The Reverend Forbes Homestead is the oldest surviving house in the city of Gande Prairie, and one of it’s few surviving log structures. The earliest part was built in 1911 as Grande Prairie’s first hospital. The attached two-storey house came a year later. Rev. Alexander Forbes and his wife Agnes travelled to Grande Prairie along the Athabasca Trail, 600 miles, between Fort Saskatchewan and Grande Prairie. Beyond their work in the hospital, the Forbes’ were early community leaders.
The Forbes’ constructed four Presbyterian churches in the South Peace region (Grande Prairie, Spring Creek, Glen Leslie and at the old Bezanson Townsite). From their quarter-section in Grande Prairie they donated land for several early schools and three subsequent hospitals. Agnes Forbes was one of the first medical aid providers in the area. She became known as a pillar of community service, who often helped neighbors in emotional or financial distress. She never hesitated to sit a troubled person down with a cup of tea to provide advice and encouragement. She also held afternoon tea parties to help build community connections. We still hold afternoon teas at the Rev. Forbes homestead today.
Agnes passed away in 1917, and Alexander moved away 1925. After that, the house served as a nurse’s quarters for those working at the nearby later hospital. Ownership of the property would pass to Ike Nelson in 1936. He and his wife would raise five boys in the house. They sold it in 1947 and it became a rental property until the year 2000. By that point, the house needed restoration. Talks began about demolishing it, but the Forbes Presbyterian Church agreed to take on restorations of the house with grants from the city, and province. The homestead was recognized as an Alberta Provincial Historical Resource and opened to the public in 2010 to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the Forbes’ journey to Grande Prairie.
Location
The Reverend Forbes Homestead is operated by the Grande Prairie Museum and is located behind the QEII Hospital (10424 96 Street). Visitors can view household antiques and primitive medical equipment on display.
Hours
The Reverend Forbes Homestead is open for guided tours by appointment only until September 26, 2025.
Admission
Guided tours and admission are always FREE.
Tours
For any questions about the services offered during the summer months, contact the Grande Prairie Museum (780-830-7090) or Charles Taws (780-830-7084).