George Lane and A.J. McLean were ranchers, Pat Burns owned a meat packing business and A.E. Cross was a brewery owner.[2] All four men were involved in
Alberta's cattle industry.[1]
Calgary Stampede
In the summer of 1912, the Big Four were approached by cowboy
Guy Weadick with the proposal for a wild west show that would "make
Buffalo Bill's Wild West Extravaganza look like a sideshow."[1] They each put up $25,000 to finance the first
Calgary Stampede held in September 1912.[3] The event has grown since to more than $1.8 million in prize money, and attracts more than one million visitors yearly.
The Big Four Building at the Stampede Grounds in
Calgary was named for the four businessmen, and once held the largest
curling rink in the world.[4]
Political careers
A.E. Cross was elected in 1898 as a Conservative member of the
Legislative Assembly of Alberta ("MLA") for the riding of Calgary East.[5]
Archie McLean was first elected as a Liberal MLA for the
Lethbridge constituency in 1909. He served as minister of municipal affairs, and as minister of public works.[6]
George Lane was elected to be a member in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta in 1913 for the Bow Valley riding on behalf of the
Liberal Party. He held the position for less than a year; resigning his seat so that defeated party leader
Charles R. Mitchell could re-gain a place in the legislature.
A.E. Cross Junior High School[7] was named for A.E. Cross. A.E. Cross, together with Pat Burns and George Lane, as well as other prominent local figures, also funded the creation of
Western Canada High School.
Senator Patrick Burns Junior High School was named for Pat Burns[8]