Well folks, I am reading the papers for the year 1982. This is the year that the town loses one of it’s most beloved landmarks.
I will type out two of the articles and let them speak for themselves.

January 20, 1982
“Fire Destroys Hotel
“At 4:45 a.m. Jan. 13, 1982 a fire alarm was turned into the Coronation Fire Department. The Fire Department responded to the fire which originated at the Royal Crown Hotel. All occupants of the Hotel are believed to have been evacuated.
“The three storey hotel was totally destroyed and levelled to the ground.
“Coronation Fire Dept. received assistance from Castor, Consort, Veteran and Stettler Fire Departments. Firemen were able to contain the blaze at the Hotel and adjoining building; Parkers Variety received heavy smoke damage.
“There were no injuries and the fire is being investigated by the R.C.M.P. with the assistance of the Fire Investigators Prevention Branch from Red Deer.”

February 10, 1982
“Cause of Fire Unknown
“The old Royal Crown Hotel, which has been a landmark of Coronation and East Central Alberta since 1912, was destroyed by fire January 13, 1982.
“The proprietor would like to convey his thanks to all the fire departments that responded, in very adverse weather, to the call.
“The cause of the fire is still unknown and is still under investigation. All occupants staying in the hotel at the time have been accounted for.
“There was insurance on the hotel, but only enough to cover the mortgages owing on the property.”

Looking at the pictures of the rubble of what had been such a grand building, I can see why Dan Kinakin sings about the “tears among the ashes”. If I had lived here at the time I think some of those tears would have been mine.

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