by Lee Hunt
If you had an opportunity to read “60 Years in Brentwood – Part One”, which appeared in the May edition of the Bugle, you will recall that I interviewed ten long-time Brentwood residents. They told me of an early Brentwood with no trees, lots of dust, and cows and horses – the former roaming loose.
My “experts”—now joined by two more residents, Sandy and Len—also told me that both the Public and Separate school boards built elementary, junior high, and high schools in the Brentwood area “just as our children needed them,” said Susanne.
Over the years, along came amenities such as Sir Winston Churchill Swimming Pool (now upgraded to a Rec Centre), the Nose Hill Library, and the Brentwood Sportsplex. Sandy, who moved here a “mere 46 years ago” recalls that the Sportsplex had “just been completed and all we newcomers were asked to donate was $100 – what a bargain!”
Though Calgary Transit had long served Brentwood, Alice recalls the fare being 10 cents, with Brisebois being the westernmost stop. The arrival of the LRT shortly prior to our 1988 Olympics made access to downtown that much quicker.
And who remembers the Air Raid Siren which used to be behind the service station at the corner of Brisebois and Northmount? My historians do not recall exactly when the siren was installed nor when it came down, but nearby resident Len recalls a day in the early 60s when the siren just kept blaring and blaring and blaring. Len’s mother was convinced that Canada was under attack!
Over the years, a number of churches were built in Brentwood. And have I mentioned our proximity to the two buildings which in 1963 changed from being the University of Alberta in Calgary (UAC) to the University of Calgary (U of C)? Those two original buildings are now well dwarfed by the many newer, taller buildings. Charlene is pleased that “my kids all attended U of C and could easily walk from Brentwood.”
When asked why they have remained almost 60 years in Brentwood, Margaret and Bruce told me because, “It’s all here”. Walt commented that “With the trees all grown, Brentwood is such a pretty area of the city”. Others referred to “easy access to malls and medical clinics” plus “easy access to the mountains”. Many referred to programs offered by the Brentwood Community Association for school age children in the areas of soccer, hockey, figure skating, and lacrosse. Charlene enjoyed coordinating and refereeing soccer when her children were in that program. She is proof of Sandy’s belief that “Brentwood loves volunteerism”. Claire and Ernie observed that, “All of these amenities have encouraged many young people who grew up here to now live in their parents’ home as the parents downsized or passed away”. Thus, another generation will raise their children in Brentwood.
I extend my thanks to all of the long-time Brentwoodians who shared their memories with me. I would certainly add that another “plus” to Brentwood is the friendly and helpful people such as Joyce, Walt, Margaret, Bruce, Alice, Charlene, Maureen, Susanne, Claire, Ernie, Sandy, and Len who so generously shared their memories for The Bugle.
Prairie Mountain Fiddlers
Article and Photo Credit by Zena Kuziej
15 musicians from the Prairie Mountain Fiddlers performed at an “Under 100 Club” event at Hope Lutheran Church on April 20, 2023.
This local group of musicians finds great joy in sharing their love for old time fiddle music. Almost 90 guests enjoyed the toe-tapping music!
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