Landmark Building
ASHDOWN HARDWARD COMPANY LTD.
110 - 8th Avenue SW, Calgary
Built By: James Henry Ashdown
Built in 1891
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The original building on this site in 1885 was Rogers & Grant Hardware, subsequently renamed the Calgary Hardware Company. In 1889 James H. Ashdown of Winnipeg purchased the outfit and two years later had this tree-storey sandstone structure built to house it. He renamed the business the Ashdown Hardware Co. in 1906, an enterprise which endured until 1971.
James Henry Ashdown was an Englishman whose adventures included fighting in the Riel Rebellion, and being imprisoned by Riel in Fort Garry. He got his start in the hardware business by supplying Fort Garry with stove pipes. Based in Winnipeg, the Ashdown Hardware Co. operated a wholesale catalogue service on the prairies that was, purportedly, almost as well known as the Eaton’s catalogue. Ashdown served first as a member of Winnipeg City Council, and then as Mayor of Winnipeg. Upon his death in 1924, he was succeeded by his son, Harry E. Ashdown. Ashdown’s Hardware fits in well with the streetscape, as it is another example of Calgary’s sandstone period. It features rusticated stonework and Romanesque Revival detailing. The round-arched window openings are particularly characteristic of the style. An interesting aspect of the design is the unusual arched frieze under the dentillated cornice.
The Landmark Buildings and Places Database draws on the series of walking and/or driving tour booklets produced by Alberta Culture (now Alberta Culture and Community Spirit). The Heritage Community Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of the Ministry through permission to reprint these materials online. Extracted from Calgary: Stephen Avenue and Area Historical Walking Tour. Alberta Culture, n.d., with permission from Alberta Culture and Community Spirit. Visit the Alberta Culture and Community Spirit for more information.