Red Deer Archives

Red Deer Archives Making history accessible and celebrated in Central Alberta. Terms of engagement at reddeer.ca/social

Did you know that there’s a scientific reason behind why blueprints are blue? To make copies of an original hand-drawn t...
05/28/2026

Did you know that there’s a scientific reason behind why blueprints are blue? To make copies of an original hand-drawn technical or architectural drawing, paper coated in a photosensitive ferric compound is exposed to light, which produces the unique white lines on blue background – a negative image of the original. The name of the process (cyanotype) gives a nod to the colour of image it creates, and the process is still used as an artistic technique for printing on paper, fabrics, and objects. While changes in technology have let us make copies more easily through large scale scanners, printers, and computer-aided design software, blueprints are found in the collections of many archives due to their historical origins.

While we don’t have blueprints (or other architectural drawings) for every building in town, the Red Deer Archives are lucky enough to have some remarkable examples such as this design for the photography studio of Henry Mar. Mar was a successful photographer in Red Deer during the 1940s-1950s, and opened his new studio in 1947 in the Mar Block on Gaetz Avenue.

Henry Mar’s Studio, [before 1946]. Red Deer Archives, K24554. https://buff.ly/cNk0zAm

Red Deer has welcomed numerous newcomers to our community, including Alan Sheehan in 1983. Sheehan arrived in Red Deer f...
05/26/2026

Red Deer has welcomed numerous newcomers to our community, including Alan Sheehan in 1983. Sheehan arrived in Red Deer from Northern Ireland in 1977 after visiting his brother Tony and “lik[ing] what he saw” of the central Albertan city. One thing he brought with him was a love of soccer, which was just starting out in Red Deer at the time. Sheehan’s passion for the beautiful game was instrumental in growing the popularity of soccer in the community.

Sheehan also had a notable career with the City of Red Deer, and received the Bob Stollings Memorial Award for his contributions. Trained as a journeyman electrician before he emigrated, Sheehan began his career with the City’s Electric Light and Power department, eventually retiring in 2018 as the Foreman [of] Meters and Substations after more than 40 years on the job. After installing more than 150 intersections’ traffic signals and more than 44,000 power meters Sheehan certainly did his part to light up Red Deer!

Alan Sheehan receives citizenship, April 20, 1983. Photographer: Red Deer Advocate. Red Deer Archives, P19329. https://buff.ly/9CsBLvv

McCluskey, Bob. “Sheehan sets tone for soccer success.” Red Deer Advocate, March 19, 1996, page A9.

Lulla, Mamta. “Sheehan honoured for dedication to city.” Red Deer Advocate, March 6, 2018, page A7.

Red Deer City Soccer Association

The history of tea can be traced back to the 3rd century AD, and its cultivation and use was a major part of early cultu...
05/21/2026

The history of tea can be traced back to the 3rd century AD, and its cultivation and use was a major part of early culture throughout the Asian continent. Travel and economic exchanges brought this popular beverage to Europe during the 16th century, and it crossed the Atlantic ocean with settlers to North America – eventually making its way to picnics, social events, cafes, and kitchens in Red Deer.

In 1993 the students of Eastview Community School participated in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony hosted by exchange student Kimiko Onishi, as part of their Japanese culture studies class. We bet this brew tasted delicious!

Japanese tea ceremony, February 25, 1993. Photographer: Randy Fiedler, Red Deer Advocate. Red Deer Archives, P18828. https://buff.ly/vhJSRoA

05/19/2026

Yesterday marked International Museum Day, so here’s a (slightly late) shout out to our colleagues across the park at the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery, who do a great job putting arts, culture, and history on display for our community. The MAG has been around since 1972 and got its start as part of the City of Red Deer’s 60th Anniversary.

Listen to longtime museum staff member Doris Northey speak about the museum’s move into their new building in 1978, and explore the rest of her museum memories in the full oral history interviews linked below.

Video created with an audio clip from Red Deer Archives, AC1605_SideA (00:00-02:30) and photo of Doris Northey ca. 1987, Red Deer Archives, P16323.

Listen to the full four part interview at this link: https://buff.ly/KMwkKjJ

Red Deer is home to many family businesses, but how many can say they measure up against the 71 years that Wei's Western...
05/15/2026

Red Deer is home to many family businesses, but how many can say they measure up against the 71 years that Wei's Western Wear has been in operation? Established by shoemaker Wei Mah, the store has been a staple for rodeo enthusiasts and western wear afficionados since the 1950s. Mah initially focused on shoe repair – originally naming the store Red Deer Shoe Renew --, and later expanded it to include cowboy boots and a full line of western outfits and stock.

