Camrose History
It was in 1904 that Duncan Sampson brought a wagonload of lumber from Wetaskiwin, to build the first commercial building in what has become Downtown Camrose. Sampson's general store still stands at the corner of 50th Street and 50th Avenue and was recently restored by the current owner Audrey Pfanmuller and the Camrose Mainstreet Project.
There is a collection of more than 40 buildings in the Downtown, which are more than 50 years old. More than a dozen have been either restored or enhanced by the project.
A brochure for a self-guided historic walk of the Downtown can be picked up at the Camrose Mainstreet Project office, at 4949-50th Street.
Our 100th anniversary celebration was marked by the introduction of Founders Days. In the first year, we honoured Francois Adam who died in 1961 at the age of 104, and is known as "The Father of Camrose".
Born in Belgium, Adam was involved in the founding of the first school, hospital, Canadian Club and other organizations. He was an entrepreneur owning several businesses, and known as a philanthropist and an honourable gentlemen.
For more information about celebrations planned for 2007, please call the Camrose Mainstreet Project office at 672-5191.
See also Alberta Main Streets Website to find out about Camrose's participation in the Alberta Main Street Program.
