Leduc No. 1 Energy Discovery Centre

Oops!  This is the first of two draft posts that were somehow lost in the shuffle.  Despite appearances, we did NOT go from Cache Creek to Edmonton–Edmonton was on the way TO Alaska!

June 18, 2018

Leduc No. 1 was a major crude oil discovery made near Leduc, Alberta, Canada on February 13, 1947. It provided the geological key to Alberta’s most important oil reserves and resulted in a boom in petroleum exploration and development across Western Canada. The discovery transformed the Alberta economy; oil and gas replaced farming as the primary industry and resulted in the province becoming one of the richest in the country. Nationally, the discovery allowed Canada to become self-sufficient within a decade and ultimately a major exporter of oil.

Leduc No. 1

The well produced 317,000 barrels of oil and 323 million cubic feet of natural gas before it was decommissioned in 1974.  The Leduc oilfield has produced over 300 million barrels of oil.

Billions of investment dollars flowed into Alberta following the discovery and the population of Alberta’s two major cities doubled within a few years.  Calgary grew into a major financial center and the provincial capital of Edmonton became a major petroleum production center.

Leduc No. 1 and the Leduc-Woodbend oil field were designated a National Historic Site in 1990.  The Leduc #1 Energy DDiscoveryCentre opened in 1997 and features exhibits about Canada’s oil industry, including artifacts, photos and oilfield equipment.

Dave, who had worked in the oil fields decades ago was particularly interested in the museum and explained to Jane the workings of the equipment and his memories of his experiences.

An extensive collection drilling bits.

Coring bits used to collect rock samples from well.

Jane standing by the turntable used to turn the pipe on the drilling platform floor.

Jane ready to start drilling her next oil well.

A blow-out preventer.

Oilfield safety equipment.

A model of an offshore oil rig similar to the ones Dave worked on.

This small truck mounted rig is similar to one that Dave’s father hired to try his hand at drilling an oil well. Dave was about 12 or 14 and, because his father was colorblind, Dave helped him identify the red and green colors or the Morrison formation. The well was, unfortunately, a dry hole.

Dave checking out new tires for the Jeep. Note the swallow flying through the tire.