West of Chappelle Gardens lies the story of a family whose roots run deep in the land—both literally and figuratively. Freida Hiller, born into one of the first families to settle in Old Strathcona, grew up on a homestead farm where her ancestors had lived year-round. A love of nature, family, and community shaped her life, and today, that spirit endures in this special park.
Freida’s grandfather, Goetlieb Hiller, was among the first settlers in Strathcona in 1890. Raised in a tight-knit farming community, Freida attended Whitemud School until the eighth grade, where she discovered her love for basketball and learned essential homemaking and gardening skills from her mother. It was here that her passion for nurturing the land began, shaping her future.
Together with her husband, Freida built a nearly self-sufficient homestead where they raised three sons and twin daughters. The homestead was a beautiful blend of hard work and love for nature—flower gardens, fruit trees, and a thriving vegetable patch, alongside ducks, geese, and chickens. The Hillers sold cream and eggs to buy groceries, crafted quilts from sheep’s wool, and generously shared their harvest with neighbours and family.
Freida’s generosity became well-known as she shared produce from her garden and her kitchen skills with those around her. Holidays were filled with the simple joys of berry picking, from Saskatoons to blueberries, which she transformed into pies and jams to share. Her garden flourished with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, corn, and pumpkins, while her flower beds bloomed with irises, lilies, and snapdragons.
A Gift That Grew into a Legacy
In 1932, Freida and her husband received a special wedding gift— a Manitoba Pine seedling. With care and devotion, they planted it, never imagining it would grow into the towering Heritage Tree that stands strong today, a lasting symbol of a life well-lived.
Freida passed away in 1999, leaving behind a legacy of farming, homemaking, and love for the land. Yet, her memory endures. The century-old Manitoba Pine stands as a lasting symbol of family and community. A memorial bench, provided by the Hiller family, invites visitors to reflect and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
In 1961, the original family home was moved to make way for a new bungalow, which became a beloved landmark on the property. In 2006, the bungalow was relocated again to become the home of Freida’s granddaughter. Though Freida is no longer with us, her legacy remains deeply rooted in the community she helped shape.
The story of Freida’s love for the land comes full circle with the opening of Freida Hiller Park near Chegwin Wynd SW and 156 St. in Chappelle Gardens. A special event on September 14th marked its opening, welcoming residents and potential homebuyers to celebrate this unique piece of the community’s history.
Once Frieda’s homestead, the park is now a peaceful space for reflection and community gatherings, offering a deeper connection to South Edmonton’s history. It reminds us of the importance of nurturing our roots and relationships for generations to come. This park stands as a beautiful tribute to the Hillers' pioneering spirit and a testament to the enduring legacy of those who came before us.