6 THE CROW ’ S NEST PASS COAL CO . OFFICES | 501 3rd Avenue | Now in use as City Hall
In 1905 , the Crow ’ s Nest Pass Coal Co . constructed this building as the head office to manage its expanding coal mining operations . It also housed the offices of the Crow ’ s Nest Pass Electric Co . and the Morrissey-Fernie- Michel Railway , subsidiaries of the coal company . Constructed in cement blocks , the building survived the 1908 Great Fire and served as a place of refuge during and after the fire . It has served as Fernie ’ s City Hall since 1984 . Located on the grounds , The Miner ’ s Walk is a fascinating glimpse into Fernie ’ s coal mining heritage . The walk features interpretive panels , sculpture , challenges for children , ironwork art from the Fernie Forge and municipal garden with picnic tables and benches . Mayor Giuliano welcomes visitors .
7 THE FERNIE POST OFFICE AND CUSTOMS OFFICE 492 3rd Avenue | Now in use as the Fernie Heritage Library
This imposing Romanesque Revival building reflects Fernie ’ s importance as a government centre for the region ; the engraved stone signs above the entrance to the Post Office and Customs Office are still in place . The building , for a time , served as the US consul office for the region . Built in 1907 , the building was gutted but not destroyed in the 1908 Great Fire . An exhibit on the 1908 Great Fire is located on the landing of the main staircase . See p22 for more .
8 FERNIE CARTAGE COMPANY 701 2nd Avenue | Now in use as Urban Settler and private residences
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 .
The walk ends on the corner of 2nd Avenue & 7th Street . Take a stroll down Main Street , sometimes known as Victoria Avenue , and enjoy local cafés , boutique shopping and cultural attractions ( see attraction listings , p10 ). Visit working artists and artisans in their studios ( see gallery listings , p26 ) and soak in the atmosphere of a town rich in history and heritage . Look up for the beautiful art banners on downtown lampposts featuring a variety of new local artwork .
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