THE DRAKE HOTEL is a tape that was made in Edmonton. Some claim it was a result of Brocket 99 and others believe it actually pre-dates it.

I really can't mess with the kids that made this. I believe they had to have been 12 to 16. That in itself makes the Drake Hotel a little piece of history

The rumor is that The Drake Hotel was made in 1985. That remains to be seen considering there wasn't any music or commentary that could pin down the time period

The Drake Hotel features some of your typical Native stereotypes. The drunken Indian with thousands of liquor bottles lying around but he can't pay the rent. The name calling, racist remarks and theatrics are far from the slick production and wit of Brocket 99. 

There are also the phony phone calls that reminded me of the ones I made at their age. No harm done. They're just kids having fun with a tape recorder. But it does make you wonder about what kids like these thought of Natives and whether this is still the image that some  people in Edmonton and the surrounding area have about them. 

Facts about the Drake Hotel

The Drake Hotel (southeast corner of 40th Street & 118th Avenue) The site of the Drake Hotel was a busy one. Recollections of early settlers say a livery stable was on the property at the time of the early mines. Later, the post office and then a half finished retail development stood on this spot. On May 21, 1951 the Drake Hotel opened its doors. It got its name from the Mallard ducks that frequented a large slough nearby. In 1964, the bar with separate men's and ladies' and escort's sections was added to the rear of the existing hotel. There have been five owners since 1951. The current owner purchased the hotel on May 21, 1972 investing the insurance money he received when the old Donald Hotel in Grande Prairie burned to the ground.

Run Time 26:06

Quality - Good