Volume 26 Issue 3 Fall 2014
SASKATCHEWAN’S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE
PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT #41484517
2014 Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Heritage Architecture Excellence Awards Recipients
Ogema Home of the Deep South Pioneer Museum and a vintage railway
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.
Visit www.ahsk.ca for further details and applications.
Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan
SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE
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HELPING HERITAGE HAPPEN
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For information, 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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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
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
Winter Edition:
September 15
Editor: Design:
Joe Ralko b-creative group
© 2009 ISSN 1926-3198
ON OUR COVER: The Southern Prairie Railway originates in Ogema.
VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3 FALL 2014
Eight Projects Bestowed with Heritage Architecture Excellence Awards ......................................................... 4 Lieutenant-Governor's Address to the Excellence Award Ceremony .................. 5 Award Recipients Affinity Campus, Saskatoon ........................................................................... 6 Original Humboldt ........................................................................................ 6 St. Elias Orthodox Church, Near Rhein ............................................................ 7 Stonebridge Special Use Park, Saskatoon ....................................................... 7 The Grant Hall, Moose Jaw ............................................................................ 7 Ross School, Moose Jaw ................................................................................. 8 Browns Socialhouse, Moose Jaw .................................................................... 8 Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Canora ............................................ 8
Main Street Saskatchewan Program Extended ................................ 9 Tornado Versus Library ................................................................... 10 Museum Has 31 Buildings and More than 150 Pieces of Vintage Farm Machinery ........................................... 12 Almost A Goner! The Historic landmark known as Polish Church . 15 St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Heward ........................................ 17 In The News ..................................................................................... 18 Meet the New Heritage Minister ..................................................... 19 Meet the Board of Directors – Dragana Perusinovic, Treasurer ..... 20 Conserving the Past ......................................................................... 21 History Built Brick By Brick .............................................................. 22
Printed on recycled paper. Titan coated paper contains 10% recycled content. Acid and elemental chlorine free.
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19th
Annual HeritageArchitecture Excellence Awards
Eight Projects Bestowed with Annual Heritage Architecture Excellence Awards REGINA, June 11 – Her Honour the Honourable Vaughn Solomon Schofield, Lieutenant-Governor of Saskatchewan, bestowed the prestigious Heritage Architecture Excellence Award to three projects from Moose Jaw, two from Saskatoon and one each from Canora, Humboldt, and near Rhein, Sask. 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 147 projects throughout the province have been recognized. Awards were presented at an event Wednesday, June 11 in the Sir Richard Lake Hall at Government House in Regina. Certificates were presented (See photos on the following pages) to the project site owner, architect, and general contractor in each category. In Moose Jaw, Ross School was recognized for adaptive reuse, The Grant Hall for rehabilitation and Browns Socialhouse for sympathetic new construction. In Saskatoon, Affinity Campus formerly Wilson elementary school was recognized
for adaptive reuse and the Stonebridge Special Use Park was honoured in the landscape, engineering and agricultural works category. The St. Elias Orthodox Church near Rhein, about 35 kilometres northeast of Yorkton, was recognized for exterior restoration, the “Original Humboldt project” was honoured in the signage, monuments and interpretation category while the Holy Trinity Church in Canora received the award for long-term stewardship of a heritage property. The awards ceremony celebrates outstanding contributions in building restoration, renovation, adaptive re-use, and built heritage programming. Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan is a registered charity that encourages, supports, and rewards the meaningful conservation of Saskatchewan's built heritage. The Society receives annual core funding from Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture and Recreation through SaskCulture, as well as charitable donations.
Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan HELPING HERITAGE HAPPEN
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Remarks by Her Honour The Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Heritage Architecture Excellence Awards Wednesday, June 11, 2014 – Government House
G
ood evening and welcome. It's a pleasure to join with the Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan to host this special awards ceremony. It's certainly a privilege to have my offices in Government House, to be able to welcome Royalty and Ambassadors here, and to share this beautiful building with the people of Saskatchewan and our visitors from across Canada and around the world. Canadian historian Thomas Axworthy writes, “History is to citizenship as mathematics is to science: the essential prerequisite.” Sites like this are a tangible and vital connection to our history. They are, quite literally, a window on the past. I had the honour of meeting
with The Queen in London this past October. When we passed through the gates of Buckingham Palace, and then entered the building, it was truly like stepping back in time. The Palace was constructed in 1703! Government House is a little bit newer - it was completed in 1891, and is valuable living history. Our Interpretive Centre, upstairs, tells the fascinating story of this building and its residents, and if you've never taken the time to explore the museum, I encourage you to do so. I congratulate all of today's recipients and I thank you for honouring our heritage. Your
creative projects are beautiful, useful gifts to Saskatchewan and are truly legacies for the future. I'm grateful to the Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan for encouraging, enabling, and rewarding the conservation of our rich built heritage. In closing, it's my pleasure to bring you greetings on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada. Once again, congratulations to the deserving recipients of the Heritage Architecture Excellence Awards. (Reprinted with permission of Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan.)
