The house was built in 1890 outside the city limits. He was a Senator before Alberta was a province - and worked to get Alberta declared a province - knighted by George V in 1916. Lougheed died in 1925, During depression family lost a lot and unable to pay taxes and city took it over but Isabelle Lougheed lived there until she died in 1937. Since then various occupants-a training center for young womaen, Canadian Womens Army Corp Training Centre and then the Canadian Red Cross. In 1978 Province took over the property and in 1988 gave approval for restoration. City bought the land around the house which had been the gardens in 1993. Restoration started in the late 1990’s and it opened to the public in 2002.It is a Provincial and National Historic Site. The restoration has been beautifully done and the Conservation Society is in the process of acquiring furniture of the appropriate era to dress the house - the original furniture was sold at auction in the 30's although many pieces have been rediscovered and returned.
As you can see it was largely unoccupied for about 15 years and there were other buildings on the site of the gardens, now removed. So that is why lots of people have no idea it existed. The city grew out and surrounded it also.
Sandy I dont know about the Restaurant - it has been taken over by a new group and
only recently reopened but has had good reviews. And the historical interpretors wear 1905 day clothes - nothing fancy!
This message was edited Nov 6, 2007 8:28 PM
