On this day in 1931, Edmonton's premier hotel was offering a Sunday dinner for 50 cents.
The special menu at the King Edward Hotel had everything from boiled mutton leg to chicken chow mein, finished off with "deep blueberry pie."
For decades, the King Edward was the leading hotel in downtown Edmonton. Its Victorian style, with red brick, white columns, and large cupolas, offered an air of luxury and prestige. Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier stayed there when visiting the city, along with many other well-to-do travellers in the city's early history.
The hotel's luxurious reputation was far removed from its origins, as it was built on the site of a former livestock operation at the corner of what is now 101 Street and 101 Avenue. The land was owned by businessman and city alderman John Calhoun. In 1904, Calhoun started construction of the hotel, which he named after the current monarch, King Edward VII.
Calhoun's gamble paid off, and the hotel was an immediate success. So much so that it expanded twice over the next decade — once in 1908, and again in 1910. By that time, it was not only the largest hotel in the city, but a central part of the nightlife, with a popular cafe and tavern in the basement. Even when prohibition came to Alberta, from 1915 to 1923, the King Edward remained a popular gathering spot.
Calhoun sold the hotel in 1940. Shortly after the Second World War, the hotel underwent a massive renovation, which replaced the Victorian facade with a Modernist look. Two more expansions in 1951 and 1964, costing $300,000 and $250,000, respectively, added more rooms and amenities.
Like several other downtown hotels, the King Edward played an important role in the history of Edmonton's queer community. While not openly welcoming gay and lesbian patrons, the King Edward was considered a safe, tolerant place to meet and socialize, a reputation it gained soon after opening, and one that continued into the latter half of the century.
While many of the city's old hotels disappeared due to economics or changing tastes, the King Edward met a more tragic end. In 1978, a fatal arson fire destroyed the building, killing two people and sending 15 people to hospital. Although there were some attempts to rebuild the storied establishment, they never materialized. The ruins of the King Edward were demolished in 1980.
The Manulife building now sits on the site of the former King Edward. Like its predecessor did many times over its history, it will undergo a major facelift. Plans are underway for a $45-million renovation of the tower, which will bring changes to its lobby, common areas, and retail spaces.
This clipping was found on Vintage Edmonton, a daily look at Edmonton's history from armchair archivist @revRecluse of @VintageEdmonton.