Park Extension Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Park Extension is a neighborhood in the city of Montreal, Quebec. The area in known by locals as “Park X”. Many Greek immigrants settled in the neighborhood in the 1960s, 70’s and 80’s, from the Plateau Mont-Royal area and directly from Greece.  At one time the area was 70% Greek. Almost all the businesses along Jean Talon Street between L’Acadie and Park Avenue were Greek-owned in 1977 (over 100) whereas today, there are only a dozen left. Four Greek churches remain, catering to the predominantly older Greek residents who still live in the area.

On July 3rd, the park began celebrations to commemorate its 100 anniversary, an idea that was first brought to Park-Ex municipal councilor and member of the Montreal executive committee: Mary Deros , by the Park-Ex historical society’s president: Mary McCutcheon in 2010.

Mary Deros, who is a resident of the park since, 1969, said at its launch last year, ″This launch is only the beginning of the celebrations, ″ explains Mrs. Deros, ″in fact all the activities in the borough will have a 100th anniversary dimension and the borough will ensure that the anniversary feeling continues until the culmination of the festivities one year from now.″She added, ″ I invite all the citizens of Park Ex to join in the celebrations which will be announced throughout the year and I encourage them to participate in the spirit of the 100th anniversary by helping keep Park Ex clean. Let’s all be proud of Park Ex ″, concluded Mrs. Deros.

One year later, on June 4th, people were at the park to celebrate and particiapte in various activities and events. Some brought their old toys to show that in the past, children used to play carefree on the streets without computers and visual games that children prefer nowadays.

A photograph exhibition regarding the history of the Park Extension is going to be presented on 405 Ogilvy Avenue as part of the celebrations and will be exhibited until  December 12^th.