My husband and I purchased a lot in Briar Hill in 1953 for $400. At that time, there was only one house on the lot next to ours. My husband was working for a concrete block company, so with the help of some friends, we built our home with the cement blocks. He and I put the roof on together. A few years later, we had it stuccoed. [Typical 1950's House]
At the time we built, the pans were to have a park across the street from us but these plans were changed and a school was build instead. I was very happy about his as I could sit at my kitchen window and watch the children playing ball in the summer and making snowballs and snowmen in the winter. At election time, it was nice to just walk across the street to do our voting.
After a few years, my husband and I moved to Drumheller and sold our hose to my daughter, Jon-Ann Fisk for $19,500. It is now valued at $240,000. Quite a difference. Jo-Ann’s four children attended the Briar Hill school.
In 1991, my husband and I came back to live with Jo-Ann as she was alone at that time and wanted company. My husband died in 1997 and I am staying here with my daughter as I need a little care. I am now ninety-three years old and I love the Briar Hill district. We are on a quiet street with only a few cars taking the children to and from school and of course, the school bus.
I have a beautiful view of the mountains. I am close to a Medical Center and shopping area and only a few minutes drive to downtown and to my favorite bingo hall in West Hillhurst.
We have wonderful neighbors. Next door we have Maureen and Greg Ramage, the real estate agents who put on a pancake breakfast every year which I look forward to attending. They have become not only good neighbors but good friends with us as well.
Our house is just a modest bungalow but I wouldn’t trade it for any other house in Calgary as I am living in the district that I love.
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