The Janet Griesbach Statue, unveiled October 2, 2004, is a tribute to the wives and families who have supported Edmonton’s military personnel over the years, many of whom have lived in the former Griesbach Married Quarters. The statue was lovingly placed in this spot with a direct site line to her husband’s monument.
Janet Griesbach, (1878-1950), was born Janet Scott MacDonald in Scotland. Her family immigrated to Canada, settling in Edmonton in 1881 and building the town’s first bakery. At fourteen, Janet became Edmonton’s first telephone operator. In 1906, she married William Griesbach, a young lawyer, city alderman and citizen soldier. In the First World War Mrs. “Jenny” Griesbach moved to England to support her husband who was then commanding the 49th Battalion in France and Belgium. As well as supporting the families of soldiers who served under her husband, Janet was very active in the community throughout her life. She gave her energies to the Victorian Order of Nurses and was president of the Florence Nightingale Auxiliary.
In January 1915, Lieutenant Colonel W.A. Griesbach began recruiting an infantry battalion from the Edmonton area to support Canada’s war effort. After five months training the 49th Battalion shipped out to England by train. During a brief stop at Lestock, Saskatchewan, the Battalion was presented with a coyote pup, who was promptly adopted as the battalion’s mascot. Lestock, as the pup was named, accompanied the battalion to England where he was a favorite with Mrs. Janet Griesbach and the training soldiers. The statue of Janet Griesbach features Lestock curled up at her feet. When the battalion left for France, Lestock was given to London’s Regents Park Zoo where he lived for many years. The badge of The Loyal Edmonton Regiment – the 49th Battalion, still features Lestock, the Coyote, and the windmill of Flanders.
Canada Lands Company unveiled a plaque near the memorial in recognition of Janet Griesbach.
