Volume 25 Issue 3 Fall 2013
SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE
2013 Saskatchewan Youth Heritage Fair -
PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT #41484517
Maple Creek’s Cowboy Commercial Hotel
Heritage Partnership Fund FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY-BASED HERITAGE INITIATIVES If you have a project that needs money to Help Heritage Happen in your community next spring or summer visit our website right away or call the office at 306-359-0933 or at 1-877-903-0933.
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 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) This matching grant is intended to help community-based 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 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.
Main Street, Moosomin in 1953
WORTH MAGAZINE
Visit www.ahsk.ca for further details and applications.
is committed to controlling collection, use and disclosure of personal information provided by our readers.
Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan
We may contact readers periodically, conducting market research in an effort to improve the magazine.
HELPING HERITAGE HAPPEN
We are booking advertising space for the Winter 2013 issue now.
WORTH 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
www.WORTHmagazine.ca
2 | WORTH: SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE
Any person, family or organization may subscribe to WORTH free of charge by calling (306) 359-0933 or 1-877-903-0933 Return undeliverable copies to: WORTH Magazine 202 – 1275 Broad St. Regina, Saskatchewan S4R 1Y2
DISCLAIMER:
The information and views set out in this magazine are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of AHSS.
SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE
IN THIS ISSUE WORTH Magazine is published by the Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan (AHSS) Inc. Submissions to WORTH are welcomed and are assumed to be factually correct. 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: Joe Ralko Design: b-creative group © 2009 ISSN 1926-3198 ON OUR COVER:
The Broadway Theatre display by Micah of Hugh Cairns VC School, Saskatoon, at the 2013 Saskatchewan Youth Heritage Fair. Printed on FSC certified paper 50% recycled and 25% post-consumer recycled content. Acid and elemental chlorine free.
VOLUME 25 ISSUE 3 FALL 2013
2 013
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF SASKATCHEWAN
Heritage Architecture Excellence Awards
Pages 4 – 13 Nine Projects Recognized ................................................................. 4
Heritage Buildings Have A Story ..................................................... 5 Awards Presentations .................................................................... 6-9 Moosomin MHAC Established ................................................................ 10 Saskatchewan Youth Heritage Fair Showcase................................... 11-14 Doors Were Open Again in Saskatoon ................................................... 15 Cowboy Commercial Hotel .............................................................. 16-18 Meet the Board of Directors - President Rod Stutt ... 19 In the News .................................................................. 20 Remembering Leith Knight ........................................ 21 History Built Brick by Brick ........................................ 22 Leith Knight
2 013
Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Heritage Architecture Excellence Awards Recipients
th
18 Annual Heritage Architecture Excellence Awards
Nine Projects Recognized This Year
H
er Honour, the Honourable Vaughn Solomon Schofield, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, bestowed the prestigious Heritage Architecture Excellence Award on June 11 to two projects each from Moose Jaw, Regina and Saskatoon and one each from Moosomin, Prince Albert and Wishart. The Lieutenant Governor is the Honourary Patron of the juried awards sponsored by the Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan. Since the inception of the awards in 1996, a total of 139 projects throughout the province have been recognized. Awards were presented at an event in the Sir Richard Lake Hall
at Government House in Regina. Certificates were presented to the project site owner, architect, and general contractor in each category. In Moose Jaw, the Core Strength Pilates Studio was honoured for Adaptive Reuse while Tilbury Design Ltd. was being recognized for Interior Conservation. The Regina Masonic Temple was honoured for Long-Term Stewardship while the 1912 Regina Tornado Legacy Project was recognized in the Education category. In Saskatoon, Nutana Collegiate Institute was being recognized in both the Adaptive Reuse and Rehabilitation
categories while the E. A. Davies Building was honoured in the Interior Conservation category. In Moosomin, work done at Kassie's Jewelry earned recognition for Interior Conservation. In Prince Albert, a Sympathetic New Construction honour was bestowed on the Northern Spruce Housing Project. In Wishart, the Round Plain Church was being recognized for Exterior Conservation. The awards ceremony celebrates outstanding contributions in building restoration, renovation, adaptive re-use, and built heritage programming. Her Honour, the Honourable Vaughn Solomon Schofield, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, enters the Sir Richard Lake Hall to start the awards presentation ceremony.
Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan HELPING HERITAGE HAPPEN
4 | WORTH: SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE
Heritage Buildings Have A Story The following are the remarks of Her Honour, the Honourable Vaughn Solomon Schofield, at the presentation of the prestigious Heritage Architecture Excellence Awards on June 11.
G
ood evening. It's a pleasure to welcome you to Government House for this special awards ceremony. Have you ever returned to your hometown, and driven down the street to see the house where you grew up? Those who have rural roots have perhaps visited the site of a family homestead, and others may have journeyed overseas to look up distant relatives or see a community where their family originated. Why do we seek out these connections to the past? It's because we want to know where we come from. We want to pass on our stories to our children and grandchildren, so that they know where they come from. Heritage buildings like Government House have a story too. They are part of a larger story, but can be personal, as well. A descendant of Lieutenant Governor Archie McNab was moving to a new home in Vancouver a few years ago, and instead of transferring boxes of family mementos from the 1930s, he donated them to Government House. As a result, the museum curator was able to create a fascinating exhibit about a very interesting Lieutenant Governor.
