Wetaskiwin in County Of Wetaskiwin, Alberta — Canada’s Prairie Region (North America)
Montgomery's
| — | Historic Downtown Wetaskiwin | — |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022
1. Montgomery's Marker
Hugh J. Montgomery came to Wetaskiwin in 1898 from Prince Edward Island. He went to work as a bookkeeper for his uncle, John West, in the Star Trading Company General Store until West's original store, stable, and home were destroyed by the terrible fire of 1903. Montgomery then formed a partnership with C.E. Compton, which dissolved when their store burned down in 1908. In the meantime, West and his sons, Sackville and Gerard, had rebuilt the Star Trading Company General Store. Montgomery formed a partnership with West's sons and the three bought the Star Store. They changed the name of the store to Montgomery and West, but even though the name was legally changed, most people still called it the Star Store even into the late 1940's.
In the early years, a cashier was located in an elevated office at the east side of the store. When a customer wanted to purchase an item, the money was placed in a tiny gold cage attached to wires running across the ceiling. The cage slid along these wires to the cashier, who sent back the change and receipts in the same manner.
The firm of Montgomery and West continued until 1914 when Frank
this page online
In 1939, Frank's son James took over the management of the store and in 1944, the name was changed to Montgomery's. In 1973, the store once again passed from father to son when Don Montgomery took over. He introduced a sporting goods department which became the store's main focus in 1992. Almost two years later, G & L Sports bought the inventory, moving into the Montgomery building as tenants, and for the first time in nearly ninety years, there was no Montgomery's Store on Wetaskiwin's Main Street.
Erected by Downtown in Motion • City of Wetaskiwin • Alberta Historical Resources Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.
Location. 52° 58.176′ N, 113° 22.502′ W. Marker is in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, in County Of Wetaskiwin. It is on 50 Avenue just west of 50 Street, on the
2. Marker detail: Montgomery's
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: Imperial Bank of Canada (1909) (a few steps from this marker); Wetaskiwin Post Office (a few steps from this marker); Compton Block (a few steps from this marker); Men's Outfitter Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Royal Meat Market (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 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wetaskiwin.
Also see . . . Montgomery’s Department Store: A Community Landmark (Wetaskiwin District Heritage Museum).
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022
3. Montgomery's Marker
The marker is on the left side of the front entrance.
Excerpt: In 1903, John West built the first two story brick building on what is now known as Main Street. The Star Trading Co. opened in November the same year and was operated by E.D. McLaughlin, W.W. Sharpe, & R.B. Price. It had a giant white star painted on its side to attract customers, many of whom were immigrants. West’s nephews Hugh and Frank Montgomery eventually purchased the building and Montgomery’s Department store was the retail hub of our community for decades, only closing in the ‘90s. In 2004, with the help of the Montgomerys and support from community members, the building was purchased by the Wetaskiwin & District Museum Society,(Submitted on November 9, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 12, 2022
4. Montgomery's
Today this building is home to the Wetaskiwin Heritage Museum and Gift Shop.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 9, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