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2014
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF SASKATCHEWAN HERITAGE ARCHITECTURE EXCELLENCE AWARDS RECIPIENTS
Her Honour, the Honourable Vaughn Solomon Schofield, LieutenantGovernor of Saskatchewan, (centre in all of the presentation photos) bestowed eight Heritage Architecture Excellence Awards during an event at Government House on June 11. Since the inception of the awards in 1996, a total of 147 projects throughout the province have been recognized.
Affinity Campus Affinity Campus, formerly the Wilson elementary school in Saskatoon, was honoured for Adaptive Re-use. Recipients (from left to right) were: Ken Achs, Ian Banks, Derek E. Kindrachuk, Karl Miller, Lise de Moissac, Colleen Wilson and Lois Herback.
Adaptive Re-use
Original Humboldt The Original Humboldt project was honoured in the Education, Signage, Monuments and Interpretation category. Recipients were: Garry Jenkins, Rev. J. Alvin Hingley, Edward M. Novecosky and Dennis Korte.
Education, Signage, Monuments and Interpretation category
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St. Elias Orthodox Church The St. Elias Orthodox Church near Rhein, Sask., was honoured for Exterior Restoration. Recipients were: Joe Achtemichuk, Tess Achtemichuk and Horace Paulmark.
Exterior Restoration
Stonebridge Special Use Park The Stonebridge Special Use Park in Saskatoon was honored for Landscape, Engineerings and Agricultural Works. Recipients were: Paul Moroz, Cam Patterson, Jill Anholt and Paula Kotasek-Toth.
Landscape, Engineerings and Agricultural Work
The Grant Hall The Grant Hall in Moose Jaw was honoured for Rehabilitation. Recipients were: Don Sabo, Erwin Beug, Verna Alford and Alvin Beug.
Rehabilitation
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2014 Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Heritage Architecture Excellence Awards Recipients
Ross School Ross School in Moose Jaw was honored for Adaptive Re-use. Recipients were: Glen Heck, Yogalekshmi Subramonian and David Anderson.
Adaptive Re-use
Browns Socialhouse A sympathetic new construction award was bestowed upon Browns Socialhouse in Moose Jaw. Recipients were: Troy Tilbury, Brian Walz and Raelyn Tilbury.
Sympathetic New Construction
Holy Trinity, Ukrainian Orthodox Church A long-term stewardship award was bestowed upon the Holy Trinity, Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canora. Recipients were: Taras Korol, John J. Oystryk, Dorothy Korol, Alice German and Edward German.
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REGINA – The Main Street Saskatchewan program, launched as a demonstration project in 2011, will continue. “Our historic downtowns and commercial districts are centres of pride in our province,” said Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport Mark Docherty to announce the evolution of the program at a July 8th event at the legislative building. “Through its new, on-going program, Main Street Saskatchewan will work with communities to promote, conserve and capitalize on the things that make these areas unique.” He began his speaking remarks by referring to distinguished British architect and town planner Graeme Shankland who once said: “A city without old buildings is like a man without a memory.” “I believe this is true,” the minister said. “Our historic downtowns, the historical and cultural hubs of our province, hold the memories of our past and the experiences of our future.” The new Main Street program will provide two levels of participation: Accredited and Affiliate. Accredited communities are eligible to receive all benefits and services offered by the Main Street program, including training and advisory services, support in developing their streetscape design guidelines, eligibility for three matching grant streams, and a one-time, $25,000 matching grant to assist the community in developing their long-term vision and work plan for the downtown. Communities selected at an Affiliate level will receive a package of benefits which includes eligibility for the capacity building grant and some training and advisory services.
