[work in progress]
Riverlot 28 runs from river to 118th Avenue
from today's Gretsky Drive at north bank of river to 67th Street (likely)
north end takes in part of Edmonton Northlands
perhaps the riverlot walk (of the boundaries) will have to be approximate.
first registered landownerof Riverlot 28 (1882) was John Fraser, son? of Colin Fraser.
neighbour on west was James Kirkness and on east was John Borwick who, with Andrew Whitford, helped found Andrew Alberta and Whitford Alberta.
James Kirkness
pioneer in "Lower Settlement"
his house was use as school for the Lower Settlement in 1882. 17 in attendance. (Edmonton Bulletin, April 22, 1882)
1883 hailstorm hit Lower Settlement. Hailstones the size of pigeon's eggs with some larger than that, strong winds and rain destroyed the harvest on about 300 acres spread over about 14 riverlots, and killed 16 chickens belonging to J. Kirkness, as well as breaking many glass panes. EB, July 28, 1883.
1885 J. Kirkness and W. Borwick lost large quantity of hay to a prairie fire that spread from Fort Sask. area to the Lower Settlement. Lamoureaux [the founding family of Fort Saskatchewan] lost their house. Fort Sask itself would have been burned to the ground but luckily wind did not turn westward so fire's westward progress on southside of river was slow. (EB, Nov. 12, 1885)
1885 J. Kirkness reported that he planted a sack of potatoes and harvested 60 sacks full. (EB Dec. 19, 1885, p. 1)
1886 Belmont School was built and that name replaced "Lower Settlement"
by 1897 J. Kirkness was reported to be a resident of Belmont, hailed from Scotland, 15 years resident in Alberta, 15 years experience farming. (EB, April 8, 1897)
Kirkness Lake was filled in for the Northlands race track and gounds according to Highland Walking guide
Kirkness road named after him in old Town of Edmonton
Kirkness School named after him
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just east of the Kinnaird ravine (Rat Ravine), part of which was used as a site for the Commonwealth Stadium.
now holds Neighbourhoods of Bellevue and part of Virginai Park.
Bellevue ("beautiful view") was founded in 1906 by the Magrath-Holgate real estate firm. that most famous for Highlands and Ada Boulevard area.
Edmonton Bulletin Sept. 13, 1906 (p. 8) describes how Bellevue ("Bellevue Addition," but likely that is the same area) has scenic views and a grand driveway along the crest of the river valley and another along the river 10 metres above river level.
extends from Alberta Avenue to the river at a point where river sweeps in a broad curve, producing an opportunity for a shingle beach.
a large box ad on page 9 of the same newspaper says lots in Bellevue were available from $90 and up.
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origin of Virginia Park is unknown.
the Virginia Park greenhouse arose at about same time (1912) but which came first is unknown.
The greenhouse (said to be at 7534 110th Avenue) was a local landmark for decades, being purchased by the Marius Granstraum in 1928 and then operated by he and other family members, until being finally moving to the Ellerslie Road area in 1981, just prior to City of Edmonton annexation of the Ellerslie area in 1982.
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City of Edmonton Neighbourhood description
Virginia Park is a small, centrally located residential neighbourhood just northeast of downtown Edmonton along the North Saskatchewan River Valley. The residential portion of the neighbourhood is bounded by 112th Avenue to the north, Wayne Gretzky Drive to the east, Ada Boulevard to the south and 76th Street to the west. The northern half of the neighbourhood is dedicated to recreational land use and is home to Borden Park.
Virginia Park was one of many areas subdivided during the pre-World War I land boom. Despite the fact that the Highlands streetcar line (no longer in operation) passed through the neighbourhood, it was an area that developed relatively slowly. Approximately three-quarters of the original structures within the neighbourhood were built before 1950. Virginia Park has also experienced sustained redevelopment and infill over the years. As a result, the neighbourhood contains residential structures from both the very early and very late 1900s. Approximately half of the housing units are low-density single and semidetached homes, and the other half of dwelling units are located in low-rise apartment buildings in the northwest corner of the neighbourhood. The neighbourhood contains two prominent landmarks, Concordia College to the west and Borden Park to the north. As well, Edmonton Northlands is located directly north of the neighbourhood and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) line runs down 80th Street. With the North Saskatchewan River Valley immediately to the south and Borden Park to the north, many recreational opportunities are located nearby. The origin of the neighbourhood name is not known, but the neighbourhood was home to the former Virginia Park Greenhouse, established in 1912, which was located right in the middle of the neighbourhood. The greenhouse continued to operate in its original location until 1981 when it was moved to Ellerslie Road and 111th Street.
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