HIGHLANDS, VIRGINIA PARK AND BELLEVUE COMMUNITY LEAGUES 

		6417-112 Avenue NW
		July 2020-New facade
2018-Sign in door...attempts to get report on businesses pending...Wallace, K2Z taken from web information.
2019- Keenas Assistant Services 2019-Dominion Lending Centre 2017-Christina Wallace Law 2013-Northern Lights Appraisals 2012-Ambergate Realty Advisors  2008-19 K2Z Accounting 2007- 2018 Re/Max River City 2003-04 Ragamuffins (downstairs)
AMBERGATE by John Tidridge Advisors inc. 6417-112 Avenue NW Edmonton, Alberta T5W 0N9 www.LowerRealtyFees.com Telephone: 780-760-2014 Fax: 780-760-2021 “Twas a chilly morning [-21C] when I ventured out for my chat with the owner of Ambergate: Advisors Inc., Stuart Neal. And, as I have said before, it is more important to find out how an owner treats a bumbling reporter than the stock on the shelves or the information in the computer. Let it be known: Stuart is an affable and likeable chap! We spent 40 minutes chatting! So, what did I learn? First, I was 2 years late! Stuart told me he has been ‘in situ’ for at last 2 years. So make up time! Second, it took me three guesses before guessing his country of origin…but I digress! Stuart, originally from the UK, has been in the real estate industry for almost 20 years. Holding an Alberta Real Estate Brokers license since 2003 he set up the brokerage in September 2012, after working in the real estate market as a licensed agent since 2001. Ambergate offers a service providing more opportunity and choices to sellers; more interaction between the seller, the agents and the buyer.  There are many different options available at Ambergate and a viewing of the website at www.LowerRealtyFees.com will reveal more of the services offered by this company. The brokerage is committed to delivering a top quality real estate experience for the lowest possible fee. Home sellers are offered a wonderful alternative to ‘ for sale by owner ’ approach and the traditional ‘ full fee ’ Realtor’ Stuart, like several Real Estate Agents has chosen to live in the Highlands area: established here for 5 years, he loves the area and really appreciates access to the river valley where he spends a lot of time cycling or walking his family Wheaten Terrier – Fudge. I am positive Stuart would appreciate any one dropping in for a chat, however, it would be advisable to call 780-760-2014 ext. 3 or: Stuart@AmbergateRealtyAdvisors.ca  to make sure he is available! 2015	CHRISTINA WALLACE LAW Christina Wallace Law is a solo practice located in the Highlands neighourhood of Edmonton. Since 2013 Christina Wallace has been providing legal and Notarial services at an afforable cost for families with  straighforward legal matters. Some types of legal services are available as un-bundled servces where clients complete some tasks themselves and pay the lawyer to do other specified tasks.   No up front retainer money is collected and matters requiring a lawyer's trust fund to complete are not accepted.	K2Z ACCOUNTING Bookkeeping, Accounting, Payroll, GST, Small Business and Personal Tax Returns Accounting Specialists K2Z Accounting has been a trusted accounting firm since 2008. We love working with small businesses and helping them organize their finances and Tax returns. Our bookkeeping and Accounting experience spans over 30 years. We are Pro -Advisors for QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online Accountants (QBOA). We let you concentrate on what you know and do best while we take care of your numbers.
MOEN REALTY   The Reality Of It AII. .. by John Tidridge 6417-112 Avenue NW 2006 I spoke with someone in the know and learned that some renovations were occurring in the former Bird Seed House ... I had also heard some scuttlebutt around the 'Village de Highlands' that a local business man was setting up 'shop', read 'office'. My trip to the site was fruitless, apart from a very pleasant conversation with  a fellow doing the renovations .... He, like Sgt. of old, 'knew nothing', I learned nothing! ! My email to a local business man has, at the time of writing, remained unanswered. Do not give up on me, no moening, nor let your interest wayne. All About That New Office, That Isn't, AT 6417-112 Avenue: Telephone 780-439-7000 December 2006 waynemoen@remax.net Each enquiry into new businesses comes with its own  peculiarities. The new office that isn't, at 6417-112Aveneu is no exception. Wayne Moen is well known to many in the Highlands and area,.because he lives in the area, but, because he sells many homes in and around the area. Wayne explains that along with his associates Rosanna Muzzuca and Brian Fischer, the former Bird Seed store will be used as private offices for their real estate business. Wayne, U of A educated, along with wife Judy and child Morgan live in the, Highlands. The site of the office was selected for the same reason people buy homes here ... because of the trees, neighbours, large lots, central, river valley, etc. So, Wayne, Rosanna and Brian, welcome to Highlands and area.	NORTHERN LIGHTS APPRAISERS Northern Lights Appraisers has been providing high quality appraisals in Edmonton, Calgary and Alberta. Our appraisal services include residential and home appraisals, as well as commercial, farm and insurance appraisals. We look forward the hearing from you.	KEENAS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT A2Z PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
DOMINION LENDING We have been working together since 2008 to deliver the best mortgage broker services in Alberta to you! With a specialization in residential mortgages, we facilitate mortgages all across Canada. Dominion Lending Centres are Canada’s #1 mortgage brokerage brand and we have more access to more products than any single bank would have. We are all about options and ensuring that you decide which mortgage is right for you!	1987-2007 Wild Bird Market 1984-87 Kim's Gallery 1981-83 Halleluiah Dress Fashions 1980-81 Wee Dicker Antiques 1977-78 Joe's Shoe Clinic 1974-76 Joe's Shoe Klinic 1973-74 Low Cost Appliance Repair 1972-75 Jamison's Catering 1972-73 Trend Pizza	1965-72 Jamison's Café & Catering Service 1947-64 Jamison's Coffee Bar

