Hay Lakes: A Creamery, a Barn and More!

I did say a few posts back that, this year, I would boldly go where I haven't gone before. So far the year is off to a good start as I visited a bunch of unexplored places already and returned to some old local spots. I also have a couple of trips coming up that will be full of unexplored back roads!

Hay Lakes, AB was one of the new to me places. It wasn't on my list of places to go that day but the friends we were meeting suggested we meet there to see a couple of the local sights, as they are very familiar with the area.

First we stopped at the old Creamery. It was built in 1923 by Edmonton City Dairy, in 1924 it was taken over by Burns and Company. They constructed additions to the creamery to include a cheese making plant and an egg grading station. The Creamery was then sold in 1944 to the Northern Alberta Dairy Pool. It closed for good in 1969 and was sold the following year.

I love this building. I understand that the current owner uses it but it's too bad it likely will never be restored to it's former condition. It think it should be a designated historic building.

c. 1929 Alberta Provincial Archives

c.1940 Alberta Provincial Archives

c.2018 Jenn 

Just down the block on the east edge of town is what's left of a homestead. There is a big barn, a couple of outbuildings and an old water pump. This land is potentially being slated for redevelopment. It would be a shame to lose this old barn but that is the reality these days.

Here are a couple of interesting buildings on Main Street:

Former garage or implement dealer?

An old store front

Google Image

Hay Lakes has another interesting bit of history attached to it that I read about after I was there so I didn't actually see the site. In 1876 Hay Lakes was the location of the western terminus of the telegraph line. However, by 1879 the line was extended to Edmonton and the Hay Lakes location was closed. The area is now known as Telegraph Park the site was given Provincial historic designation in 1976.  There is more on this here.

In conclusion, I am glad we took the time to explore Hay Lakes and always stop and explore something new.

Have you found something cool or unexpected while out for a drive?