Then & Now: Three Hills Alberta

What time is it? Time for another Then & Now, that’s what! In this one we’re looking at a location in Three Hills Alberta taken some seventy years apart and our only connecting element is the town’s water tower. Then, it functioned as the backdrop for some kind of community get-together but today looms over the Three Hills Aquatic Centre now occupying the land. There’s just enough seen to connect the two eras, but that’s all you need to make it interesting.

There we were, standing very close to where the original photographer did long ago and doing our best to replicate the angle of their shot. It lined up pretty well, even if we didn’t quite get our car in the right spot. Hey, they’re both Chevrolets! Capturing the now photo got us some funny stares from passers-by, but we’re used to that. “Yes, we’re photographing the side of a wall…”

Then: The vintage photo comes from the Kneehill County archives (thanks guys) and is said to be from 1951. Given what we see and all, that feels about right. It’s not known who captured it, but due to the caliber of the image they must have been a camera enthusiast. Colour stock (here, slide stock perhaps?) was expensive back then and not something a casual shooter would generally use.

There is no mention of what’s taking place either, but whatever, a lot of folks have turned out. We can see some farm machinery in back (John Deere 55 combine?) and what looks to be sacks of potatoes or onions presumably being sold bottom centre, both highly suggesting some kind of farm oriented event. Notice that most men are wearing hats which was a thing at the time and not one is a ball cap.

A big crowd has assembled to the right but the reason is not obvious. Maybe it was a speech or some new farming technique being demonstrated? It can only be guessed at, but if any old timers know please speak up.

The water tower dates from the late 1940s and ever since has been a local landmark. Most of the buildings seen further back are now gone and those to the right of the tower, we believe, were connected to the Prairie Bible Institute. That school took up near half the town then and while still operating, as Prairie College, it does so with a greatly reduced footprint.

Most of the cars seen are too obscured or set back for people with limited abilities like us to identify, but we can do it for the small number in clear view. To the left there’s an early 1950s Chevrolet (we think, said while squinting our eyes) and it’s the tan one with the door open. The red pickup appears to be a late 1940s Dodge or a sister-make Fargo and they were the same except for minor trim. Both were quite common on the prairies.

In the foreground it’s an early 1930s (1932?) Chevrolet and so is one of the oldest cars seen. It’s an oddity in that is was built during one of the worst periods of the depression, a time when car sales were not exactly booming. Just putting food on the table was a struggle at the time and who out in rural Alberta had cash for such luxuries?

Just behind and partially obscured it’s a 1950 Pontiac. Canadian Pontaics of the era were different from those on the US and used lots of Chevrolet parts including tail lights. You’d sure get a strange look from car enthusiasts if you took them down across the border. The license plate is legible and a quick search shows this colour and sequence were in use for 1951, so this of all things most accurately dates the photo.

Sitting right beside, we see a post war Chevrolet. That lady in red is stylish!

In the distance and in grey, right side of the photo, it’s maybe a ca1950 International pickup, although it’s a little hard to see.

Looking at the rest, we can see cars going back to perhaps the late 1920s and no doubt all the big players are represented – Ford, Chevrolet and Plymouth, all top sellers at the time. None appear older than 1950-ish, although our skills are wanting, so if you know more, or see something that needs correcting, share it with us.

Now: The site today is part of a sprawling recreation complex and that includes an indoor sports arena and curling rink both off camera, in addition to the pool building seen. The property even in 1951 was used similarly although mostly the facilities were outdoor then and of course seasonal.

The tower is little changed, other then being painted different than it was. Even the lettering is the same position and font! Come the Holidays, it’s decorated up with lights and is claimed to be Alberta tallest Christmas Tree. It’s reaches to the sky alright, but as a tree it’s a weird one.

The car parked roughly where the 1930s Chevrolet was long ago, is a 2016 Cruze, the legendary BIGDoer-mobile. It’s a rolling turd econo-box, but doing what we do means taking a vow of poverty, so it’s dealt with and accepted. It would amaze you the places we take it and for that earns title as an honourary Sherpa. CJs and Scouts watch out!

More: Three Hills is the economic centre for Kneehill County and sits almost dead centre of the map. Founded in the 1910s, the town present day is home to just over three thousand people. Farming’s big here, but this is the prairies, so what else would you expect?

This Then & Now lined up nice although it appears the photographer of old shot from a slightly elevated position which we could not duplicate. Still, it’s one of better of the series (there’s some stinkers) but had we only paid better attention to the position of the car…

Stay tuned for more new and interesting content posted regularly.

When we’re in town, we like to go here (new window): Three Hills Alberta Museum.

They’re saying…

”Thank you so much for your fantastic articles and photos. Alberta and BC are dear to my heart. I could spend 24/7 here with you! I especially love the before and after articles. Keep up the great work guys!! I was born and raised in Calgary in the 50’s so this history is my passion.” Joanne Winchester Honer.

More like this…
Wrentham Alberta 25 Years Apart.
Sandon BC Then & Now.
Brokeback Mountain then and now – Twist Ranch.

If you feel like chatting or want more information on what you see here feel free to contact us!

Date of Adventure: Circa 1950 and May, 2020.
Location(s): Three Hills, AB.
Article references and thanks: Our friends at Kneehill County, Shaine Isaac and the town of Three Hills.

Three Hills Alberta about seventy years apart.

Alberta’s tallest.

The tower dates from the 1940s.