Wetaskiwin in County Of Wetaskiwin, Alberta — Canada’s Prairie Region (North America)
Men's Outfitter Store
| — | Historic Downtown Wetaskiwin | — |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022
1. Men's Outfitter Store Marker
This two-story, brick building was constructed in 1906 with Lou Rix as the owner. In 1907, J.R. Staples opened his Men's Outfitter Store here, offering all the latest styles in men's clothing. Charlie McMurdo bought the store in 1913 and continued in the same line of business.
Mr. McMurdo was born in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. He came west in 1902 at the age of seventeen, in spite of strong opposition from his parents. His first job was in John West's General Store, where he earned $35.00 a month. The fire of 1903 destroyed West's building, and Mr. McMurdo found a new job working for Compton, Montgomery, and Price.
Mr. McMurdo was a very versatile man. He was everything from an insurance salesman to the secretary of the Wetaskiwin School Board, on which he served for 30 years. In 1973, he was honoured when the King Edward Elementary School's name was changed to C.B. McMurdo School.
C.B. McMurdo ran his Men's Outfitter Store until 1924 when he sold it to Cecil Richards. Mr. Richards operated at this location until his retirement in 1931, and the building remained vacant until Macleods Limited moved here in 1933. In 1955, the Acme Department Store took over, followed by the Ideal Store and later, the Merit Store, which closed its doors in 1984. Billy's Lounge later took over the building and restored the facade in 1990.
Photograph courtesy of the City of Wetaskiwin Archives
Erected by Downtown in Motion • City of Wetaskiwin • Alberta Historical Resources Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.
Location. 52° 58.173′ N, 113° 22.472′ W. Marker is in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, in County Of Wetaskiwin. It is on 50 Avenue just west of 50 Street, on the right when traveling
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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: Canadian Bank of Commerce (a few steps from this marker); Imperial Bank of Canada (1909) (a few steps from this marker); Montgomery's (within shouting distance of this marker); Wetaskiwin Post Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Compton Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Royal Meat Market (within shouting distance of this marker); Railway Station (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); George Owen’s Second-Hand Store (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wetaskiwin.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022
2. Men's Outfitter Store Marker
The marker is at the east/left edge of the storefront facade.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022
3. Men's Outfitter Store (north/front elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 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. submitted on November 4, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