The business has been a feature on Gaetz Avenue in downtown since 1964, where they have expanded numerous times, and the popularity of the store grew to include a second location north across the Red Deer River. The “real western welcome” that the family-run store offers is surely part of their recipe for success – as well as the huge stock of merchandise that attracts international clientele. Here’s to the next 70+ years!

Gaetz Avenue, [ca.1980]. Red Deer Archives, P11190. https://buff.ly/R8JNizx

“Wei’s Western Wear Rodeo Specials ad.” Red Deer Advocate, April 17, 1968, page 9.

“Wei’s puts the boots to customers from around the world.” Red Deer Advocate, February 10, 1982, page 23.

“A long tradition of service at Wei’s Western Wear.” Red Deer Advocate, October 21, 2015, page X23.

Wei’s Western Wear, July 4, 2025. Red Deer Archives, E23995. https://buff.ly/vvOrGKH

Steve, Wei, and Moon Mah in Wei's Western Wear, October 27, 1993. Photographer: Red Deer Advocate. Red Deer Archives, P26198. https://buff.ly/nn8bdBd

Have you ever wondered about the history of the oil and gas industry in central Alberta? The Archives does too – but unf...
05/14/2026

Have you ever wondered about the history of the oil and gas industry in central Alberta? The Archives does too – but unfortunately we have few records in our collection about this fascinating and influential area of business.

To help researchers explore what is available, we’ve put together a new research guide (linked below). It highlights the few items in our collection, including locally produced magazines and brochures, share certificates, and records from notable local business leaders such as Choppy Stanier and William Baines.

We are sure there is more just waiting to be discovered, and we always encourage donations of records to fill the gaps in our collection. If you have any records that you think the Archives may be interested in, please contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 403-309-8403.

Research Guide – Oil & Gas. Red Deer Archives, K24572. https://buff.ly/qEbfgoT

Line at the Red Deer Land Titles Office for oil leases, June 18, 1914. Red Deer Archives, P3772. https://buff.ly/mIBkDTe

Nurses play a special role in the healthcare sector and in our community, and today, International Nurses Day, we would ...
05/12/2026

Nurses play a special role in the healthcare sector and in our community, and today, International Nurses Day, we would like to share some heartfelt words from Doreen Befus. Befus spent much of her childhood in care at the Michener Centre, and would go on to become an influential advocate for the disabled community after she began to live independently.

Letter to the Editor: “My View on Nurses” by Doreen Befus, September 22, 1977. Red Deer Archives, K21548. https://buff.ly/Q8f3mwA

May is often seen as the beginning of wedding season, with couples around the world preparing to say “I do” alongside th...
05/07/2026

May is often seen as the beginning of wedding season, with couples around the world preparing to say “I do” alongside the warming weather. In May 1984, Red Deer saw its first traditional Pakistani wedding as Sajida Khan and Burhan Khan celebrated their union. While the groom wore a dapper three piece suit, Sajida’s bright silk dress and lavish gold jewelry surely made the day sparkle as the couple gathered with family and friends.

“Traditional wedding dress.” Red Deer Advocate, May 9, 1984, page 14.

Sajida and Burhan Khan celebrate traditional Pakistani wedding, 1984. Photographer: Calvin Caldwell, Red Deer Advocate. Red Deer Archives, P19475. https://buff.ly/uPIed1y

The Archives will be closed Thursday, May 7th for staff training. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please contact us ...
05/06/2026

The Archives will be closed Thursday, May 7th for staff training. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Please contact us via email [email protected] or phone 403-309-8403 and we will assist you as soon as possible.

Commercial classroom at the Alberta Ladies College, [1914]. Red Deer Archives, P2676.
https://buff.ly/88AVjGg

05/05/2026

Some brave people ride their bicycles all winter, but with the warmer weather in May we see bike enthusiasts take to the road in greater numbers. Courtney Ketchen interviews Wipe-Out Ski and Bike’s Aaron Gretchen about the importance of bicycle safety and what signs to look out for before you get back on the bike. Cycle safe everyone!

Spring Cycle checkup at Wipe Out Ski and Bike, 2009. Red Deer Archives, VD202 (0:00). https://buff.ly/0CYXIVt

Address

4725 49 Street
Red Deer, AB
T4N1T6

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

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+14033098403

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http://reddeer.access.preservica.com/

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