On this day in 1916, one of Edmonton's most storied hotels was hosting an orchestra performance.
The Hotel Selkirk was once one of the city's most popular places for visitors and locals alike. However, when it first opened as the Windsor Hotel in 1903, most thought it was doomed. The 40-room hotel was built on Jasper Avenue and 100 Street, which is now the centre of the city. But back in 1903, this was considered the edge of town, as it was several blocks west of what was then Edmonton's core.
The hotel's detractors were soon proven wrong, though. Edmonton was growing, explosively, and it wasn't long before the intersection where the Selkirk was located became the city's busiest.
In 1911, Robert MacDonald purchased the hotel and immediately started extensive renovations. When it reopened in 1913, MacDonald had expanded it to 100 rooms and changed its name to the Hotel Selkirk. Jasper Avenue was home to several grand hotels at the time, but the Selkirk was one of the most popular. It contained a massive dining room that, according to MacDonald, served up to 600 patrons each day. Johnson's Café opened in the hotel in 1920 and quickly became a regular haunt for many Edmontonians.
The Mahogany Bar was also a big part of the hotel's draw. The pub got its name from the mahogany wood used to craft a bar that was claimed to be the longest in the country. With its luxurious interior and selection of spirits, it catered to those looking for an upscale evening. It also boasted likely the toughest bartenders and bouncers in the city. MacDonald had a side gig as a boxing promoter, and often employed his fighters at the bar between fights or after retirement.
For half a century, the Selkirk continued to be one of Edmonton's favourite spots. But in 1962, a fire tore through the building. Hundreds of people came out to watch the prestigious hotel burn. Despite the efforts of a reported 450 firefighters, the hotel was heavily damaged. It was torn down several months later. The Royal Bank Building now occupies the former site where the Selkirk once stood.
Hotel Selkirk lives on, though. A re-creation now stands in Fort Edmonton Park, giving people a chance to see the hotel that helped shape Jasper Avenue. Edmonton's downtown continues to change, too. The city is planning to start construction on the second phase of its Imagine Jasper plan, with major renovation pegged for west of 114 Street.
This clipping was found on Vintage Edmonton, a daily look at Edmonton's history from armchair archivist @revRecluse of @VintageEdmonton.