In honour of St. Patrick’s Day, I take a trip back in time to celebrate my Irish-Canadian Grandfather, Edward Ambrose Hart and his indomitable sprit that lead him across the vast continent of North America to find his fortune in business and family in Alberta, Canada.
The Hart Brothers
Standing Bill Hart, far right is my grandfather Edward Ambrose Hart.
Edward’s parents were from Ireland. They immigrated to Canada at a time when Canadians were not very kind to the Irish. My great-grandparents were given the worst rocky land to try and farm in Northern Ontario. Edward was born in 1879; he was one of (at least 11) children (they were Irish Catholics).
The Hart Brothers General Store
In order to make a life for himself, Edward left home as a young teen and moved to U.S.A., finding work along his travels. He eventually crossed back up into Canada and homesteaded land in Saskatchewan. His farming attempts were successful and he made good money for himself but realized his ambitions were more in business than farming. After WW I, he opened two general stores in Youngstown and Hanna, Alberta. Business was booming; he sent for 3 of his brothers to come out west and help him run the stores: Tom, Mike and Bill. It was during this time that he met a young woman named Lydia Mix (a recent immigrant from Bessarabia— and first homesteader in Alberta—her ancestors descend from Slavic, Prussian, & Norse tribes on the Baltic Sea). Despite the fact that Edward was over twenty years older than Lydia, they married and eventually had 5 children. My father was the 5th born, the baby of the family, John Edward. Edward Ambrose was 57 years old when my father was born. I never met my grandfather (who died before my birth) but I have been told by many people that he was a kind and gentle man.
sharp dressed men.
Western Canada was wealthy in grain and the stores were great successes. Edward decided to expand his empire and travel around Western Canada to determine where the best place to build a hotel would be. He built a hotel in Cold Lake, Alberta and then considered building a second hotel in either Banff of Stettler. He chose Stettler because, at the time, the town was booming. Edward and Lydia raised their family in Stettler. For many years the Hart Hotel was the only hotel in town and also had the only bar in town—business was good. Eventually, Edward built a third hotel, also in Alberta. Edward lived part time in Arizona U.S.A. due to his sensitive lungs.
My father grew up having a milkshake at the hotel restaurant each morning. The Harts of Stettler were also patrons that helped design (Lydia) and build a Catholic church that still stands in Stettler today—its design is unique. Here is a link to it on google maps. Click on the centre of the map and you’ll be right there in Stettler:
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all with the indomitable Irish spirit of adventure!
Penny Wallace
I thought this was very interesting. Now, I have to think. Four generations earlier ( than you ) on your Mom’s side, you have two great-grandmothers who were of Irish descent. Their maiden names were Dooley and Rowan.
Mix Hart
Thank-you Penny. I actually researched a little bit about my great-great grandmother, Florence Dooley and her leadership of the Temperance Union. I feel blessed to have so many spirited and adventurous Irish ancestors–they inspire me! Also, the Rowans and the Harts were Druid royalty–way back.
Michael Hart
Hello Mix long time since we had a visit but I wanted to tell you they are rewriting the Youngstown history book and you could submit your article for publication.And believe it or not I bought an old school house in Yougstown for Ranch help to stay and when they had the 100 year celabration they showed the lot the house was on was the same lot Tom Hart and Ed hart had the store located .Its fun now to stand in the front yard on very still fall night close your eyes and listen for the clatter of days gone by and stand where Grampa stood.
Michael Hart
Hello Mix its been some time since we seen each other but I wanted to tell you they are rewriting the Youingstown history book and youir article could be republished if you want.Also I bought a lot and house In Youngstown for Help on the Ranch To stay and it turns out to be the same lot that Tom and ED hart had there store.If you believe in Lepricorns which you must being Irish .They had a hand in this one
Mix Hart
Wow, Michael, that is so amazing! I am sure our grandfather had a hand in you purchasing that land 🙂 I’d love Youngstown history book to republish my article. Let me know how to contact them. Thanks! Hope to stop by and visit your ranch/Youngstown house one day soon.
Garry hart
My grand father was Anthony (Sylvester Hart)
mixhart
Was your grandfather Edward’s brother?