What A Great Year!!

2018 was a very important year for the HHS. We’re proud of what we did this year.

February: New Blog / website. We decided that a blog would be better way to tell our stories and keep you up to date than a newsletter that was being produced only a couple of times per year.

March: Gibbard Block Open House and Fundraiser. This was an excellent opportunity for our members and the Highlands community to see the the Gibbard Block before restoration began. We heard so many stories of how important this building was to Edmontonians. We raised $2000 to fund our ongoing projects and programs.

April: Our First Plaque Workshop was held at the Highlands Library. Participants learned how to do research on their homes and how to take advantage of our Plaque Program.

June: The first of 2018’s Speaker Series. Twenty five people turned out to listen to Dr. Rod McLeod speak about the history and importance of Edmonton’s Blatchford Field during WW2.

July: We participated in the annual Historic Edmonton Open Doors Festival. The launch was held at the Highlands Golf Course. Over 150 people came to this event. Following the presentations, the HHS offered two walking tours which were well attended. Later in the week we had another sell-out bus tour of the Highlands.

September: Our second Speaker Series featured four presenters from the Beverly Interpretive Center. Forty people heard the stories of coal mining from community members whose grandparents worked in the coal mines of Beverly. We also held our Second Plaque Workshop, which was extremely well attended.

October: The HHS celebrated its 30th Anniversary (Yippee) at the Highlands Golf Course. Following an excellent buffet dinner we were treated to a “visit” by James Bond Steele (1857 – 1923). Brian Christy, aka the McKay Avenue one-room schoolteacher, played the role of Steele, and Kassandra Milette played the part of his daughter Elsie.  The book, James Bond Steele Diaries: The Daily Life of a One Room Schoolteacher in early Edmonton 1885 – 1891 was officially launched. Many guests dressed up in 1920’s garb.

But Wait ! There’s MORE!!

November 24th, 1-3 pm Our Annual General meeting, previously advertised as being at the Highlands United Church, has been moved to the Community League hall at 6112 113 avenue. The agenda includes a short business meeting that will include elections. If you love history and are curious about what we do, please consider  becoming a volunteer – even a board member! We are always looking for people who share our passion for the Highlands and it’s a great way to meet kindred spirits.

After the meeting, editor of the James Bond Steele Diaries, Melanie Moore, will present highlites from the book. There will be an opportunity to purchase your own copy of the book, renew your membership (which expires October 31st) and mingle with fellow members over refreshments.