Chapter 11

“Here Comes the Parade!”

The twins stepped outside onto the sidewalk facing Ninth Avenue. There were so many people watching the parade in front of the hotel that they decided to dash across the street and watch it from the steps of the Grain Exchange building, Calgary’s first skyscraper.

In front of the Pendleton Roundup Cowboys’ Band was James “Cappy” Smart, perched proudly on top of his fire truck. Roxy told her brother that, in 1898, Cappy became Calgary’s first fire chief, and that in the 35 years that he would hold the position of chief, he would also lead the parade. She also told Ray that his tombstone reads: “His last alarm has sounded.”

Following the fire truck and band, the Memorial Park Library float appeared. On the float and waving to the crowd was the chief librarian, Alexander Calhoun, surrounded by Sam Livingston’s 14 kids. Sam was Calgary’s first resident. According to Roxy, the sandstone Memorial Library was the first library building in Alberta and was funded mainly by the American industrialist Andrew Carnegie. This was followed by the NWMP “F” Troop Float.

The next three floats had sports themes. First, there was the Grey Cup Championship float, which featured the entire Hamilton Tigers team, waving and celebrating their 1914 victory in the Canadian Football League.

Next, the Vancouver Millionaires hockey team float rolled by. The players took turns hoisting up the Stanley Cup for the crowd to see. Ray was a huge hockey fan but still had to confess to his sister that he’d had no idea there was an NHL team in Vancouver prior to the Vancouver Canucks!

The final sports float was reserved for the Edmonton Commercial Grads Basketball team. They were off to the exhibition grounds to play their first World Championship Game. The players were singing upbeat songs, accompanied by Clifford Higgins, the organist from Knox Church.

Northwest Mounted Police float.

© Glenbow Archives: nc-26-163.

When Roxy saw them she shouted, “Hey team, kick some butt and bring home the cup!”

The coach recognized the familiar voice and yelled back, “Hey Miss Fancy Shoes, why don’t you, your brother, and your dog jump on our float. I’ll get you front-row tickets for the big game!” The twins were thrilled with the invitation and jumped on board without hesitation. Fifteen minutes later the float was entering the big red gates of the Calgary Exhibition.