Proudly Serving Vermilion And Area Since 2004

Back in 1910, Vermilion dealt with something rather unusual for the time of year. A November tornado. In those days, they called such weather events cyclones, and it was something that scared quite a few people in the community. It was on Nov. 1, 1910, when what was described as a terrific windstorm swept through the community. At the height of the storm, it was said you could barely see a block away because of the dust and debris. The storm led to a small fire in town and wh

New Memorials for Fallen Hero’s at the Royal Canadian Legion. Photo submitted Three new memorial plaques were recently received by the local Legion Branch commemorating Fallen Heroes with ties to the Vermilion Area. On the left is Vincent Stanley Hall sponsored by Creech’s Lakeland Funeral Home. In the centre is Charles Duncan Calder sponsored by Martin’s Plumbing & Heating and on the right is Albert Walter Klatt sponsored by the Klatt Family from Vermilion. Also adding to sp

A new month means we are traveling back to time to see what was going on in the community exactly 100 years ago. These events may seem like they are not of major historical significance, but they helped form the community as it is today. Many residents of Vermilion were angry on Nov. 1 when they woke up to what had happened on Halloween in the community. Several people had property smashed in their yards. Various signs were ripped down around the community and a rear door at

While The Great Depression was one of the most difficult times for Canadians in the 20th century, especially in the Prairies, there were still things to celebrate. On Nov. 2, 1937, the people of Vermilion were celebrating the news that progress was being made on the new Masonic Temple in the community. On that day, the cornerstone was laid down on the building. For the previous 21 years, the Masons had used a building in the Standard Block of Vermilion. This new temple was to

Back in October 1951, the Vermilion area was getting ready for a major vaccination job. It wasn’t for polio, that was still a couple years away. Instead, it was about vaccinating cattle. This massive vaccination program was believed to be the largest ever attempted in Canada by a municipality. Initiated by the Municipal District of Vermilion River, it all began on Oct. 4, 1951 under the guidance of Dr. A.R. Anderson and Dr. F. Creech from Lloydminster. The vaccination was for

Nellie McClung was one of the most important individuals in Alberta’s history. Not only was she instrumental in Manitoba becoming the first province to allow women to vote in provincial elections, but she did the same in Alberta soon after in 1916. Later in life, she was one of The Famous Five who brought forward the Persons Case in 1927 that led to women being deemed persons qualified to sit in the Canadian Senate. Her legacy has been tarnished somewhat with her support of e

Back when Vermilion was first founded, one of the early tasks of residents was to build a church that people could worship in. It was in September 1905 when a letter reached Archdeacon Lloyd in Lloydminster, for whom the community is named, asking if a church could be opened in the new village of Vermilion. The person who sent the letter was Robert Pilkie. A reply came on Oct. 15, 1905, giving permission to create this church. A week later, Archdeacon Lloyd came to the commun

At the start of each month, I like to look back at what was going on in the community a century ago. The events of 100 years ago helped from the community that exists today. At the start of the month on Oct. 1, it was announced that Reverend Father Goutier was leaving the community to take over the parish in Legal. He had served as the Vermilion parish for the previous 15 years and was well loved by the community. He was succeeded by Father O’Sullivan, who came in from Hanna.

In September 1922, as farmers were trying to get in the crops that they could after a dry season, ducks suddenly descended on the...

Back in early August 1950, Vermilion suddenly found itself in a situation where it was dealing with a power shortage. And it was all...

Back in September 1949, there was a rather odd initiative conducted in Vermilion. The decision was made by the Vermilion Fish and Game...

With a new month, it is time to venture 100 years into the past to see what was going on in the community back then. It may have been 10...

One century ago, Vermilion was a very different place. It was much smaller, the technology wasn’t as advanced but the people were really...

In June 1944, a war was raging across the planet. There was the War in Europe, fought primarily against Germany, and the War in the...

In 1948, some odd things happened in Vermilion. They were not incredibly odd, or anything like strange lights in the sky, but they were...

For a marriage to reach 40 years is an achievement, and hitting 50 is a major milestone. Now, reaching 60 years, or a diamond...

Alberta was heading towards one of its most impactful elections in 1935. For the previous three decades, the province had been governed...

We’ve always lived in the country and travelled on gravel roads. When I think of springtime, I also think of muddy roads. I remember my...

On April 25, 1922, the wife of Harry Hawryluk was sitting up at night tending to a sick child. As she sat near the window, next to her...

In April 1916, Vermilion was just like every other community in Canada. It was dealing with the First World War. From raising money for...