Welcome to Camrose Founders Days Website

Celebrations at Camrose Founders Days August 15th to 17th will mark 100 year milestones for many Camrose organizations. Daily activities take place Downtown on Main Street, Camrose Centennial Museum and the Camrose Railway Museum. See the schedule for details. At Founders Square we will honour several Founders with plaques added to the walls of the fountain.

Celebrating

100 years
since the Bailey Theatre was built by Camille David and called The David Theatre

100 years
since the Camrose Board of Trade was founded (now the Camrose Chamber of Commerce)

100 years
since 10 hospital rooms were made available above the E. Thompson & Company store

100 years
since the Camrose Canadian was established by G. P. Smith

100 years
since the first telephone directory was issued with 50 residents and businesses signed up

100 years
since The Canadian Club was founded in Camrose

100 years
since the first band was organized

100 years
since the first veterinarian, W. Thompson

Honouring

Camille David
early entrepreneur / adventurous soul / visionary who built the historic Bailey Theatre

Camille David was a well respected Camrose area rancher and visionary businessman. David sold wines, spirits, and cigars in the fledgling town of Camrose. He was a partner in the original Windsor Hotel which was located where the Alice Hotel now stands. David is also renowned for founding The David Theatre in 1909. His theatre was designed for popular vaudeville performances. He sold the theatre in 1914 to Stan Bailey, consequently renamed the Bailey Theatre, soon to undergo major restoration.

Chris Langbell
early entrepreneur / noted photographer / founding member of the Camrose community band

In 1904 the adventurous entrepreneur C. L. (Chris) Langbell set up a photography studio and gallery on Main Street in Camrose which flourished for over 50 years. Besides photography, Chris Langbell had a passion for radio. In 1928 he initiated his own radio station and the first radio station in Camrose was born. Langbell was also a founding member of the Camrose Community Band.