Connaught Armoury facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Connaught (Strathcona) Armoury |
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Connaught (Strathcona) Armoury
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| General information | |
| Type | Drill Hall / armoury |
| Architectural style | fortress-like appearance |
| Location | two lots along 85 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| Address | 10310 85 Avenue, Edmonton, Canada |
| Coordinates | 53°31′16″N 113°29′45″W / 53.52111°N 113.49583°W |
| Current tenants | Drop-in centre for Youth Empowerment & Support Services |
| Construction started | 1911 |
| Cost | $35,000 |
| Client | B Squadron of the 19th Alberta Dragoons |
| Owner | Edmonton |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | brick and sandstone construction – stylized crenellations on the roof line, heavy brick and masonry walls, and formal entry porch. |
| Awards and prizes | Canada's Register of Historic Places Edmonton Historical Board Plaque Award; Municipal Historic Resource (2007/03/06); Provincial Historic Resource (1979/02/16) |
The Connaught Armoury is a cool old building in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It used to be a place where soldiers kept their gear and trained. Built in 1911-1912, it cost about $35,000 back then. This two-story brick building is the oldest armoury in Alberta! It was built in what was then the City of Strathcona.
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What Was Inside the Armoury?
The main floor had a big drill hall where soldiers could practice. There were also rooms to store weapons, saddles for horses, and uniforms. Plus, it had offices and an apartment for the person who looked after the building. Downstairs, in the basement, there was even a rifle range and a bowling alley!
A Look Back: The Armoury's History
Why Was It Built?
Edmonton has many armoury buildings. They show how important the armed forces have been in the city's past. The Connaught Armoury was built in 1911-1912. It was named after Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn. He was the third son of Queen Victoria and Canada's Governor-General from 1911 to 1916. A Governor-General is like the Queen's representative in Canada.
The armoury was built for a group called the B Squadron of the 19th Alberta Dragoons. The Dragoons were a special type of soldier unit. They started as cavalry, meaning they rode horses. Later, they used armoured vehicles.
The Dragoons in Action
The 19th Alberta Dragoons fought in both the First World War and the Second World War. After the Second World War, they became the 19th Alberta Armoured Car Regiment. This means they used armoured cars instead of horses.
In 1964-1965, the Dragoons unit was no longer active. The City of Edmonton then bought the armoury building from the Canadian government.
What Is the Armoury Used For Now?
After the military left, the building was empty for 14 years. Over time, different restaurants tried to open there, but they didn't stay.
Later, a group called the Strathcona Legion Branch 150 wanted to use the Armoury. Their old building was too expensive. However, the Edmonton City Council decided to use the building for a different purpose. Today, it is a drop-in centre for Youth Empowerment & Support Services. This means it helps young people who need support.
Images for kids
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Connaught (Strathcona) Armoury
