"Blakemore Home"

Where the Story Begins

It started with a man's death certificate. The address where the gentleman died still existed, however the house did not—it was like a line from Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi"—

"They Paved Paradise, Put up a parking lot."

Research Highlights

Through primary and secondary sources, the house was found to have existed for about fifty-five years. It was built by a well-respected southern Alberta cattle baron, who turned politician. The succession of owners changed a few times, then falling into another politician's hands. Gradually the provincial government divorced itself from the rest of the city, and a massive redevelopment took place.

The Result

This forensic solution became part of a popular presentation titled "Ogling Photographs and Documents". Contact Lyn to hear how she unraveled the story to this beautiful 1911 home.