Volume 24 Issue 2 Summer 2012
SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE
2012
Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Heritage Architecture Excellence AWARDS
3D Models Completed Without Visiting Here!
PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT #41484517
Saskatoon MHAC Awards
Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan HELPING HERITAGE HAPPEN
Heritage Partership Fund FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY-BASED HERITAGE INITIATIVES
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he process for member organizations of the Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan to apply for money to Help Heritage Happen in your community has been streamlined. Visit our website (www.ahsk.ca) to learn more. So, if you have a project that needs money to Help Heritage Happen in your community this spring or summer visit the website right away or call the office at 359-0933 or at 1-877-903-0933 toll-free.
Here's a brief description of each of the four grants. Heritage Site Consultant Report Grant (Maximum $1,000) Success with any conservation project depends on its viability. AHSS supports conservation through providing grants for professional services like structural analysis, architectural design, legal consultation, and construction cost analysis to provide building owners the opportunity to more accurately gauge the feasibility, cost, and methodology for site conservation and re-use.
Heritage Forums Grant (Maximum $1,500) This matching grant program is intended to help community-based organizations that are members of the Society to defray costs of hosting conferences, presentations, panel discussions, seminars, workshops, awards ceremonies, and other educational forums that encourage or empower people of the community or province to acknowledge, preserve and/or promote their built historic and cultural heritage.
Heritage Publications Grant (Maximum $1,500)
The dining room at Redmond House Bed & Breakfast & Dining Establishment in Maple Creek
This matching grant is intended to help community-based member organizations to defray the cost of printing materials that promote public interest in membership, local programs and activities.
Heritage Communications Grant (Maximum $200) This matching grant is intended to help the Society's community-based member organizations to defray the cost of printing brochures or programs that promote public participation in local forums like conferences, presentations, panel discussions, seminars, workshops, awards ceremonies, walking tours, and other educational forums that encourage or empower people of the community or province to acknowledge, preserve and/or promote their built historic and cultural heritage.
Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan HELPING HERITAGE HAPPEN
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SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE
To reserve your space, please contact AHSS Administration 202 - 1275 Broad Street, Regina, SK S4R 1Y2; Phone: 306-359-0933 or 1-877-431-1399 Toll free Email: sahs@sasktel.net
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MAGAZINE
is committed to controlling collection, use and disclosure of personal information provided by our readers.
Visit www.ahsk.ca for further details and applications.
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WORTH We may contact readers periodically, conducting market research in an effort to improve the magazine. Any person, family or organization may subscribe to WORTH free of charge by calling (306) 359-0933 or 1-877-903-0933 toll-free. Return undeliverable copies to: WORTH Magazine #202 – 1275 Broad St. Regina, Saskatchewan S4R 1Y2
SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE
2 012
Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan
Heritage Architecture Excellence AWARDS IN THIS ISSUE WORTH Magazine is published by the Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan (AHSS) Inc. Submissions to WORTH are welcomed. We reserve the right to edit copy for clarity and length. Copy submission deadlines: Spring edition: February 25 Summer Edition: May 15 Autumn Edition: August 15 Winter Edition: November 15 Editor: Design:
Joe Ralko b-creative group
VOLUME 24 ISSUE 2 Summer 2012
2012 Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Heritage Architecture Excellence AWARDS .............................................................................................................................4 Redmond House, Maple Creek… ...................................................................... 5 Bloodline Tattoo Company, Moose Jaw ........................................................... 6 The Binning Block, Moose Jaw ............................................................................ 7 Stone House, Moosomin........................................................................................ 8 All Saints Church of England, Cannington Manor...................................... 9 Saskatoon MHAC Award Winners.........................................................................11 3D Models of Saskatchewan......................................................................................12
© 2009 ISSN 1926-3198
25th Anniversary Photo Display at Government House ............................. 14 ON OUR COVER: All Saint's Church of England in Cannington Manor. Printed on FSC certified paper 50% recycled and 25% post-consumer recycled content. Acid and elemental chlorine free.
Another One Bites the Dust: The Life and Death of Regina's Black Block .....16 Heritage Volunteer Keith Knox Dead at 72 ....................................................... 20 In the News ...................................................................................................................... 24 History Built Brick by Brick...................................................................................... 26
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Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan
Heritage Architecture Excellence AWARDS THE ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE SOCIETY OF SASKATCHEWAN has recognized the efforts of owners, architects and contractors to preserve the province's built heritage through an awards program that began in 1996. The name of the program and even the name of the not-for-profit society have evolved over the years. Goals and objectives have remained the same – to help heritage happen across Saskatchewan. Her Honour the Honourable Vaughn Solomon Schofield was sworn-in as Saskatchewan's 21st Lieutenant Governor in the Legislative Chamber on Thursday, March 22, 2012. Soon after, she agreed to become the third lieutenant governor to be patron of the Society's prestigious awards. This year one project each from Cannington Manor, Maple Creek and Moosomin along with a pair from Moose Jaw was recognized.This brings the total number of projects to have achieved this honour since inception of the program across the province to 130. Dedicated to promotion, protection and preservation of Saskatchewan's built heritage for residents and visitors to our province, the Society has a province-wide membership of almost 400 individuals and is a federally-registered charity. There now are eight award categories. However, the adjudication committee continues to reserve the right not to have to bestow awards in each category every year.
Categories for Building Projects
Categories for Community Engagement
1. Exterior Restoration - preservation or restoration of a heritage exterior. 2. Interior Conservation - preservation or restoration of a heritage interior.
7. Education, Signage, Monuments & Interpretation - interpretive programs, publications, trails, signs and monuments.
3. Rehabilitation - sensitive and innovative solutions to functional and code compliance problems, retaining existing heritage character. 4. Adaptive Re-Use - sensitive upgrades and associated new construction consistent with original heritage character. 5. Sympathetic New Construction - sensitive in-fill, additions, signage, detailing and replicas. 6. Landscape, Engineering and Agricultural Works - conservation or rehabilitation of building related landscapes and/or utilitarian construction that may have architectural features.
Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan HELPING HERITAGE HAPPEN
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8. Long-Term Stewardship of a Heritage Property - This category was created in 2009 year to recognize continuing efforts by owners to maintain their heritage property.
ADAPTIVE RE-USE Redmond House Bed & Breakfast & Dining Establishment, 309 Marsh Street, Maple Creek
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edmond House was constructed in 1914 for Maple Creek businessman, William John Redmond, from plans prepared by Seattle architect, Victor W. Voorhees, Jr. who was known for his residential pattern books. Knut Knutson Vestol was the builder. The home was a cornerstone of Maple Creek's “Millionaire's Avenue.” Redmond was born in Toronto in 1879 and moved to Regina in 1899 where he joined the North-West Mounted Police. He was posted to Maple Creek and served until 1909. In 1902 he was one of a 24-man contingent selected to represent the force at the Coronation of King Edward VII in London. In 1909 Redmond purchased the Maple Creek News, which he published and edited until retiring in 1954. Redmond served several terms as Maple Creek's mayor from 1914 to 1935. He also served as official historian for the Maple Creek Oldtimers' Association for many years. After William John's death in 1957, the property was acquired by his son, Henry Lynn, and his wife Adeline, and remained in the Redmond family until 1972. Successive owners included Edward W. Burrows of Robsart, Michael and Judy Delorme, and Malcolm and Linda Rawlings. The current owner, Michael Morrow, acquired the property in 2011 and began interior renovations while retaining many of the home's original features such as doors, trim and hardware, plaster walls, original claw tub on the second floor, windows on main floor, stairwell, hardwood floors, original fuse box, stained glass window in
dining room, and newel post with original statue. While not original, a tin ceiling was added on the main floor to evoke the era. Over the years, Redmond House hosted many evening dinner parties so it is fitting that now, as a bed and breakfast and dining room, this character home is still used for birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings.
