Born in 1878 near Chesterville, Ontario, James Francis Melville “Frank” Moodie came West to Calgary in 1901 and attempted to establish a jewelry and watch repair business with his brother. Lacking demand for their services, Moodie moved on to other enterprises, including prospecting in British Columbia, which boosted his knowledge of geology. Moodie returned to Calgary in 1907 and married his cousin Lucy. Four years later, he opened Rosedale Coal & Clay Products southeast of Drumheller. His mine was one of dozens in the Red Deer River badlands, but Moodie…
