The Historic Newton page is dedicated to the history of Newton, its people and buildings. A resource rich with historical pictures from the City of Edmonton Archives, PDF’s of original documentation and copies of recent newspaper and magazine publicity. Ryan Catena, Newton’s Heritage Coordinator, welcomes you and hopes that you enjoy this page of our Community History.
Historical Announcements
The Newton Community is proud to announce that Otto Reiher’s 1930’s Craftsman Cottage was recently showcased in the February 2013 Issue of Canadian Magazine “Homes & Cottages”.
Click HERE to view the full article!
In addition, the Newton neighbourhood is currently undergoing a Provincial and Municipal Historical survey and inventory.
Our Community League, the City of Edmonton and the Heritage Consulting Firm Donald Luxton and Associates are working together to identify and save our built history. Over the course of the next few months the consulting firm will be periodically driving throughout our neighbourhood taking notes and snapping pictures of places of interest. It’s a very exciting time for our Neighbourhood and you have the opportunity to share in the excitement!
This open house will include members of the Executive, City Heritage planners, Heritage home owners and Laura Pasacreta, Lead Consultant for the project. This will give residents an opportunity to find out how the Historical Inventory will benefit our neighbourhood and increase property value! Find out what’s involved to preserve our built history, heritage and culture! This will be the day to discover if your home was recognized as a potential Historical Resource! Taking part in this inventory also gives Newton a reputation as a Historic Neighbourhood similar to Westmount, Glenora and the Highlands.
We are extremely fortunate to have been chosen by the City of Edmonton and the Province of Alberta for this momentous project. Luckily its happening now and you can be a part of it! You can keep your eye on this page for updates, info and Q&A’s on heritage homes and historic neighbourhoods.
We would encourage any long-time residents of Newton who would like to sit down with Laura and share their memories of the Newton thru the decades. She is looking forward to meeting with all who would like to share stories, photographs and or maps you have of Newton Community. Please contact her as soon as possible as the process is going to happen in a very fast time frame.
Laura Pasacreta, Lead Consultant
laura@donaldluxton.com
(403) 457-4011
What is the City of Edmonton’s “Inventory of Historic Resources” and how will it benefit our neighborhood?
The Inventory of Historic Resources in Edmonton is an inventory of structures/resources in Edmonton that merit conservation and may be eligible for designation as Municipal Historic Resources. Resources are placed on the Inventory because they have architecture or social significance to the development of Edmonton or its neighborhoods. Sustainable Development, in conjunction with the Edmonton Historical Board, has a mechanism to review nominations/amendments to add or delete properties to or from the Inventory. The Inventory also identifies buildings at Fort Edmonton, some landscapes and trees, cemeteries and monuments, street furnishings, and architectural fragments in the Appendix. The existing zoning, development rights and regulations continue to apply to properties on the Inventory.
What if my home is chosen as historically important to the Newton neighborhood and end’s up on the inventory?
Having your home on the Inventory of Historical Resources classifies your home as being one of historical importance qualifying you for financial incentives for restoration and protection from alterations or demolition. Only with your approval, can you have your home placed on a register of historic resources in Edmonton.
What is the City of Edmonton’s “Register of Historic Resources?”
The Register of Historic Resources in Edmonton is the official list of all resources on the Inventory that have been designated as a Municipal Historic Resource. Municipal Historic Resources are legally protected by a Bylaw instrument from demolition and inappropriate alterations. Any building or structure on the Register is eligible for assistance under Policy C-450B.
What is the benefit of owning a Home that is a Municipally Designated Historic Resource?
The first benefit would be owning a unique piece of Edmonton’s history. A building so architecturally important to a neighborhood and city, that it is preserved and protected from major alterations and demolition. You receive financial support from the City of Edmonton and the Province of Alberta to restore your home, as much as $75,000.00 in grant funding is available to assist you in the restoration. This funding also replenishes itself every 5 years to assist in future preservation! Your home’s value increases becoming a better investment. Designated Heritage homes go up in value just as any real estate does in better times, due to the law of supply and demand. But in addition to that, they go up in value due to their exclusivity. They are rare and that makes them very valuable for years to come.
