Rowley Community Association

Yesteryear Artifacts Museum
Rowley, Alberta
Phone (403) 368-3757 (Doug)Tour Info (403) 368-2355 (Lorraine) or Chris or Jamie at(403)-368-3711

 

 

  

  Step into the Past …

Historical Rowley

An Amazing Ghost Town with an Undying Spirit

Rowley is an amazing ghost town with an undying spirit!  It is also a must to visit when traveling through the area. 

The community’s main attractions include:  the Rowley Church (a provincial historic site), Prairie School Museum, and the Yesteryear Artifacts Museum (housed in the original railway station).  The most famous stop in Rowley is Sam’s Saloon, a well-known local watering hole and meeting place.

Be sure to stop by on the last Saturday on the month (5 pm to 9 pm) for Pizza Night and great entertainment.
 
There’s a lot to see in Rowley, including an authentic General Store, bank building, livery stable and more. Free camping is available to all visitors right in Rowley. Donations accepted.

The Hamlet of Rowley is 8 miles (12.8 km) north of the junction of Highway 56, 9 and 27 (Morrin Corner), then west on Township Road 32-4 (follow the highway signs. For tours or information, contact (403)368-3757, (403) 368-2355, or (403) 368-3816. 
 

Rowley Manse aka "Daisy’s House "
 Daisy's House

Minister’s home and wedding site. Now privately owned, “Daisy’s House” was painted blue for “Bye Bye Blues’, filmed in Rowley in 1988.

 

    Hospital
 The hospital was built between 1918 and 1920.  It was then transformed into a classroom and has since been a private residence to many families. This too was painted blue and used as the hotel for the movie, “Bye Bye Blues.”

 

   Rowley Church –
Provincial  Historical Site

Services were first held in homes and in the first School.  In 1925, funds to build a Church were begun to be raised by Chicken Suppers, until this building was erected (and completely paid for) in 1938-39.  Closed in 1979, it is still used for Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals and Special Occasions

.  Bank
This building was also used as a store front for “Bye, Bye Blues”.  When on your tour, note the unusual staircase and French Provincial Chandelier.

 

Community Hall    Rowley’s original hall burned down in 1922.  Rowley has always been a resourceful community, and like the “Chicken Dinners” that helped build the Church, Community Hall fundraising began with a raffle for a crocheted doily, which is displayed within its walls!  An addition that included an entrance, bathrooms, kitchen and water was opened in 1974.  An enlarged kitchen was added in the 1980’s to cater to the Steam Train visits.  This is the meeting place for coffee and Tourist Information.

 

Prairie School Museum

Built in 1911, originally located west of Morrin, the Hillsgreen School was moved to Rowley in 1991.  Teachers lived in the back of the school and their job consisted of instructing Grades 1 to 12, stoking the fire, hauling water and general upkeep.  Note:  You can have a look to see if your name is in the old registers.

 

Box Car Park

Picturesque setting.  The Box Car Site displays antiques and historical information.

 

Prairie Grain Elevators Provincial Historical Site 

“Saving our past for the future” 
Prairie Sentinels

 

Yesteryear Artifacts Museum


 The railway came to Rowley in 1919 and a Box Car was the first Station until the present Station was built in 1920.  In 1980 the building was leased to the community and converted to a Museum to celebrate Alberta’s 75th Birthday.  The antiques, Pioneer Memorabilia and Station artifacts are wonderful!

 

General Store 

This was the general store from 1920 to 1973.  It was also used as a    summer café in a commercial. Tasty food items available during events.  Take a look at the antiques throughout, along with   the Royal Family Room,  Hairdressing Parlour and our own “R-Max Theater” in the back.

 

Sam’s Saloon

This was a restaurant built in 1922.  Last owned and operated by Sam Leung until 1968.  In 1980 it was converted to a Saloon and Gathering Place.  Cool drinks and fresh popped popcorn come along with some down home hospitality.

 

.  Lion’s Oil Ltd. 


Was built in 1920 and operated  as a garage for 20 years.  There was a circa 1920 glass gas pump outside and a 1928 Ford inside.

 

Pool Hall

Another store front from “Bye Bye Blues.”  Stop in for a game and see the Barber Shop/Doctors’ offices.

 

Livery Stable

Was built in 1917, and is still owned by a member of the Swallow Family.

 

.Municipality Office

Was in operation until 1943, and was used as the Post Office in “Bye Bye Blues.”

 

WEBSITES OF INTEREST

- Rowley, Alberta: The Never Say Die Prairie Town
- Ghost Town of Rowley

 
     
 
   
Copyright@2006  Starland County  Starland County 103 Main Street Box 249 Morrin, AB  T0J 2B0  Phone: (403) 772-3793 Fax: (403) 772-3807 Email: info@starlandcounty.com