 

September 27, 2012. Tidridge spent a pleasant 45 minutes with Mrs. Betty Jamison, widow of Spence Jamison, the former owner of Jamison's Restaurant. It was a wide ranging talk and he was surprised to learn Mrs. Jamison was 92 years of age. She A good start...1945 Photo from Mrs. Jamison explained she and her husband (Spence, who served 5 years in the Air force during WW II) had been to New York before the restaurant was built. They had seen a drive-through and that was what they wanted when they could built their own facility.   Building was started in 1945, the lot cost $1,000.00 and the payment took all their money. Carpenters at the site earned $1.03 an hour. To save costs the carpenters agreed to forego the three cents and were provided with a lunch to make up for it. Tidridge asked if Mrs. Jamison knew the Monsons, "Yes", she replied and then they were able to talk about mutual acquaintances... The News, Traynors, Sherwins, Pattersons, McVeeys (?),Agnews, Almost done...1945 Photo from Mrs. Jamison Herb Horne and Peter Sturko who had built several homes in the neighbourhood of the Jamisons. ... to mention a few! Tidridge was able to add that his granddaughter was now living in the Sturko's old home!     112 Avenue c 1958 showing Jamisons, Highlands Hardware and Agnew Drugs   Apart from building on the lot to the west of Jamisons 112 Avenue the buildings in the block have not changed overly much, however, according to Henderson's there have been over 60 different names for business located on the block. There are obvious errors in Henderson's which we will not discuss here!! Another way of looking at it is, there were 45 distinct businesses! Talk about variety. It's fair to say none of the businesses made a fortune.   July 18,2020 Copied this pic-ture [left] from the web. It shows part of the make over to the last bus-inesses at this a-ddress.on this site.

 