The history of Government House is personal for the servants who worked here, people like Alice Burgess, who was a maid here in the 1930s. She wrote in her memoirs about the days when she beat the dust from the carpets each spring, and harvested the mushrooms they grew in manure on the dirt floor of the basement. Interestingly, she lived for many years just next door, at the seniors' residence. The history of Government House is personal for the families of the veterans who recuperated here after the Second World War, when the House was converted into a convalescent facility. Of course, the history of Government House is part of the larger story of the formation of our country and our province. I congratulate all the individuals and groups who will receive an award today. Thank you for honouring connections to the past, for enriching our communities today, and for creating legacies for the future. When The Prince of Wales was in Government House in 2001, he said, “We have so much to rediscover nowadays that has been lost or thrown away deliberately during the 20th
century – that century which was characterized, in my opinion, in so many fields by brutalism and soullessness.” There was a time when prevailing opinion held that new buildings were better than old buildings. One of Canada's true visionaries, Joseph Howe, realized the value in preserving built heritage back in 1871. The Premier and later Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia said, “A wise nation preserves its records, repairs its great public structures, and fosters national pride and love of country.” Thankfully, more and more people are coming to understand that new is not always better; that heritage buildings, properly restored and maintained, are a true gift. I am grateful to the Board, staff, and members of the Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan for celebrating excellence and for educating the public about the history that surrounds us, our responsibility to preserve it, and its enormous potential to enhance our lives. In closing, it is my pleasure to bring you greetings on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada. Once again, congratulations to all the impressive and deserving award recipients. W (Reprinted with permission of Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan.)
WORTH: SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE | 5
2 013
Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Heritage Architecture Excellence Awards Recipients
Her Honour, the Honourable Vaughn Solomon Schofield, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, (left in all of the presentation photos) bestowed nine Heritage Architecture Excellence Awards along with Rod Stutt, President of the Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan (right in all of the presentation images).
Core Strength Pilates Studio, Moose Jaw Caren Botha of Core Strength Pilates Studio in Moose Jaw was honored in the Adaptive Reuse category.
ADAPTIVE REUSE
Masonic Temple, Regina Don Ford, President, Regina Masonic Temple Company, accepted the Long Term Stewardship Award on behalf of the Masonic Temple.
LONG TERM STEWARDSHIP
6 | WORTH: SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE
Kassie’s Jewelry, Moosomin Ross and Michele Shaw, owners of Kassie's Jewelry in Moosomin, were honored in the Interior Conservation category. Missing from photo is interior designer Lynn Kerkhoff.
INTERIOR CONSERVATION
Northern Spruce Housing Project, Prince Albert Kelly Skiffington, Director of Northern Spruce Housing and Jason Hurd, Principal Architect with aodbt architecture + interior design, were honored in the Sympathetic New Construction category.
SYMPATHETIC NEW CONSTRUCTION
Tilbury Design Ltd., Moose Jaw Garry Moore and Troy Tilbury (left to right in back row) along with Margaret Moore and Raelyn Tilbury (left to right in middle of front row) of Tilbury Design Ltd. were honored in the Interior Conservation category
INTERIOR CONSERVATION
WORTH: SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE | 7
2 013
Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Heritage Architecture Excellence Awards Recipients
Nutana Collegiate Institute, Saskatoon David C. Edwards,Architect, Edwards Edwards McEwen Architects, (left) and Stan Laba, Superintendent of Facilities, Saskatoon Public Schools, accepted the Adaptive Re-Use and Rehabilitation award for the Nutana Collegiate Institute project in Saskatoon.
ADAPTIVE RE-USE & REHABILITATION
E. A. Davies Building, Saskatoon David C. Edwards,Architect, Edwards Edwards McEwen Architects, (left) Michael Chyzowski, President, Quorex Construction Services Ltd. (middle) and Ryan Todd, Project Manager, Quorex Construction Services Ltd. accept the Interior Conservation award for the E.A. Davies Building Project in Saskatoon.
INTERIOR CONSERVATION
Global television interviewed Judith Veresuk (left) of the Regina Downtown Business Improvement District, and Audrey Price of Regina Warehouse District about their award. Weekly newspapers in Moosomin and Wynyard as well as daily newspapers in Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Regina and Moose Jaw also published articles about award recipients. 8 | WORTH: SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE
Full House – Again! More than 125 people attended the 2013 awards presentation and reception at Government House.
