Around Edmonton is a series of posts featuring things to see and do in my hometown of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Every city, and many towns (big and small) probably have one. A historic house where a prominent/important member of the community once lived. Perhaps it was a first mayor, an early settler, a religious affiliate, etc. Whatever the case may be the historic house stands as a way to see how life was “back in the day.”
Located on Saskatchewan Drive, just south of the river valley and in the University of Alberta area, Rutherford House was the home of Alexander Rutherford, Alberta’s first Premier. It was built just over 100 years ago in 1911. I know in some cities, like say Amsterdam, a 101 year old house isn’t that old, but it is for Edmonton. Alexander Rutherford lived in the home until his wife died in 1940. The house was sold to a fraternity at the U of ALberta, and was almost demolished in 1966 to make way for the University’s expansion. Luckily the house was saved and it became a public museum in 1973.
Admission to the Rutherford House is only $4, but I had an admission with the Alberta Historic Attraction pass that I’d bought several months ago. The house isn’t too big and you can easily make your way through in about an hour or less. Rutherford House has a gift shop in the basement, and a restaurant (The Arbour Restaurant and Tea Room). Rutherford House is really beautiful and is often booked for weddings and other events (there was a birthday party going on when we were there). Also rumour has it that Rutherford House might be haunted, but it’s hard to get ghost vibe when visiting on sunny Saturday afternoon in spring.
Outside the Rutherford House.
Piano in the main room of Rutherford House.
The library/study with a portrait of Alexander Rutherford.
The dining room, which was also being used for a party.
The only thing I wished was that there was more information in the house. There weren’t any plaques of documents detailing any information about the Rutherford family, the home or Alberta’s history, which was a bit of a shame. Still the house was very nice, and well worth the visit. If you’re in Edmonton the Rutherford House is a nice way to spend an afternoon.
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My dad works at rutherford house his name is name removed and it is true that the ruther ford house is haunted he is not a scary ghost hes about my age 8 same as my age and he plays tricks on people he doesent scare at all
Thanks for the comment Easton. Glad to know the ghost at the Rutherford House is not a scary ghost. Playing tricks on people – the ghost at Rutherford House sounds a lot like any other 8 year old boy.
Can you stay there overnight to see the ghost?
Unfortunately no, but that would be pretty cool.
I think it would be good way to attract more visitors.
I have been searching for a house I lived in (we rented it) close to King Edward School. I can’t remember the street it was on but it was haunted. The time period was 1955 -1957 approximately. There was a front room as you entered the front door on the left (with a fire place). Off that entry hallway to the right was the living room and the kitchen was at the back of the house on the left. Staircase to the basement was from the kitchen,. Would this be the house by any chance?
The layout of the house sounds similar, but I’m not sure if it’s the same one you would have rented. Rutherford House is closer to the U of A than to King Edward School, and I’m not sure if it was ever rented out to anyone outside of the Rutherford family or the U of A students, but if that was your house it was pretty swanky.
I’ve visited a few houses like this and I have always thought it was a little spooky how they have the tables set up like people are about to eat dinner or have tea!
Well to be fair I think there was an event happening there later, since there were birthday gifts in the corner. But I totally get what you mean.
I loved the pics! I want to go there now:).
I’d totally make the trip back there.