Pioneers of Alberta Spirit

In the mid 1940s, with World War II veterans returning home, hope and optimism abounded.

ATCO Co-Founder S.D. Southern returned to Alberta from overseas duty to resume his work with the Calgary Fire Department. A man with a grade six education, he worked tirelessly to provide for his family.

Ron Southern graduated from high school and won a job as a busboy and waiter at the Banff Springs Hotel.

Father and son’s mutual goal was to further Ron’s formal education. It seemed futile given their modest circumstances and the costs, so the two pooled their life savings - $2,000 of military mustering out credits and $2,000 of tips and wages from the Banff Springs Hotel.                   

In 1947 with a $4,000 investment, they purchased 15 utility trailers and created Alberta Trailer Hire (later to be renamed Alberta Trailer Company and then ATCO). The earnings from the rentals would hopefully deliver the necessary resource for Ron to pursue a university education.

The plan worked. Not only was Ron able to go to university in Edmonton, but by getting into the trailer business these pioneers of Alberta spirit would ultimately span an industry for the world.