News

I recently enjoyed another one of the Prairie History Room’s (Regina Public Library) Neighbourhood History presentations. Celebrating communities is a simple concept, which took off when Jane’s Walks were introduced to Regina in 2009. They call it ‘Urban Literacy’. They also call it ‘Placemaking’ - a term to describe pride in one’s surroundings. How can you enjoy your home without the stewardship of your street, your neighbours, your immediate surroundings? How can you appreciate your community without knowing its evolution? The Project for Public Spaces is an organization of common sense, old-timey approaches to taking care of each other and your home. Terms like ‘sustainability’, ‘community economic development’ and ‘adaptive transportation’ would make our grandmothers’ eyes roll. Translated, the words invite you to walk around your neighbourhood, trace its history, invest in its success! [caption id="attachment_465" align="alignleft" width="180"] One of the attractions (distractions?) in Regina's "Wholesale District" (Warehouse District)[/caption] Regina historian Gordon Goddard’s talk at the Prairie History Room explored the Warehouse District. Closely tied to the origins of the city, the area grew to earn the title of “Distribution Capital of the West”. The Warehouse District was also residential, a centre for sports activities in Dominion Park and home to a portable school (Lorne School) to nurture its young populace. The area was badly smashed up in Regina’s Terrible Tornado of 1912, but rebuilt around its solid architecture and thrived. The Warehouse District was not without its characters – some of whom are said to haunt their old haunts. But we’ll save that for the book! Biographies Regina will launch this neighbourhood history in February, 2013. That’s one way to celebrate place. There are many more, including interactive websites www.northcentralregina.ca unexpected exhibits in non-traditional venues and heritage presentations offered by libraries, museums and the like. Karen Handling