6419-112 Avenue NW		6421
c. 2003- Mandolin Book & Coffee Company 2002-03 Scrap Till U Drop 1986-87 Marcella Gibbs, Couturiere 1986-? Jetiu, Psychic Consultant 1984/5-86 R & L Creative Woodcrfts & Ren. 1981-85 S & B Waterbeds 1980-81 Apollo Painting 1977-78 Nuggett Floor Coverings 1973-75 Highland's Men's Hair Stylists	1955-75 Paula's Beauty Salon Highland Barber 1965-72 Highland Barber Shop 1958-61 Meyer's Studio 1957 Victoria's Studio and Camera 1955 Highland Beauty Salon, 1954-55 Airview Photos 1954 Highlands Studios 1953 Highland Barber Shop	21-The Ressarae 2017- 21 Majesty 1977-78 House of Banjo
At Mandolin, we offer quality used books, locally roasted coffee, and a variety of tasty food choices and treats. Nestled in the heart of historic Highlands, we have long been a treasured gathering place for the neighbourhood. Come visit us soon to browse our selection of books or relax with a specialty beverage and a tasty treat.		April 2018: Majesty and Friends is the newest little boutique in Historic Highlands to visit! After passing their first birthday in March on the avenue, owner Julie Morrison said: "That was fun, lets do another year!" and renewing the lease was a no-brainer. "The Highlands Community has been so supportive of our shop local theme that we have in the shop, and our clients always find what they are looking for in ethical handmade goods."   Majesty has been a local brand in Edmonton since 2004. Julie Morrison at the time was very unhappy at an accounting job and would dream about being free to create her own brand name. But it's a terrifying world out there, and she started very small, with $40 and 2 meters of fabric she started a bag and wallet company. When she tried a local farmers market downtown she soon realized that Edmonton loves to shop local. They love to support the little guy and have something that was handmade. After 2 Saturdays at the City Market on 104th st, Julie quit her job and went full time with Majesty.   The next 10 years were spent travelling around Canada from craft shows and music festivals and supplying retail stores with orders and to be honest, wearing pjammas 6 days a week at her home studio. But after 10 years of living the dream life, Julie got bored and needed a new challenge. When she knew this Highlands boutique was becoming vacant in early 2017 she knew she found her challenge and without hesitation signed on the dotted line. "My landlord is the kindest and most encouraging person, I instantly felt welcomed to Highlands." With the barrage of smiling locals on opening day, she knew she made the right choice.   Majesty and Friends has made it their mission to support local makers and searches all over Canada to find something unique. Most of the makers are long time friends of the owner. From locally made bath products, sassy stationary, eco friendly bottles, handmade jewelry, adorable kids clothing, craft kits, the funnest pouches and locally made gourmet chocolate, Majesty fits a niche in the neighborhood that was previously missing. The shop itself is quite charming, light, airy and modern with a collection of vintage unicorns looking over the place after hours.   There is always a party happening at Majesty and Friends... and a Cat Pop Up Shop on May 19th is next! From 10am till 7pm you will be able to support 3 local animal shelters with food and litter donations, FREE cotton candy all day, workshops and baby kittens to cuddle inside. How fun is that?
2007- 15 Sabrina Butterfly Designs 2007-07 Collectiv	2005-Diva Communications (door west of Sabrina Butterfly)	1986-87 Petit Montmatre 1984-85 Doug Noyce & Assc. Design Ltd. 1980-83 Zircon Dental Lab.
	Diva Communications Address: 101, 6421 112 Avenue (moving in September 30/05) Phone number: 479-3895 E-mail: divacom@telusplanet.net                  When I started to write this article I thought I had an idea of what 'diva' meant. ... but to be sure I checked my Webster's and then I had to discard the clip art  of a rather large female opera singer I had in mind!! Webster's talks about goddess; feminine of divus, divine!!! It does add as an after thought, prima donna .... but that also conjures up good things ... as does the following about Diva Communications which is an Edmonton-based design company with over 30 years of combined experience in the design and advertising field. Diva offers their wide range of clients, award winning creative and solid production. While Diva is a small company with three designers, it is a company with strong alliances able to draw on an impressive depth of resources.                    Their approach is simple, they are honest about what they do and treat every client with respect. This truthful approach shows in the relationships that have been built over the years. Being very detail oriented, they make every effort to proof their work and correct any inconsistencies.                       Diva Communications brings a lot of skill, determination and passion for what they do. They believe it shows in the final product. In closing, Diva Communications feels very comfortable in developing; creating any project you might want to offer. Designing is a passion of theirs and brings excitement, challenges and opportunities daily. A great number of clients Diva deals with have recommended them and passed their name on through word of mouth. These clients tend to become friends.                       Linda Blanchett, who provided the information, says the company employees  are hard working and willing to make the client happy by creating something that works for them.                         Grant MacEwan provided part of Linda's education, she lives in the Highlands with her husband John Taciuk, and they are expecting their first baby early in November. Linda loves what she is doing so to her she really does not work ... so the friendly family atmosphere of the Highlands is just what the doctor ordered.                          She indicated they have lots of fun in their business, but still work hard. Linda says she is lucky to have very creative and caring employees to work with.
1948-75 Highland Hardware

