Arthur Frederick Cunning arrived in Coalhurst from Diamond
City approximately 1914, where he opened a drug store
which was run under Dr. Inkrote, Dr. Rose and Dr. Beamont
and others. Mrs. Stockdale had a building constructed
for the drug store and the doctors' office. During the
beginning of his stay Arthur batched with J. I. McDermott
and Tom Kinney and others in a mine house. Here in
Coalhurst he was druggist until 1919 at which time he
saw that the contracts were coming in, which meant that
the business would go to Lethbridge. Arthur was a self
educated man and knew the drug business thoroughly.
As well, he had beautiful handwriting. He studied and
wrote University druggist exams, passed them all except
Botany as he didn't have a book, and didn't know where
to obtain one in order to study for the exam. The following
year the requirements were 2 years of University. At the
time, with the responsibility of a family, he was unable to
attend. Therefore, he missed out on receiving his degree by one subject.

After the demise of his drug business in 1919, Arthur Cunning
worked for the Coalhurst Mine. His first job at the mine was
that of payroll clerk for soldiers who had returned from the
first world war. During hard times he shovelled coal for
boilers and loaded box cars. He was the second last man
to leave the Coalhurst mine. Then he worked for #8 Lethbridge
Collieries, and when the roads were impassable he would walk
to work from his home in Coalhurst. He was secretary of the
Town of Coalhurst for some years, also secretary of the school.
As soon as he arrived in the town he asked to make tax
assessment rolls. He became purchasing agent for #8 mine.

During his courtship with Muriel Estelle Ward, who resided in
Diamond City, he walked to see her unless he was fortunate
enough to borrow the Mountie's horse. Often times he assisted
the Mounties with their work. Perhaps this was the reason he
was able to use the horses occasionally.

On June 14, 1916 Arthur Frederick Cunning married Muriel Estelle
Ward at the Diamond City School. The ceremony was performed
by Bishop Green of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints. Six children were born from this union, three sons and
and three daughters. Milton born Diamond City - deceased age
19, 1937.

The Cunning home in Coalhurst was built in two stages. On
the same street, next door neighbors were the Flemings and
the Hugh MacLeod family. On one comer was the Pentecostal
Church, across the street was the home of Mrs. Hutton and
the Nyaradis. For a time during the day the hospital was in
operation, Estella Keziah Ward from California, mother of
Muriel Cunning, worked as a cook. She was a real lady
and an excellent cook. Some of the Cunning children
remember standing in line for innoculations at the hospital.

During the depression years, times were extremely difficult.
Many women picked coal from the dump as money was so
scarce. There was a desperate need for fuel. Milk was
bought by the Cunnings from the Brewers approximately
2 or 3 times a week. This was collected in old wooden
gun powder boxes which encased sparkling clean glass
milk bottles. The sterile atmosphere and spotless hygiene
of the Brewers' Dairy is something we shall always remember.
Two blocks from the Cunning home, on main street was
"Aunt Doty's Candy Shop". To receive a few pennies, run
up to the shop, stand upon a small orange crate, and peer
into the candy case was a special treat for the children.
Long periods of time passed while one contemplated the
flavor of which "all day" sucker to purchase. The memory
of their succulence lingers to this day. Flavors of strawberry,
raspberry, lemon and lime etc., covered with scrumptious
chocolate wrapped in colorful foil was a real eye catcher.

A favorite pastime of some of the older boys on Hallowe'en
was that of tipping over out houses. It became a yearly ritual.
As far as entertainment was concerned in Coalhurst one of
the highlights was the Christmas Program. Teachers worked
night and day to ready the performers for their big night. For
such a small town the show was excellent.

Early years were full of wholesome fun, kick the can, giant
steps and red light were often played during the summer months.
Many evenings the youth walked a mile to the train station
singing all the way there and back. There was indeed a
feeling of warmth and comradeship among the young people.
Sneaking a swim in the irrigation ditch was a favorite sport.
Kids were frightened of Geordie Black, "the ditch rider." When
he passed by with his horse and buggy, did they ever scatter!
However, this did not deter them from going back again and again.
Sports days were an exciting time. Ball games, races etc., were
some of the activities. Competition was keen and many medals
were won by various people. School fairs were held with ribbons
and prizes given out for excellence. Also dances and whist drives
at the IOOF Hall were some of the forms of entertainment enjoyed
by many.

Needless to say friendship and fellowship was one of the key
benefits of living in Coalhurst. Somehow larger cities lose the
close knit feeling that exists in a small town. What fond
memories we have of the good old days."

As of this date in December 1983, the children of Arthur and
Muriel Cunning are as follows:
Three living daughters and two living sons.
Milton - deceased March 3, 1937.
Arthur Cunning - deceased August 10, 1981.
Muriel Cunning - deceased April 8, 1972.