About Us

History of the Society

The Southern Alberta Pioneers And Their Descendants can trace its roots back to The Calgary Old Timers' Association, which was formed on December 4, 1901. Its membership was limited to pioneers who resided in the Calgary area prior to 1884.

In December of 1920, the Rotary Club sponsored a luncheon to which members of the Old Timers and other pioneers of Southern Alberta were invited for the purpose of expanding the Calgary Old Timers' Association which would be composed of all pioneers from all of Southern Alberta. On January 9, 1922, a society was incorporated as The Southern Alberta Pioneers' and Old Timers' Association. "Old Timers'" was retained in the new name to recognize the part the Old Timers' played in the Association. The constitution limited membership to those males who resided in Alberta south of Township 40 prior to December 31, 1890 and their male descendants of 18 years of age or older.

In March of 1922, the pioneer women formed an organization with similar objects entitled Womens' Pioneer Association of Southern Alberta, which was restricted to women. The two organizations had many joint meetings and functions until they were amalgamated on October 24, 1964.

On March 11, 1974, the name was changed to Southern Alberta Pioneers and Their Descendants (SAPD).

The main object of the SAPD is to rescue from oblivion the memory of the early pioneers and to obtain and to preserve narratives of their exploits, perils and adventures.

Memorial Building and Centennial Gate

For years, SAPD held it's meetings and events in the Pioneer Shack on the Stampede grounds. See Initiatives for further details. In 1955, SAPD built a more appropriate Memorial Building (see Home Page for photo and details). Since then additions to the building were constructed, the first being the additions of kitchens on the main floor and in the basement, the second being a new front entrance and an office on the main floor.

Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Limited

See other matters of historical interest in Initiatives.

More Information

More information about our history can be found on the scanned copy of our Pioneer Families of Southern Alberta found at the Our Future Our Past website. See especially pp. 218-252.

SAPD Archives and Library

The archives of the SAPD located in the Memorial Building contain a library of books, family histories, newspaper clippings, photographs and many other artifacts. Researchers may gain admittance to the Memorial Building by appointment. For Archives, contact our Historian. For library, contact our Librarian.

Donations of historic material about Southern Alberta and pioneer residents prior to December 31, 1890 would be appreciated. If anyone visiting this website is a descendant of a pioneer or has information about any pioneer or their descendants, please contact the SAPD Historian. New members are always welcome.

Pioneer Lady and Gentleman

At every annual meeting, the board of directors honours two members, a woman and a man, who have made substantial contribution to the Society and/or the SAPD. The persons so honoured are entitled the Pioneer Lady and Pioneer Gentleman and remain as such for the next year.

Rental of the Memorial Building

The Memorial Building may be rented for meetings, weddings, receptions, parties and other events. Rental funds are used for the operation and maintenance of the Memorial Building. For rental inquiries, please contact the Building Caretaker by e-mail, by telephone (403) 243-3580 or by fax (403) 287-2489. The building is closed to rentals on Mondays, Tuesdays, and statutory holidays.

The Southern Alberta Pioneers' Foundation

In 1984, the SAPD formed The Southern Alberta Pioneers' Foundation, which obtained Charitable status (Reg. 0692541-50). The Foundation holds the Memorial Building and the City lease of the property upon which it is situated. The Foundation issues charitable tax receipts for approved donations.

Memorial Building Fund

The Foundation has established the Memorial Building Fund, to provide long term funding for the maintenance of the Memorial Building, historical artifacts and library.

It has been proposed that the Fund reach $500,000 before any withdrawals can be made. The Fund has at this time has grown to over $100,000. It is hoped that a $500,000 Fund will generate enough income to pay for the operating costs of the Memorial Building.

Donations to the Fund are income tax deductible and are always welcome and most appreciated. Our largest contributions to date have been bequests from the estates of deceased members. Cheques should be made payable to The Southern Alberta Pioneers Memorial Building Fund.

In addition to donations from individuals and from estates, the Fund receives $50.00 from the SAPD in memory of each deceased member.