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Over the years, long-time Herald researcher/librarian Norma Marr prepared a feature called The H Files, in which she looked back at a myriad of Calgary news events. Here are some of her instalments from October 1999, including one that looked at Harry Hays becoming mayor of Calgary.
Most Calgarians are aware of the Harry Hays building downtown, which houses a number of federal government services including a passport office. But some may not be aware of who Harry Hays (1909-1982) was.
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Hays was a driving force in establishing a number of agriculture organizations that supported farmers and ranchers. In 1959, this rancher/businessman decided to become a politician and he ran to become mayor of Calgary — an office he held until 1963. Hays then successfully ran to become a MP — receiving a cabinet appointment as Minister of Agriculture in Lester Pearson’s government — and was eventually appointed a senator.
Some people also credit Hays as being one of the people who helped “amp up” free pancake breakfasts at Stampede time and turn them into massive parties. The pancake breakfasts had been served in the city since 1923 or so, but in 1950 Hays created the Hays Breakfast, which ran for seven decades. It eventually became the premier breakfast event in the city, attracting thousands of movers and shakers from Calgary and across Canada, including prime ministers and military leaders.
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