by Lynette and Leslie Paarup
Our family has lived on Glenmere Road, Glendale for 59 years and have seen many changes over the years. We will try to inform Thumper readers about some of these changes and attempt to bring back memories.
The landscape has become one of the biggest changes with regards to the huge trees we are fortunate to enjoy. The Elm trees on 45 Street are beautiful all year long. The city planted Birch trees on nearly all properties in the 50s, which have gradually disappeared as their life span came to an end.
There were no trees around the tennis courts, which had lights for night tennis. Perhaps the surrounding homeowners found that not so great; the lights disappeared. The courts are a great asset to the community. There was a rink between the tennis courts and the hall. The Glendale teams played hockey outside. No indoor ice for those tough kids nor for parents who stood on snowbanks to cheer them on.
There was a Ladies Auxiliary who worked diligently to raise money for community projects such as hiring a professional figure skater to teach on “the big rink”. There were Saturday movies in the hall including the selling of popcorn etc. Halloween spook houses were a big event and drew kids from outside of Glendale.
Turtle Hill was named such because there was a large plastic turtle in the park which the kids could climb on. The community was very active then, as it is today.
Lastly, we will mention the Glendale May Day Celebration. That started off with a parade which included decorated bicycles, some clowns, Buckshot and Benny and, most importantly, Parade Marshall Peter Lougheed, who was our MLA. The day ended with huge fireworks and people outside the community came to watch that event.
Glendale citizens are so fortunate to have this newly renovated hall sitting in the beautiful, very large park with tennis courts, skating rinks, and Glendale School all within walking distance. Change is inevitable and we see it happening every day. Our community leaders and Glendale citizens put up a good fight, but City Hall won. We hope you enjoy this very small part of Glendale history; there is so much more.
Baseball between hall and tennis courts 1969-70
Paarup Family Glenmere Road home almost finished 1957 but they moved in October 1966
Paarup Family view from 2216 45 Street before tennis courts and young trees 1965-66
Paarup Family view from 2216 45 Street tennis courts construction 1966-67
Rink 1966-67
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