A Look Back... Veterinary Care In High River
A group of 4H delegates stand outside Dr. Archie Bishops vet clinic on 5th Ave S.W., July 1969.
In a small rural town, some might say there is nothing more important than a good veterinarian, and over the years High River has seen many. The need for animal care has always been important, not only for our loyal furry companions, but for agricultural livestock as well.
One of the earliest veterinarians in town was Dr. Schultz whose office was located at 111 4th Ave S.W. and was built around 1905. Later on, fellow veterinarian Dr. LeClaire would take over his practice at the same location. The building at this location would be torn down in 1925. Another early vet was Dr. "Doc" Lee, who operated out of the Economy Livery Stable on 1st St. S.W.
In the 1930's, a new vet would arrive - Dr. George Little, along with his wife and their two sons Walter and Kenneth. The Little's had first moved from Wisconsin to Nanton, where Dr. Little worked on the Two Dot Ranch. Soon they would make the move to a farm just east of High River. Paid veterinary work was scarce in the 1930's, and like so many others of his time, Dr. Little took whatever work he could find. In the 1940's the Little's would be struck by tragedy when both of their sons would be killed overseas in the Second World War. Dr. and Mrs. Little would remain at the farm until Dr. Little's passing. Mrs. Little then moved into town where she spent the rest of her life. Near the end of his career, Dr. Little assisted in starting up another local's veterinary practice, Dr. Archie Bishop.
Dr. Bishop’s practice would soon become a staple in town. For the next 40 years, he would serve High River and the surrounding area. Some years, he would drive up to 30,000 miles servicing both rural and in-town emergencies. Dr. Bishop's clinic, which he and his wife Jessie built themselves in 1955, was located at 124 5th Ave S.W. Before the construction of the clinic, Archie and Jessie ran their practice by themselves, and small animal work had been done in their basement. In 1955, Dr. Paul Miniats, who had originally come from Latvia with his wife, Elma, would join their team. The Miniats family would remain in High River until 1964.
Dr. Bishop would then form a three-year partnership with Dr. Brian Swenson, and the two would go on to build another clinic on the North side of town, located where Highwood Trusses now operates. After Dr. Bishop ended the partnership, Dr. Swenson and his wife, Dr. Valerie Broadfoot, would continue the practice for many years. In the 1970's Dr. Bishop's 5th Avenue office would be demolished to make room for an expanded Foothills School Division parking lot. Dr. Bishop retired in 1988.
More High River veterinarians over the years included: Dr. Peter Farran, Dr. Driver, Dr. MacMillan, and Dr. Tom Green. It remains a vital industry in the Foothills today, with many talented Dr’s and Vet Techs carrying on the important work of caring for animals of all kinds.
Dr. LeClaire's office stood on 4th Ave S.W. His office is visible on the right-hand side of the avenue, 6th building from the left, c. 1905.
By Delainey Niven
Composed by Hayley Kerr-Watson