Cochrane Historical Museum

08/29/2026

Times were tough during the Depression years with swapping, trading and bartering the primary means of obtaining the goods etc. for survival as very little cash was available. Bill joined the Forestry Branch of the Alberta Government to fight forest fires. The net pay was 15 cents an hour after board was deducted. At least there was some cash coming in.

Bill and Emily Lathwell - CHAPS

Times were tough during the Depression years with swapping, trading and bartering the primary means of obtaining the goods etc. for survival as very little cash was available. Bill joined the Forestry Branch of the Alberta Government to fight forest fires. The net pay was 15 cents an hour after…

08/22/2026

We have been a part of Cochrane as it grew from a town of 1,200 to a population of nearly 14,000. We are as proud to be a part of this vibrant community today as we were more than 30 years ago when we chose Cochrane as a place to live and work.

Roy and Beverly Genung - CHAPS

We have been a part of Cochrane as it grew from a town of 1,200 to a population of nearly 14,000. We are as proud to be a part of this vibrant community today as we were more than 30 years ago when we chose Cochrane as a place to…

08/15/2026

In 1916 Ernest joined the 137th Battalion C.E.F. in Calgary and served with the 10th Battalion in France, at Vimy Ridge, and Hill 70, where he was seriously wounded in 1917. Walter enlisted in the 211th Battalion and served in Canada before being honourably discharged.

Walter Crowe Family - CHAPS

Walter Crowe was instrumental in organizing the Chapelton School District, now known as Horse Creek, and donated two acres of his homestead for the school site. In 1916 Ernest joined the 137th Battalion C.E.F. in Calgary and served with the 10th Battalion in France, at Vimy Ridge, and Hill 70,…

08/08/2026

Highway Clean-Up was first introduced when this Club was in its infancy. If you could keep the kids from saving all the junk they picked up along the ditches, you also had to keep them from straying into the neighbouring fields and cleaning them too!

Jumping Pound 4-H Club - CHAPS

In January 1976, the Jumping Pound Beef Club chose the Buffalo as their symbol with brown, green and gold as their club colours. Encouraged by their leader, Dale Riddell, the emphasis was put on all round achievements in all aspects of the 4-H purpose, "Learn to Do By Doing."

08/06/2026

Discover Cochrane’s Heritage at the Museum! 🏡🌿

This Cochrane Discovery Days, step inside one of the community’s most treasured historic sites!

Visit the Cochrane Historical Museum and the beautifully preserved Westerson Cabin, where volunteers will be on hand to share the stories, artifacts, and people that helped shape Cochrane’s past.

📅 Saturday, September 5 & Sunday, September 6
🕛 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Historic Cochrane Ranche

Explore fascinating exhibits, discover local history, and experience one of Cochrane’s oldest surviving pioneer cabins. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a great family activity, there’s something for everyone.

Admission is by donation, and everyone is welcome!

08/06/2026

Walk Through Cochrane’s History! 🚶‍♂️🏛️

Join the Cochrane Historical & Archival Preservation Society (CHAPS) for a guided Historical Walking Tour during Cochrane Discovery Days!

📅 Saturday, September 5 & Sunday, September 6
🕛 12:00 PM
📍 Meet at Centennial Plaza

Discover the fascinating stories behind Cochrane’s historic buildings, colourful characters, and the events that helped shape our community. Led by knowledgeable local historians, this leisurely walk offers a unique glimpse into the town’s rich past.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or visiting Cochrane for the first time, you’ll come away with a new appreciation for the history that surrounds us.

No registration required—just bring comfortable walking shoes and your curiosity!

08/04/2026

Step Back in Time at Cochrane Discovery Days! 🚂⏳

Experience the sights and stories of early Cochrane with the 1909 Station Master Re-enactment, presented by the Cochrane Historical & Archival Preservation Society (CHAPS).

📅 Saturday, September 5 & Sunday, September 6
🕐 1:00 PM
📍 Museum Stage

Watch history come alive as the Station Master welcomes visitors just as he would have over a century ago. It’s an entertaining and educational experience for the whole family and one of the highlights of Cochrane Discovery Days.

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing another piece of Cochrane’s rich heritage!

08/01/2026

Ebeneezer was an experienced dairyman, and he brought twenty milk cows, travelling by covered wagon from Regina, where he had established a dairy farm. His family, his wife, five sons and one daughter travelled by the CPR to Cochrane.

Ebeneezer Healy and the Healy Cheese Factory - CHAPS

The significance of the establishment of Mr. Healy's cheese factory lies in the fact that it marked the beginning of the industrial phase of dairying in Alberta.

07/25/2026

Then disaster stuck! In September 1940 the family’s father and husband, James Halladay, was killed when a team of horses he was working with bolted, pulling a grain bin over him, crushing him to death. Devastated, the family soldiered on, but life had suddenly changed. Without Mr. Halladay to earn a living the older children had to help support their mother.

Brodie Clan - CHAPS

The house was a modest dwelling; the home was a sanctuary of love and warmth. Then disaster stuck! In September 1940 the family's father and husband, James Halladay, was killed when a team of horses he was working with bolted, pulling a grain bin over him, crushing him to death.…

07/23/2026

📜 Peeking into Cochrane’s Past 📜

Join us at the Cochrane Historical Museum on Thursday, July 30th at 2:00 PM for an afternoon of stories, photos, people and places from Cochrane’s past.

Step back in time and discover the history of our community through fascinating local stories and historic images.

📍 Cochrane Historical Museum
94 Highway 1A, Cochrane Ranch

📷 Historic photo courtesy of Glenbow Archives.

We hope to see you there

Register at: https://www.chinookhistory.ca/historic-calgary-week
https://www.chinookhistory.ca/historic-calgary-week%0A