Foote Residence valued for its four-square style and past tenants
The Foote Residence is a historical structure in Edmonton that was built in 1907. The two and one-half storey home is located on the north side of 97th Avenue on 106th Street, and is well known for its four-square style. This style uses symmetry and classical detailing, and it derives from American colonial and classical revival architecture. The four-square style became popular during the Edwardian-era.
The Foote Residence is valued for its association with an early Edmonton builder and architect, Richard E. Foote. Foote was an important figure in the early era of the construction industry. With Nathaniel Purcell, he owned a substantial contracting business and eventually designed and built important structures such as Edmonton's first Civic Block. As well, he also served on city council and worked for the city architect's department later in his life. The house was his residence in 1907, and then from 1911 until 1916.
The Foote Residence also had other significant tenants. Those of which illustrate the range of middle class and professional individuals who shaped Edmonton in the years immediately after 1900. They included one of the earliest important scientists and civil servants in Alberta, Dr. Daniel G. Revell. The provincial bacteriologist resided here from 1908 to 1910 and was involved in teaching, research, criminal investigations and medical practice and study throughout his life. John McLaren, the business manager for the Edmonton Journal, also resided at the home in 1917. https://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=3012
The Franklin’s ground squirrel and its musical whistles
Susan Elliott
Squirrels can be spotted almost anywhere in Edmonton. The Franklin’s ground squirrel is specifically found in semi-open shrublands and aspen forest. This is how it got the nickname “bush gopher.” Bush gophers are often seen along forested grassland edges and the tall grasses bordering croplands or marshlands. During harsh winters, they hibernate underground in extensive tunnel systems.
Living in small, loosely knit colonies, the Franklin’s ground squirrel is the least social of the ground squirrels. Their prairie cousins are more aggressive, but fighting does occur, especially during mating season. They are also known to be quite vocal. When interacting with other squirrels, they can growl or unleash what has been described as a “bubbly trill” or musical whistles.
In Alberta, the population status of the Franklin’s ground squirrel has still not been determined. The provincial government maintains that there is not enough information to say whether the population is stable or imperiled. When talking to experienced naturalists, though, you will hear stories of serious concern about the fate of this animal.
In the spring of 2022, Nature Alberta initiated a citizen science project to help fill some of the data gaps with respect to Franklin’s ground squirrels in the province. Citizen science projects use volunteers to gather data on wildlife and ecological processes. To learn more about the Franklin’s ground squirrel and citizen science, visit this link: https://naturealberta.ca/franklins-ground-squirrel/
Cycling in a winter wonderland
Every winter, thousands of Edmontonians use their bicycles to get to school or work, buy groceries, explore the river valley’s trails, and so much more. Many of these folks use ‘fat bikes’ when riding through the snow. This is because fat bikes have thicker and wider tires. Regular bikes can also be used in winter, but many local cyclists add studded tires to their cruisers or road bikes for better traction.
The benefits of ‘cycling in a winter wonderland’ are shared by many here in the city. This is evidenced by David LeDressay, who takes his daughters to school using what he calls his “mini-van”. It’s a bicycle with a rear seat that fits two of his children—and a trailer for the third. LeDressay says his children like the bike commute as much as he does. “It’s a lot of fun,” he says. “They get to see a lot more, you move at a much more kid-friendly pace. We have opportunities to stop—they can get off and play much easier than if they were in a vehicle or even on public transportation.”
On a similar note, Dr. Kate Storey uses her fat bike to get to and from work as an Associate Professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta. She loves being active and enjoys being out in the fresh winter air. “It’s a good reset between home and work and work and home and just being outside and enjoying nature and the trails and everything that Edmonton has to offer,” says Storey.
For Gary Tait, the general manager of Mud Sweat and Gears, a bike shop in the west end, the best part about winter cycling in Edmonton is the community. “Every Saturday morning, I get to work and there’s a group of guys that are meeting here in our parking lot to go ride trails together. We see that a couple of times throughout the week.” He ends off by sharing, “We’re so lucky to have our river valley, the trail system. I can’t think of too many other places I’d rather live than Edmonton to be able to ride single-track trails right outside our front doors, in winter or summer.” https://why.edmonton.ca/stories/cycling-in-a-winter-wonderland/
A poem by Patti Kim
Below is a poem about Edmonton and the river valley written by Patti Kim. It is featured on PoemCatcher: Visions in the web. This site was put together by Edmonton’s 4th Poet Laureate, Anna Marie Sewell, and is meant to celebrate the poetic voice of Edmonton.
When I think of Edmonton, I think of…
The River Valley, fresh air, green, nature
Whyte Ave, energising, pulsing with activity
a sense of community – familiar faces everywhere I go
U of A, nice grounds, proud to be an alumnus
bitter cold winters – can’t have Christmas without that bite and lots of snow
active, nature-loving Edmontonians
hockey, of course
I think of Edmonton as a very compact, energised, yet calm kind of city. I (heart) Edmonton,
proud to be Albertan. PEACE AND LOVE ALWAYS – Patti Kim
To enjoy more poems about Edmonton and the river valley, go to this website:
Gigi by Louis Munan, Borden Park
Winifred emailed “I’m so happy to see where Gigi disappeared to! I was at her/his unveiling on Rice Howard way years ago. Thanks!”
January 2 Issue
Zanne wrote “This was a lovely edition of the newsletter. Just thought I'd say.”
Pancakes on the North Saskatchewan River
Susan emailed “Thank you for the excerpt on the impressive North Saskatchewan river phenomenon. Attached are photos I took from the Quesnel bridge; I imaged Swarovski crystal lily pads! I had never heard of pancake ice formations - brilliant. This site always gives me great insights into our extraordinary River valley ecosystem for this I am ever so grateful.”
2FOLD by Eduardo Aquino & Karen Shanski (spmb), Ellerslie Fire Station, 2943 Ellwood Drive SW https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/2fold
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