Emma Waters and the name
In 1913, Emma Waters organized a meeting of homesteaders to petition for a post office. She proposed Del Bonita, remembered locally as meaning “beautiful valley.” Dale Speirs recounts the naming story in the Journal of Alberta Postal History, citing the 1981 history Heritage of the High Country. Issue 26, December 2022, pp. 16 and 21
William and Catherine Jane Newton
The post office opened on June 1, 1914, with William Newton as its first postmaster. William served until his death on May 16, 1933. His widow, Catherine Jane Newton, took over the office and served until April 16, 1937. Journal of Alberta Postal History, no. 26, p. 16
Del Bonita Store today
Del Bonita Store stands at the intersection of Highways 62 and 501. The store describes itself as a road-trip stop for snacks and products from Southern Alberta vendors. The store continues to house the community’s postal counter.
Visit the store’s Facebook page · Find the store and current hours on Google · Del Bonita today
Read the full post-office history: postmasters, storekeepers and photographs