The rehabilitation of this fine home has demonstrated the viability of adapting this landmark to its current use and has contributed to maintaining the character of this historically significant part of Maple Creek. The owner is Michael Morrow. The contractor is Don Hudson of Hudson Works, Cochrane, Alberta. W
ŸPrepared by Ross Herrington
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2012 Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Heritage Architecture Excellence Awards
Sympathetic New Construction Bloodline Tattoo Company, 22 Main Street North, Moose Jaw
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lthough downtown Moose Jaw has long been recognized as one of Saskatchewan's premier heritage districts, there have been some occasional setbacks. One such calamity was a devastating New Year's Day fire that destroyed nearly half a block at the historic intersection of Main and River, leaving a number of empty lots that diminished the appeal of neighbouring buildings. It is therefore especially gratifying to see one of these lots come back to life with a new building. The new structure, a privatelyfinanced commercial development, is designed in a manner sympathetic to the surrounding older buildings. This is noteworthy. Some commercial developers are hesitant to build in heritage districts because they fear that the design restrictions or cost would be prohibitive. This project demonstrates that the opposite is true. The owner of this building knew that the heritage theme was a great marketing strategy. Bloodline Tattoo Company is part of the personal service sector and needed a high profile to distinguish it from competitors. The owner knew that by associating with the heritage district and adopting a heritage theme, his business would immediately become prominent, trendy and stylish. He developed a vision that expressed the image he wanted and prepared his own sketches and drawings to communicate that vision. He then worked with a local main street storefront design firm to develop the image in a manner compatible with the
surroundings. The result was a new building that makes a positive contribution to entire neighbourhood. The Main Street facade and signage were inspired by a turn-ofthe-last-century storefront with an entrance alcove and goose neck lamps. The colours and window proportions, costing no more than regular paint and windows, were however carefully selected to match those of other heritage buildings. The heritage theme was continued in the interior reception area, using decorative metal on a high ceiling, schoolhouse lights, classic oak trim and saloon-style doors to the work area. Although Moose Jaw's architectural guidelines are only recommended and not required, Bloodline Tattoo Company has shown leadership and creativity in the design and
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construction of their new building in the heritage district. This is an excellent example for other builders to follow. The awards committee was very pleased to see this fine example of private development, demonstrating that heritage is a valuable marketing strategy and not a hindrance to new construction. It is honoured in the category of Sympathetic New Construction. The owner is Chet Spriggs. The designer is Tilbury Architectural Services. The prime contractor is Cardinal Construction. W
타Prepared by Rod Stutt
Rehabilitation Folgizan Insurance Inc. – The Binning Block, 29 High Street West, Moose Jaw
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he Binning Block is one of the classic downtown commercial buildings in Moose Jaw's heritage district. Designed by architects Reilly, Dawson, Hancock and Reilly and constructed in 1914, it was at one time an elegant commercial building on one of Moose Jaw's most prestigious avenues. Since that time it has borne witness to much of Moose Jaw's history, serving as everything from an insurance company, to a church, a dental clinic, an athletic club, and an appliance store, reflecting the changing economic fortunes of the historic downtown. As with many other buildings in the area, it had seen better days. Too often these buildings are neglected until they are too run down to justify renovation and this building appeared to be headed that way. Often developers are hesitant to buy and renovate these heritage buildings, fearing two prevalent, but untrue, myths about heritage development. On one hand there is a concern that a heritage building is somehow expected to be frozen in time, hindering renovation, so that it cannot be changed, modernized or adapted to a commercially useful purpose. On the other hand, owners fear that they would have to make too many expensive renovations, restoring the building to an unrealistic better-than-new condition. In fact, heritage development guidelines are quite pragmatic. They anticipate that a building should reflect the passage of time, retaining parts of its past while simultaneously
being rehabilitated to remain viable a hundred years into the future. In order to make this building functional, the owners made many changes, gutting the interior back to the studs, moving the front entrance to the side to take advantage of adjacent parking, relocating the stairway to the back of the building and adding an elevator. Three skylights were removed and the deteriorated facade replaced. The entire electrical and plumbing system was replaced. New insulation was added. These changes were expensive and could only be justified because the building was being custom made for its new commercial purpose. However, reflecting a strong pride of ownership and citizenship, these dramatic changes were made with an eye to its heritage context.
The careful selection of new materials, the colours, and the proportions retained a vital heritage character and remade the building as a potent anchor to the historic streetscape. This is an excellent example of commercial private development, demonstrating that an older building provides an economically justifiable basis for investment and demonstrating that heritage renovation does not preclude common sense. This gives new life to the building, the street and the entire area. The committee was pleased to honour this building in the category of Rehabilitation. The owners are Doug and TheresaMarie Mintenko. The designers are Ingold Interior Design. The prime contractor is Bob Schultz of Sunwood Builders. Notable craftwork was done by Cushing Millwork. W
ŸPrepared by Rod Stutt
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2012 Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Heritage Architecture Excellence Awards
Interior Conservation Stone House, 202 Cook Road, Moosomin
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s demonstrated in the recent publication Legacy of Stone, many of Saskatchewan's most impressive stone buildings are located in the southeast portion of the province, and were erected before or shortly after the turn of the 20th century. In existence since 1882, Moosomin boasts a number of impressive stone residential and commercial buildings that are now well over a hundred years old. The residence at 202 Cook Road is one such structure. The stone work of this house is reminiscent of that found in several other mainline communities – highlighted by a random pattern of stone placement, complemented with pale yellow brick segmented arches and brick quoins at the corners. Similar quoins can be found at window and doorway surrounds - all a clear indication of this building's late 19th century origin. This 1 ½ storey residence is notable for several reasons, not the least of which is the mystery of who built and owned it. Reportedly constructed in 1885, no details for its first two decades of existence currently exist. Indeed, its first documented resident was Dr. Joseph Wark, a local physician, who lived there from 1906 until 1919. Then, came a 16 year hiatus. From 1945 to 1963 the house was owned by Andrew and Violet Wilson. Another interesting feature of this house is its low-pitched Cape Codstyle gable roof, which includes two large dormer windows. This is out of keeping with traditional 1880s architectural designs in western Canada, which generally sported steeper-pitched gable, mansard or hipped roofs.
