Peek back in time to the good ol' days of Main Street Sylvan Lake. Now called Centennial Street, 50 Street, or Hwy 781 - this street has long been the commercial epicenter and hub of life and activity throughout the years. Be sure to walk down Main Street and keep an eye out for informational plaques commemorating Sylvan Lake's history.
Miss Mermaid
Mermaids have been a symbol of Sylvan Lake for decades! It all began with a mermaid created for a parade float in the 1960s. She was resurrected in the 1970’s and ensconced on the northeast corner of Centennial Street and 50th Avenue as part of the Devonian Beautification Program. Here she reigned until the CIBC was enlarged in the 1980’s. Alas, she did not survive the operation. In 1990, a second mermaid was commissioned and installed in the foyer of the office where she sat for the next decade. When the building entry was changed in 2000, she was removed and now resides in the Sylvan Lake and District Archives. You can still spot a Mermaid just around the corner on 50 Avenue near the library.
Antler Lodge
For years Antler Lodge was the hub of activity on Main Street. Built in Red Deer around1902 – 1903 by Alexandre Loiselle for a boarding house, it was moved to Sylvan Lake sometime before 1924, where it was home to the new managers, Ogden and Clara Wilkinson. It also housed the AGT Central Exchange where Clara Wilkinson was the first agent. The exchange remained until automatic dialing was introduced in 1963. Cabins were added to the rear of the Antler Lodge for summer visitors and the store front on Main street was rented to various business. Antler Lodge was purchased by Teddy and Ginty May who owned it until their retirement in 1959 when it was sold to Cliff Long and later Cobb’s for their new store in 1991. Cobb's Block now stands in its place, hosting cafes, clothing stores, fitness studios, and offices.
Adie's Furniture and Novelties
Adolph (Adie) Kanten’s first business endeavor was Adies Popcorn Stand which he located on the west side of Main Street in 1938. In 1939 owner, Adie relocated his new bright orange stand on the beachfront just a few yard from the Simpson Boat House right beside the highway. The wonderful aroma of popcorn permeated the air. Few could resist a bag of this fresh buttered or caramel popcorn as they strolled along the beach. Popcorn sold for 10¢ regular size, 25¢ large and with butter an extra 5¢. A few years later, a lumber truck crashed into the popcorn stand destroying it. By then, Adie had began Adies Furniture and Novelties. The store was full of trinkets and toys, household items, furniture, and glassware. The 1950’s brought an influx of American tourists from many of the States, mainly California, on their way to visit the newly acquired State of Alaska. Many of these people stopped by the store to shop for 'Made in Canada' souvenirs. Most popular were the little cedar boxes that were made in British Columbia, as were firecrackers and beach toys!
The Jackson Block
In 1931, Alter and Ernest Jackson built the building known as the Jackson Block. Together they opened a bakery and Sylvan Lake’s first theatre which they called the “Lakeshore Cinema”. In 1933, Mr. E.C. Watkiss purchased the theatre and renamed it “Uptown Theatre”. He operated the theatre for 34 years. From 1941 to 1962, Mrs. Dorothy Watkiss operated a coffee shop in the bakery part of the building. Her coffee shop soon became well-respected for serving excellent meals. The building was located on the west side of Main Street.
Sylvan Lake's Business Men
”Mud, mud, glorious mud”, except when it is on the Main street of Sylvan Lake! This group of men is standing safely on the west side of Main Street on the sidewalk beside the Cameron Bakery looking north. The Uptown Theatre sign can be seen just above their heads. They are Charles Watkiss, John Holsworth, Gaston Rosse, Mitch Thevanaz, “Pop” Hunter, Steve Kovacs, Campbell Byers and Cyril Bloom.
Tourist Inn
The Tourist Inn entertained a long and varied piece of Sylvan Lake's history. Mr. Archambault built it in 1907 and opened the first grocery store and post office. In 1912, he sold to the Heenan Brothers who continued in the store business. It sold again in 1933 to the Meyers family who remodeled to create a modern home with rooms to rent. In 1941, Mr. and Mrs. B.C. Learned bought the premises and operated the Tourist Inn until 1953 when Mrs. Learned died. The building was dismantled in the 1970’s for the building of the Lakeland Plaza.
Cole's Food Centre
Jack Cole and his brother Lavern, took over the Tendersweet Meat Market from Bert Woorom of Red Deer. The business operated as a partnership for two years, at which time Lavern and his wife, Mildred, decided to move to BC. The meat market continue until 1959 when the Coles built a new building on Main Street and operated a super market under the name of Coles Foods Ltd. as a IGA Food Liner. The Coles carried on the business until it was sold to Western Grocers in 1964. The building on the left was the Magnet Store (1930’s and 40’s) and then Jenkin’s Grocerteria (1948)
