Naming Edmonton From Ada to Zoie

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.Historic Sites Committee Staff is the author of 'Naming Edmonton From Ada to Zoie', published 2004 under ISBN 9780888644237 and ISBN 088864423X.