On April 4th, 2019 at Fort Edmonton Park, the 44th Annual Recognition Awards and Historical Plaques Presentation took place. Catherine C. Cole, a well know local historian, was presented with the Historical Recognition Award for her continuing dedication to heritage research, documentation and collaboration in Edmonton and around the world. Seventeen Historical Plaques were presented this evening to a variety of buildings and organizations whose significance is important in retaining and preserving the history of the city.
Two plaques were presented to buildings in the Highlands community, the Gibbard Block at 6423/27 – 112 avenue and the Ira W. Stephens Residence at 6526 – 111 avenue. Antoine Palmer of the Sparrow group accepted the plaque on behalf of the Gibbard Block and Gerhard Kruschke accepted a plaque on behalf of his wife and himself as owners of the Stephens Residence.
It was a lovely celebration of the history of the city with a number of the costumed interpreters from Fort Edmonton in attendance and a delicious reception after.
Congratulations to the Edmonton Historical Board and the City of Edmonton for their continued support of the heritage and history of Edmonton.
Written by and Photo Credit: Ted Smith
Top photo: Sparrow Group with Antoine Palmer (center) accepting a plaque on behalf of the Gibbard Block with former owners, Mike and Connie Comeau (featured to the left and right of Antoine Palmer, respectively).
Bottom photo: Ester and Gerhard Kruschke with Barb Ward (center) whose parents lived in the Stephens Residence.
