tower in New Brigden, AB. Not the safest place to be. @4gotten_alberta #fabtrip15 pic.twitter.com/SO8poDuO9h — Greg Farries (@gregfarries) August 2, 2015

Sources:

• New Brigden – A Community with Heart
• Alberta Register of Historic Places – New Brigden Water Tower