Military Service Recognition Book Volume XVI 80 History Lesson # One– Veterans Villa sits on the south east corner of the Mount Pleasant Cemetery, built on one of the highest points in Edmonton. Originally a look-out for the native people, it commands a view of both the southside and downtown. A southside landmark, it is a favorite walking and reflection space for our tenants and many other community members. Burials at Mount Pleasant began in the late 1800s, making it a city historic site. Originally outside city limits, the cemetery is now an integral part of Edmonton and the Pleasantview community. History Lesson # Two– Looking at the modern streets and buildings of our community, it is easy to forget that this land was a meeting place for Indigenous people for over 10,000 years. Archaeological dig sites in Edmonton are a reminder that amiskwaciwaskahikan (Cree for Beaver Mountain House) has long been a gathering place for the Cree, Blackfoot, Metis, Nekota Sioux, Dene, Ojibway, Salteaux, Anishinaabe and Inuit peoples. In 1877, land was granted as part of an addendum to Treaty 6 to Chief Papaschase. As a result of this land grant, Indian Reserve #136 was declared with borders stretching from the current 122 St. east to 34 St. and from Ellerslie Road north to 51 Ave. This is the southern boundary of Pleasantview and where Veteran’s Villa is located. History Lesson # Three – David Martin was a pioneer who settled on 320 acres south of the City of Edmonton in 1899. His property was known as Martin Estates. The land was eventually sold and in 1914, the portion east of the current 106 St. was annexed to the City of Edmonton. The remainder was annexed in 1947 as part of the Veterans’ Land Act with that land being subdivided and sold to returning vets. As the WW11 veterans returned, they were able to purchase the land with houses already built for them. They had a choice of 4, 5 or 6 room homes on one acre of land for the cost of $4500 to $6000. That was quite a sum and they were given 10 to 25 years to repay the government grant. Both communities of Pleasantview and Parkallen are on the original Martin Estate. I believe the fact that both these communities were developed to house Veterans is another reason why we fit so well where we are located. I hope everyone enjoyed my small History Lessons. Iris Wall Manager of Veterans Housing Project. (Veteran’s Villa) 5210-106 St. Veterans Villa Southgate Edmonton, AB
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