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G. C. King
G. C. King - Constable George Clift King, "F Troop" Northwest Mounted Police, was the first man to cross the river and set foot on what later became Calgary. For many years he enjoyed the title of "Calgary’s first citizen." In later years he recalled the march west with all its hardships, as a great experience." It was only the splendid organization behind it, that was responsible for it's completion," he said. He choose to play down the shortage of rations, the filthy alkali drinking water, the ravages of September snows, and the shortcoming of the only fuel, ( buffalo chips) that would not burn when wet. These things were all part of the great adventure.
King stayed with the NWMP till his term was up in 1877. After his discharge he was appointed manager of I.G.Baker & Co., store located on the site of the old General Hospital, on Twelfth Avenue E.
King met and married Louise Munroe, the daughter of Felix Munroe on November 16, 1879. The wedding reception - a celebration supper and dance was attended by Sam Livingston, Bob Flecher, Captain Denny "Sandy" Gilmour, Jim Barwis, George Emmerson, John Glenn, Tom lynch, Angus Fraser and many of the nearby ranchers, and of course all of the NWMP that could get away that day. The supper prepared by the bride, consisted of buffalo meat, pie, and cake. The rest of the night was spent square dancing.
Their first home was a lean-to off the store. They had a kitchen, living room, and a bedroom heated by a wood-box stove, they were quite comfortable.
In 1883 King went into business for himself as a general merchant. He had a wide variety of goods, groceries, clothing, drugs, stationery and tobacco. In 1885 he accepted the position of Postmaster for the town of Calgary. He held this position for thirty-six years. King also served as Calgary's second mayor, from 1886 to 1887. During this time he had the opportunity of welcoming Sir John A. and Lady MacDonald, passengers on the first transcontinental passenger train to reach the young frontier town.
King was here to see the development of Calgary into a dominant city. He saw it's raw natural beauty, he knew its people, he knew it as home.
To this point you have met a few of the men that made us what we are. There were others such as Joseph Butlin, who operated one of the first sandstone quarries in the area: there was Tim Dunne on the east side who produced Calgary's first theatrical production; there was S. J. Clark, who served on the first town council and ran the meeting from his saloon. There was also James Walker who supplied the lumber for the houses and the bridges that helped Calgary grow and prosper.
It this point I would like to thank Bert Farmer who comes to the nursing home where I work for his stories and for originally giving me the book Cowtown An Early Album by Tom Ward.
Because this book has a copy write, I have been asked to say,"For permission to adapt and abridge both published and unpublished material in the book Cowtown: An Early Album of Calgary. I would like to thank the following: Enmax Corporation, and all those listed on page 496 of the original book". Now that I have said everything I legally have to say... I want to say thanks to Enmax for being so kind to me .
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