The then image in this post shows a Calgary street scene where we’re witness to some sort of organized walk or march taking place, and appears to be from sometime in the latter part of the 60s given the style of dress seen. Come with us as we revisit that location, it’s 14th Street Southwest where it crosses over Memorial Drive, to see how it looks today. And indeed, as expected there has been change, yet some details remain to help connect the two eras together.
The old photo was send to us by a BIGDoer.com reader (read on) and included not a single shred of accompanying information as to the event nor the participants seen, or even where it was shot (outside it’s Calgary). Finding the location was no problem and it was instantly recognized. We pass by that very sport often. And the rest, the what and why, it all came to us quick enough. Update December 2019: In fact the photo comes from the David Zakrison collection, who chronicled the even that day. This comes from Zakrison’s family who provided verifiable proof as to the origins of the photo. The person who originally claimed ownership was in fact telling a fib. Shame.
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ Scroll down for photos and to comment ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
That the photo was sent to us this way is no problem. We don’t mind a challenge and in fact love it when we have to do some digging. It’s helps satisfy our insatiable curiosity.
Putting our noses to the grindstone, it only took a bit of detective work for us to have an answer on what’s seen. I guess we’re good. Or maybe we lucked out. No, it’s ’cause we’re good. It has to be.
In some old newspapers we find mention of this very event – it’s clear they’re speaking of the same one. The article shows a picture of the march, and in it we can even see some of the same people. There is also a description of the route, which takes in 14th St. It’ all matches. With that said, we’re completely confident we know what’s happening.
We’re looking at a Miles for Millions Walkathon and the date is 1967.
This was the first year of that march, and was an early example of this type of walking-for-a-cause event, and was to raise awareness and money, via pledges, for world hunger. Many schools participated, which explains all the young people seen. These walks, which happened all over Canada, were popular into the 1970s. A search shows there has been talk of resurrecting the event, but so far nothing has happened.
Based upon the lack of information that came with the photo, we of course know nothing of the people seen. Were they fiends of the photographers or just random individuals captured on film? It’d be interesting to know. If any of our readers appear in this picture or recognized a face, or if you participated and have memories to share, be sure and comment (scroll down below photos).
Beside the road itself which appears much as it did, the rest of the scene shows a good deal of change between now and then. As would be expected. The new condos on the right are the most obvious difference. Even with that, the overall feel of the place remains. Constants that tie the two times together include the small apartment block far right and some street details like line poles and manhole covers.
Do you have an old photo showing a scene like this? Would you like us to visit the same spot and document how it looks now? If yes, contact us for instructions, or just send the photo anyway and we’ll do the rest. Images must be yours, or in the public domain. They can be scans or real photos.
No cropping was done to the now photo to assist in lining things up. Instead, we do that in-camera. We’ve developed a number of techniques over the years, and have lots of practice, so usually we get things pretty close.
Like Leo, I too was only about 10 years old at the time and now just turning 60. I started out with my sister and Dad, and as the walk went fairly close to our home, they decided to ditch it. I said “I’ll just go to the next juice stop” and then the next one and then the next one … all the way to the end (34 miles!). By the time I was done it was dark (of course) and I had to call my parents from the Stampede grounds to come and get me. In those days parents didn’t have as much to worry about so this wasn’t that crazy from that perspective. But my mom remembers and says she was getting a bit worried about her 10 year old daughter walking alone. That experience was a forerunner to many long journeys … it’s kind of how I have done life since then. Any hard long or hard task is divided into juice stops. I’ve accomplished some pretty crackers things with this strategy. Thanks for sharing this photo even though it was posted a few years ago, I’m glad it’s still out there.
Barbara, what an amazing story! And applying that analogy to your life. Love it! Ten years old? That’s so darn awesome. Yes, youngsters had it different then. It was a freedom that youth today could never understand or comprehend nor would ever be allowed to experience. I was a free-range kid too and it made me what I am. I was able to take care of myself and be alone and do things only adults today can do, back when I was still far from adulthood.
When I was a kid growing up in Calgary, I completed the Miles for MIllions when it first arrived. I started out walking with my brother and my sister, but my sister got bored and went home, and soon thereafter, my brother met up with some friends and continued on together leaving me at 9 or 10 years of age to complete the rest of the walk all by my self, which I did. I remember the day as if it was yesterday and I am now nearly 60 years of age and about to do my shodan belt exam, so never let it be said that one is too old for anything, age really is just a number.
Completed by yourself? That is so awesome! That’s one long walk. Love those memories from long ago that never seem to dim. Those are the special ones. Yes, age means nothing in the end. It might slow you down, but damn if it should ever stop you. Congrats on the belt!
My first MfM ended at the pedestrian overpass on John Laurie between North Haven and Highwood. The weather had turned cold, but I didn’t have a jacket. 25 miles that year. As short walk home from there. The next year I completed it. It was just over 30 miles. A couple years later there was a Bikeathon. Same premise. It went from McMahon Stadium out the #1 to the Morley overpass and return. I think that was 1974.
Heard from a few people who completed it. And as many who didn’t. That one tried was most important however. It’s a damn long walk! Thanks for sharing these memories!