The answer to this question is more readily found in the historical records, as Dick and Helen Cottingham, owners of the house from 1963 to 1994, removed the original mansard roof and replaced it with the current low-pitched structure. They also replaced the bay windows with large picture windows. Further repairs and renovations were made by Barry and Bonnie Dearle after they acquired the house in 1994. A third feature is evident by looking at the back of the house, which is virtually invisible during the summer months. The attractive stone work is then completely overgrown with ivy. Along with substantial additional shrubbery and trees, this grand old stone house all but disappears into a sea of many shades of green. As with any historic building, its long-term preservation depends on continual basic maintenance. Roofs need to be reshingled, wooden surfaces need to be repainted, and masonry work required repointing. If left undone for a prolonged period of time, more complex and costly repairs are inevitably required. In spite of the removal of the original roof and bay windows, the resi-
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dence has seen considerable periodic repair and maintenance, but by 2010 a key element – the stone foundation – needed significant work. Over the decades the mortar had gradually deteriorated. If left unaddressed, this would ultimately result in structural instability. At this point that the current owner – Judith Venaas - contracted CAP Masonry of Balgonie to restore the foundation's interior faces. During 2011 the firm cleaned out the loose and deteriorating mortar and repointed the entire interior face, thereby stabilizing that component of the foundation for decades to come. It also ensures that whenever restoration and reconstruction of the above ground stonework is required, that will be done on a sound and stable foundation. The awards committee was very pleased to see this seldom seen but most essential foundation restoration take place. It is honoured in the category of Interior Conservation. The owner is Judith Venaas The prime contractor and notable craftsperson is Charlie Pirie of CAP Masonry, Balgonie. W
ŸPrepared by Frank Korvemaker
Interior and Exterior Conservation All Saints Church of England, Cannington Manor, Sask.
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uilt of logs in Cannington Manor in 1884, it was dedicated All Saints Church of England the following year. This was the same year the Diocese of Qu'Appelle was created, and All Saints was the first diocese consecration by the first bishop. Local craftsmen had felled, sawed and carved Moose Mountain birch into Gothic-style window frames, an altar, pews and all the accoutrements of a correct Anglican church. By 1889, a tower with a handcarved Celtic cross was added, prompting Bishop Anson to write, “The little log church in the village has been well plastered and looks, with its low roof, tower, and cruciform ground plan, more like a little village Church of England than any other Church in the Diocese.” When the long-awaited railway was laid 17 kilometres south of Cannington Manor in 1900, however, the village around All Saints disappeared. But not All Saints itself. Today, in fact, it is the only original building in what is now Cannington Manor Provincial Park. But time had taken its toll and, when a crop of mushrooms was discovered within the sanctuary, its ravages could be ignored no longer. Therefore, with its designation as a Municipal Heritage Property and subsequent funding from the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation, a major rehabilitation began in 2010.
Removal of the 1930s concrete buttresses and foundation interventions tried the patience and perhaps the vocabulary required by a sacred space but both were necessary in order to pour a new foundation. Damaged Moose Mountain beams were also repaired or replaced, new cedar shingles were applied and the re-application of cosmetics such as plaster and paint ensured that the beloved little church would continue to inspire generations yet unborn. One hundred and twenty eight years after the first All Saints service
was held, regular summer services have resumed. Not only are the parishioners grateful, the Awards Committee is pleased to honour All Saints Anglican Church in the categories of Interior and Exterior Conservation. The owner is the Congregation of All Saints Anglican Church, Diocese of Qu'Appelle. The contractor is Jack Edinborough of Mossbank, Sask. The project manager is Leigh Robinson of Carlyle, Sask. W
ŸPrepared by Marg Hryniuk
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Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Solomon Schofield
Vaughn Solomon Schofield has had a successful career in business and has provided leadership to international, national, and provincial organizations. Ms. Solomon Schofield is a strong supporter of the Canadian Forces. She served as the Provincial Chair of the Canadian Forces Liaison Council and is currently the Honourary Lieutenant Colonel of 38 Service Battalion. In acknowledgement of her many contributions, she was awarded the prestigious Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service. In the 1980s, Ms. Solomon Schofield was Chair of the Board for a 200,000 member crime prevention organization. She travelled throughout North and South America to establish Crime Watch groups. Fluent in English and Spanish, Ms. Solomon Schofield worked with the government of Guayaquil, Ecuador to establish their Crime Watch group and acted as an interpreter.
She also hosted a Crime Prevention talk show in Fort Lauderdale, and was twice voted Florida's Crime Prevention Woman of the Year. Ms. Solomon Schofield received the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal in 2009, the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal in 2005, and is the Chancellor of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit. She was sworn in as Saskatchewan's 21st Lieutenant Governor on March 22, 2012. Her Honour was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan and was educated at the University of Saskatchewan Regina Campus and The Rae-Vogue School in Chicago, where she earned a degree in Fashion Merchandising. She and her husband Gordon Schofield have a home in the Town of Regina Beach. Their daughter Dr. Whitney Wignall is a pediatric dentist and lives with her husband Simon and their two sons in Maine. Their son George Solomon Schofield has a degree in Business Administration and is the Mayor of Regina Beach. W
Source: www.ltgov.sk.ca
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Saskatoon MHAC 2011-2012 Award Winners The City of Saskatoon's Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee has announced the winners of the 2011- 2012 Municipal Heritage Awards. “We are fortunate in Saskatoon to have many companies and talented individuals working to preserve the heritage we are so proud of,” said Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee Chair Dave Denny. “Without their efforts, the unique history and character of our city might be slowly forgotten.” The award winners in each category were:
RestorationInterior
Heritage Space
E.A. Davies Building – 1031 Idylwyld Drive North Presentation was made to Edwards Edwards McEwen Architects, Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Services, SIAST, and Quorex Construction Services Ltd.
University of Saskatchewan – CORE CAMPUS Presented to the University of Saskatchewan.
Adaptive Re-Use
Education
Arthur Cook Building – 306 Ontario Avenue Presentation was made to North Ridge Development Corporation, Stantec Architecture Ltd., Rempel Engineering, and Key West Engineering Ltd.
Ms. Ruth Millar was honoured in the education category in recognition of number and quality of books that she authored on heritage subjects in Saskatoon, and served as a mentor for many in the heritage community in Saskatoon.
Sensitive Infill
Volunteer Public Service
Ehman – Bertolini Residence – 910 - 5th Avenue North Presentation was made to John Bertolini and Amy Jo Ehman; David Hutton, Designer.
Ms. Joan Halmo earned the Volunteer Public Service award in recognition of her commitment to the restoration of Trounce House and Gustin House.Their provincial heritage designation was directly a result of her tireless work.
“While it is sometimes difficult to pick a winner among so many great applicants, we are certainly honoured to acknowledge the best achievements among the nominees,” Denny said. The Saskatoon MHAC recognitions are announced every two years.
