The three story Spring Coulee Hotel, built and owned
by John C Thompson, was completed in 1909, with a
livery stable nearby to accommodate the horses.
Mr. Thompson never managed, or operated the
business of the hotel, but leased it out to several
different managers, from its completion in 1909, to
1954 when it was no longer used as a hotel.

The name of the first of these managers was a
Mr. Springer, who retired after a few months of
serving the public. It was early in December of
1909 that Mr. W. A. Miller of Mountain View took
possession, and began serving meals and renting
rooms to the patrons. Kate Brown of Spring
Coulee worked in the hotel for Mr. Miller for a while.

In 1910, Lillian Murray, (Mrs. Leo Chapman to be)
assisted Mrs. Horspool, who was manager at that
time.

During the "Land Rush Days", the hotel was a busy
place, serving the needs of the new immigrants to the
area. This was when Mr. and Mrs. Baptiste were in
charge of the operations.

There were followed by Mr. and Mrs. Beimler who served
from 1918 to 1923, when Mrs. Wilson, (Annabelle Long's
mother), was the manager until 1927.

It was then that Alta Holland took over for 2 years. At
this time an oil well was drilled on the Smith and Overs
ranch, so there was a definite need for good home
cooked meals, and comfortable beds for the workmen,
as well as the travellers who would stop in Spring
Coulee.

Elsie Daley was the next to operate the hotel. She was,
there from 1929 until Mike and Delia Salmon came to
manage it. The Salmons were there from 1937 until 1942.
This was another exciting time, and busy one, since there
was another oil well drilling crew needing "Bed & Board".

Georgia Rice served as the operator of the hotel for four
or five years after the Salmons left. In 1949 Georgia
married Wayne Malmberg, and shortly thereafter moved
to the Malmberg ranch.

Last, but by no means least of the managers, was Jim and
Syl Simpson, who continued to serve the travellers who
chose to stop off in Spring Coulee. But in 1954,when
Jim and Syl decided to move to Pincher Creek, the need
for accommodations in this small village had diminished.
From that time on the building that had served many a
weary traveller, and countless patrons desiring a good
meal was no longer used as a hotel. It was rented to
private families for a few years before it was deemed
advisable to tear it down.

Another landmark of the past has faded into history,
but there are memories, and stories that can be
perpetuated for the benefit of those who may be
interested in some aspects of former days.

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