Round Plain Stone Church, Wishart An Exterior Rehabilitation Award was bestowed for work on the Round Plain Stone Church in Wishart. Recipients included: Charlie Pirie, Judy Luciuk, Gladys Perry, Henry Keyowski, Joan Malinowski, Margie Keyowski, Joyce Hall, Lindsay Waite, Leanne Waite, Cindy Luciuk, John Senger, Sharon Prisiak,Tony Senger, Brad Taylor and Lawrence Prisiak (from left to right)
EXTERIOR REHABILITATION
1912 Tornado Legacy Project, Regina Judith Veresuk, Regina Downtown Business Improvement District, (left) and Audrey Price, Regina Warehouse District BID, accepted the award in the Education, Signage, Monuments and Interpretation category for the 1912 Tornado Legacy Project. Missing from photo is Shari Sokochoff, Regina Plains Museum. EDUCATION, SIGNAGE, MONUMENTS & INTERPRETATION
ERRORS & OMISSIONS We apologize for some errors and omissions in the summer edition of Worth magazine in articles recognizing the recipients of the prestigious Architectural Heritage Awards of Excellence. Names of two Moose Jaw recipients were misspelled. Our copy in the Core Strength Pilates Studio article should have read: Owner: Caren Botha and family. In the Tilbury Design award Garry Moore's name appeared incorrectly. We erred in not identifying Interior Designer Lynn Kerkhoff in the Moosomin article as well as at the awards ceremony.
In the 1912 Tornado Legacy Project article, the names of the principle committee members were omitted. The recognition should have read: Partners Judith Veresuk, Regina Downtown Business Improvement District, Audrey Price, Regina Warehouse District, and Shari Sokochoff, Regina Plains Museum.
Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan HELPING HERITAGE HAPPEN
WORTH: SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE | 9
Main Street of Moosomin in 1953.
Moosomin Heritage Committee Co-exists with Economic Boom By Ann Norgan, Co-Chair, Moosomin Heritage Committee
M
oosomin is currently in the heart of the economic growth in Southeast Saskatchewan. However, a small, but dedicated group of volunteers has been promoting the “built� heritage of the community. Moosomin became an important trading centre for a large surrounding area, when the CPR (Canadian Pacific Railway) arrived in 1882, and remains so today. The Heritage Committee hopes to demonstrate that economic growth and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings can co-exist. Moosomin Heritage Committee was formed in March 2009, following a heritage forum hosted by Moosomin Chamber of Commerce and Saskatchewan Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture, and Sports. The guiding principles established at the first meeting of the Heritage Committee were: l Do an inventory of historic buildings and sites and map these; l Define a Heritage District in the downtown; l Be transparent; open to the public. l 2009 was a busy year for the Heritage Committee. An inventory of the town was carried out and 151 buildings pre 1930 were identified. A small grant was received from the Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture, and
Sport for research and documentation. A factfinding trip was made to Carberry, the first designated Heritage District in Manitoba. In 2010 the Heritage Advisory Committee was established by the Town of Moosomin, with at least one member a town councillor. The town established a pair of $5,000 matching grants for the rejuvenation of Main Street storefronts on a heritage theme. Applications and recommendations would be processed by the Heritage Advisory Committee before being received by the town. Considerable time and discussion was devoted to a downtown Heritage District Bylaw. The draft copy of the bylaw was submitted to town council. Delays occurred due to the hesitancy of some store owners to be involved. So, the committee decided to concentrate on encouraging individual businesses to apply for Municipal Heritage Status and to raise awareness of the grants. In 2011, the first grant application was processed. Pharmasave, owned by Darcy
10 | WORTH: SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE
Rambold, was to receive a major facelift. When he received the $5,000, Rambold chose to donate it to Moosomin Thrift Store and Food Bank for their storefront renovations. The design for the Food Bank has been submitted and its matching grant was approved. In 2013, the Heritage Committee decided to work on detailed inventory reports on Main Street businesses, not already researched. A package of Guidelines and Design Suggestions for Storefronts is being drawn up. Additional businesses have made tentative applications for Matching Grants. The Heritage Committee nominated two Main Street businesses, Pharmasave and Kassie's Jewelry, for Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Heritage Architecture Excellence Awards. Kassie's Jewelry was a recipient in the Interior Conservation category. The value of built heritage is being recognized along with the new construction which is occurring in our growing community. W
The Heritage Committee hopes to demonstrate that economic growth and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings can co-exist.
2013 SASKATCHEWAN
YouthHeritage Fair
Above: Rhiannon R.; R.J.'s General Store; Ecole W.S. Hawrylak, Regina Right: Brooklin S.; Black Bears; Balcarres Community School
By Jan Morier Heritage Saskatchewan
WORTH: SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE | 11
“If this is the future – then
(From left to right) Mickalie N; Women Win the Right to Vote; St. Joseph Middle School, Swift Current; Myaleah M. and Annika W.; The Daily Life of the Pioneers; Caronport Elementary School; Jason M.; Chinese Heritage, Head Tax; Balcarres Community School; and Payten J.; Canadian Peacekeepers; Ecole W.S. Hawrylak, Regina.
T
hese were the young heritage rock stars chosen to represent their schools for the Saskatchewan Youth Heritage Fair. There was controlled excitement in Regina's Government House as students gathered to hear welcoming remarks from the Executive Director and Private Secretary to the office of the Lieutenant Governor. Heather Salloum spoke for Her Honour, the Honourable Vaughn Solomon Schofield. “I can certainly understand why you have progressed to this level of the heritage showcase. The detail, the insightful research, the meaningful conclusions that you've drawn—are a testament to your creative and curious minds. It's exciting for adults like me to see you using your brains and your creativity in that way.” These young folks certainly do take Canadian heritage very seriously. The displays ranged from historical
and contemporary events and from all disciplines: science, the arts, sports, politics, military as well as humanitarian and heroic figures. Students were quick to boast about Canada's stunning contributions to the world but didn't shy away from shameful episodes in our history. The displays usually consisted of the standard 3-panelled cardboard stands adorned with images and text. They also had printed and oral presentations at the ready. Those who had the ability and the technology designed digital presentations (power point, images or downloaded movies). For the youth to have come this far, they needed to have a keen interest in their topic, enough to pour heart and soul into the stories. It was evident that some of the youth were deeply moved by the subjects, as observed from their narrations. Those who chose unsavory topics spoke with reverence.
