Edmonton isn’t typically on the list of cities one thinks of in terms of rich history. After all, we were only incorporated as a city in 1892. That’s a mere blip in the historic sense. We have no Coliseum like Rome or Parthenon as in Athens. Despite our relative youth, Edmonton’s history is rich in character that I think is reflective of our city’s spirit today.

Prior to our incorporation, the original Fort Edmonton built in 1795 traveled around the river bank until it found it’s last site in 1830 on today’s Legislative grounds. It must have been a hardy bunch that moved and rebuilt as it would have been no small task in the time before heavy machinery. Hardy, or insanely stubborn. We can certainly see these characteristics in today’s Edmonton as only the resilient or crazy can make it through our winters. It certainly takes some gumption to live in this environment.

Another highlight of our history was our first electric railway system which began operation in 1908, although the charter for it was first obtained sixteen years prior by Matthew McCauley, Edmonton’s first mayor. Bureaucracy-paced efficiency stills remains in our governing body today. However, the novelty of our first streetcars prevailed upon many city residents. The excitement of crossing the High Level Bridge was recounted throughout the community. It has even been told that an operator once stopped his car to rescue some ducklings and bring them to a lake. This is reminiscent of the goslings hatched on Rice Howard Way. Each year in spring, once they’re hatched, an obliging human will guide them from Rice Howard Way to the river valley. Our feathered friends have certainly found a community in our city.

The centre of community life was once the Thistle Rink. Built on 102 Street north of Jasper Avenue, the Thistle Rink saw hockey games, social gatherings, rallies, and theater events pass through its doors. It even held our very first Legislative Assembly. Hockey and politics are still intertwined to this day. The rink didn’t last long due to a blaze in 1913 that ended a colourful era in Edmonton history.

Another colourful point in time was centered on McKernan Lake. This lake, located of course in the McKernan neighbourhood, played host to ice skating and boating for families in the surrounding area and was a popular spot for a summer stroll. Unfortunately, due to Edmonton’s high demand for housing, it was drained in 1948 to make room for 150 homes – homes that flooded in the 1950s and likely still have flooding issues to this day.

Edmonton doesn’t necessarily have a long history, but it does have an interesting one full of quirky characters and funny stories that echo through our streets today. As we look back and wonder, know that those after us will speculate about us and our effect on this place we call home.

Keri lives in Boyle Street.