Calgary & Southern Alberta

Freddie C. Lowes

Freddie Lowes epitomised Calgary’s early boom period. Born in Brampton, Ontario, in 1880, Lowes began working for the Canada Life Insurance Company in 1899 and came to Calgary three years later as the company’s representative. In 1906 he decided to go his own way and he started a company with $400 dollars. The opening of the agricultural frontier ensured his success; by 1911 Lowes had branches of his business in five Albertan cities, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Spokane, Washington. Later, he expanded to London, England, and to New York City.

Return to Calgary's Economy