12 | WORTH: SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE
Callan W. and Lee F. from Ecole St. Pius X had a powerful exhibit about Canadians' role in liberating WWII concentration camps. These two old souls dressed in 'striped pyjamas' and inked a number on their arms. In hushed tones they recounted the era and how Canadians played a part in the rescue. The boys couldn't even imagine how a generation could have survived such trauma. They were certain that “with the way society has adapted today it would be a much different response if this were to happen now.” And yet they realize it is still happening. Mickalie of St. Joseph Middle School in Swift Current boasted the achievements in “Women Win the Vote”. She expressed surprise at how long it took for women to attain status as persons. Her superheroes are ‘The Famous Five’ led by Nellie McLung and her battle cry of “Never retract, never explain, never apologize. Get the thing done and let them howl!”
we are all in good hands!”
(From left to right) Luke H.; RCMP Musical Ride; Ecole W.S. Hawrylak, Regina; Lee F. and Callan W.; Liberation of the Concentration Camps; Ecole St. Pius X, Regina; Lexi P.; Indian Residential Schools; White City School, talking to an unknown audience member; Jaycie; Fortress of Louisbourg; Caronport Elementary School.
Evelyn Rogers has a pedigree of supporting groups such as Saskatchewan History & Folklore, Regina & District Old Timers and Biographies Regina. She enjoys cruising the showcase, asking the kids some simple questions. “It blew my mind,” she said. “I've been coming for five years and each year the Heritage Fair expands. There's so much more detail, and now with the Internet they can pick up all kinds of stuff. However the one I've been impressed with so far was the girl who talked about her greatgrandparents’ general store with lots of artifacts. That's a real personal touch thing and shows a lot of in-depth research.” Jaycie and Katrina didn't need much encouragement to smile as they displayed their class's winning entry in Parks Canada's search for Canada's Coolest School. The students from Caronport Elementary School were looking forward to their sponsored trip to Fort Louisbourg in New Brunswick.
Paula Rein is a judge with the Saskatchewan Archives Board. The Archives Prizes are two $50 gift cards at a bookstore. She explained the criteria. “We are looking for grade 6 and 7 projects that promote awareness of the history of Saskatchewan through the use of primary source material such as interviews, diaries and letters.” Brooklin S. presented the cultural and spiritual meaning of his spirit animal in “Courage and Black Bears” and listed his trusted sources: “I learned stuff from books, the internet, my Kookum and my Mushum.” A teacher from Belle Plain Hutterite Colony had two students from grade 5 and grade 9 representing their school. “They were very invested because they chose who they wanted and what they wanted to research. And they loved learning through each other about the topics that their classmates had chosen.
It was overall extremely positive and exciting experience.” "The Internet was a big resource, as well as books from our library, school division library, Moose Jaw Public Library, and depending on the topic, we would interview people. One project was about the arts in Maple Creek so the young lady interviewed family in the Maple Creek district for a first-hand account. It makes it so much more real for them when they're talking to a relative who has gone through a not-so-long ago event.” The teacher recounted the students' excitement. “For those who were researching the NW Mounted Police, the diaries and accounts of that march west are up there (on the website). Students are gaining an appreciation for what other individuals went through.” Luke H. from Hawryluk School in Regina knows well what his father went through as a member of the
WORTH: SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE | 13
“Sometimes we get a slanted view of what the kids are interested in. That's only one segment, there are others who are steeped in history and we need that, we want that, and we should be out to encourage them.” Participants in the Moose Jaw Regional Youth Heritage Fair held at Western Development Museum.
RCMP Musical Ride. Luke was dressed in red serge and proudly posed for a photo with his father and grandfather, also a retired member of the force. “I don't know much about my own Chinese heritage.” said Jason M. from Balcarres School who displayed the Canadian Government's policy on Chinese Immigration Head Tax. “It was a dark time for Canadians and Chinese too.” Another sad chapter of Canadian heritage was the Indian Residential Schools examined by Lexi P. of White City. She said, “Some of it really got to my heart. How they punished students for speaking their language. How they took them from their families without even letting them say goodbye. I speak to my parents every day and I love them very much. I couldn't even imagine going through that.” Payten J. from Ecole Hawrylak is fascinated by Canadian Peacekeeping and in awe of Roméo Dallaire. “I've been interested in war for – I don't know how long, years! I'm 11. Half my life!” Payten has ambitions to become a medic in the Canadian forces.
Shannon Chernick is the Education Coordinator for Heritage Saskatchewan. She was the link among the students, teachers, parents and display venues. Shannon was quick to credit the youngsters. “It was a privilege to meet them all at the events. All of the chaperones and activity organizers commented on what a great group of kids they were – respectful, well behaved and interesting! All of the kids were great ambassadors for the program.” Supporters and funders of the heritage fair programs had the opportunity to see firsthand the brilliance, creativity and talent of heritage fair participants. One person was heard to say “if this is the future – then we are all in good hands!” Participating in the Provincial showcase was a great opportunity for Heritage Saskatchewan, and we look forward to continuing the good work done by the Saskatchewan Youth Heritage Fairs Association as we now become responsible for the delivery of the program. It was through their dedication and commitment to the program that students throughout the province have had the opportu-
14 | WORTH: SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE
nity to discover and learn about their heritage. Congratulations to the students involved in this year's fairs projects and to the teachers and other volunteers who were committed to participating in this worthwhile venture. Programs such as this involve countless hours of additional time and effort and the finished products demonstrated that many of our young people care about the heritage of this great country! W
For more informaton: A Flickr account of photos from the Provincial Heritage Showcase and the various regional heritage fairs has been set up. Enjoy the photos by visiting www.flickr.com/photos/ heritagesk/. For more information about the program, please contact: Shannon Chernick, Education Coordinator for Heritage Saskatchewan at schernick@heritagesask.ca or at 306-780-9195. It is the policy of Saskatchewan Youth Heritage Fairs to only publish the first names and schools of the youth participating.
Doors Were Open Again in Saskatoon DOORS OPEN SASKATOON took place on Sunday, June 2 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Doors Open, a family-friendly event, is part of an international tradition that had its origins in a creative initiative in Glasgow, Scotland in 1900. It arrived to Canada when Toronto became the first North American city to sponsor Doors Open. It involves opening up a selection of public and private buildings which would normally either not be publicly accessible or would charge an entrance fee. The initial Doors Open Saskatoon was put on by a group of volunteers involving: the Saskatoon Heritage Society, the City of Saskatoon, the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee, and the Meewasin Valley Authority. These interested people inspired by Kevin Kitchen, a community development officer who experienced Doors Open in Ottawa when it was staged there in 2002. A committee was formed and started to meet and plan in early 2004. Their aim was to mark three important milestones in the community: the province's centennial (2005),
the city of Saskatoon centennial (2006), and the University of Saskatchewan Centennial (2007). Its purpose outlined in May 2009 was to increase participation, promote an awareness of Saskatoon's built heritage old and new, and to promote an awareness of Saskatoon's green initiatives. The first Doors Open was a great success. Since then it has continued to provide a variety of old and new buildings for Saskatoon residents and visitors to explore. It is a memorable event which has enthralled nearly 30,000 visitors over the years. It is absolutely free, neither tickets nor pre-registration are required to explore the city's prairie architectural heritage. Because of the intense effort involved the fatigued volunteers decided in 2007 that it should be held only every other year. It became a biannual event alternating with the city's Heritage Awards. Many of the award winners are often participants in Doors Open. Buildings, who opened their doors this year, included: Third Avenue
United Church, Marr Residence, Egg Producers Building, Buckwold Building, Drinkle Building, HMCS Unicorn, Hotel Senator, MacLean Building, CTV Studios, City of Saskatoon Bus Barns, and the Health Sciences Centre at the University of Saskatchewan. It is obvious from the list that not all buildings would be classified as “old” but as Jeff O'Brien, Saskatoon's archivist claims that it is “appropriate when you consider that heritage isn't just where we come from, it's who we are. “ Many of the buildings are a repeat from other years but there are always some that are new. Some venues provide guided tours and displays that bring history to life. This year the event was brought to Saskatonians by the City of Saskatoon, Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee, Saskatoon Heritage Society, Meewasin Information Services Corp., Saskatchewan Lotteries, and Tourism Saskatoon. W (Information provided by Saskatoon Public Library's Local History Department and Jeff O'Brien. Submitted by J-Michel Fortier)
WORTH: SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE | 15
Cowboy
Commercial Hotel
OnTheR iseAgain By Bob Friedrich and Ken Mitchell
Maple Creek's legendary commercial hotel opened for business in 1885 when the Northwest Rebellion was underway. Louis Riel had returned from his exile in Montana the previous year to lead the Métis resistance. On March 23, 1885, the federal government dispatched General Middleton to end the resistance.
T
homas Melfort Raisin arrived in Maple Creek two years before, in 1883. A native of St. Paul, Minnesota, he was inspired by the settlement pattern, in the NWT, a land rush after the CPR mainline was finally completed. He thought he was finished with civil wars, having lived through the American version. He saw a peaceful landscape under NWMP authority, which had already chased the American whiskey traders and horse thieves out of the frontier north. Fort Walsh was only 15 miles from his own home. So, he decided to build a luxury hotel, the Commercial, on Pacific Avenue. The hotel opened sometime that year in the middle of the Riel Rebellion – when unfortu-
Main Street in Maple Creek today.
16 | WORTH: SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE
The Commercial Hotel ca 1906
nately, the rush of homesteaders understandably slowed down a bit. But the Commercial quickly recovered, then survived for another 128 years, a heritage hotel in the great northwest. Today both Maple Creek and the Commercial Hotel are starting life again, a fresh adventure centered on the old town's cowboy heritage. Heritage is a big word in Maple Creek these days as the town is undergoing a major Main Street renewal program sponsored by the Saskatchewan government. Royce Pettyjohn, manager of Community Economic Development in Maple Creek, noted the town was one of four in the province awarded grants under the government's main street redevelopment program. “Although the Commercial is not located on Main Street, the entrepreneurial initiative by its current owners fits well with the town's plan on bringing back the significant heritage of Maple Creek,” says Royce.
“We see the Commercial Hotel turning heads and gaining interest, not only for its revival, but who is doing it.” What who? Well, recent Canadian immigrants from Asia, that's who. And they sought out Maple Creek, because it is the heart of cowboy culture and heritage in the new west, as it was in the old. (Did you know that Maple Creek is the location of one of Canada's preeminent cowboy poetry festivals?) And this band of new roughriders, who crossed the Pacific from the Philippines, are hoping to join the pioneer experience. All because today, Saskatchewan is enjoying a boom not seen since its early glory days of settlement. One recent economic development conference said, “Saskatchewan has three things the world needs: food, fertilizer and fuel!” And they weren't wrong. This poetry of “f-words” defines a new fascination with the “wheat province”. Altogether, the combo is drawing people from all over the world, and breathing new life into communities like Maple Creek. This particular parade is led by a couple named Noy and Chem Lim, along with their partners Marcello and Agness, Del Barrio, Jayson and Mina Catlasano and Ronald Delbarro. Noy Lim, the leader of the posse, has worked as a chef around the world, including London, England. He had been recruited as the chef at The Star Restaurant in Maple Creek – a bistro with a high-profile Western bar. The story goes, Noy looked around for opportunity, and his eyes lit on the 'wild west' Commercial as a vein of gold running through Cypress Hills' history. In the freak flood of 2012 it was devastated by a torrent of pouring
Clockwise from top right: For years the Commercial hotel's safe sat in the front lobby, no desperadoes were able to gain access to it, although some may have thought about it Noy Lim and Marcelo Delbario hold up an earlier rendering of the Commercial when it was a log building framed with wood siding The Commercial's safe may look like it is collecting dust sitting in the dining room, but soon it will be ringing in sales from passing cowpokes
water from the Cypress Hills that rushed onto the main street of Maple Creek. The creek surged through the front doors of the Commercial like a wrecking crew, destroying mechanical features of the building and damaging the main floor. That disaster opened the opportunity to the Noy Lim group, who purchased the Commercial with the help of the local economic development office. They were determined to restore the building in the classical style of the Grand Union Hotel in Fort Benton, Montana. This established Noy's plan to invest in Maple Creek heritage. They began the work in earnest in early 2013. This all fitted with Noy's plan as Maple Creek, had long been established as the home of the RCMP's Cypress Hills' outpost at Fort Walsh, along with the colorful cowboy culture reflected in the town's architecture.
For one thing, the area is home to the Lodge Pole Pine, a species of pine not found anywhere else, but the high Rocky Mountain forests. The Cypress Hills elevation is so high that the pine seeds are carried there by west winds blowing off the Rockies, and they settle in to the park's beautiful campground making these majestic sentinels. Three other building are being ushered into a new life in the heart of Maple Creek too, through the town's economic development office. These include the Jasper Hotel, St. Mary's Anglican Church, and The Hair Barn (an interesting play on words), all of them offering a unique perspective to the town's frontier heritage. The Commercial offers the biggest challenge and – perhaps – the greatest reward. Its initial construction was essentially a log building; this was followed by a series of renovations and additions up until 1976. The greatest appeal of the Com-
WORTH: SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE | 17
mercial has always been its two most significant features – the lobby graced with a row of oak and leather arm chairs, and the colorful dining room where cattlemen and livestock dealers met and bartered. Noy's plan calls for both to be fully operational, along with a new watering hole, and signature guest rooms on the upper floor. This puts the focus back on Saskatchewan culture, the historic purpose of both settlers and cattlemen. Of course, the Commercial fell into bad times during the Great Depression of the 30s, but it was no different elsewhere on the prairies. This year, the sun rises on the Commercial once again, as new owners bring it back to its former glory – and beyond. Of course, prime beef will still be on the dinner table, but who knows what else will be added when Chef Noy reveals his menu? If you're driving on the Trans-Canada, remember that Maple Creek is only a few kilometers off the highway, in the shade of the majestic Cypress Hills – all inviting you to stop and join the festival at the Commercial Hotel. W
Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan 2013 BOARD of DIRECTORS Rod Stutt, President, Moose Jaw Terry Sinclair,Vice President, Regina Al Gill, Past President, Regina Brian Bell, Secretary, Moose Jaw Richard Hiebert, North Battleford Michelle Taylor, Prince Albert Wally Dyck, Saskatoon Dragana Perusinovic, Regina Michel Fortier, Saskatoon
25
Saskatoon Heritage Society C el ebr at e s t h e
th
Anniversary of
Saskatoon
History Review Enjoy articles and photographs featuring Saskatoon's heritage movement, heritage heroes, local reminiscences and the history of Saskatoon's weir. Mail: Saskatoon History Review 831 Temperance Street, Saskatoon S7N 0M8 Ph: 306 653-5395. Price: $10.00 Add $2.50 postage within Canada Cheques payable to Saskatoon Heritage Society. Back issues available.
