Publisher's Synopsis
Do you know the stories behind Edmonton's place names? Naming Edmonton: From Ada to Zoie tells you the who, what and why behind the signs on Edmonton's streets, parks, neighbourhoods, subdivisions and other features, including bridges, walkways, cemeteries, ravines and waterways. By exploring the people, the events and the natural features that inspired Edmonton's place names, the history and development of the city's areas unfold. Why did Harry Belafonte always ask for Zoie Gardner when he visited Edmonton? Because Zoie had a heart bigger than the 13-room house she shared with her foster children. At one point 24 children were under her roof! Who built Edmonton's first stadium? Edmonton's most indefatigable politician, Mayor "Fighting Joe" Clarke persuaded the prime minister in 1930 to lease land to the city for an athletic park for one dollar a year. Did you know that Farnell Close is named after a spy? Peggy Farnell worked as an agent for the British Secret Intelligence Service during WWII. Why is a park in Strathcona named "Big" Miller? Clarence Horatio "Big" Miller was a renowned jazz trombonist, blues singer and educator. Do you know the tragic story behind the gold watch presented to Olympian Alex Wuttunee Decoteau by King George V? During WWI, Sgt. Decoteau, Canada's first Aboriginal police officer, was killed by a sniper who stole the watch. It was returned to Decoteau's mother in Canada by his fellow soldiers. Who was the author of a pageant for Edmonton's golden jubilee? In 1954, Elsie Park Gowan wrote "Who Builds a City," which traced the city's growth through the story of one family. How many Grey Cups did legendary football player Jackie Parker lead the Edmonton Eskimos to? In 1954, Parker recovered a fumble in the last minute of the game and went on to win the Grey Cup, the first of his three championship titles.
