Fonds 764 - Medicine Hat Feeding Co. fonds

The Medicine Hat Feeding Co., a successful cattle auction mart, was established in 1949 by George Lorne Thompson and James T. Taylor. George Lorne Thompson , livestock dealer, was born at Grandview, Manitoba, September 13, 1906, the son of William and Elizabeth (Kydd) Thompson. The family emigrated from Eastern Canada to Grandview; Manitoba then to the Medicine Hat area in 1911. He married Gladys Mayberry of Medicine Hat, Alta. on February 26, 1934. They had three children; Lorne, Phyliss, Ross and six grandchildren. Mr. Thompson received his education at Pashley, Alta.

Mr. Thompson was a farm-hand on various farms and ranches at Pashley, Alta. from 1919-1932 and had his own ranch near Walsh for about five years until around 1946. He was buyer and cattle feeder for the Medicine Hat Feeding Co., Medicine Hat, Alta. from 1932-1948; in 1949 he bought the Medicine Hat Feeding Co. with a partner. Other business interests of Mr. Thompson’s include Thompson & Lecuyer Cattle Feeder and Grows Feed and Hay. His partnership in the Medicine Hat Feeding Co. lasted until 1972, when Thompson sold his share to Taylor and retired.

Outside of his business interests, “Lorne” was a director of the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Co. and helped to rejuvenate it from its idle state after World War II. He was a cowboy and rode in many rodeos, participating in competitions throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan from 1926-1940. In 1986 he was inducted into the Canadian Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Lorne Thompson served as an alderman on City Council for two years during the 1950s, under Mayor Harry Veiner. He held a membership in the Elks Lodge, Medicine Hat Branch and was a member of the Baptist Church. Lorne passed away in July of 1991 after an extended bout with cancer.

James T Taylor, known simply as “Jim” was born in Camrose in 1916 and raised in nearby Galahad. He served with the Royal Airforce (RAF) during the Second World War. After his service, Jim moved to Medicine Hat to start the Medicine Hat Feeding Co. with Lorne Thompson. Outside of his business endeavors, Jim successfully ran his son’s (Lorne Taylor) provincial election campaign and served as the director of the First Assembly of God Church for several years. Jim died on June 26th, 1996 at the age of 80.

Over the years the Medicine Hat Feeding Co. has seen changes in ownership and location, as well as an expansion of services. Today, in addition to the auction mart, the Medicine Hat Feeding Co. carries livestock and pet supplies and also sells western themed wares. Despite these changes, the company’s goal has remained fixed: to provide cattle producers of southeast Alberta and southwest Saskatchewan with excellent service and fair prices.