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Updated: January 2, 2020 Alan Kellogg, Edmonton Journal   Fox Burger, located at 6423 112 Ave., has helped revitalize the Gibbard Block in the Highlands neighbourhood We'll begin with a bit from the full disclosure file. As a resident of Highlands, my neighbours and I witnessed the long, tortuous decline of La Bohème, the once-storied Chaine de Rotisseurs restaurant, along with the historic Gibbard Block, which housed it. So profound was the deterioration, many of us worried that developers would eventually come in and be allowed to trash it, as has happened to so many heritage buildings around town. But in one of the all-too-rare good news stories of the year in these parts, a miracle happened. Angels rushed in to save the pile with a serious restoration/renovation. And now we sport two worthy and affordable restaurants and a charming little boutique liquor store. Some of us chipped in modest Kickstarter cash advances to convince Black Box in Hospitality Group (District, Speedy’s Burrito Cantina, formerly Elm Café) that the venture could succeed. They decided to go for it and actually do it up properly. Here is an upbeat story of Edmonton neighbourhood culinary entrepreneurship at its finest. And the winners are not only Highlanders, but anyone in town (free parking across 112 Ave.) I’m here to tell you that it has worked out famously. It must have cost a fortune and the block looks terrific, beautifully lit at night, when Fox Burger takes over from its delightful daytime sister, June’s Delicatessen. The largest of the Gibbard’s storefront businesses, the regular lineups at Fox Burger speak volumes. They are deserved. In fact, management should consider some sort of software solution for managing the queues. Yep, I know — do we really need another up-scale-ish burger emporium? And I guess you’d have to answer, well, er, yes. Here it is. We’ve been a number of times now, and are chuffed to the max that we live within walking distance. As a friend of mine who can afford to eat anywhere anytime put it, the room is so lovely that it could easily be a $40-plus-entrée chef-owner showplace by simply adding linen tablecloths. The gorgeous tin ceiling, white walls, hip fixtures, snug little bar and period local archival prints add up to a degree of unpretentious, honest elegance you wouldn’t expect from a family-friendly bistro with a light price tab. It also has an appealing big city bustle, and may that continue. On our last visit we started with the fried pickled green tomatoes ($10), which we agree are the best in town. Lightly breaded and lacking the astringent aftertaste (or grease) you sometimes get from this diner favourite, the wedges are intelligently matched with a jalapeño ranch dipping sauce. They are so good we can’t ever seem to select the Korean wings or “loaded smashed taters,” also on the appetizer list. I’m assuming you don’t want to read overheated reviewer copy describing, in detail, the merits of the selection of burgers available, priced from $15-$18, served with a side of your choice. We’ve tried most of them — the Fox cheeseburger, ahi tuna club, South Cali veggie, Icelandic cod, crispy buffalo chicken — and found each of them very good. The pickles are house made, the toppings fresh and sensible, while the (often-offending in such places) buns are of the excellent classic sesame seed school. The veggie burgers taste like, well, homemade veggie burgers, not like bleeding discs of engineered faux beef. We’ve enjoyed the sides as well, namely the crisp, fresh house garlic fries, with special honours accruing to the crunchy delicious Thai cabbage salad and an impressive panzanella salad worthy of a swanky Italian joint. Each salad is also available as a main. I’d avoid the disco fries — a gloppy, unsuccessful take on poutine — and the baked rotini and cheese, which I still hold out hope for in spite of several gluey, overcooked attempts.

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6423-112 Avenue 2019-2021? June's delicatessen 1986-? Vacant 1984-85 R & S Video Interphone 1981-85 Zamar Construction 1960-75 Agnew Drugs 1944-59 Corner Drug Store 1922-43 Highland Drug Store 1916-21 Vacant 6425-112 Avenue 1997-present Boheme B & B Diversity Works Inc. St. 6 6427-112 Avenue 2019[?]-2022- June's Delicatessan 1997- Present La Boheme Café Galeria 1984-87 Erca Publishing Co. 1970-? Tax Consultants 1968-? Sunnyside Store Grocery & Meats	1965-67 Del-Mold Plumb. Heat. & Gasfitting Ltd 1961-63 Ladies fashions 1957-1960 Dr. Hugh B. Russell [also noted as 11157-65 Street] and 6427-112 Avenue  [rear] 1949-60 Highlands [Kelly's?] Variety Shoppe & Highlands Cleaners 1937-48 Highlands Grocery 1936-36 Williams Highlands Grocery 1935-36 Highlands Meat Market 1929-30 Highlands Meat Market 1929-35 Richards Highlands Grocery 1927-28 Highlands Grocery 1926-26 Richards Highlands Grocery 1922-25 Highlands Grocery 1920-21 Richards Highlands Cash Store 1919-20 Fields Highlands Cash Store 1916-19 Field's Grocery 1915 (rear) empty. Allardice Grocery (front?) 1914 Highlands Cash Grocery (old number 3101) 1914-15 (rear) Belleview Meat Market (old number 3101)

