Hidden Panorama

The actual tour at Fort Edmonton Park did materialized last May 31 2008, Saturday. That time, I was firm in my decision to see the park or else I will not be able to visit it anymore. I went at the park in the afternoon. But before going to the park, there was incident that I waited for an hour for the bus going directly to the park. I was in Alberta University bus stop station that time because I got a pamphlet of bus saying that it goes to the park every weekend, but my mistake was that, the bus schedule was only Sunday and not Saturday. After waiting for an hour, I decided to take a bus going to West Edmonton Mall since it will stop either in Whitemud or Fox Drive bus stop which near in the park.

Almost near at the entrance gate? Not yet..c",)

After arriving at the bus stop, I thought the entrance gate was near, but I walked for a while until I reached it. My curiosity to visit this historical park started when someone from the office mentioned to me that what I can see at the parkland are the old days of Edmonton, 18Th to early 19Th century period of the city. And another one told me that I will see people wherein they will reenact the old century time and for me that was amazing.

First thing that greets me after I bought my entrance ticket to the park was the old train and they call it steam train. Honestly, I only saw this kind of train from the classic movies that I watched and I was kind of thrilled after I saw it. And I told to myself, "I think I am going to enjoy this tour."

The People and the Streetcar

Inside the Streetcar

Egge's Barn and Bunkhouse at 1920 Street

Blatchford Field Air Hangar at 1920 Street

Hotel Selkirk at 1920 Street

Fire Hall & Town Hall & Police Station at 1905 Street

Ernest Brown Studio at 1905 Street

Fire Hall & Town Hall & Police Station at 1905 Street

Reeds Bazaar & Tea Shop with Ernest Brown Studio at 1905 Street

At 1905 Street

Next, I went to the streetcar station near the steam train station. And I waited for the approaching streetcar. I saw a lot of people inside it. And I knew they enjoyed the trip. I checked my park map and found the trail of the street car. I decided to take a ride because I knew I do not have enough time to stroll around the parkland. While riding with the streetcar, I saw 1920's and 1905's street together with the houses and building structures during those time. And I felt like I was living in the past for a moment. Since it was a short ride, I grabbed all my chance to take pictures. Based on the pamphlets that I was holding, 1905 is called as Municipal Era wherein I found few churches, post office, Bank of Montreal, Fire Hall and Police Station.

On my way to steam train station

Steam train

Steam train

Hotel Selkirk and Blachford Air Field Hangar

1920's Midway and Exhibition

Inside the steam train

After the streetcar rides, I went back to the steam train station to experience the classic train. What do I expect in the steam train? One was the whistle sound of the train which the same of what I heard in the movies. Before I hopped in to the train, I approached one woman dressed in 18Th century and I requested if I can take picture with her and she agreed. There were lots of people inside the train. Mostly were families, parents and their kids. The last stop of the train was near at "The Fort" (Fur Trading Area), I walked for few minutes until I reached "The Fort" gate. "The Fort" was a place for fur trading and what I saw was a place in its earlier time from late 17Th to 18Th century. "The Fort" showcased what the community looks like during the old centuries. The place also shows the architectural design of home which made of woods and houses with small windows. Most of the houses has its brick fireplace and chimney. Not only the walls shows its era, but also the flooring, the tables, chairs and beds. While looking inside the houses I felt like I was living in the past again. While wandering the other part of "The Fort", I am wondering the purpose of fur and I realized that Edmonton is located near North wherein the weather is winter more than a half year round. I can imagine that people living in this place needs fur for the winter season. And Canada has its native people which they call it "First Nation" which are Indians and their life used to hunt animals and the skin animals are being used as a fur. After "The Fort" area, I continued the exploration of this historical park. I found Native Camp wherein I saw an Indian lady (which represents first nation of Canada). I had my photo with her as my souvenir. I found an open store and I bought a boat display to remember Fort Edmonton Park.

Clerk's Quarter

Clerk's Quarter

Inside Rowhand House

Clerk's Quarter

Time? (maybe)

Chess? (not sure)

One of the room at Indian Trader Store

Inside the Indian Traders Store

One of the room at Indian Traders Store

Blacksmith Shop

Blacksmith Shop

Native Camp

Native Camp

Next destination was the 1885 street. The street called as Settlement Era. From this place I found school, carpentry shop, jewelry, Methodist church, drug store and bakery. I checked almost all building structure in this avenue. I was amazed for all the things that I saw. A truly 1885 street. The avenue, shows that during this time, the people lived that time showed that their lives improved compared with fur trading time.

1885 Street

Raymer's Jewellery

Inside Jasper Hotel

Inside Jasper Hotel

1885 Street

Lauder's Bakeshop & Residence at 1885 Street

Inside the Methodist Church at 1885 Street

1885 Street

Jasper House Hotel

Daily Drug Store & Dr. Wilsons Office at 1885 Street

Kelly's Sallon at 1885 Street

Henderson Round Barn

At the entrance / exit - Steam Train Station

Edmonton Park Entrance

Fort Edmonton Park