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Models of Saskatchewan Done Without Ever Visiting Here! By Joe Ralko
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onathan Stevenson is an aerospace engineer who grew up St. John's, Newfoundland, lives in Montreal and has produced one of the most extensive portfolios of 3D models of Saskatchewan buildings on the Internet. “One of the unique things about creating 3D models for GoogleEarth is that anyone, anywhere can do it,” he said in an interview for Worth magazine. “For example, I have never set foot in Saskatchewan, yet I've now created about 90 plus models there!” Stevenson began creating 3D models about three years ago, and began with a very historical iconic structure. “My first project was the Tower of Pisa. My model is still the “incumbent” there in GoogleEarth,” he recalled. “But most of my models until last year were buildings located in my hometown of St.John's, in partic-
ular the downtown area and my old alma mater Memorial University of Newfoundland.” Even in St.John's, he tended to create models of historical places such as Signal Hill and the Cape Spear National Historic Park. About a year ago, Stevenson began dating a woman who was from Prince Albert (PA). “She suggested I look at doing 3D models of some of the more historical buildings in Prince Albert, like the old City Hall, Keyhole Castle, that sort of thing.” Stevenson explained. “The first one I did was a unique McDonald's in the shape of a barn! But my next building was the old Firehouse, which now is the Historical Society Museum in PA. This attracted the attention of Gregg Babish (See p. 6, Spring 2012, Worth), who saw my work and asked if I'd like to join the Modeling Saskatche-
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Prince Albert Fire Hall
Jonathan Stevenson
wan project. The rest as they say is history!” Stevenson portfolio of over 80 buildings in Prince Albert includes most of the downtown core, iconic historical buildings such as the Courthouse, Keyhole Cas-
tle, the Firehouse, City Hall (both original and modern) and several churches. He's produced 3D models of built structures in Duck Lake, Indian head and Saskatoon as well. “My best model in Saskatchewan is the Bessborough Hotel in Saskatoon,” he said. “It was a natural project for me since I had done the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa which is quite similar.” Stevenson has enjoyed his Saskatchewan experience. “The Model Saskatchewan Project has been an
Key Hole Castle – Prince Albert
opportunity for me to learn much about a province which, up until a year ago, I knew very little. Now I feel almost as if I've virtually visited there. I am certainly very familiar with downtown Prince Albert! “ He'd always been drawn to heritage or at least historical buildings so his involvement in the Modeling Saskatchewan project was a natural transition. “It's been VERY educational for me and I feel quite blessed and honoured to help out another province in this way. It's truly a great way to remind everyone that we are all Canadians and should share our heritage in a collective way.” The GoogleEarth 3D modeling project is a unique way to create a virtual archive - a record, of heritage properties. “Once a 3D model is made and visible in GoogleEarth, anyone in the world can literally “walk the town” and see the building in situ – in a way that a picture just can't do. And the 3D model is now stored securely in an electrical archive that is accessible worldwide,”
Stevenson said. “So, it's great publicity and a wonderful way to preserve the Saskatchewan's built heritage”. There was one key lesson learned from the Model Saskatchewan project, he said. “It's very important to get the assistance and support of local people, especially to fill in the local, historical knowledge of certain sites and buildings,” Stevenson said. “My experience is it's easy to find information on the very old sites around the world (on Wikipedia, for example) but not so much on anything less than 100 years old in small cities or towns. It's also very handy to have some “local eyes on the ground” to take enhanced photos. Trees and foliage can block views of buildings through Streetview, so people can provide real life context. “I've made several very good local contacts in Saskatchewan, particularly Prince Albert, over this year and I hope to someday have the opportunity to visit these places in person, and hopefully meet some of
Bessborough Hotel – Saskatoon
these helpful contacts!” Stevenson, whose work also includes historical landmarks in Ottawa such as the National War Memorial and the Supreme Court of Canada building, has several 3D projects on the go. “I'm back doing some models in St.John's, but I also plan to finish the
downtown area of Prince Albert – in particular the churches there,” he said. “I'm also doing a unique project – the Giant Pysanka (easter egg) in Vegreville, Alberta! I just did the Indian Head statue in Indian Head so the 'Egg' seemed a logical other “unique” model to try!” W
i-xl ad here
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25
Anniversary Photo Display
th
th
To learn more about the history and heritage of these built structures, visit the 25 anniversary photo display
Casino Regina
RCMP Chapel - Regina
Holy Trinity Church - Stanley Mission
Red Cross Outpost - Paddockwood
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at Government House
Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan HELPING HERITAGE HAPPEN
of the Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan at Government House during the month of June.
Bell Barn - Indian Head
Land Titles Building - Saskatoon
St. Peter’s Abbey - Muenster
Danceland - Manitou
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Another One Bites the Dust: The Life and Death of Regina's Black Block
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n January 23rd 2012, an application for approval of a demolition permit for the 107-yearold Westland Building (formerly known as the Black Block) in downtown Regina went before Regina City Council. Council allowed demolition to proceed, but not without controversy. Regina was facing a low-income rental housing crisis and the removal of the Black Block's 46 decidedly low-income suites was widely viewed as exacerbating the problem. Eight delegations appeared before Council that night in attempt to save the building. Only University of Regina associate professor Garson Hunter spoke (very briefly) about the building's historical pedigree. Thus, the debate over the fate of the building was publicly framed
as a social housing issue, not a heritage issue. Council was advised by the city solicitor's office that it was obligated to issue the demolition permit. "To do otherwise could be held to be an unreasonable interference with the inherent property rights of the owner." The big machinery moved in on April 1st, 2012 and a month later, the building was gone. A Century or So Ago When Henry Black arrived in Regina in 1903, the city had 3,000 residents. By 1911, the population had increased ten-fold to 30,000. Black successfully established himself as a house builder and commercial contractor. By 1905, he had acquired prime commercial land in
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downtown Regina on the east side of the 1700 block of Hamilton Street, just south of the CPR station He erected a three-story block on the property, with store fronts on the ground floor and suites on the top two storeys. The Black Block, as it was known, was up and running by 1907. Early commercial tenants included architects Storey and Van Egmond, the CPR Telegraph Office, The Trader's Bank, Glasgow's Watch Repair, and Henry Black and his brother, Dr. John C. Black. In the aftermath of the 1912 tornado that destroyed a large swath of the city and claimed 33 lives, the city asked Dr. John Black to direct the medical recovery effort from his office in the Black Block. Four years after completing the 'Old' Black Block, Henry Black built the 'New' Black Block to the south of the existing structure. Early Regina architect Sidney Tripp was a tenant in 1915. Other tenants included the Modern Fish Market, the Savannah Cigar Store, the Bon Ton Millinery Store, Dominion Piano Company, Tip Top Tailors and the Irish Linen Store. The Third Black Block In 1925, Regina architectural firm Reilly, Warburton & Reilly drew up plans for a two-story addition to the Black Block.
