Sad news coming from Orion, Alberta this morning.  I have received word from a  few friends of Forgotten Alberta that the pioneer-era hardware store operated by prairie icon, Boyd Stevens, burned to the ground on Christmas Day.

A video posted on Facebook by Logan Biesterfeldt shows the store already completely engulfed, as locals scramble to contain the fire on a frost Xmas morning. 

Comments  on Facebook and elsewhere online indicate that Boyd is safe, but I will post confirmation and further details once they become available.

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I have stopped by Stevens Hardware on a few occasions in during sojourns through the south, and had the privilege of conversing with Boyd about his life and times in isolated Orion, Alberta. Visitors to Stevens Hardware  were assured of great conversation, and came away knowing the intimate details of the history of the region. Hopefully Boyd made it through okay, and his family’s legacy will continue.

 

Boyd Stevens: Storekeeper & Orion #Alberta icon. #FABTrip14 @prairiepostalta

A photo posted by Jonathan Koch (@forgotten_alberta) on Nov 9, 2014 at 9:30pm PST

 

If you’re passing by Orion, be sure to stop at Stevens Hardware and Garage. Chances are Boyd Stevens will be there. #explorealberta #ghosttown #mybadlands

A photo posted by Jonathan Koch (@forgotten_alberta) on Jun 8, 2015 at 7:16pm PDT

A quick stop to chat with Boyd Stevens in Orion, AB. about local history in the region. #FABtrip16 @4gotten_alberta pic.twitter.com/NoYwBTFDCf

— Greg Farries (@gregfarries) July 6, 2016

 

“We think we’re going ahead, but sometimes I think we’re going one step ahead and two steps back.” – Boyd Stevens, Orion #Alberta #Canada #mybadlands #FABTrip16 @gregfarries

A photo posted by Jonathan Koch (@forgotten_alberta) on Aug 12, 2016 at 3:04pm PDT

Boyd and the store were subjects of a video short by director, Sean Thonson, of Travel Alberta fame (“Remember to Breathe”) called “Passing Orion“.