Government House: more than a backdrop for wedding photos

Marjorie Lilley's hands glide across the keys of the baby grand piano in the music room of Government House.

The 91 year oldis playing Sentimental Journey. The post-WWII tune became the unofficial homecoming theme for returning soldiersand Lilley remembers injured veterans requesting thesong on this very spot.

Then 19, shewould lead a weekly singsong.

Shenever accepted a Friday night datebecause 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 primaryfunctions ofthe houseover 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 residenceforAlberta'sfirst six Lieutenant Governors, hesays.

Dormitory for Alaska Highway workers

After 1938the housewas leased as office space and a dormitory for workers during construction of theAlaska Highway,a major defense project during the Second World War.

For the last 50 years,thebuildinghas beenused asa meeting place andconference centre.Robinson says during this time the house has seenvisits from Pope John-Paul, heads of states and threegenerations of the Royal family.

One of the morefamous 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 eventuallyfound in the basement kitchen preparinghis own bacon and eggs.

The house was designed byBrenda Blakey's great uncle, Richard Blakey.

She now sits on the volunteer board of the Government House Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving and showcasing theNational Historic Site.

Blakeysays the house is an "oasis of tranquility and thoughtfulness" steeped in history with a surprise around every corner.

The building isopen to the public for free tours from11a.m.to 4 p.m. mostSundays and holiday Mondays, where visitors canhear 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.