Fernie & Elk Valley Culture Guide Fernie & Elk Valley Cultural Guide - Winter 18-19 | Page 33

FERNIE’S HERITAGE BUILDINGS – A
Downtown Walking Tour CONT’D
home until 2001 when they moved
to their current location on Victoria
Avenue. Step inside and discover
a working felting studio, beautiful
antiques, and unique artisan crafts
including Katherine Russel glasswork
and ironwork from the Fernie Forge.
The Fernie Meat Market next door has
antique tins and some of the best jerky
in the Kootenays. See feature, P22.
10   Isis Theatre
531 2nd Avenue | Now in use
as Nevados
Unlike many businesses in Fernie’s
Historic Downtown, the Fernie Cartage
Company rebuilt its livery using
rubblestone from the banks of the Elk
River, rather than brick, following the
1908 Great Fire, making it unique
in downtown Fernie. For many years
before automobiles were commonly
used, the company delivered milk,
coal, and other goods with a fleet of
horse-drawn drays. In the 1920s, it was
“The Up-To-Date Garage,” servicing a
number of makes of early automobiles,
and owned by prominent Italian
entrepreneur, Al Rizzuto.
12   Fernie Secondary
School
901 2nd Ave | Now in use as
901 Fernie & Spa 901
In 1910, Wm. Eschwig began
construction of the building next to
his Northern Hotel. Known initially
as Eschwing’s Hall, it was remodeled
and opened as the Isis Theatre in 1911.
The theatre was again remodeled in
1930 and reopened as the Orpheum
Theatre. Moving pictures entertained
Fernie residents here until 1949
when the Orpheum was bought by
Sam Rossell, proprietor of the Vogue
Theatre. At that time, it was agreed
there was not enough business for two
theatres and the Orpheum closed. The
Orpheum is fondly remembered by
Fernie oldtimers as the site of Saturday
afternoon entertainment.
11   FERNIE CARTAGE COMPANY
701 2nd Avenue | Now in use as Urban
Settler and private residences
The Fernie Secondary School operated
here for 89 years from 1909–1998.
Early photographs show that the
original façade looked much as it
does today, however it was covered
with stucco from 1978 until the time
of the renovations in 2006. It was
then that Parastone developed the
site; revitalizing the original school
and gymnasium and adding 2 new
condominium buildings. Inside, the 16ft
ceilings, craftsman finishes, and granite
fittings make this one of Fernie’s most
sought after properties, while the
award-winning 6,600sq ft Spa 901
offers the ultimate in urban relaxation.
After the tour, stroll down 2nd Avenue
to enjoy local shops, galleries, cafes and
restaurants, pubs and attractions.
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