Red Deer in Red Deer County, Alberta — Canada’s Prairie Region (North America)

Horsley Block

— Red Deer Historical Walking Tour —

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022

1. Horsley Block Marker

Inscription. The October 26, 1955, edition of the Red Deer Advocate stated there would be big changes in downtown Red Deer — the old Horsley Pharmacy building located at this corner would be torn down and a new Horsley Block would take its place. Richard Earl Horsley, the namesake of both buildings, was a pharmacist who moved to Red Deer in 1939. He operated his pharmacy out of the original building for 16 years before deciding it was time for a new facility.

The "new" building before you today cost approximately $60,000 when it was constructed. It displays many features typical of 1950s design in Alberta, including a flat roof and buff-coloured brick construction. The projecting concrete blocks on the second storey enhance the building's design and provide an unusual element in Red Deer.

After Horsley's death, Martin Valentine of Valentine Central Drugs purchased the business. The Horsley Block housed pharmacies for almost 40 years, and has been dedicated to retail since the mid 1990s.

Erected by City of Red Deer.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is October 26, 1955.

Location. 52° 16.161′ N, 113° 48.834′ W. Marker is in Red Deer, Alberta, in Red Deer

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County. Marker is on Gaetz Avenue (50 Avenue) just north of 50 Street, on the left when traveling south. Marker is located along the sidewalk, near the northwest corner of the subject building, facing Gaetz Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4952 50 Street, Red Deer AB T4N 1X7, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Rollis Block (a few steps from this marker); Maurice Shoe Shop (a few steps from this marker); Home Grill (within shouting distance of this marker); Farthing Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Reverend Dr. Leonard Gaetz (within shouting distance of this marker); Brumpton Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Greene Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Snell-Dodds Block (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Red Deer.

Marker detail: Ross Street, ca. 1947 image. Click for full size.

Red Deer & District Archives (P216)

2. Marker detail: Ross Street, ca. 1947

Red Deer & District Archives (P217)

3. Marker detail: Ross Street, ca. 1947

Marker detail: Military Vehicle in Front of Horsley Block image. Click for full size.

Red Deer & District Archives (P329)

4. Marker detail: Military Vehicle in Front of Horsley Block

Victory Loan Parade R.A.S.C. Red Deer, May 31, 1941

Horsley Block Marker<br>(<i>older marker near southwest corner of building</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022

5. Horsley Block Marker
(older marker near southwest corner of building)

The first building on this site was built in 1891 and had been known as “The Old Burch Store.” The upstairs served as the Red Deer school from 1892 to 1894. Richard Early Horsley operated Horsley’s Drug Store in the old building from 1939 to 1955, when he decided to tear it down. The present two-storey structure was built in 1956. The exuberance of the 1950s is evident in the decorative second floor raised block work and distinctly modern aluminum canopy and neon signage. When Mr. Horsley died in 1965, Martin Valentine bought the pharmacy business and operated Valentine Drugs until 1992.

Provided by the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation
and Alberta Main Street Programme
Main Street Project 2003

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022

6. Horsley Block Marker

(looking south • Horsley Block on left • Gaetz Avenue on right)

Horsley Block (<i>west elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022

7. Horsley Block (west elevation)

(showing projecting block design of 2nd story)

Horsley Block (<i>southwest/front elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022

8. Horsley Block (southwest/front elevation)

(both markers are located along west wall • at far left)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 92 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on September 28, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.