Our Alley - Roadways - My First Neighborhood - “Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to.” ~ John Ed Pearce For the first nine years of my life I lived at 1705 31st Street SW in Calgary, Alberta. From 1953-62 I lived there with my mother, father and sister Sandra (who is six years older than I am). Those years are full of happy memories for me. This district (called Killarney) was home to an abundance of children my age. It was a new district so everyone moved around the same time. Families on 31st Street watched out for each other's children and there was an energy that comes with a new, growing community. I have identified thirteen landmarks and the memories that are attached to those places. These places shaped who I am today and the memories are pleasant reminders of secure, happy childhood. Click on the place markers and read about these memories and see pictures of these places that fill up my mind!

Our Alley

Roadways

This alley looks pretty rickity but it was the site of many adventures and events. At the end of this alley lived our fmaily friends the Swinburnes. The day i came home form the hospital, Patti Swinburne and her mom walked up this alley to see the new baby (me!). Patti was 4 years old and she still remembers peering into the bassinet at me. Fifty four years later Patti and I are still dear friends. The was a great big rock at the end of this alley. The kids in our neighborhood called it "The Goldmine" and aroudn that big boudler we'd pretend we were pirates and explorers.

Calgary

17 Ave SW & 31 St SW

This is right outside Swinburne's backyard. My house is at the end of this alley, on the right. The "Goldmine" was on the right at the end of this alley.

My First Neighborhood

“Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to.” ~ John Ed Pearce

For the first nine years of my life I lived at 1705 31st Street SW in Calgary, Alberta. From 1953-62 I lived there with my mother, father and sister Sandra (who is six years older than I am). Those years are full of happy memories for me. This district (called Killarney) was home to an abundance of children my age. It was a new district so everyone moved around the same time. Families on 31st Street watched out for each other's children and there was an energy that comes with a new, growing community. I have identified thirteen landmarks and the memories that are attached to those places. These places shaped who I am today and the memories are pleasant reminders of secure, happy childhood.
Click on the place markers and read about these memories and see pictures of these places that fill up my mind!