Main Street Saskatchewan Program Extended By Joe Ralko
By Joe Ralko Deadline for applications to the Main Street Saskatchewan program was September 5. Selection of two new accredited communities and an unlimited number of Affiliate communities was being made as Worth magazine was going to press. These communities will be featured in the next edition of the magazine. Minister Docherty said the decision to continue the Main Street program was based on the success of its demonstration program. The program, launched in 2011, included the communities of Indian Head, Maple Creek, Prince Albert and Wolseley. Each of the Main Street projects was the focus of a cover story in Worth magazine. “Over the past three years, the government of Saskatchewan has invested $1.65 million in these communities,” said the minister. “With the help of such investments, these communities combined have seen 66 new jobs created, 22 new businesses opened, $4.9 million committed to historic building and streetscape improvements and $6.5 million in property acquisitions.”
Maple Creek Main Street Program Coordinator Royce Pettyjohn said participating in the program helped his community in southwestern Saskatchewan better understand the connection between heritage conservation, first impressions, tourism and economic development. “There is a much better appreciation of the role that culture and heritage plays not only in local pride, but in the long-term sustainability of our community,” he said. “Conservation of our community's past is helping us build our community's future.” Janice Bardestani, Chair of Indian Head Main Street Revitalization Inc., agreed with Pettyjohn's assessment. “Main Street is an economic development that uses heritage buildings as a launching pad to increase activity and interest not only in the downtown core, but in the community as a whole! This is something the Indian Head Main Street board and the town members have learned so well,” she said. “Indian Head Main Street to me has been about creating cohesive partnerships, launching events and projects that have become self-sustaining
and really, about bringing people in our town together like never before!” Ross Keith, chair of Heritage Canada the National Trust, said the organization previously called the Heritage Canada Foundation, is very aware of the Main Street program in his home province. “We are excited about what the first four pilot communities are achieving here in Saskatchewan,” Keith said. “They are examples of how government involvement, when properly directed, can spark activity at the grass roots. He noted the Saskatchewan Main Street program was launched three years ago as a demonstration project – by definition an experiment. “Today's announcement of the continuation of this program is of major significance because it declares the experiment a success and creates exciting ongoing opportunities. As chair of the board of the National Trust, I am aware of what is happening in this regard in every province and territory. I can tell you that Saskatchewan is leading the way in capitalizing on this opportunity and we commend the Government of Saskatchewan for the leadership it is providing.” Docherty noted the Saskatchewan population recently surpassed the 1.1 million mark. “More and more people are recognizing Saskatchewan as a great place to live, work and play,” said the Regina member of the Legislative Assembly promoted to cabinet a month earlier (see article on page 19). “Our historic downtowns play a vital part in this recognition by providing visitors to our province with adventure; places in which they can dine, shop and explore. Our historic downtowns enrich our quality of life by providing Saskatchewan with places of memory.” W
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Tornado - Versus -
Library By Keith Foster
REGINA – On June 30, 1912, a tornado roared through Regina, dealing death and destruction, and demolishing or damaging 500 buildings. The Regina Public Library was one of them. Originally known as the Carnegie Library after its benefactor, American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the building was an architectural marvel. Its exterior bore a simple classical design in buff-pressed brick with white stone trimmings. Large white stone columns rose majestically on either side of the entrance. Atop the front door stood a circular carved stone displaying the library's seal in gilt letters. Green ornamental light standards were planned for each side, and windows were trimmed in brown. The doorway led to a large vestibule and then to a hall from which a
About 500 buildings were damaged when a tornado struck Regina on June 30, 1912. grand marble staircase rose to a rotunda with a domed ceiling. The main floor had mosaic tile floors, and a marble base ran around the bottom of the stairs. The rooms were spacious and decorated in buff and brown. The
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ceilings were high and the cornices finished in ornamental plaster work. This was a far cry from the first public library, which opened in 1909 in three rooms of the new city hall. They were horribly congested. Seeing an urgent need for expansion, the library board requested a grant from Carnegie, who said he'd provide $30,000 for a new library. The board didn't think this amount was sufficient and requested further funds. Carnegie agreed to increase the grant to $50,000 – on the condition that he approve the plans first. Following the suggestions of the Regina Architectural Association, a competition limited to Regina architects was held. First place was awarded to Storey & Van Egmond. But Carnegie rejected the design, feeling that too much of the building's functionality was being sacrificed to architectural effect.
The architects resubmitted their designs, some with modifications. Carnegie approved two of them, including Storey & Van Egmond's original plan, which the library board adopted. Lieutenant Governor George William Brown officially opened the library on May 11, 1912. A mere six weeks later, a tornado devastated the spanking new structure and much of downtown Regina. Airborne debris blew right through the windows, destroying the roof. But board chairman Rev. Cannon Hill said the library, “being of reinforced concrete, brick and stone, withstood the force of the storm admirably.” Chief Librarian J.R.C. Honeyman
The Carnegie Library before the tornado struck Regina (left) and after (above).
recorded, “The library was a good deal knocked about ... Fortunately, the contents of the building were very little damaged ...” Lieutenant Governor Brown was in New York shortly after the disaster and personally contacted Carnegie for assistance. He came through with an additional grant of $9,500. Cannon Hill said he wished the
board had originally asked for $75,000. In 1962 a new library building was constructed on the same spot. Although some features from the old were incorporated into the new, the original structure was demolished. The wrecking ball finally accomplished what the tornado had been unable to do. W
Watch for the forthcoming book, Regina Public Library: One Hundred Years at the Heart of the Community, by Friends of the Regina Public Library.
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Museum Has 31 Buildings and More than 150 pieces of Vintage Farm Machinery By Joe Ralko
OGEMA – The Deep South Pioneer Museum (DSPM), located a 90minute drive south of Regina in the town of Ogema, has grown to become one of the largest community-owned museums in western Canada. “With 31 buildings on ten acres of grounds, plus more than 150 pieces of vintage farm machinery, our collection is a treasure trove of pioneer artifacts,” explained museum vice president Carol Peterson. “The past is more than artifacts stored behind glass, sealed in time. Here, the past is a living thing. There is no museum quite like this, as you will discover for yourself once you interact with the buildings, objects and stories that bring the pioneer past to life.” 12
Many of the buildings were moved to the museum not only from within the Town of Ogema but from surrounding towns in the Rural Municipality of Key West No. 70 which are no longer functioning. “These buildings have a new life here while preserving memories of ghost towns like Dahinda and Edgeworth,” said Peterson, part of a three-member committee that traveled to China in 2008 where Ogema received an international award for Heritage Conservation. The pioneer village represents an almost complete picture of what many prairie towns looked like in the early twentieth century. Each building is furnished with genuine pioneer artifacts, many of which are
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original to the buildings themselves, allowing a further glimpse into a past way of life. “The museum boasts an impressive collection of pioneer artifacts, perhaps numbered over a million if every last silver spoon and glass bottle were to be counted,” said
Passengers can board the Southern Prairie Railway at the Ogema train station (above). Visitors can view artifacts inside a telephone office (top right) and the post office (bottom right).
Peterson, who also is a member of the Museums Association of Saskatchewan board of directors. “These artifacts, kept by previous generations out of necessity or nostalgia, now have a permanent home where they are carefully preserved and displayed. “ The front row of more than 31 buildings at the Deep South Pioneer Museum.
Peterson explained that younger generations learn how things were produced in the “olden days” such as how farm families made butter and what telephones looked like before cellular devices and wireless handhelds. Ogema is on the historic Red Coat Trail from Winnipeg, Manitoba to Fort MacLeod, Alberta. The Red Coat Trail was used by the Northwest Mounted Police starting in the 19th century, and later by early settlers. It has since become provincial Highway No. 13, linking communities throughout southern Saskatchewan. “The Deep South Pioneer Museum, established in 1977, is a symbol of the prairie spirit of community and respect for the past,” Peterson said.
“In the earliest years of the museum's existence, members were drawn from Ogema, Pangman, Bengough, and Avonlea. Five acres of land was purchased just north of Ogema. This was very quickly deemed too small and a further five acres were added to the museum site in 1980.” Donations to the museum were slow at first, but soon enough the collection began to rapidly expand. “Once people realized this was a south country effort and their loans and donations would be here forever with their names and a bit of history concerning each piece attached, they were very anxious to help,” she quoted local historian Andy Myren writing.
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Museum volunteers cleaned, repaired and restored the antique machinery and furniture. Some parts had to be custom built for the vintage equipment because they could not be purchased anymore. As the museum collection expanded, space to store and display it all became a pressing issue. In 1979, volunteers built a large steel building (48 X 120 feet) on the museum grounds to house the thousands of artifacts that the museum now owned. However, it still was not large enough, and so the board decided to create a pioneer village with historic buildings from Ogema and district. “This decision proved an important one, for not only did it provide storage and display space for the museum, it also saved several buildings from certain decay or demolition,” Peterson said. 14
Above: The Deep South Pioneer Museum is one of the largest community-owned museums in Canada. Left: Thousands of artifacts can be seen inside the General Store.
“Over the years, as the collection of buildings grew, the museum became a complex. New buildings were built to house objects.” To coincide with Saskatchewan's 75th anniversary in 1980, the museum was officially opened. That year a “Threshermen's Day” was held to commemorate the grand opening. It has since evolved to become the annual Museum Day, held the same weekend as Ogema's century-old Agricultural Fair.
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The region continues to build on its historic past. The Southern Prairie Railway, also based in Ogema, has been taking tourists for a ride on the rails since 2012. “It is the only tourist train of its kind in Saskatchewan. The Southern Prairie Railway allows passengers to experience the past through a ride in its vintage 1922 Pullman passenger car pulled by a 1945 General Electric diesel locomotive,” said Peterson who has been involved in the Ogema Heritage Railway Association since the dream began in 1998. There are several creative round trips from spring and to fall including a pitchfork fondue, a robbery or a star gazer experience. For more detailed information about fares and times, visit: www.Southernprairierailway.com. W
ALMOST A GONER! The historic landmark known as Polish Church By Lenore Swystun REDBERRY LAKE – Amidst from our home up the hill for the beautiful landscape of services with her mother-inrolling agricultural fields and law (my Baba who was a Redberry Lake, an area 80 Buzikewich). km northwest of Saskatoon, I recall for an assignment stands an historic landmark as an undergraduate student and church (seen from miles at the University of Sasaround) known locally simply katchewan, I interviewed my as the “Polish Church.” late uncle John Buzik, who This modest church is shared with me his passion located within a National for the church and the role it Bird Sanctuary and an area played in helping to develop recognized as an internaour community. tional Biosphere Reserve by I recall uncle John sharing the United Nations Educahis pride in contributing tion, Science, and Culture religious paintings he did Organisation (UNESCO). that were featured in the This past summer, it was church. Though these almost a goner! paintings are no longer in the The Holy Trinity Roman church, I can only hope they Catholic Church, located are serving another Parish within the Rural Municipalwell with recognition of their ity (RM) of Redberry (NW22origin. 42-8 W3M ), was built in 1909 This past May, 2014, the by Eastern European settlers Prince Albert Roman Cathoand included members of my lic Diocese, assuming that paternal family who were of there would be no objections Polish descent - primarily since the Parish had disfrom the Buzikewich (Buzik) solved so many years earlier, maternal family side. and had no formal local During my years growing stewardship in place, sent a up as a farm girl in the area, I couple of its administration Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church near Redberry Lake, about 80 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon. recall attending services both to take out the remaining at the Polish Church and at pews and the chandelier. the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Greek Worried about liability for a were sadly dispersed in the early Catholic Church (still an active structure that was starting to show 2000s. though reduced serviced Parish). drastic wear and tear (the roof had I have listened to many stories In the 1990s, the Polish Church begun to cave in), the Diocese was about the Polish Church shared by was decommissioned for the most preparing for a bulldozer to come in my late father, neighbours, and my part as an active Parish. And, as and knock the church down. mom – whom, when younger, would memory serves, much of its contents By chance, and perhaps divine often make the two-kilometer walk WORTH: SASKATCHEWAN'S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MAGAZINE
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Volunteers work to rebuild the roof of the building known locally as “the Polish church.”
intervention, a nephew driving by with members of his and his dad's farm crew saw the men at the Church. They were taken aback upon hearing from the men that the Church may be under threat. In what can only be shared as a heated passionate exchange of words between my nephew and the two men present, this passionate exchange has since led to a series of positive exchanges and a happy re-beginning for the Polish Church. Through correspondence with the Bishop and his administration at the Prince Albert Diocese, a meeting was held in June on site. My two eldest brothers and mother were in attendance. Upon seeing the commitment of our family to do the work needed to keep the Church standing the Bishop agreed to let us do the work. In exchange they would bring back the pews and the chandelier and a transfer of agreement would be developed to ensure we continue the stewardship of the Polish Church in perpetuity as an historic landmark and as a place of spiritual and community gathering. 16
There were lessons learned on everyone's part in this story – For us, not to take our heritage for granted, and for the Diocese, not to assume that no one cares! Three important things aligned for this to happen. First, the random (or not so random) chance meeting and exchange between our family and members of the Diocese (or the next thing one may have driven by was a knocked down Church, as demolition does not take long!). Second, the openness of the Diocese to seeing that, while no local Parish remains due to a limited amount of people living in the area, there still remained local community members committed to seeing the landmark remain. And third, if not for the resources and skill of an eldest brother Rodney who was able to quickly mobilize his farm crew of more than half a dozen people to rebuild the roof, fortify the structure and repair and paint the exterior – well, the Polish Church most likely would have been a goner! Instead, we have been in correspondence with the Diocese who is preparing to return the chandelier and pews in October.
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Later, after harvest, the Bishop will come and provide a blessing to the Church. The goal is to continue with the restoration of the Church on the interior (with a fresh coat of paint and a staining of the floor) and to have it remain as an open Church for all to visit, honour, and pay respect to. There were lessons learned on everyone's part in this story – For us, not to take our heritage for granted, and for the Diocese, not to assume that no one cares! Fortunately, open hearts and minds, a spirit of cooperation, and a little bit of good old-fashioned elbow grease resulted in a happy ending for this local historic landmark. A Trust is being formed and all donations will be happily accepted to continue with this legacy. You may contact lswystun@sasktel.net for more information about how to be involved. W Lenore Swystun is a proud farm kid at heart with a passion for heritage throughout Saskatchewan and beyond.
HEWARD – The cornerstone of St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Heward was laid September 16, 1919 by the Masonic Grand Master of Saskatchewan. The architect, A.J. Rowley of Regina, envisioned a thirteenth century building executed in ashlar-cut fieldstone. Construction spanned four years from 1918 until its official opening October, 18, 1921. Six hundred loads of stone and three hundred cubic yards of mortar sand were provided by the same volunteer labour that excavated the By Leigh Robinson basement. The contractor was W.R. A new roof was added in 2012 to Brown and Co. of Weyburn. St. Andrew's Anglican church in The carpenter was L. Satrums, Heward (above) and repointing of Creelman. Regina Sash and stonework continued this summer. Door did the millwork, while McGraw, Stevenson & Co. of Belfast, When the building was Ireland made the nine memorial sold to the United Church windows. in 1961, the bells, font, The structure measures 64 by 27 lectern, and other items feet, anchored by a 60-foot spire on a were acquired by Re14-foot square base. The deep gina's Anglican churches. foundation footings are six-feet wide, St. Andrew's closed in enclosing a basement with 12-foot 1968 after years of ceiling clearance and seating for 200. declining attendance. Decades of Thick stone walls with integral obscurity have not diminished the buttresses rise to support a heavypower of this building to transport us beamed, sixteen-foot roof over the to another time and place. sanctuary. The enigmatic cornerstone incised Original contents included a with the Masonic device is perhaps thirteenth-century octagonal stone key to understanding the structure's font, brought by Sir Joshua Quillermedieval origins and enduring Couch, from a crumbling, understonework. mined church on the coast of With the carnage of World War I, Cornwall. relatively few stone structures were The council of Powick Parish, being built in rural areas due to the Worcestershire, donated an oak lack of men and horses. It is remarklectern that had been in use for over able that such an edifice was built in five hundred years. Other English a village where population peaked at churches sent the frontal linens and 173 in 1906, declining steadily religious hardware. thereafter.
St. Andrew's owes its survival to age-old construction techniques, and the determination of a few individuals who have maintained the site since 1968. The grounds are mowed every summer and the basement is pumped dry during the wet years. However, with major repairs looming, the village council decided to sell the structure. Fortunately, the devoted conservators of St. Andrew's intervened and purchased the property in 2011 under the name of Heward Stone Church Inc. Fundraising events and bequests paid for a new roof in 2012. Currently, the group is focused on repointing stonework and restoration of plasterwork, windows and painting. Future plans include installation of electricity and a heat source, then a separate on-site bathroom/service facility for community events and weddings. To view the church, contact Brenda Griffin (306-457-3223) or Laura Sabados (306-457-8180). Their e-mail address is hewardstonechurchinc@hotmail.ca. W
St. Andrew's Anglican Church
Sources: [1] Leader Post archives, October, 1921; [2] “Our Towns” 2008, David McLennan, Canadian Plains Research Center; [3] “Prairie Trails and Tales” 1977, (Stoughton and district history book); [4] Heward Stone Church Inc
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IN THE NEWS
Regina Indian Industrial School Cemetery Report Tabled Again Until April A report from the city administration on the Regina Indian Industrial School Cemetery (See Page 14 in the summer edition of Worth magazine) has been tabled until the April meeting of the Regina Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC). The committee voted to
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table the report for a second time after delegations to the September 8 MHAC meeting indicated that considerable and positive discussions had taken place over the summer with representatives from various groups including the property owner, several First Nation communities and an organization in which the United Church is active.
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Worth Editor Resigns Joe Ralko has decided the time has come to move on. He informed the Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan board of directors in August that the autumn edition of Worth magazine would the last for which he is responsible as editor. In 2007, Ralko became the editor of Faรงade, the black and white membership newsletter then published by the society. He coordinated the transition and renaming of it to a full-colour magazine called Saskatchewan Heritage Quarterly in 2009 and also managed the makeover of the quarterly as Worth magazine in 2011. McDiarmid needs your help Gord McDiarmid of Winnipeg needs your help. What started out as an innocent genealogical search for relatives has turned into a massive research project for McDiarmid. He has identified more than 200 projects on the Prairies involving either the J. McDiarmid Co. Ltd. (1906 -1940) or the J & J McDiarmid Brothers Partnership (1892 -1905). He believes there's more and invites suggestions and inquiries be emailed to gmcdiarmid@gmail.com.
Meet the New Heritage Minister Mark Docherty was named in the 2011 provincial election. Minister of Parks, Culture and Professionally, Mark has Sport as well as Minister worked as an instructor at SIAST responsible for the Provincial and as a member of the Capital Commission on June 5th Transition Team in the Ministry by Premier Brad Wall. of Advanced Education, The Stewardship Division of Employment and Immigration the Ministry of Parks, Culture with the Government of and Sport includes the Heritage Saskatchewan. Conservation Branch, In addition, he worked for the Saskatchewan Heritage Saskatchewan Government in Foundation and the Royal many other roles, including Saskatchewan Museum. Director of Dales House, a Docherty replaced Kevin Director of Immigration, a Honourable Mark Docherty Doherty who was named Minister Supervisor for Health and a of Advanced Education and Minister Responsible Team Leader at the Paul Dojack Youth Centre. for Saskatchewan Telecommunications (SaskTel). Mark has earned three degrees – a Bachelor of Doherty had been the Minister of Parks, Culture Science through Saskatchewan Indian Federated and Sport since 2012. College, a Bachelor of Human Justice from In addition, Docherty is also the cabinet minister University of Regina, majoring in human rights and responsible for: a Masters of Social Work, also from U of R. Creative Saskatchewan His interest in education has led Mark to teach Interprovincial Lotteries Kawacatoose LPN students and youth care workers Meewasin Valley Authority for SIAST and several courses at the University of Saskatchewan Arts Board Regina. Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts Mark is very involved in his community. He is a Wakamow Valley Authority founding board member of Street Culture Kids Wanuskewin Heritage Park Authority Project Inc. and has served on the Board of the Wascana Centre Authority North Central Community Association. Western Development Museum Docherty has also led a very physically active life. He has represented Saskatchewan at the provincial Docherty is the Saskatchewan Party Member of and national levels in team handball, rugby and the Legislative Assembly for the constituency of lacrosse. Regina Coronation Park, the north end area of the He has competed in triathlons around the world city where he was born and spent his early life. He and is a three-time finisher of the Hawaii Ironman was first elected to the Saskatchewan Legislature Triathlon World Championships.