Community History
Newton has a deep history that dates back over a century. Originally known as City Park Annex, this section of land was owned by John A. McDougall, M.P.P before selling to the Magrath-Hart Co. They sub-divided this section of land into 1152 lots while the Edmonton Bulletin wrote “This block of lots is the largest in number that has yet been put on the real estate market” October 30, 1909, the Edmonton Journal writes that, “While most new developments are completed in 15 years, Newton’s development has been spread out over several decades.”
Newton Kids
City of Edmonton Archives
In the early part of the 20th century Old Newton, City Park Annex was bounded by 118th avenue north to 123rd avenue between 50th street and 61th street. Highlands sat south of Newton, Victoria Place (now Montrose) sat west, the Town of Beverly sat east and to the north City Park Annex was the packing plant and North Edmonton. Old Newton was an area that consisted mainly of farms and cottages resided by working class Edmontonians. Dyksley’s Dairy Farms sat on 53rd street between 119th avenue and 120th avenue later moving to the north side of 118 avenue between 53rd street and 54th street. Centazo Egg Farm was located on the north-west side of 55th street and 120th avenue and the Harris Mink Farm was located on 50th street between 121st avenue and 122nd avenue. The Brindza farm was located on the west side of 51st street between 120th avenue and 121st avenue and had cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys and rabbits. John Brindza also worked as a miner in the Beverly Bush Coal Mine and his original farm house that was built in 1935 still stands at 12010 51st street. This 623 square foot bungalow was home to John, his wife Mary and their 6 children.
As more houses were built, the City of Edmonton surveyed the land and graded dirt roads throughout the area. These roads acted as mud mines when it rained. There were no sewer or water service in the area, just out-houses and wells with very hard water. Some residences still remember “the water man” that would come around and fill barrels of water from the city. In the winter they had to haul the barrels into their houses to prevent freezing.
March 8, 1954 City Council approves renaming City Park Annex subdivision after the Edmonton Public School board and the Archives and Landmarks Committee met with city planners. The neighborhood now honors Reverend William Newton, a pioneer Anglican Minister.
In 1955 the Edmonton Public School Board purchases land for $20,025. They build Newton School on the north west side of 55th street between 121st avenue and 122nd avenue where it continues to stand today. Newton School closed in 2007 as an elementary and operates today as special services for the Edmonton Public School Board.
Newton Kids attending St.Leo School on a cool winters day
circa 1968
City of Edmonton Archives
Newton Kids attending St.Leo School on a cool winters day
circa 1968
City of Edmonton Archives
In 1956 the Edmonton Catholic School Board builds St. Leo Catholic School on the south west side of 54th street between 121st avenue and 122nd avenue. The school originally offered grades 1-9 until 1971. St Leo Catholic School is currently an elementary and continues to operate today.
Newton’s First President Bill Glover Residence
Circa 1931
City of Edmonton Archives
As the community grew Bill Glover decided it was time for a Community League and began organizing, later becoming Newton’s 1st President. The first meeting was held in Mason Hall on 118th avenue and 56th street and The Newton Community League formed when 24 citizens met at St. James Church. Alderman Charles Simmonds gave an inaugural address and members decided on its first project: provision of winter recreational facility. Soon, a club house and rink were established. Newton Community League was incorporated under the Societies Act in 1955 and was registered on the 13th day of August, 1963.
Club House and Newton Hall
circa 1968
City of Edmonton Archives
To date, Newton continues to be a mature, safe, walk able neighborhood with a true sense of community. It’s not hard to see how the development of several decades has added to the uniqueness of the area. 118 avenue north you can clearly see the different eras and the influences they have had on our homes. Pre and Post war homes can easily be distinguished between the avenues of 118 – 121 while the 1950’s boom can be seen between 121 – 123 avenue. The mid 1980’s saw new development for Newton as north of 123 avenue has been the site of the most recent building actively.
Newton Rink & Club House
circa 1960
City of Edmonton Archives
Club House and Newton Hall
circa 1968
City of Edmonton Archives
Newton Rink
1957 the planning department receives and passes master plans and blue prints for a proposed rink shack/club house located at 5520 121st avenue for $6000.00. Newton community volunteers joined together to build the club house. The club house was lost in 1976 (by fire that looked to be arson); Newton was spurred into building activity. By 1979, the $106,000 Newton Skating Complex, was built including a two story viewing area of the outdoor rink, two dressing rooms, concession and large lobby. The rink officially closed in 2010 due to age and deterioration. Again the Newton Executive along with many community volunteers joined together and made newspaper headlines (Edmonton Sun 02-19-13, Edmonton Journal 02-19-12, Edmonton Journal 09-17-12, Edmonton Examiner 09-19-12) and TV news as the rink and complex was restored and reopened in 2012. The Newton Rink has continued to have wonderful turn-outs ever since re-opening in December of 2012.