In the aftermath of the Following the addition's completion in 1926, the building had 77 suites and three more prime Hamilton Street storefronts. Early tenants of the new addition included the Marcel Studio hair salon and the Capital Pool Room, where many a young Regina male learned key lessons in the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Western Furs also moved into space at the south end of the block – a spot it would occupy for more than 50 years. In the late 1940s, Henry Black's son, architect Ken Black, took over the third floor of the north part of the building. The Residential Tenants Over the course of 107 years, thousands of people called the Black Block home. Looking back on the records, one of the most tumultuous eras was postWWII – when there was a serious housing shortage in the city. Prospective tenants faced a two or three-year wait to get any kind of rental accommodation. Dozens of people wrote to Henry Black every year, begging for even a small bachelor suite in the building. The Provincial Mediation Board regularly denied applications for rent
1912 tornado that destroyed a large swath of the city and claimed 33 lives, the city asked Dr. John Black to direct the medical recovery effort from his office in the Black Block. increases in an economic climate where the annual inflation rate in 1949 was in excess of 5.5 per cent. At the same time that Black was answering letters from desperate people clamouring for any kind of rental accommodation, his existing tenants were sending him letters, clearly indicating that they were dissatisfied with those same suites. Paying It Forward: the Black Block Becomes the Westland Building In the early 1920s, following a brief, unsuccessful attempt at homesteading, a young Ukrainian immigrant named Benjamin Sharp arrived in Regina and set up business going door-to-door with a horsedrawn cart selling fresh produce. He also ran an outdoor produce stall in Regina's Market Square.
In 1927 the City decided that the pedlars' horses were unsanitary and Sharp and the other pedlars suddenly needed a new business plan. Sharp approached Henry Black for advice. Black and his brother, Dr. John Black, loaned Sharp money to build a permanent structure for the pedlars the Regina Public Market Building – a one-story brick structure that stood at the south-east corner of Broad Street and the old 10th Avenue intersection. The loan to Benjamin Sharp turned out to be an astute investment - the business flourished (although needing a bit of extra help from Henry Black during the height of the depression) and some 55 years later, Benjamin Sharp's son Jack bought the Black Block and Henry Black's other Regina properties from the Black family. An eye-catching façade was added and the building continued to provide a downtown location to business such as Western Cycle, Hatton's Music and Western Furs as well as critical low-income housing for hundreds of Regina residents until 2012, 107 years after its construction. W
ŸPrepared by Don Black,
grandson of Henry Black
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Battlefords Opera House Project Applauded by Architectural Group
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who has announced he will not be run- House project for the AHSS directors, he Battleford Opera House ning for re-election in 2012, has esstarting with how the once-central project was on the agenda tablished a reputation as one based part of Battleford's community life for the annual meeting Saton concerted efforts to attract new fell into disuse after a fire in 1965. urday of the Architectural Heritage business to Battleford. But it will also The Opera House, the upper floor Society of Saskatchewan (AHSS). be known as one in which the archiof the classically-inspired town hall Meeting in North Battleford, directectural history of Battleford became building constructed in 1912, had tors of provincial group celebrating once been the cultural centre for the its 25th anniversary this year heard a integral to its growth. At Saturday's meeting, Odishaw community – a place to hold such presentation from Battleford mayor fleshed out the story of the Opera events as school plays, high school Chris Odishaw regarding the resgraduations, live theatre, musical toration of the Opera House, a Mutalent nights, Christmas concerts, nicipal Heritage Property, and dances and firemen's banquets. Battleford's plan to make it the But, by the time of the fire, schools first place visitors to the town will had begun adding their own gymwant to see. nasiums and community halls had To date, the project has seen the been built by various groups Town Hall's roof restored to its throughout the town, putting the original arched shape from a more Opera House in a position of not recent sloped roof renovation, needed� when it came time to dealong with an upgrade in energy cide whether or not to repair the efficiency. It was this phase of the damage. project Municipal Heritage PropThe council of the day, said erty that earned an AHSSNorth Battleford mayor Ian Hamilton (left) and Odishaw, saw no need to spend the initiated award for the Town of Battleford mayor Chris Odishaw (right) help Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan president $10,000 it would have then cost to Battleford and Rajani Blaser Al Gill celebrate the society's 25th anniversary at its bring the Opera House back up to Mannix Architecture. annual general meeting in North Battleford. safety codes, and it was closed up. The mayoral tenure of Odishaw, Photo by Jayne Foster 18 | WORTH: SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE
When he first walked into Town Hall as the new mayor six year ago, having successfully campaigned on the premise of running the town “like a business,” the Opera House was nothing but a fascinating legend to Odishaw. He wasn't even aware it was actually located in the town hall building. When he was invited to take a tour of the Opera House, he found himself in a large open space with a soaring seven metre-high ceiling, prominent stage, and round-arch windows that made the hair stand up on his arms. And when the fire escape door was opened and the he saw the vista of the river valley below, his vision as mayor began changing. It started moving toward “balance” and “legacy,” and how the restoration of the Opera House could bring those things into his vision. Still, the businessman in him knew it was necessary to “pick up on the business case,” as well if the Opera House was once again going to become an integral part of the community. While councils of the past have considered the possibility of refurbishing the Opera House, the cost to taxpayers to bring the facility up to fire and safety codes seemed greater than the payoff. A study done in 1979 indicated that in order to meet safety codes, as well as bring the Opera House up to a standard that could compete with other facilities, fully a third of the space would have been lost to kitchen, washrooms and a new staircase. That, said Odishaw, would have made it into something other than what the space was intended to be. Some other way of making it happen would have to be found. So, he took his first three months of salary as mayor, and retained design engineer Jeff Mannix of Rajani Blaser Mannix Architecture, to put
Directors of the Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan review photos of heritage projects throughout the province at their annual general meeting in North Battleford. Photo by Jayne Foster
These are the kinds of projects the AHSS aims to support, and they continue to look for ways they can provide that support. together a plan that revolved around an auxiliary building providing the space for entry, an elevator, kitchen and washrooms, plus an observation deck from which could be seen 27 historic sites of the area. The current council got behind this new vision and the project was launched. Direct taxation of the community was replaced by fundraising initiatives, including the sale of a special edition of art prints, and applying for whatever grants might be available to that type of project. The first phase of the project is complete, and now community input is being gathered in order to make the most of the Opera House's possibilities and ensure its sustainability. Odishaw said, “We are building a complete business plan around it.” There has been a great deal of support and interest in the project, said Odishaw. Even visitors from Australia have gone home with pieces of the art from the fundraising campaign, and the great-grandson of the origi-
nal builder plans to hold a family reunion there once it is opened, he said. AHSS directors were also interested in Odishaw's initiative to have new and old construction in Battleford relate to its architectural heritage. He told the story of transforming an historic, but ugly, building on the town's main street with an historically appropriate façade, and how other businesses have followed suit. AHSS president, Al Gill, commended Odishaw on the Opera House project and thanked him for sharing the methods that have been undertaken to make the project possible. These are the kinds of projects the AHSS aims to support, and they continue to look for ways they can provide that support. The directors agreed to provide a letter of support for use in the next application that will be made to the federal government for funding. And they happily agreed to accept the donation of a plasma television from Odishaw's business, Battleford Furniture, for use as a prize in video promotion being put together for posting on the Internet's YouTube and Facebook. W
ŸBy Jayne Foster, Associate Writer
The Battlefords News-Optimist Reprinted courtesy of the Battlefords News-Optimist
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25 & COUNTING Plans are being developed by the Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan to celebrate its first quarter century of helping heritage happen. “We need your help,” said Joe Ralko, editor of Worth magazine. “We want to make 2012 a memorable year for the society and our publication.” Ralko said the editorial line-up for next year being developed will include regular features on architects, developers, property owners and individuals who were bestowed with awards over the years. “To make this memorable, we want people to contact us about lessons learned over the years from their projects,” he said. “Please contact the AHSS office by phone or email so I can begin lining up interviews, contributions and most importantly 'then and now' photographs to track the changes over the years.”
Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan HELPING HERITAGE HAPPEN
Heritage Volunteer Keith Knox Dead at 72
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hen death knocked, Keith Knox replied in a typically unconventional way: by agreeing to a pre-funeral wake at Bushwakker's with family and friends, and the spirited little Knox as the special guest – mere weeks before the death he knew was coming. That done, the Regina-born and raised Knox, a dedicated volunteer with a keen interest in local history, died May 6 from mesothelioma, a cancer associated with exposure to asbestos. “In the end, he was visited by so many people,” said his son, Rob Knox. “Everyone got to see him; it was a really nice thing. Up to the night before he passed, he was still talking about it.” After learning in February that his disease was terminal, he “refused chemo as it would not have changed the inevitable outcome,” sister Evelyn Rogers said in an email, adding, “He remembered everything he ever learned – a walking computer – but more than that, he was fun to be with!” The longtime staffer at the Consumers Co-operative Refinery was 72 when he died. Over the years, he was president of the Saskatchewan History & Folklore Society Inc., Transport 2000 Saskatchewan, the Regina Astronomical Society and the Regina Plains Museum – in which capacity he kept things lively with a string of practical jokes – like bringing to its display on washroom technology a sponge on a stick, offering it as an example of vintage toilet paper. He was also a founding chair or member of the city's transit advisory committee, the Regina Lyric Light Opera Society, Biographies Regina, the Bell Barn Society of Indian Head,
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Keith Knox received the Lieutenant Governor’s Volunteer Medal in 2006. Heritage Quarterly Magazine Autumn 2007
the Regina Male Voice Choir plus the local branches of the Monarchist League of Canada, the Canadian Aviation Historical Society, Heritage Regina, the Saskatchewan Architectural Heritage Society and the Saskatchewan Archaeological Society. He also served as the Saskatchewan governor for Heritage Canada. “His sense of humour was great – but so was his knowledge of Regina,” said Christa Donaldson, former executive director of the museum. “He seemed to know everything. Keith was there and he loved to talk to people ... it's a tragic loss.” His volunteer work was saluted in 2006 with the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal from the lieutenantgovernor and a provincial centennial medal in 2005. Predeceased by parents Bruce and Muriel Knox, who were also keenly interested in local history, and by his wife, he is survived by his sister, and sons Rob and James, plus their families. W
ŸBy Will Chabun, The Leader-Post May 7, 2012. Copyright 2012 The Leader-Post. Reprinted with permission.
~R emember W hen ~
1996 Award Recipient: Saskatoon Land Titles Building Adapted For Re-Use
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he former Land Titles Building in downtown Saskatoon, constructed during the building boom of 1909, is the oldest provincial government building in Saskatoon and has been the offices of the Brayford Shapiro law firm since 1994. During it's tenure as a Land Titles building from 1910 to 1959 only four individuals served as registrar. Gust Fournier, who was an assistant registrar, was probably the most interesting characters who worked in the building. He came west at the age of 17 and worked for a number of years at Batoche, including during the era of the Northwest Resistance of 1885. From there, Fournier worked for the Massey Harris Company and eventually ended up working with the provincial government, starting in 1909. Fluent in French, Cree and English, he was an extremely valuable staff member during a busy period of history. In 1909, Fournier worked at the Battleford Land Titles and then moved to Saskatoon, Humboldt and back to Saskatoon for the opening of the new building. By 1910 the Land Titles staff in Saskatoon was handling on average 100 claims per day. Every day, during the boom years, the staff would open the door to a large crowd of men who were waiting to get in and make their land title claim. Many of the claims then changed hands on the steps of the building in land swaps. From 1959 to 1994 the building was home to a variety of provincial government departments. The interior was renovated with each subsequent department arrival. In 1994 the building was bought by lawyers Mark Brayford and Dan Shapiro. Yet, long before ever purchasing the site Mark Brayford had his assistant mark a file “Land Titles Building” in hopes that some day he would purchase it. Under the guidance of architect Darrel Epp the interior of the building was gutted and renovated. Many key architectural features that had been hidden were discovered and highlighted. The renovation allowed for modern function but also restored it to its former grandeur. “The potential reuse of this building was easy to see despite the unfortunate
modifications due to function that had happened over the years,” Brayford said. “Unfortunately, in the last half of the century the community at large was not cognizant of the fact that heritage buildings could become fully functional. It is a sad commentary on how buildings are built today that none of them will see a century of use.” Despite hectic work hours he does remember to look around and appreciate the uniqueness and permanence of the Land Titles Building. Storey & Van Egmond, the architects who designed the Land Titles building in Saskatoon, are credited with designing more than 40 schools and government buildings through the province as well as the Saskatoon Court House. Contractors were Smith Bros and Wilson who also built the Hotel Saskatchewan in Regina, the Bessborough Hotel just down the block from the Land Title Buildings and did a large amount of work on the University of Saskatchewan campus. A major addition in 1911 increased the size of the building by two thirds of its original capacity. Three other buildings in the province bear similar style to this building. One of the features that set this building apart from the others is the fact that a good portion of 21st Street was built during the boom years in Saskatoon and this is one of many fine buildings that remain. Because it was a Land Titles Building, the structure was built of solid brick masonry. The core and inside walls are cement. This was done to prevent fire from destroying the records and has made the building extremely stable. This 55 x 35 one storey building has strong symmetrical lines and incorporates a
number of classical elements in the building design from the Romanesque Revival period. The addition a year after design does not distract from the building because it carried over all the design elements and merely turned the building from an L to a T shape. This was the most elaborate of the four Provincial Land Titles buildings constructed soon after Saskatchewan entered confederation and a great deal of money was spent on a stylish interior. Arched windows had decorative keystones cut around them and the marble staircases and wainscoting showcased an elaborate wrought iron handrail. The 17-foot plaster ceilings and the rolled tile windows allow each room to feel big even if the dimension of the room is not. Today, the Land Titles building still conveys the strength, permanency and good order as the architects had intended by housing law offices. The former Land Titles Building, located at 311, 21st Street East in Saskatoon, was designated a Provincial Heritage Site in 1985. W
ŸReprinted from Building Our Future: A People's Architectural History of Saskatchewan (2005) by Joe Ralko
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100 years of built history T I-XL Masonry Supplies Ltd.
