Experience Guide | Tourism Medicine Hat

3 F ifth Avenue Memorial United Church

7 C anadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church was officially designated a Municipal Historical Site in 2019. It was originally built in 1913, but following a tragic fire it was rebuilt in 1931. The church continues to serve the religious and community needs in Medicine Hat today. 4 St. Barnabas Anglican Church St. Barnabas Anglican Church was constructed in 1912. The church cost $26,000, plus $775 in architect fees. It was made with brick and Bedford stone, and laid out east and west in relation to the sunrise on St. Barna bas Day (a few degrees different). 5 Hull Block At 17-years-old, William Roper Hull moved to Canada from England to work on a relative’s farm. He built buildings across Alberta, including downtown Medicine Hat’s largest building, Hull Block. Currently inside, you’ll find a cozy and artistic coffee shop, The Copper Leaf Café, along with other professional business spaces.

During World War I, this branch took great pride in their staff members’ effort on the battlefield. Sgt. JC Matheson was a member of the 10th Battalion and left a heartfelt letter detailing his battalion’s role in the second Battle of Ypres. With bullet holes in his helmet, no food or water, and dying soldiers all around, he pondered, “How I ever came through is a mystery to me”.

It is little known outside of Medicine Hat, but duringthe Second World War, the city was home to Canada’s largest pris oner of war camp, which held 12,000 prisoners, more than the population of the city. One of the buildings still stands on the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede grounds to this day. Find more information at the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre Archive Reference Services room. 10 Hargrave-Sissons Block This building was constructed for brothers-in-law James Hargrave and Dan Sissons, who were renowned ranchers and businessmen in the area. Hargrave-Sissons Block was originally built in 1901, with additions in 1910. Inspire Studio, Gallery, & Café moved in and opened its doors 100 years later. 11 Canadian Pacific Railway Station (CPR) There were early reports that Southern Alberta was unsuitable for agriculture, and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming orig inally proposed that CPR avoid South ern Alberta altogether. If it wasn’t for a CPR decision to overturn Sandford’s proposal, this Chateau-style station, one of its finest in Canada, would never have been built. This historic build ing and space still operates today.

8 Beveridge Building The optimism during the manufactur ing boom centered on natural gas and clay deposits led to the construction of several large buildings like the Beve ridge Building. Many local businesses and organizations have come and gone throughout the years, including a furniture store, restaurants, a speak easy lounge, and an events venue. 9 Turpin Block Built in 1905, it is considered to be one of the first buildings designed by architect William T. Williams, after his arrival from the United States. Sta tion Coffee Company opened inside the Turpin Block building in 2013 and has continued to serve a good cup of coffee and decadent desserts.

6 Cypress Club Built in 1907, the brick used to construct this building was locally manufactured in Medicine Hat during its budding ceramics industry. The Cypress Club of Medicine Hat, established in 1903, still resides inside. A membership must be attained to enjoy the dining room — memberships are open to anyone.

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