Newton Rink
City of Edmonton Archives
Newton Hall, Skate Complex and Rink
City of Edmonton Archives
Canon William Newton
Born in Essex County, England, in 1828, Canon Newton came to Canada sometime in 1840, and for several years was a missionary in the Rosseau parish in Ontario’s Muskoka district. His experience at Rosseau was excellent preparation for his work in the West and arrived at Fort Edmonton on September 28, 1875.
Canon William Newton
circa 1886
City of Edmonton Archives
Hospitality of the Fort was extended to Canon Newton for a few days after his arrival. He moved into an unfinished log cabin and developed the upper level as a chapel. The winters were cold and intense and in stormy weather the upper level filled with snow. Writing of the building Canon wrote “often Sunday mornings we had to use shovels to throw the snow out of the window; then, when the fire melted the snow on the rafters, the wet came down on our heads causing discomfort at the services”. Despite the hard-ships, the 47 year old missionary continued occupation of the building while searching for a new location.
After starting a survey for a suitable location on which to erect a home and chapel he found land along the river bank 10 km east of the Fort. He pitched a tent in the valley and with his companion started clearing brush from the site selected for his cabin. The cabin was completed in the mid-winter of 1876 and called his new homestead the “The Hermitage”
Land Grant for Church at the Hermitage
March 12, 1894
City of Edmonton Archives
“The Hermitage became a famous landmark in the district. Over time, more buildings were added and it became an elaborate establishment consisting of a library, a school, a hospital, and a chapel. It also had a garden with lilacs, lawns and flower beds that made it an outstanding show place in those frontier days. The very lilacs Newton had planted still grow in the area today. He retired from the ministry in 1899 and left Edmonton in 1901. The homestead was eventually acquired by the City of Edmonton and turned into a park, appropriately named Hermitage Park. The Hermitage Mission plaque was unveiled June 18, 1951 commemorating Canon William Newton and his dedication to the Anglican Church.
Newton Hall
Constructed in 1941 by Harry Maday this building was original owned by Tod Smolyk and operated as Park Memorial for 22 years. In 1963 The Newton Community League purchased the building and struck a major renovation, poured a new foundation and began operating as a vibrant community hall. Since then, the building has been well taking care of and is used daily for league meetings, festivals, gatherings, potlucks, weddings and many community programs and events. The basement has large daylight windows, high ceilings and currently operates as a successful daycare. The school yard in which sits west of Newton Hall was originally a small lake where one could often find ducks and children playing.
Original Building
1941
City of Edmonton Archives
Original Building (2)
1941
City of Edmonton Archives
Original Building (3)
1941
City of Edmonton Archives
Newton Hall
City of Edmonton Archives
Newton’s Historical Homes
Old Newton (City Park Annex 118ave – 123ave) has seen development dating back before World War I. Currently Newton has one Municipally Designated Historical Home and is currently undergoing a Provincial and Municipal Historical survey and inventory.
Otto Reiher Cottage Plaque
& Homes & Cottages February 2013 Article
Submitted by Ryan Catena
Links
Canada’s Historic Places
The Canadian Register of Historic Places (CRHP) provides a single source of information about all historic places recognized for their heritage value at the local, provincial, territorial and national levels throughout Canada.
Edmonton – Historic Resources
Municipal Historic Resources are buildings or structures that have been designated by Bylaw as buildings or structures which are legally protected from demolition and from inappropriate changes and alterations. The City of Edmonton is proud of its historical resources and works hard to preserve them.
10 Heritage Preservation Facts
City of Edmonton provides an extract adapted from Ken Bernstein’s and the Los Angeles Conservancy’s top ten myths about historic preservation article
Edmonton Historical Board
Formed as the Archives and Landmarks Committee in 1947 and renamed in 1966, the Edmonton Historical Board (EHB) advises City Council on matters relating to City of Edmonton historical issues and civic heritage policies.
City of Edmonton Archives
Located in the historic Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre, the City of Edmonton Archives is a public research facility housing civic government and private records of enduring significance that document Edmonton’s history.
Newton – Wikipedia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia