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OF THE HIGHLANDS-BELLEVUE COMMUNITY
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CALLAS BENCH by Art Hnatiuk and Elaine Callas
The families of James Callas and Wendy Hnatiuk chose a spot on Ada Boulevard at 62 Street, halfway between the Hyde family home on 64 Street and the Callas family home on 58 Street, to place a bench in memory of these two wonderful people. Wendy (Hyde) Hnatiuk (1948-2001) was the daughter of John and Myrte Hyde, longtime Highland's residents. John Hyde and his brothers, Ralph and Bob, grew up in their family home on 61 Street.
James Callas Having enjoyed walks along Ada Boulevard on many summer and fall afternoons, our families could not resist having the bench turned inwards towards the street so that the beautiful homes and colourful trees lining the street could be enjoyed by anyone sitting and resting there. Our families lost Jim just over nine years ago and Wendy four years ago, each at the premature age of 53. We carried on alone until Oct. 15, three years ago, when Wendy's husband Arthur Hnatiuk married Jim's wife Elaine Callas. Wendy's children Colleen and Geoff (and grandchildren Tassa and Giovanni) plus Jim's daughter Pamela, Elaine and Art have created one huge family: five grandparents, 12 siblings and their 10 spouses, 16 nieces and nephews and three great nieces and nephews. On behalf of all of our enormous new family, we express the hope that many people will stop and rest at Jim and Wendy's bench and enjoy the scenery at this lovely spot in the Highlands. The Callas bench does indeed offer a different view from the other benches that As one looks to the west several homes can be seen, including a bit of the Magrath Mansion. To the east a turreted and interesting look-ing home, well landscaped and a show place in the area. The bench is also a unique 'people watching spot', the bench is set far enough back from the edge of the roadway to be 'discreetly' placed, but close enough for anyone sitting there to view those passing by; whether on foot, bicycle or vehicle, some as singles, some as families some with dogs and others without. The bench is shaded and offers a place of respite if you so choose or a scene of activity! It's your choice |
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GULLION FAMILY BENCH (Located on the south boulevard of Ada Boulevard just west of 64 Street) NEW BENCH ON ADA BOULEVARD RECOGNIZES THE HIGHLANDS FIRST SETTLERS
The bench is in an open spot, facing north. It provided\s an excellent view of Ada Boulevard. It has a superb view of one of the boulevard's finest homes. James Flora died in 1899 and James died in 1902. Ownership of River Lots 32 and 34 eventually passed to Magrath and Holgate who began development of The Highlands in 1912. Carol Snyder. Oral History, Highlands Historical Society. Flora Fraser [Gullion] with some of her children |
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[Located at 55 Street and 112 AVENUE]  Pepe & Nykie Starr met in September 1988 as volunteers on the organizing committee for the infamous New Year's Eve "Rock 'n Roll Reunion". Pepe would be performing in the event, and was a representative on the committee for the 72 event musicians. September 1990, in Scarborough, Ontario saw the couple married. Throughout their 20+ years together, Pepe continued his involvement in the local music scene, and maintained loyal friendships with fellow musicians dating back to high school. Many happy weekends were spent listening to friends jamming in someone's basement, and reliving adventures, over backyard BBQ's. Sadly Pepe passed, after a short battle with lung cancer, on May 22, 2011. Family and friends, in lieu of flowers, contributed to this bench which was placed in Gaby Haas park. From a neighbour:Pepe Hass was the son of Gaby Hass and a very good drummer and was married to Nicki Starr who lives in the family home (used to walk the neighbourhood and I often talked with him while out in the yard… a very nice gentleman who had a good history of the neighbourhood from his years here. |
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Tidridge had some contact with the family many years ago when Mrs. {Win} McAra, a spritely [sic?] 85 was still attending school concerts at Mount Royal School. Tidridge also remembers some contact during his days with Boy Scouts of Canada when the sons were involved in the movement. The bench is situated on the wide boulevard on the south side of Ada Boulevard at about 51 St. It rests on an area of ground that gradually slopes down to the south, the seat itself is angled slightly to the west. The view, even in winter is impressive. Tidridge, who visited the site in late January 2014, thought to bring his high snow boots has he had anticipated having to walk through several centimeters of deep, virgin snow. However, the boots were The view from the bench is mainly of trees with just a small picture of the 50 th Bridge. However the whole area is quite peaceful. The Memorial plaque reads as follows: In Memory of David McEwan McAra. Loving husband, father and grandfather. "You are with us always". Loving wife Win, sons David, Peter and their families.  |
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The Singer Bench Have you noticed the bench nestled in the northeast corner of the park at Ada Boulevard and 65 Street, now aptly named the Henry Martell Park? Have you wandered off the beaten track to read the memorial plaque fixed to the back? You didn't know about the bench or the plaque? That's a shame, because in both winter and summer the bench offers a tranquil spot to "sit and ponder." (In winter you may have to wear snow boots to reach it, then brush off the snow.) Sitting here, surrounded by trees and shrubs, you face southwest across the park, feeling the peace. And now a little history provided by Alison, wife of the late John Singer.