I remember walking in the first Miles for Millions. It was very painful near the end and I probably also only made about $10. The best part was being able to spend the day walking with my boyfriend. We were in grade 10.
That’s one heck of a long walk. I’ve seen the route maps. Kudos for completing it. I bet everyone was hurting at the finish line. Ten dollars is not so bad for the day. Good memories!
This photo was taken by my father, David Zakrison, in 1967. I participated in the walk that year (age 12) and I think he was out looking for us at that point. No one expected us to complete the entire walk, which we did! The photo looks north on 14th Street NW in Calgary. If you look closely, you can see the Jubilee Auditorium in the centre distance and the South Alberta Institute of Alberta (SAIT) buildings to the right. Last time I checked, the buildings on either side of the road in the foreground are still there!
Thank you for commenting. Odd, we’ve had two other people claim the photo came from their family collection. Do you still have the original? I’d like to credit the correct person.
Yes I do have the original photo, along with a couple of others in the series. It was definitely my dad’s photo. I originally posted it on the Facebook page ‘You know you grew up in Calgary when…” and it seems to have had quite a bit of circulation since then.
Hi, Chris. I tried to comment earlier, but not sure if you got it. Yes, I have the original, along with at least one other taken the same day. They were actually colour slides that I scanned.
Linda – My name is Scott Abercrombie. We lived at 1225 20th Street. I have to assume that you are the Linda that lived next door! I remember those Miles for Millions as well. I was on the phone with my Dad debating whether it was 26 miles or 40(ish) KMs. I remember finishing but I would only have been 10 at the time and 40 K would be a long distance for a kid.
Hi, Scott. Sorry for not replying for 3 years. Yes I remember you and I did live beside you in Briar Hill! My recollection of that walk was that it was a lot longer than advertised. I think it was supposed to be 25 miles, but was actually a lot longer. I do have the map somewhere…..
Don’t recall what year our map is from – have to go looking for it. Wait, we have two, undated, and one does look shorter than the other. You know, this engaging banter with you has us dreaming of walking the route (as best is possible), in the spirit of the day. Oh, goodness…what are we thinking?
The Legion Hall and Monarch Garage, Loverna Saskatchewan, early 1990s (not 1970s as shown) and the same view in 2017. There's not much going on in Loverna these days, but long ago it was a very active and vibrant community. This was shot between takes while working on the Telus Documentary "Forgotten Prairie" by Rueben Tschetter.
Check the comments for more information. Original image thanks to and copyright Philip Brown.
Exploring history with Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie. Posted by Connie.
It's no secret Team BIGDoer is Boler obsessed but we're actually not owners, funny as it sounds. We can only dream and you know if we could, we would. The only thing holding us back from buying one, like the nice example seen here, is the cash to actually make the purchase and a proper vehicle to haul it around. Other than that, we're good to go!
Exploring history with Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie. Photo: 2021. Posted by Connie.
When exploring old farm properties, we always check out any nearby low lying areas or coulees. In case they hold any treasures. Jackpot! This is usually where farmers dumped retired old cars and equipment no longer needed. Out of sight, out of mind.
This car's a little more special than usual and is an uncommon post-WW2 Nash. A 600 we believe, but we're not the greatest at this. Scroll down to the comments to see a closer look and a comparison shot of a restored example.
Exploring history with Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie. Photo: 2014. Posted by Connie.
While on the subject of old Hotels and the Beer Parlour Project, here's Len, proprietor of the Elk River Inn (aka the Hoz) in Hosmer BC back in 2022. It's one of the first places visited by our group and sadly, we just found out the fellow passed away a few months back. This image was shot on film with an old-fashioned view camera.
During the interview Chris mistakenly called it the Elk Valley Inn and got an earful from Len. He was such a character and with an infectious dry wit! With his passing the business closed and we're not sure what the future holds in store. Look for a bonus photo of him in the comments.
Exploring history with Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie. Photo: 2022. Posted by Connie.
The Beer Parlour Project will be on the road this coming weekend and up by Edmonton. Team BIGDoer and photographer Rob Pohl, with his big view camera, are visiting the Warspite Hotel, Warspite Alberta the evening of April 12th and the Viking Hotel in Viking Alberta on the 13th.
We'll get to know some history, interview local characters and old timers, down a few chicken wings and with our cameras capture a little slice of Canadiana. These businesses are a throwback to another time and we're chronicling as many as we can while they're still here. It's 12 down with maybe a 100 to go.
If you're in the area, drop by and chat! Watch for the Beer Parlour Project Website coming soon.
Exploring history with Off the Beaten Path with Chris & Connie. Photos: 2023 (Coleman Grand Union Coleman AB & traditional Beer Parlour glasses). Posted by Connie.
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Like Leo, I too was only about 10 years old at the time and now just turning 60. I started out with my sister and Dad, and as the walk went fairly close to our home, they decided to ditch it. I said “I’ll just go to the next juice stop” and then the next one and then the next one … all the way to the end (34 miles!). By the time I was done it was dark (of course) and I had to call my parents from the Stampede grounds to come and get me. In those days parents didn’t have as much to worry about so this wasn’t that crazy from that perspective. But my mom remembers and says she was getting a bit worried about her 10 year old daughter walking alone. That experience was a forerunner to many long journeys … it’s kind of how I have done life since then. Any hard long or hard task is divided into juice stops. I’ve accomplished some pretty crackers things with this strategy. Thanks for sharing this photo even though it was posted a few years ago, I’m glad it’s still out there.
