Wetaskiwin in County Of Wetaskiwin, Alberta — Canada’s Prairie Region (North America)
George Owen’s Second-Hand Store
| — | Historic Downtown Wetaskiwin | — |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022
1. George Owen’s Second-Hand Store Marker
The building on this site was constructed in 1906. It originally housed George Owen's Second-Hand Store. George Owen lived above the store and kept race horses in a barn behind it. He also had an auction sale building there. Patrons to either of his businesses could tie their horses to the hitching rail at the side of this building where fresh city water could be hand-pumped into wooden troughs for the horses to drink. Unfortunately, this service was only available in the summer as the pumps froze up in the winter. In 1913, George Owen sold the building to Wong and Company, who converted it into a restaurant called the Union Cafe.
In 1920, Don Dong took over these premises and opened the Club Cafe. Don had come from China and was the first immigrant in Wetaskiwin to receive his Canadian citizenship papers. He operated the cafe for many years. During the Depression, when many Canadians rode the rails searching for work, Don could always be depended on for a wholesome meal, a place to sleep, and a few dollars to tide them over. His brother, Poo, and one of Don's sons, Long, took over the management of the restaurant after Don's death. In 1937, the Dong family remodelled the building, adding a new foundation and giving the front a facelift.
Erected by Downtown in Motion • City of Wetaskiwin • Alberta Historical Resources Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.
Location. 52° 58.159′ N, 113° 22.34′ W. Marker is in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, in County Of Wetaskiwin. It is at the intersection of 49 Street and 50 Avenue, on the right when traveling north on 49 Street. The marker is mounted near the northwest corner of the subject building, facing
this page online
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: Railway Station (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); Canadian Bank of Commerce (about 150 meters away); Men's Outfitter Store (about 150 meters away); Imperial Bank of Canada (1909) (about 150 meters away); Montgomery's (about 180 meters away); Wetaskiwin Post Office (about 180 meters away); Compton Block (about 210 meters away); Royal Meat Market (about 210 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wetaskiwin.
City of Wetaskiwin Archives
2. Marker detail: George Owen’s Second-Hand Store
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022
3. George Owen’s Second-Hand Store Marker
The marker is on the right side of the northwest corner entrance.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022
4. George Owen’s Second-Hand Store
(northwest elevation)
(northwest elevation)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022
5. George Owen’s Second-Hand Store (left) & Moose Lodge #1559
Looking east across 49 Street.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 3, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
