Pioneer Heritage Book 2
The history of Altario dates back to the early 20th century. In 1909, Porterfield Robinson arrived in the area and established the first post office. Settlers believed that the CPR Moose Jaw-Lacombe line would pass through the area. Robinson built a store to bring in supplies for the settlers from the nearest railway point in Macklin, SK. The settlement site was initially named “Wilhelmina” after Robinson’s daughter, and the post office opened in February 1911. However, when the steel for the railway came in from the west in August 1914, the settlement shifted to a new location. The first building in the new hamlet, then named Bideford, was the lean-to part of Porterfield Robinson’s store, which he moved from Wilhelmina with the help of others. The town’s name changed several times, eventually becoming Altario. The community saw the establishment of various businesses, including a grain elevator, department store, hardware store, pool hall, and more. In April 1920, Altario also opened the first Red Cross hospital with Dr. Dean Robinson as the doctor.
Address
Community: Altario
Province: Alberta
Map Location
Latitude, Longitude
51.918813, -110.146593
Map Location
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