When Alison asked Community Services to install the bench, she was unaware that the park would be called Henry Martell Park. She thought it appropriate, however, because her father-in-law was one of the first contributors to the Highlands Golf Course. For John, the conversation was a tying together of some loose ends. The name For those of us who know of the Singer Bench and Martell Park may say when asked, what can you see from the bench? Our answer might be, if we have never sat on the bench, the golf course .... but we would be wrong!! You can see nothing of the golf course ... unless you count the big white house where another famous local golf lived! The bench itself sits toward the northeast corner of the park. It is very well shaded but still offers a good view of Ada Boulevard and it its users. The photo above shows what you see if you sit straight on the bench, then, if you crane your neck and look to the east, you again view a park-like boulevard with several different types of trees. The bench is situated surrounded by trees, and it provides a cool spot to sit and view. |
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[Highlands United Church] Sit awhile... and ponder...the Lord is good
Freda was well known for her needlework, millinery and dressmaking skills. She was involved in a quilting group that met Wednesdays at the church and made costumes for the University of Alberta Studio Theatre for several years. In addition, she was an arts and crafts instructor on Morning Magazine (CFRN TV) with Virginia Macklin for 10 years. She also worked with Edmonton Parks & Recreation, teaching rug making, macramé and crafts of all kinds including millinery, dressmaking, ladies accessories, home accessories and Christmas decorations. In 1960, the General Council of the United Church held its100th anniversary meeting in Edmonton. As part of the meeting Ted served six years in the Second World War, in Sicily, Italy, Belgium and Holland. He continued in the reserve Army Signals Corp on his return, was a life member of the Edmonton Safety Council and was very active with the Alberta Safety Council. Ted conducted bicycle and trailer safety courses and wrote a book on trailer safety. In recognition of his volunteer service, the Alberta Safety Council presented Ted a merit award. Freda and Ted shared an interest in photography and actively participated in the Edmonton Photo Club for many years. They may be gone, but the memories linger. Wander over, sit a while. Wilf Talbot Son to Freda and Ted Photographs: John Tidridge.
Gaye Talbot & Corinne Hurley
Jack and Anne first made their home on 70th Street in 1947,living in a small temporary dwelling on the back of the lot while Jack built their permanent home. They moved into their partially finished home just before the snow fell that winter. Jack and Anne loved to take their family on Sunday picnics and usually invited other families to join them at Borden Park or at one of the lakes near Edmonton. Finding such inexpensive entertainment was a necessity while raising a family in the post-war era, but Jack and Anne truly enjoyed a good picnic. Whether it was the Highlands United Church annual Sunday School Picnic or the Edmonton Photo Club picnic outings, they would be sure to be there enjoying all the friendship and camaraderie that the event had to offer. Many new friendships were made and old ones nurtured while sitting around a picnic table. Anne died in 1971, and although Jack moved from the area in 1979, he continued to be an active participant in the life and work of Highlands United Church until his health began to fail as he approached his 90s. In 2006, he passed away at the age of 94. Both Jack and Anne were unassuming people who found great enjoyment in the simpler pleasures in life. We would be pleased if the picnic table, placed in their memory, might beckon you to stop and enjoy the simple pleasure of sharing a few minutes with an old friend or meeting a new one. |
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THE UNWIN BENCH  We discovered that the City of Edmonton's Benchmark Program offers an opportunity to commemorate special events and honour loved ones through the purchase of a park bench. By making a donation to the program, we were able to replace the existing bench on 55 street and Ada Boulevard with a new one, on which the City has placed a bronze plaque that reads:
 In loving memoryFrom the family and friends of Maureen and Jack Unwin "Finding comfort together, the way old friends do".
