CALGARY GROUP PAGE NO. 4
Pekisko, Alta. Through Calgary to Ireland, 1897.
The correct rate of 5 cents to Ireland is paid by 2 Cent and 3 Cent Small Queens cancelled Pekisko, Alta.,
Au 4, '97. On reverse are transit marks of High River, Calgary and two offices in Ireland.
Pekisko was a small ranching centre about 30 kms south west of High River in the Alberta foothills. The Post Office
opened Au 1/86 and serviced the local ranching area. During the territorial period, Pekisko processed very little mail
and markings are scarce. In the year 1897 Pekisko P.O. had revenues of $98.96 and paid salaries of $28.00.
The distinctive corner card, showing a black steer and 'Bar S' brand, is of the Walter Skrine Ranch. Skrine, an Irish
settler, came to the North West in 1883 and was a famous figure in Calgary district ranching history.
The corner card under the stamps reads:
WALTER SKRINE
RANGE MOSQUITO CREEK HEADWATER
P. O. HIGH RIVER , ALB.
Cattle Branded Same as Cut on
Right Ribs
In 1895, Walter Skrine returned to Ireland and married Nesta Higginson, a famous Irish Poetess in her own right.
They returned to the ranch at Pekisko and this cover is addressed to her younger sister back in Ireland. Nesta
continued writing her poems and stories under the pen name of 'Moira O'Neill' but now included the beauty of
the prairies and foothills which rivalled the enchantment of her Emerald Isle. The story of Moira O'Neill is a
permanent exhibit included in the Ranching section at the Glenbow Museum in Calgary.
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