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”. Yes, I/we want to become a member of AHSS Yes, I/we want to receive WORTH Magazine free
STAFF Audrey Price, Executive Director Lovella Jones, Communications Coordinator
____________________________________________________________ Name
____________________________________________________________
Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan
Address
___________________________
_______________________________
HELPING HERITAGE HAPPEN
Postal Code
Email address (strictly for our use)
___________________________
_______________________________
Community
Province
18 | WORTH: SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE
MEET the BOARD of DIRECTORS
President – Rod Stutt
R
OD STUTT was elected President of the Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan (AHSS) at the Annual General Meeting earlier this year. Stutt was introduced to the Society by Glenda James, a former Saskatchewan governor for Heritage Canada, soon after the provincial organization was created. He has held numerous positions on the AHSS board of directors over the years including president and serving as treasurer a couple of times. Stutt is Program Head of the Architectural Technologies Program at SIAST/Palliser, where he has worked for the past 30 years. Prior to moving to Moose Jaw, he was an architect in Edmonton. He has a Bachelor of Architecture from McGill University, a Master of City Planning from the University of California-Berkeley and a PhD (History and Public Policy) from the University of Regina. Stutt has been the chair of the Architec-
tural Heritage Excellence Award since its inception in 1996. “More people are aware of the awards now and send nominations to us directly,” he said when asked how the awards have changed. “We used to rely more on recommendations from the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committees (MHACs).” Stutt said the biggest challenge for AHSS over the next three to five years is to get more people involved, “especially young people.” “Heritage is not necessarily ‘old’,” he said. “It means cultural identity.” There is a vital role for AHSS in promoting built heritage, the new president said. “Sharing successful stories in one town to inspire people in another is one way the Society can help promote built heritage in Saskatchewan,” he said. “Heritage architecture provides the ‘stage’ where culture creates community.” W
Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan HELPING HERITAGE HAPPEN
WORTH: SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE | 19
IN THE NEWS THE SURVEY SAYS! As a reader of WORTH magazine, you are invited to visit www.ahsk.ca and complete an important survey. The survey results will help AHSS develop our three-year strategic plan. It'll take you less time than drinking a cup of coffee or tea! If you don't have access to the Internet, call the office and we'll fax or mail you the survey.
projects and one research project were selected for funding assistance. Individual grants include $40,000 to repair the Melfort Post Office, $15,000 to restore the Yorkton Brick Mill and $5,000 to perform archeological excavations at the Original Humboldt Site. The Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation is a government agency that works closely with the Heritage Conservation Branch of the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport. The foundation supports the preservation and development of the province's culture heritage by providing financial assistance to community-based projects that help conserve historic places. Grant applications are reviewed by the foundation twice a year. Application deadlines are March 15 and September 1. For additional information on the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation, visit www.pcs.gov.sk.ca/SHF. (Source: Government News Release)
Gill Named Life Time Member
17 Projects Receive $170,000 from Sask. Heritage Foundation The Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation continues to preserve our province's heritage and history by working with individuals and communities. The foundation announced its first grant adjudication for the 2013 -14 fiscal year in July allocating a total of $170,000 to 17 heritage conservation projects. The foundation received a total of 24 funding applications. Following an extensive review, 16 conservation
Alan Gill stepped down as President of the Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan earlier this after leading the organization through some turbulent times over the past decade was honoured as a “Life Time Member.” Gill received the honour in front of more than 125 people who attended the June 11 presentations of the 2013 Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan's Architectural Heritage Excellence Awards. A life time member is recognition
20 | WORTH: SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE
for long-term stewardship of the Society. Under Gill's leadership, a $27,000 accumulated deficit was erased, the Society physically relocated offices and Al personally built a strong virtual presence in cyberspace for the Society. The Society's magazine evolved twice under his leadership first from a black and white publication called Façade to a colour product called Heritage Quarterly and finally under Al's suggestion was rebranded as WORTH…as in built heritage is worth saving. Alan Gill is the 12th Life Time member of the Society. Others are: ! Bernie Cruikshank, Saskatoon ! Bill Henderson, Comox, B.C. ! Frank Korvemaker, Regina ! Jamie Benson, Prince Albert ! Joe Ralko, Regina ! Julien Sedlowski, Battleford ! Marion Tolley, Moose Jaw ! Michel Fortier, Saskatoon ! Norman Duerr, Humboldt ! Peggy Sargeant, Saskatoon ! Reverend Sandy Scott, Prince Albert
A
S Canadians celebrated Canada's history this past weekend, Moose Javian's lost a huge part of theirs. At the age of 89, Leith Knight, a wellknown and celebrated member of the Moose Jaw community, died in her home on June 27. Knight was born in Moose Jaw on April 13, 1924 and spent her entire life in the Moose Jaw community. Possibly known best as Moose Jaw's most recognized historian, Knight took pride in both her knowledge and love of the Moose Jaw community. Sharing stories, facts and Moose Jaw's history via her column in the Moose Jaw Times-Herald and many other publications, Knight was a treasure trove of information and a huge loss to the community, said Brian Bell of the Moose Jaw Heritage Advisory Committee and friend to Knight. “Leith was a wordsmith extraordinaire that was clear to anyone who read even one sentence of her writing. She had a depth of understanding about the Moose Jaw community … and was proud to share its history. “There are very few people who can write the way Leith did. We are all going to miss Leith. She was a unique and neat person and her contribution to our heritage and history is extraordinary.” Bell said over the years, Knight has been recognized for her work, contributions and dedication to preserving both Moose Jaw's and Saskatchewan's history. In 2010, Knight and her husband Cy, who died in 2004, were honoured with the Moose Jaw Honour Award.
