Early Empress Dray Wagon Restoration
In May 2025, the Empress and District Historical Society unveiled the beautifully restored dray wagon which is on permanent display at the historic 1914 CPR Train Station in Empress. The dray business was essential for transporting goods using a flatbed wagon, hitched to a team of horses, for the conveyance of larger loads and items from the ferries, the train station, and from other locations.
Even prior to incorporation Empress as a village in 1914, The Empress Express weekly newspaper ran the following ad.
August 29, 1913
Empress Dray Line
Draying work of all descriptions undertaken.
From Alsask or Prussia (Leader, Sask)
Courtesy , Promptness, Care
Headquarters, Empress
Leave messages at “Express” Office
Donald McArthur …. Prop.
After the arrival of the steel in May 1914, the dray business was even more important with the twice daily CPR schedule and the delivery of supplies for the building of the “Hub of the West”. With a population of over 800 in 1914, the dray services were essential for the hospital, the businesses and the families moving into the village.
The 1914 Business Directory for the Village of Empress lists two operators of draylines: D. McArthur and J. McColeman.
Thanks to the meticulous work of Alberta Carriage Supply near Airdrie, using vestiges of the original colors, the dray wagon was restored to its original design. A reminder of the early days of the village, this artifact can be viewed at the Empress CPR 1914 Train Station.