Barbara, what an amazing story! And applying that analogy to your life. Love it! Ten years old? That’s so darn awesome. Yes, youngsters had it different then. It was a freedom that youth today could never understand or comprehend nor would ever be allowed to experience. I was a free-range kid too and it made me what I am. I was able to take care of myself and be alone and do things only adults today can do, back when I was still far from adulthood.
When I was a kid growing up in Calgary, I completed the Miles for MIllions when it first arrived. I started out walking with my brother and my sister, but my sister got bored and went home, and soon thereafter, my brother met up with some friends and continued on together leaving me at 9 or 10 years of age to complete the rest of the walk all by my self, which I did. I remember the day as if it was yesterday and I am now nearly 60 years of age and about to do my shodan belt exam, so never let it be said that one is too old for anything, age really is just a number.
Completed by yourself? That is so awesome! That’s one long walk. Love those memories from long ago that never seem to dim. Those are the special ones. Yes, age means nothing in the end. It might slow you down, but damn if it should ever stop you. Congrats on the belt!
I remember that walk – Chickenman (who was popular on the radio back then) was there too. He was everywhere, everywhere…
That’s awesome! I have maps of the event. Was thinking of walking it one day… Hmmm, where did I file them away?
My first MfM ended at the pedestrian overpass on John Laurie between North Haven and Highwood. The weather had turned cold, but I didn’t have a jacket. 25 miles that year. As short walk home from there. The next year I completed it. It was just over 30 miles. A couple years later there was a Bikeathon. Same premise. It went from McMahon Stadium out the #1 to the Morley overpass and return. I think that was 1974.
Heard from a few people who completed it. And as many who didn’t. That one tried was most important however. It’s a damn long walk! Thanks for sharing these memories!
I made it in 1968, when I was 12! It was 34 miles and I still have the official red ribbon!
That’s so awesome!
I remember walking in the first Miles for Millions. It was very painful near the end and I probably also only made about $10. The best part was being able to spend the day walking with my boyfriend. We were in grade 10.
That’s one heck of a long walk. I’ve seen the route maps. Kudos for completing it. I bet everyone was hurting at the finish line. Ten dollars is not so bad for the day. Good memories!
This photo was taken by my father, David Zakrison, in 1967. I participated in the walk that year (age 12) and I think he was out looking for us at that point. No one expected us to complete the entire walk, which we did! The photo looks north on 14th Street NW in Calgary. If you look closely, you can see the Jubilee Auditorium in the centre distance and the South Alberta Institute of Alberta (SAIT) buildings to the right. Last time I checked, the buildings on either side of the road in the foreground are still there!
Thank you for commenting. Odd, we’ve had two other people claim the photo came from their family collection. Do you still have the original? I’d like to credit the correct person.
Yes I do have the original photo, along with a couple of others in the series. It was definitely my dad’s photo. I originally posted it on the Facebook page ‘You know you grew up in Calgary when…” and it seems to have had quite a bit of circulation since then.
Wow, would love to see those if you ever get the time.
Hi, Chris. I tried to comment earlier, but not sure if you got it. Yes, I have the original, along with at least one other taken the same day. They were actually colour slides that I scanned.
Yes, it arrived. On thing I hate about our commenting system is that it doesn’t always inform you that one was received. Not sure why.
Sent you an email 🙂
Got it, thanks!
Linda – My name is Scott Abercrombie. We lived at 1225 20th Street. I have to assume that you are the Linda that lived next door!
I remember those Miles for Millions as well. I was on the phone with my Dad debating whether it was 26 miles or 40(ish) KMs. I remember finishing but I would only have been 10 at the time and 40 K would be a long distance for a kid.
Hope she’ll see you message. What an interesting connection!
Hi, Scott. Sorry for not replying for 3 years. Yes I remember you and I did live beside you in Briar Hill! My recollection of that walk was that it was a lot longer than advertised. I think it was supposed to be 25 miles, but was actually a lot longer. I do have the map somewhere…..
We have a map from one year and it was a long one! Darn near circled the entire city, as it was then.
I have the maps from 68 and 69, although I think they were actually shorter than 67 🙂
Don’t recall what year our map is from – have to go looking for it. Wait, we have two, undated, and one does look shorter than the other. You know, this engaging banter with you has us dreaming of walking the route (as best is possible), in the spirit of the day. Oh, goodness…what are we thinking?
(via Facebook)
Happy memory…did the ’68 and ’69. Wore slippers for a couple of days afterwards…no blisters, just plain sore feet.
I bet! Way to go.
There’s a fellow being pushed in a shopping cart!
Good eye, missed that!
I remember walking in the Miles for Millions walk. I think I got a quarter per mile.
Congrats for taking up the challenge. If you finished, it means you got around $10 (I was told the route was 40 miles). Not bad really.