Historical Site
When it opened on November 1, 1911, staffed by six French-speaking nuns from the Daughters of Wisdom, this was the only hospital between Red Deer and Moose Jaw. People came from as far as Calgary for surgery.
The grand brick building still stands adjacent to the current hospital. The nuns lived on the third floor — their sleeping cubicles are still there. The second floor was women’s rooms, with the delivery room and nursery. The first floor was men’s rooms, the pharmacy, and the operating room. A 1930 elevator, still functioning, was a marvel when it was installed.
The hospital is also known for its ghost stories. Unexplained sounds, cold spots, and eerie encounters have been reported for decades. Castor Alberta Tourism’s website has a full write-up of the hospital history and the hauntings — well worth a read before you visit.
Photo: Google Street View
