History

Not only is 1886 Buffalo Café a favorite spot in Calgary for people to go and enjoy an amazing, home-style breakfast, it also represents a unique piece of local history. The building is over 100 years old, and was the home of the Eau Claire and Bow River Lumber Company, which was founded by Peter A. Prince.

Peter A. Prince (1836-1925)
Manager of Eau Claire and Bow River Lumber

Listed are a few accomplishments of Peter Anthony Prince

• Built Calgary’s First Skyscraper: The Robin hood Mills Site, of the present Gulf Square, 9th Avenue & 3rd Street.
• He built the first Water Wheel on the Bow River, which supplies Calgary with electricity through the Calgary Water Power Company.
• He invented and patented the Sherboom, an important piece of logging equipment.
• Peter A. Prince built one of the first architecturally designed brick homes in Calgary, 4th Avenue & 2nd Street (now in Heritage Park).
• He also built a public transport bridge across the Bow River (1887) near Mission.
• Peter Prince was the president of Calgary Iron Works and partner in the large Prince-Kerr Ranch near Brooks (still owned by his relatives).
• At the young age of 80 he bought and learned to drive a Red Rambler, the first gas powered car in Calgary.
• And, as we all know, Prince’s Island is named after Peter A. Prince.