Government House: more than a backdrop for wedding photos
Royal residence became boarding house for road workers and WWII veterans hospital
Marjorie Lilley's hands glide across the keys of the baby grand piano in the music room of Government House.
The 91 year old is playing Sentimental Journey. The post-WWII tune became the unofficial homecoming theme for returning soldiers and Lilley remembers injured veterans requesting the song on this very spot.
She never accepted a Friday night date because she was needed at the house, Lilley recalls.
"I came every Friday night to play 'til I got married in 1949."
Government House was a convalescent and retirement home for Edmonton servicemen for 22 years, one of four primary functions of the house over its 102-year history, according to Chris Robinson, executive director of the Royal Alberta Museum.
The building, meant to signify the dignity and permanence of a new province, was originally a vice-regal residence for Alberta's first six Lieutenant Governors, he says.
Dormitory for Alaska Highway workers
After 1938 the house was leased as office space and a dormitory for workers during construction of the Alaska Highway, a major defense project during the Second World War.
For the last 50 years, the building has been used as a meeting place and conference centre. Robinson says during this time the house has seen visits from Pope John-Paul, heads of states and three generations of the Royal family.
One of the more famous stories is about Edward Prince of Wales, who visited back in 1919.
"He was known for taking his morning walk and, to the alarm of his security detail, the prince went missing," Robinson says.
He was eventually found in the basement kitchen preparing his own bacon and eggs.
She now sits on the volunteer board of the Government House Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving and showcasing the National Historic Site.
Blakey says the house is an "oasis of tranquility and thoughtfulness" steeped in history with a surprise around every corner.
The building is open to the public for free tours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. most Sundays and holiday Mondays, where visitors can hear fascinating stories and view beautiful works of art, she said.
If you want to see more from behind the scenes at Government House you can catch this week's edition of Our Edmonton.
Our weekly magazine show airs on Saturday at 10 a.m. Sunday at 11 a.m. and Monday at 4 p.m. on CBC TV.