Blackfalds & Area Historical Society
Linking Past & Present
Blackfalds & Area Historical Photos
Blindman River Bridges on C&E Trail
Percy Gregson House
Group
Homestead
Historical Notes
Arthur D. Gregson’s Unique Farming Practice
One of Blackfalds’ first residents, Arthur D. Gregson, made his income by raising Pine Martens, mink, and foxes. He collected fleas from their pelts and sent them to England, where he was paid by the Rothschilds. This collection was later donated to the British Museum.
Blackfalds’ Original Name: Waghorn
Blackfalds was originally named Waghorn, after the first postmaster, Walter Waghorn, who arrived in the district in the 1890s.
Blackfalds’ First School Teacher
Miss Alice Grigg was Blackfalds’ first school teacher in 1893. She taught in a one-room schoolhouse that was built that same year.
Pioneer Store Still Stands
One of Blackfalds’ first stores, the Pioneer Store, was built by John McKay. It still stands on Broadway Avenue and is in use today as the After the Grind Coffee Shop.
Blackfalds: A Fast-Growing Community
Blackfalds has been recognized as the fastest-growing community in Alberta and Canada as early as 1958, with continued growth in the years following.
Blackfalds Post Office Explosion
On March 2, 1991, the Blackfalds Post Office was completely destroyed by an explosion caused by a gas leak from an underground line. Fortunately, no one was injured as it happened late at night.