In Hank: And Other Mild Neighbours by Janet Hamilton, the author reflects on the history and people of her old Edmonton neighbourhood in the historic 107th avenue.
The City of Edmonton 107 Avenue Revitalization Project brought back memories of my childhood neighbours.
I grew up on 107th avenue and my fondness for the area has not decreased through the years. It was home, it was family, it was community.
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
Excerpt from Hank: And Other Mild Neighbours by Janet Hamilton:
“Apparently, Mrs. Allendale was way ahead of the Alberta Government when our Premier Ralph Klein encouraged the Entrepreneurial spirit in the province.
In 1993 the AG privatized all liquour stores going from the Alberta Liquor Stores govern- ment-run shops to privately owned independent stores.
She was the neighbourhood bootlegger.
This neighbourhood dame was always referred to as Mrs. Allendale sort of like Mrs. Fletcher.
It was a sign of respect no doubt! Her well-established entrepreneurial spirit had led her to have a private liquour store in her 107-avenue home.
Come to think of it, Hank never had empty or leftover liquour bottles around the house. He didn’t need to because he lived directly across the alley from his favourite neighbour.
Every other day or so it appeared that men would quietly walk into her yard from the back alley and go directly into the house.”
