Halcourt, Alberta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Halcourt
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Country | Canada |
Province | Alberta |
Region | Northern Alberta |
Census division | No. 19 |
Municipal district | County of Grande Prairie No. 1 |
Settled | 1910 |
Hamlet | June 3, 2024 |
Government | |
• Type | Unincorporated |
Area
(2015)
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• Land | 1.80 km2 (0.69 sq mi) |
Time zone | UTC−7 (MST) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−6 (MDT) |
Halcourt is a small community called a hamlet in northern Alberta, Canada. It is part of the County of Grande Prairie No. 1. Halcourt is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of the city of Grande Prairie.
Contents
History of Halcourt
Halcourt got its name from Harry Halcourt Walker. He was an early settler who claimed land there in April 1910. This happened when the land was being measured for new communities.
Early Buildings and Community Life
The first public building in Halcourt was the Halcourt Methodist Church. It opened its doors in 1911. In 1912, the Halcourt School District 2835 was created. Classes were first held in the church. A new log school building was built near the church in 1914.
On May 15, 1913, a post office opened in Thomas Metcalf's home. This home was across the road from the school. This area was the center of the community for a few years.
Community Growth and Changes
In 1917, the school moved about two miles west. This new location became the main center for the community. More buildings were added there. In 1922, Funnell's Store, the District Nurse's Cottage, and Frank Keasis’ blacksmith shop opened. Around the same time, a cemetery was started a half mile south of the church.
In 1924, the Orangemen's Hall was built across from the school. A Curling Rink was added next to the hall in 1938. During the 1930s, people in the community built a Sports Ground. It was two miles south, by the Red Willow River. Halcourt also had a tennis court, a Literary Society, and Funnell's Orchestra.
Later Years and Legacy
The school operated for 45 years before closing in 1957. However, the building was still used as a hall by the Halcourt Ladies Club. The post office closed in 1962. Today, the old church and school buildings, along with the active cemetery, are still important parts of the hamlet.