207-6425-112 AVENUE NW
May 2021

A Final Look at The Gibbard Block Before… April 6, 2018     Take a good look at this picture, because in no time, this soon-to-be restored building will have changed a great deal. Gone will be the awnings and facade on the main floor as we see it today. Instead we will see the facade as those who lived in 1913 Highlands saw it. The Gibbard Block has had many lives over the past 105 years. It started as a luxury apartment building with high end retail on the main floor – both befitting the exclusive community envisioned by developers Magrath and Holgate.    The original tin ceiling from one of the original businesses in the Gibbard Block still survives and will be preserved. Starting in 1913, the City of Edmonton saw a catastrophic drop in the value of real estate that was brought on by several factors including the stock market crash and two world wars. The building changed hands often and by the 1940s, the once lovely apartments were worn and neglected. But it survived. Original millwork exists under layers of paint but the floors are well preserved in many rooms such as this one.   The building experienced a new life in 1982 when Ernst and Carole Eder bought the Gibbard Block and opened La Boheme, a respected restaurant and bed and breakfast. Many fond memories of spending special occasions there were shared by people who attended the Highlands Historical Society’s open house on March 31st.   Many of the rooms contained claw footed tubs            Few original remnants of the building’s former glory remain. Of note is the pressed tin ceiling on the main floor. The rooms on the second and third floor have original solid oak flooring, mostly intact baseboards and trim, and interior five-panel doors.       The claw foot tubs are original even if the pedestals sinks are not. Each suite was unique; airy and full of light thanks to the many windows that graced each room.  Natural lighting was also provided in the hallways thanks to the skylight on the third floor. A   prominent feature in 1913, it will be restored by the new owners.                                                                       The original boiler still lives in the basement.   Although we couldn’t provide tours of the basement due to safety concerns, our photographer Ted Smith took pictures of the original boiler. It’s still in use today and it was working hard on the cool spring day of our open house.     Another object of interest was the acetylene generator (shown above). In 1912 it provided reliable illumination to all the suites  at a time when electricity was anything but consistent. It is highly unusual to find such machinery intact and it is hoped that it will find a home in the Reynolds-Alberta Museum.   Carbide lamps, or acetylene gas lamps, are simple lamps that produce and burn acetylene (C2H2) which is created by the reaction of calcium carbide (CaC2) with water. Acetylene gas lamps were used to illuminate buildings, as lighthouse beacons, and as headlights on motor-cars and bicycles.   The Highlands Historical Society would like to thank the following people: the volunteers who helped make this event a success, Ted Smith who took many photographs for our use including the ones in this blog, the almost 300 visitors who came to see the building and share their stories and memories, and Sparrow Capital for granting us this opportunity to glimpse the past.   We look forward to the building’s future.     Pictures taken in early August 2019.

HIGHLANDS HARDWARE CALENDAR.	AGNEWS A wee note on Agnews... Jack ran the store here, his father had operated a store at 95 St and Jasper Avenue...the picture was prepared by Neon Products, date unknown, thanks to Bill and Wendy Agnew, long-time Highlands residents. A mock-up for Agnews, supplied by Bill and Wendy Agnew	FIELDS 1919 CALENDAR

11173-65 STREET NW

August 2019-Highlands Liquor

HIGHLANDS LIQUOR NOW OPEN!! Your friendly neighbourhood liquor shop for fine wine, craft beer, & spirits! Wednesday-Sunday 11am-9pm Mon+Tues 5pm-9pm 780-752-4545 www.highland Liquor.cA November 21, 2019: Before the renovations there was a deck attached to the west wall of the building; it stretched from north to south along the wall. The door to leave the deck, was a deck level and provided entrance to the  restaurant, and much earlier, to the doctor's office. The removal of the deck eiither required step's be bulilt or perhaps the old ones renovated as well. Tidridge missed this part of the renovations.