Remembering Leith Knight By Lyndsay McCready Published on July 2, 2013
This was just one of the many accomplishments achieved by Knight during her 37 year career. “Leith loved history and had a need to keep history alive and not let it slip through her fingers like tiny grains of sand. Moose Javians know they have a city rich with history, however it was Leith who brought that history to life with her stories and weekly columns.” Verna MacLeod, a friend and Canadian Club member, said Knight was a long-time member of the Canadian Club and the club's official pianist and she said Knight's absence will not go unnoticed and her life and contributions, to both the club and the city, will be celebrated and not just her death lamented. “Leith was such a talent. She was very well spoken and very much dedicated to whatever held her interest.”
Although Knight was known for playing the piano for the club and her church, MacLeod said there aren't many churches she hasn't played in. “If they needed someone, Leith was there. I don't think there is a church that hasn't heard Leith play.” MacLeod said Knight was also a pioneer of sorts, being that she was the creator of Saskatchewan's first library archive in 1961. “Thanks to Leith the Moose Jaw Public Library has a wonderful archive section and other libraries had a map of how to create their own. So I think that is a legacy on its own.” Although work was very much important to Leith, MacLeod said Cy was the most important. Married on July 16, 1954, MacLeod said when both we not working they were travelling, presenting and living quietly together. With two books, more than 2,000 articles and an archive under her belt, Bell said Knight's career will forever be a part of Moose Jaw's history. As a dedicated club member, exceptional friend and walking encyclopedia of knowledge, MacLeod said Knight is now a part of Moose Jaw's history. “When you were sitting with Leith you never knew what was going to trigger a story, she definitely kept life interesting.” A celebration of Knight's life was held July 8 at the Parkview Funeral Home. The burial followed at the Rosedale Cemetery. Many individuals shared a story about Knight at the memorial tea. W (Reprinted with permission from the July 2, 2013 edition of The Moose Jaw Times Herald.)
WORTH: SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE | 21
NORTH AMERICAN BRICK By Frank Korvemaker - fkorvemaker@accesscomm.ca
Detail of the bricks from the chimney at Spring Creek Anglican Church.
Brick Name:
Unknown
Brick Manufacturer:
Moosomin Brick Yards
Manufacture Location: SW 13-13-32 W 1st, southwest of Moosomin, Saskatchewan Date(s) of Manufacture: 1889 - c1904 Brick Type:
Face
Approximate Dimensions: 8¼ x 4 x 2¼ inches / 210 x 100 x 57mm Colour:
buff
St. Peter's (Spring Creek) Anglican Church with bricks used for the quoins at the corner of the chancel and window surrounds.
COMMENTS: A brick factory was reportedly opened by a Mr. Davis in 1889 about six or seven miles southwest of Moosomin. The following year Thomas A. Scroggie acquired the plant and made bricks for buildings throughout the Moosomin region. He operated the Moosomin Brick Yards until at least about 1904, and was able to produce about 150,000 bricks per month. Scroggie used a scove kiln to fire his bricks. As was common for bricks manufactured along the main line of the Canadian Pacific Railway between Winnipeg and Moose Jaw, bricks manufactured near Moosomin were hand moulded in small wooden boxes or pressed in a small, hand operated brick press, and were buff coloured when fired. A particularly deep frog was imprinted into the brick, but without a name to identify the manufacturer. The chimney for the St. Peter's Anglican Church at Spring Creek, southwest of Moosomin, was built in 1892-93 with at least 4,900 bricks manufactured at Scroggie's Brick Yards. It is also possible that the bricks used to construct the chancel addition in 1914-15 originated with this brick plant. W Sources: [1] Historic Photo: Saskatchewan Archives Board: R-A 19,097; [2] Moosomin: Century One – Town and Country, p. 663-664; [3] Spring Creek History 1882-1990, p. 62-63 and 191-192; [4] Modern Photo: Larry Easton, Regina; [5] “An Archaeological Survey of Brick Manufacture in Saskatchewan”, M.A. Thesis – Larry Buhr, 1997, University of Saskatchewan, p. 216, 219 & 222; [6] Personal Communication with Ann Norgan, Moosomin, 9 & 13 Aug. 2013.
The Moosomin Brick Yards in 1890, with its tall rectangular scove kiln in the centre background. The clay for the bricks was excavated in the foreground.
22 | WORTH: SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE
?
e n
? w
W E
N
WORTH: SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE | 23
SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE #202 – 1275 Broad St. Regina, SK S4R 1Y2