Fondo 0043 - Billy Salmond fonds

William (Billy) McCausland Salmond was born in 1889, in Ontario. He received his education there, attending the Kingston Business College in 1910. Following college, he worked his way west, arriving in the town of Grande Prairie in 1911. Upon his arrival in Grande Prairie, Billy was hired to manage the primitive Bredin Hotel because of his genial manner and his cooking skills. Billy saw the need for better hotel accomodations and in 1912, he built his own hotel. Two stories in height and of lumber construction, this was the first real hotel in Grande Prairie. There were 14 rooms on the top floor, with the office, dining room and kitchen on the ground floor. All meals were served at tables. Later, a livery stable was added at the back of the lot. Mr. Salmond also farmed and kept herds of cattle in the Grande Prairie area. He had the reputation of being a good stockman and an enthusiastic athelete. Billy remained a life-long bachelor. Other family members who came to the Peace Country included his sister, Mrs. George Head and his parents. Mr. Salmond passed away in 1963.