he story of I-XL spans 100 years and is synonymous with the built history of the Prairies and Western Canada. November 2012 marks the 100th Anniversary of I-XL. Throughout this time the company has evolved to become a leading distributor of a wide range of masonry products in Western Canada. In the early years the I-XL name was known mainly on the Canadian prairies as a producer of red pressed brick. This brick was used extensively in the prairie regoin. Over the decades, the product lines expanded widely and the the company adapted it's manufacturing processes to continually improve the quality of Clay Masonry products. I-XL Brick has been used throughout North America on buildings from New York to Seattle, and from Montreal to Vancouver. I-XL Brick has even found its way to numerous projects in Japan. Throughout its history, I-XL has a strong connection to Saskatchewan, having operated three clay products plants in the province and sourcing it best clays near Eastend. The I-XL presence continues today with I-XL Masonry Supplies showrooms across Western Canada and outlets in Regina and Saskatoon which distribute a broad range of quality masonry products. The story of I-XL begins with Hudson Bay Company fur trader James Hargrave. After his last posting at Cumberland House on the Saskatchewan River, he pursued an opportunity created by the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. In 1883 he set up trading tents at Medicine Hat and another at Fort Carlton, often taking cattle in trade for goods. The historic JH ranch was established for these cattle on the Alberta-Saskatchewan border in 1887 is still in the family. With a building boom across the West in the early part of the 20th century, there was a huge demand for brick. There were already other brick companies in Redcliff
and Medicine Hat,Alberta, taking advantage of the cheap natural gas and abundant red-burning clay. Seeing an opportunity, Hargrave teamed up with a young businessman from Montreal, Herb Sissons, to build another brick-works in the Town of Redcliff.The Redcliff Pressed Brick Company Limited, incorporated on November 16, 1912. By 1913, the new plant was producing red pressed brick under the supervision of experienced brick-maker Arthur Wood-
Press operator
cock, originally from Minnesota. The first big project was St.Theresa's Academy in Medicine Hat and the brick were hauled across the prairie by horse and sled from the plant. At this time, the clay was mined underground, milled in a drypan, screened and fed to mechanical brick presses. From the presses, the brick was set by hand in the rectangular down draft kilns. The last firing of these kilns was in 1981 as tunnel kilns had replaced them, beginning in the 1960s.
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In 1916, Herb Sissons married James Hargrave's daughter Lissa, and the business truly became a family affair. The First World War years were difficult for the company as the Canadian economy slowed and men went off to serve in military endeavours in Europe. In 1920, the famous I-XL trade mark was adopted and imprinted into the frog of the pressed brick. I-XL means “I excel or do well”, an early commitment to quality. In the late 1920's a booming construction market led to the purchase of the Medicine Hat Brick and Tile in 1929. This plant was established in 1886 by David Corbin and Ben McCord, and it was the oldest of the area brick yards and probably the first west of Manitoba. Brick from the first production were used to build John Ewart's house in Medicine Hat, still standing today, one of the oldest brick houses in Western Canada and a listed historic site and an excellent example of early town architecture. After its early start as a soft mud brick yard, the Medicine Hat plant switched to dry pressing in 1904 and by 1913 to the extrusion process, specializing in wirecut common brick and hollow building tile. The “Dirty Thirties” on the prairies were difficult years for the plants resulting in long periods of shut down. Herb Sissons would travel from town to town across the prairies, visiting lumber yards, trying to scrape together enough orders to fire up the kilns. In 1935, James Hargrave, fur trader, pioneer rancher, merchant and industrialist, and chairman of the board since 1912, passed away. The post Second World War period revived demand and soon the plants were humming again. In 1944, the company acquired Redcliff Premier Brick, a neighbouring plant. Discovery of new clay resources in the Cypress Hills of Alberta and Saskatchewan led to development of the first buff colour brick in the late 1940s.
Hand setting in kiln
In 1949, at the same time as this important technical development, Herb Sissons died unexpectedly. It was left to his sons Gordon,Tom and Jack to take over the company and carry it into a new era in brick-making. The 50's, 60's and 70's were a period of unprecedented expansion in the western economy and the demand for building materials grew at a steady rate. In 1959, the Company entered into an agreement to operate the historic pressed brick plant at Claybank, Saskatchewan near Moose Jaw. This plant specialized in a brick blend known as Teepee Mocha, most famously used in the Catholic Diocese buildings in Gravelbourg. Today the Claybank plant is a National Historic site. During this time of unprecedented
HJS and sons
MHBT c 1927
growth, the Company responded quickly to increasing demand for masonry products by adding tunnel kilns and automatic handling equipment to increase manufacturing capacity. Plants in Edmonton, Regina,Winnipeg,Abbotsford and Estevan were either acquired or built. The clay sewer pipe product line was added in 1954 in through construction of a new plant in Medicine Hat and became an important product. The Western Clay Products plant at Pinkie, just west of Regina, was acquired in 1966 and produced sewer pipe, flue liners and brick. In 1995, Estevan Brick joined the I-XL organization. In 1980, another generation was added to the family enterprise as Clayton, Graham and Malcolm Sissons joined their fathers in managing the business. Some
difficult times followed in the 80's as an economic downturn coincided with the introduction of plastic sewer pipe and prefabricated metal fireplaces, technical changes that dramatically impacted sales of clay products. Over the past thirty years, I-XL has built a network of masonry products distribution branches across Western Canada and is the only specialist distributor of brick, stone and masonry accessories with branches in all four Western provinces. The Regina branch dates back to 1982 and the Saskatoon branch to 1995. In June 2010, the same sudden flood that cut the CPR line and TransCanada Highway in southern Saskatchewan also inundated the brick plant in Medicine Hat. Damage to electrical equipment and the kilns was so extensive that the board decided not to rebuild the plant. However, the site has become part of the active operations of the Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Historic District and will become an interpretive centre for brick-making in the near future. The future is bright at I-XL, a company that has survived a hundred years of boom and bust in Western Canada. The focus is now on providing the highest quality masonry products such as brick and stone to the construction industry. These products are backed by I-XL's strong standards of service and experience of one hundred years. W
타By Kim Digney, Regina Technical Sales
Representative, I-XL Masonry Supplies Ltd.
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IN THE NEWS
Conviction for Pathetic Act Joey Michael Yates, who was involved in setting fire to the historic grain elevator in Fleming, Saskatchewan two years ago, has been sentenced to serve two years less a day and ordered to pay $30,000. Two other men are still before the courts. The elevator was built in 1895 and had
2012 Youth Heritage Fair
just been restored by
The 2012 Saskatchewan Youth Heritage Fair Association (SYHFA) showcase was held in Moose Jaw just a few weeks ago. Worth magazine will publish a feature and photographs on the annual event in the Autumn edition to help the SYHFA generate interest in youth heritage fairs when children return to the class room from their summer vacation.
local residents for use as an interpretive centre.
ŸSource: CBC News Saskatchewan
2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan Al Gill, President, Regina Brian Bell,Vice President, Moose Jaw Richard Hiebert, North Battleford Terry Sinclair, Regina
Become a Society Member. The Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan encourages, supports and rewards meaningful conservation of our built heritage. Any person, enterprise or community-based organization may apply to become a full and active member of AHSS for an annual membership fee of just $20. Fees help the Society communicate with members and provide grant funding for community-based programs and projects across Saskatchewan. To join simply complete and mail to AHSS, 202 -1275 Broad St, Regina, SK S4R 1Y2 or visit www.ahsk.ca for information under “Join”.
