Wetaskiwin in County Of Wetaskiwin, Alberta — Canada’s Prairie Region (North America)
Compton Block
| — | Historic Downtown Wetaskiwin | — |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022
1. Compton Block Marker
Like many of the early Wetaskiwin settlers, Clifton Compton and his wife arrived with few possessions, but they were full of confidence and hope. Mr. Compton came from Prince Edward Island in 1894 and worked at the John West Store until the great fire of 1903 reduced the building to rubble. Mr. Compton then formed a partnership with H. J. Montgomery, and together they built the Compton and Montgomery Store in 1904.
Five years later, in January 1909, fire struck again, forcing Mr. Compton to build the sturdy brick building still standing today. The original shops at this location were C.C. Bailey Jeweller, E.A. Hutchins Book Store, and C.E. Compton Grocery. Upstairs there were offices occupied by several doctors and a lawyer.
C.C. Bailey employed Horace French who had originally worked in the watch repair and jewellery trade in his native Quebec. In 1914, French and Percy Thomas bought the business. After serving in the Royal Flying Corps in the First World War, Mr. French returned to Wetaskiwin in 1921 and bought out his partner. He renamed the shop French's Jewellery.
The business was a busy one. Mr. French was one of
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Compton's Grocery Store became Jack Christopher's Grocery in 1910. In 1916, the walls between this shop and the bookstore were knocked down and this larger space became Thomas Lawson and Company Drygoods and Grocery. In 1927, it was rented to Marshall's Limited. It was not until 1933 that there were once again three separate shops in the Compton Block: H.R. French's Jewellery, Anderson and Pearson Grocery, and Meraw's Five Cent to a Dollar Store.
Erected by Downtown in Motion • City of Wetaskiwin • Alberta Historical Resources Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1909.
Location. 52° 58.178′ N, 113° 22.522′ W. Marker is in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, in County Of Wetaskiwin.
City of Wetaskiwin Archives
2. Marker detail: Compton Block
The building was rented to Marshall's Limited between 1927 and 1933.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Alberta. It is also in the Prairies. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony and also Rupert’s Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Royal Meat Market (a few steps from this marker); Montgomery's (a few steps from this marker); Wetaskiwin Post Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Imperial Bank of Canada (1909) (within shouting distance of this marker); Men's Outfitter Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Canadian Bank of Commerce (within shouting distance of this marker); Railway Station (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); George Owen’s Second-Hand Store (about 210 meters away).
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022
3. Compton Block Marker
The marker is on the left side of the center storefront entrance. An entrance for access to the second floor is on the left side of the marker.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022
4. Compton Block (north/front elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 2, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
