It is said that this area is “Where Edmonton Meets the World” and it has always been so. These short snippets of my neighbors provide historical context to a vital part of our city’s heritage. And provide some reflection however you may view it.
I hope you enjoy meeting my mild neighbors and perhaps you, too, have favourite memories of your past or present community. Edmonton is full of awesome areas where residents live, work, commute and gather.
About the book
HANK and Other Mild Neighbours is a local publication consisting of vignettes from a central community in the city of Edmonton. These short chapters about neighbours are based on my childhood recollections and intuitions.
My book aims to bring awareness to the City of Edmonton 107 Avenue Revitalization Project. The plan is to bring improvements to the 107 Avenue area from 101 Street to 122 Street to help enhance community connections. Please refer to the City of Edmonton website for more information. According to this website, construction will begin in the spring of 2024.
This central area is typically described as where the world meets in Edmonton.
It always has been, as noted in my vignettes!
About 7th Avenue
Through this website I will continue to add vignettes of my neighbours based on my experience and including contributions from community members with their memories past and present.
Photographs of significant architecture in the area such as the Central Pentecostal Tabernacle designed by architect Peter Hemmingway, the Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre and the Alberta Aviation Museum will be included and updates from the Revitalization Project.
Janet Hamilton
Curiosity is the quintessential quality of a young child. It all
starts in early childhood as Robert Fulghum reminds us in
1986 with his book, ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED
IN KINDERGARTEN. Having read hundreds of children’s books
it is challenging to choose a favourite but the original Curious
George stories of which there are seven written by Margaret Rey
and H. A. Rey demonstrate the main character’s qualities. George
the monkey is curious, an efficient and resilient problem solver
and has a strong compassionate side. Even though there are
current concerns expressed around these storybooks, I believe
his role model qualities should not be overlooked.
Another favourite character is from the story Harold and the
Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson in 1955 which also highlights
resilience, innovative and creative approaches to challenges, and
the ability of young readers to engage in philosophical thinking
processes.