Michelle Taylor, Prince Albert Rod Stutt, Moose Jaw
Yes, I/we want to become a member of AHSS
Jayne Remenda, Prince Albert Yes, I/we want to receive WORTH Magazine free
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Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan HELPING HERITAGE HAPPEN
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s
In the early 1890s, the residents of Moose Jaw looked at their river in spring flood and were convinced that if the water was collected and harnessed, Moose Jaw might easily become an industrial centre of the Northwest Territories. The upshot was a plan for a high storage dam to hold back sufficient spring runoff to drive a large waterwheel which in turn would generate ample horsepower for local industry. “When Moose Jaw waterpower is ready for use and action,” said one promoter,“the first factory that will be set in motion will be an electrical works from which power will be transmitted to an electric light station, a grist mill, a creamery, a cheese factory, a printing press, a compressed brick factory, railway manufacturing and repair shops ...” In early 1894, the waterpower advocates, backed by the town council and Board of Trade, engaged an engineer to survey the river valley to determine the feasibility of the plan. His report indicated that a dam 80 feet high and 1,300 feet in length presented no engineering difficulties. He estimated the project would generate 1,000 horsepower for 24 hours daily throughout the year and that the probable overall cost would be in the neighbourhood of $100,000. But who was going to pay for the project? The waterwheel backers said that most of the financial responsibility rested at the door of the federal government and the CPR since they were the original owners of the two sections of land which comprised the Moose Jaw town site. They had made money selling lots to the settlers and were exempt from local taxation on the large blocks of unsold lots which continued to increase in value as the town grew.
Moose Jaw Once Had Dreams of Waterpower ~ By Leith Knight, Moose Jaw Historian ~ At a public meeting called by the Board of Trade to discuss the scheme, a committee was appointed to travel to Ottawa and Montreal to press the government and the CPR for a grant in lieu of those tax exemptions. In response to the delegates' visit to Ottawa, the government sent an engineer,A. St. Laurent, to Moose Jaw in September 1894, to survey the watercourse of Moose Jaw Creek, but it wasn't until midDecember when Mayor Charlie Gass heard from the government through the office of the Minister of the Interior. “I am directed by the Minister,” a secretary wrote,“to inform you that while he does not see his way to asking Parliament for a grant in aid of the scheme, he is of the opinion that the construction of the proposed dam is an enterprise which would very much enhance the value of all property in the town and is, therefore deserving of consideration by the Joint Townsite Trustees.” (The Trustees were land agents for the government and the CPR.) The waterpower delegation felt they were getting the governmental run-around. “A feeling of disappointment and deep chagrin was observed among our citizens,” noted the editor of the Moose Jaw Times. In early April 1895, the result of the St. Laurent survey was published. The building of a high storage dam on Moose Jaw Creek would create a basin one-quarter mile in width and several miles in length, flooding approximately 2,000 acres of land.
“There would be no difficulty in filling the reservoir each spring,” wrote St. Laurent,“and it can be safely assumed that the mills, workshops, etc., could be worked during April, May and June only, with surplus water, depending for the rest of the year, in dry seasons, on the amount collected in the reservoir.” St. Laurent estimated that the project would generate 300 horsepower for 14 hours each day, which was much below previous reckonings. What really bowled over the waterpower scheme promoters was St. Laurent's cost estimate: one-half million dollars! This was five times the previous cost estimate. “They (the promoters) are unanimous in the conviction that the estimate is ridiculous,” wrote the Times editor. Because the cost was prohibitive, St. Laurent suggested the town forget about waterpower and build a low dam, about 15-feet high to collect water for domestic purposes and for irrigating adjoining farms “by means of elevated tanks.” Such a dam would cost $35,000, said Laurant. The waterpower delegates had heard this suggestion months before St. Laurant made his survey, when William Van Horne said that “a small dam costing $35,000 would be a grand and suitable thing for Moose Jaw. Indignantly, the Times editor wrote:“If a dam 80-feet high and averaging 1,300 feet in length costs over one-half million, what kind of dam can be constructed for $35,000?” St. Laurent's cost estimate extinguished Moose Jaw's hopes for waterpower, never to be revived. W
ŸReprinted with permission from The Moose Jaw Times-Herald
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NORTH AMERICAN BRICK By Frank Korvemaker - fkorvemaker@accesscomm.ca
Detail of the brick work in Prince Albert's Central Fire Hall. A row of narrow header bricks above and below four rows of wide stretcher bricks indicates that the building walls are of solid brick construction, not a veneer.
Brick Name: Undetermined Brick Manufacturer: Red Rock Brick & Pottery Company Manufacture Location: Prince Albert, Saskatchewan Date(s) of Manufacture: 1908 - 1914 Brick Type: Face Approximate Dimensions: 7 3/4 x 3 5/8 x 2 3 /16 inches/ 195 x 92 x 55 mm Colour: orangy-red
Central Fire Hall in Prince Albert, Sask. (Designed by Prince Albert architects Creighton and Crowther, and erected in 1911.) On August 31, 1981 it and the Town Hall-Opera House were the first two buildings in Prince Albert to be designated as Municipal Heritage Property under the Province's newly enacted Heritage Property Act.
COMMENTS: Prince Albert was the site of the first commercial brick manufacturing concern in Saskatchewan. Indeed, between 1879 and 1927 the community boasted a dozen different brick factories. Historical records indicate that Thomas E. Baker's brick plant, which operated from 1879 to ca. 1890, was the first purpose-built commercial brick factory in the province. While bricks were made at Battleford in 1877 for the Territorial government and NWMP buildings, those were probably made with a portable brick press that left the community once the construction of those two complexes was completed. Captain Richard Deacon and his son A. A. Deacon opened the Red Rock Brick & Pottery Company in 1908, and during the next six years made bricks for many local private and public buildings, including Central Fire Hall (1911), Connaught School (1913), and the Armoury (1913-14). The plant manager was James Wilson. The Red Rock factory was situated about 10 km NE of Prince Albert, along the north shore of the North Saskatchewan River. Once fired in scove kilns, the bricks were hauled to the townsite on barges. W Sources: [1] Prince Albert Museum: Brickmaking display; [2] “An Archaeological Survey of Brick Manufacture in Saskatchewan” – M.A. Thesis – Larry E. Buhr, 1997, University of Saskatchewan, p.48 & 216; [3] “Saskatchewan and Its People”, by John Hawkes, 1924, www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cansk/SaskatchewanAndItsPeople/ VolumeIII/DeaconR.html; [4] Saskatchewan Register of Heritage Property: www.tpcs.gov.sk.ca/heritage-property-search; [5] Michelle Taylor, personal communication, 17 May 2012; [6] http://archive.org/stream/twentiethcentury00boamuoft#page/636/mode/2up; [7] Michelle Cabana, personal communication, 23 May, 2012.
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Exercise your senses...
?
Feel the bricks...
W E
See the history...
Smell the cinnamon buns...
Hear the trains...
N
Take a self-guided walking tour in Regina’s Warehouse District. Visit www.warehousedistrict.ca.
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SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE #202 – 1275 Broad St. Regina, SK S4R 1Y2