Naming the West : Stories High River Community

High River Student Story 2:
Whales Theatre

Wow said the seven year old Annie, as her family’s wagon pulled up to the finest equipped theater in the province in 1927. Annie and her mother Mary were going to see the first performance in the Highwood theatre in High River, Alberta. As they entered the glorious green building, they saw lights, people, and popcorn. As they approached the cashier the lady who was working there said “Hello, how can I help you?”

“I would like one bag of popcorn and two cups of juice,” said Mary digging in her bag. Finally, she pulled out three crumpled bills.

Annie, the seven year old girl, was now eighteen years old. Her and her fiancé were walking up to the Wales theatre, where Annie had seen her first movie. “Why did they change the name?” asked Annie, looking up at the signs.

“Hi, how can I help you?” said the lady at the counter.

“Why did they change the name?”

“Well,” said the lady, “it was changed in honor of Prince Edward of Wales’ visit to High River in 1933. He homesteaded near Longview.”

“Well, I guess it was pretty special.”

“You bet it was, he even bought some land.”

“Wow,” she said. “Well, let’s get going. Bye!” said Annie, heading to the theatre.

Well, that was what we thought it would be like in that time. Prince Edward of Wales really did visit High River in 1933.