On Sunday June 20, 1999, thanks in no small part to Mum's friends, many of whom are long-time Highlands residents, we dedicated the bench in memory of both my parents. My sister Judy spoke for all of us when she said, 'We hope this will not only be a tribute to our parents but also We take great comfort in sitting on the bench ourselves but also in seeing others enjoying the view. We encourage others to consider this unique way of paying tribute to someone they love and at the same time adding to the beauty of this wonderful neighbourhood.
The bench offers an imposing view of parts of the Highlands golf course and is close enough to hear the comments of the golfers: this may not necessarily be beneficial! The view is spectacular, and conveniently divided by a huge deciduous tree that grows just down the bank from the bench.
The west half of the view shows trees, the golf course and just a smidgeon of the North Saskatchewan River. A look to the east will reveal more trees and one can ignore the view of the petroleum industry on the horizon. As an aside: the author found the drop-off from the base of the bench to be quite severe, possibly caused by erosion, and has reported this to 'the authorities'. While not quite a dodderer he was almost unnerved by the situation. The authorities have responded and will correct the situation |
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William WACKO Bench [52 Street and Ada Boulevard]
The Wacko bench sits on a downward slope from Ada Boulevard, the bench faces Southwest offering a good view of the 'land across the river' but, unfortunately, over time this will be lost as the trees on the north bank of the North Saskatchewan River continue to grow. |
(1943-1996) was the son of Nick and Ethel Callas. After losing her husband, Ethel moved her family to the Highlands in the mid-50's and still lives in the house today.
will be mentioned. Of course, the first thing you should notice as you sit on the bench is the Holgate Mansion, once being the home of the co-founder and developer of the Highlands area. The house has always been well maintained and is one of the homes visitors to the boulevard seek out to view.
Funded by the Highlands Historical Society, the City of Edmonton has recently installed a new bench on Ada Blvd. at the intersection of 64th Street. This bench marks the site where the Gullions settled, the first family that lived on this land. James Ingram Gullion was a native of Orkney Islands, Scotland. He joined the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1856 and was stationed at Fort Edmonton from 1857 to 1874, working as a boat builder from 1863 to 1874. James claimed this land, River Lot 32, in the early 1870s when the land was first surveyed, divided, and then made available to Hudson’s Bay Company employees.
James married Flora Fraser in 1867 and they lived within Fort Edmonton before moving to the river lot. They were the parents of 10 children. The first two were born at Fort Edmonton and the remaining 8 were born on the river lot. The family cleared land and farmed here, from 1873
until James' death in 1902, approximately 30 years. James was one of the first members of Rev. George McDougall's Methodist Church in the early 1870s. (The original church is now in Fort Edmonton Park.)
' and Flora’s neighbours, along what is now Ada Blvd., were all ex-Hudson’s Bay Compa-ny employees. James' brother George and his family lived on River Lot 34. Flora’s sister Betsy was married to William Borwick and they lived on River Lot 30. John Fraser, brother of Flora and Betsy, lived on River Lot 28, where Concordia College stands today.
not required... The area leading to the bench had been flattened by people visiting the site and as evidenced by the footprints in front of the bench...sitting.
The Ash House, (6256-Ada Boulevard) was purchased by Philip and Matilda Singer in 1930. The Singers raised nine children: Katherine, Albert, Edward, Clarence, Mary, Clara, Helen and John, Alison's late husband. Alison said the children were brought up in a family of "faith, hope and love." The home remained in the family until 1976. 
Kyle (mentioned on the plaque) rang a bell as being connected to the big white house on the Boulevard and to a Ken who served as a wolf cub dad back in the '60s. Turns out that daughter Helen and son-in-law Ken Kyle, subsequent to John's (Singer's) marriage, lived with Mrs. Matilda Singer in the "big white house." The bench is a fitting memorial to a Highlands family. And now you know (some of) ... the rest of the story.
A new bench stands in front of Highlands United Church at 113 Avenue & 64 Street, inviting anyone passing by to sit awhile. This bench has been placed there in memory of Freda and Ted Talbot, long time residents of the Highlands district. Freda and Ted grew up in Edmonton and became very active in their community and church. They served Highlands United Church in many capacities, including terms on the church board between 1949 and 1991.
, the play Praying Men depicting the coming of Rev. Geo. McDougall to the prairies was performed. Freda made over 100 native costumes as well as those for some of the main characters.
a way to give back to the community and the city that they both loved. The view from the bench is of the downtown, the magnificent river and the peaceful and scenic Highlands golf course. We hope the bench will be enjoyed by lovers and friends, young and old".
The Unwin bench appears to the oldest commemorative bench in the Highlands-Bellevue area.
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