On this day in 1977, Audreys Books was hosting book signings by authors Pierre Berton and Helen Richardson.
The first chapter of the Audrey Books story started in 1956, when 23-year-old Mel Hurtig spent $500 to open Edmonton's first independent bookstore on Jasper Avenue and 103 Street. Over the next 16 years, Hurtig's store grew into a lucrative business, and Hurtig eventually opened two additional locations.
In 1972, Hurtig sold his stores off to focus on publishing (he went on to become one of Canada's most well-known book publishers). The store on Jasper Avenue was sold to Julian's Books, becoming the most successful location in the chain, until it was purchased again by Audrey Whaley and her husband, Ewart. Audrey had been an employee at the bookstore under both of its previous owners. In October 1975, the store was relaunched as Audreys Books.
The lack of an apostrophe isn't a mistake. The store is actually named after two Audreys: Whaley and Audrey Ackroyd, a former University of Alberta volleyball coach who helped fund the sale.
Whaley was a beloved figure in Edmonton's literary community. Passionate about writing, she continued the store's tradition of being not just a place to buy books, but also a central part of Edmonton's cultural community. The bookstore held events and readings by some of Canada's best-known authors, including Berton, Richardson, Margaret Atwood, and others. Audreys was also a booster of local authors, holding their book launches and dedicating shelf space to them.
In 1979, Audreys moved further west on Jasper Avenue, relocating to its current spot in the MacLean Block at the corner of 107 Street. It has been there since, instantly recognizable by its burgundy awning, large storefront windows, and curated displays of books related to local authors, seasonal events, or current affairs.
In 1988, the Whaleys retired and sold the store to another married couple, Steve and Sharon Budnarchuk. The new owners kept the Audreys name, as well as the store's community-minded approach. In the early '90s, Audreys Books helped establish an annual prize to honour Edmonton authors, which it continues to support to this day.
The last few decades haven't exactly been kind to bookstores. But Audreys has been able to weather both the growth of bookstore chains and online retailers, partially by eschewing bestsellers to focus on stocking local authors, self-published titles, and niche books. Earlier this year, Audreys Books celebrated its 50th Anniversary, continuing as Edmonton's oldest independent bookstore.
This clipping was found on Vintage Edmonton, a daily look at Edmonton's history from armchair archivist Rev Recluse of Vintage Edmonton.