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MEET the BOARD of DIRECTORS
Dragana Perusinovic - Treasurer
D
ragana Perusinovic, who was elected a member of the board of directors of the Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan in 2013, now is the treasurer of the federallyregistered charitable organization. “As an intern architect I was seeking ways of becoming more involved in the architectural community in Regina and Saskatchewan,” she explained. “My experiences living and studying in Europe have informed and developed my interest in and understanding of the impact of heritage architecture. This led me to becoming involved with the AHSS.” Dragana also is a member of the Development Committee of the Regina Warehouse Business Improvement District. “I believe the biggest challenge for built heritage is ensuring its continued use,” she said. “Our ability to adapt heritage buildings to new uses will inform and define the
future of built heritage in our environment. I believe the value of built heritage is in our experiences in these buildings. “Redefining these experiences through adaptive reuse and reimagining these buildings today and in the future are for me fascinating prospects. Dragana moved to Canada from Belgrade, Serbia when she was 10 years old. She is a graduate of the Master's program in architecture, having completed her architectural thesis at Carleton University in Ottawa. In addition she studied architecture in Germany and Italy before moving back to Regina in 2011 to pursue a career in architecture. She now is an intern architect with Kreate Architecture and Design in Regina, Saskatchewan is involved in all aspects of the practice from design through contract administration. W
Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan HELPING HERITAGE HAPPEN
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C O N S E R V I N G t h e PA S T
When Light Misbehaves
A
scratch on a soapstone sculpture. A watermark on varnished wood. Snow. What do these things have in common? Yes, they're all white, but it's more than that. They're white for the same reason. It's common knowledge that colours we see are the colours of light reflected from a surface. Something looks red because it has absorbed every wavelength of light except red. (I remember my chagrin when I first learned this, realizing that what I thought was my blue shirt was everything but blue.) How this absorption works is that in a smooth, solid surface, the molecules are arranged in a regular structure, perfectly spaced so that some wavelengths of light can get through and be absorbed, while others cannot, and are reflected. In a red material, red is the only wavelength that cannot get through. Scratch this red surface, however, and you've upset the structure, creating a jumble of edges, fissures, and facets. Light impinging on these now random surfaces bounces off in a myriad of directions. Because this light is so scattered, none gets absorbed. So not just red,
By Sharon Deason www.sharondeason.com
Above: A classic watermark in varnish, the result of hot water leaking out of the conservator's own poorly-placed coffee maker. Right: The same area of damage, after aggressive buffing with Autosol Metal Polish and waxing.
WORTH REMEMBERING With some problems, the answer is there, right in front of us.
but the entire spectrum, is reflected. This combination of every wavelength results in white. This is the white we see in the scratch in soapstone and in a watermark in varnish. It is not a condition of colour; it's a condition of texture. Thus, it becomes straightforward to fix. To correct colour, we correct roughness. To correct roughness, we simply make it smooth. Smoothening is done either by adding material or by removing it. A scratch in soapstone
varnished or shellacked surface, causing a mesh of fissures in its otherwise clear crystalline structure, similar to the scratch, only this time it sits above the original surface because the material has swollen. By buffing with an abrasive powder, the high spots and the microscopic fissures are rubbed down, rendering the surface smooth. Light is no longer diffused from its surface, so the unsightly white disappears. Fuller's Earth or Rottenstone are commonly-used abrasives which, when used with mineral oil and a lot of elbow grease, will cut watermarks effectively. Recently, I tried buffing watermarks with Autosol Metal Polish, with outstanding results. Acquiring a simple understanding of problems leads us to simple solutions. We know that's happensits lower than the fining when we start seeing ished surface and should similarities in other asbe filled. pects of life. Damage to our precious materials is like The most practical and reversible material for this new-fallen snow. It's full of space, inviting light to is wax. A clear paste wax such as Conservator's Wax dance. There's something for you to contemplate the rubbed into a scratch fills the network of fissures and next time you head out to shovel. W leaves the upper surface smooth. Sharon Deason, a With no more spaces to Queen's University play around in, light graduate, is a Saskatoonbehaves in a predictable based private conservator manner and reflects only specializing in the the colour of the soapstone. restoration of decorative and gilded objects, fine A watermark occurs frames and heritage because water or alcohol was allowed to sit on a interiors.
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NORTH AMERICAN BRICK By Frank Korvemaker - fkorvemaker@accesscomm.ca
Detail of the diamond-shaped frog.
Brick Name:
“Diamond Frog”
Brick Manufacturer:
Beaver River Brickyard (?)
Manufacture Location: Beaver River, Nova Scotia. Date(s) of Manufacture: ca. 1875 Brick Type:
Face
Approximate Dimensions: 8 1/8 x 3 5/8 x 2 1/4 inches / 205 x 93 x 55 mm Colour:
dark red, smooth
Variations on a diamond-shaped frog from American brick yards: (top) Excelsior, N.Y.; (bottom) E.L. Cook, Mass.
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The Nickerson - Moores House, Port Maitland, N.S. The original chimneys were made with bricks featuring a diamond-shaped frog.
COMMENTS: In the mid to late 19th century, bricks were manufactured at Beaver River, a small community north of Yarmouth. According to the local history book, Historical Trails through Port Maitland, Beaver River, Sanford, Short Beach, Darling's Lake, “…there were two brick making kilns at Beaver River. Evidence of one of the kilns may be found near what remains of the old breakwater at the present day outlet of Beaver River. The second kiln was located at what is now Bartlett's Beach.” A number of the older bricks in the region, including some found at Port Maitland, display an unusual diamond-shaped frog, seen in various American states, but much less common in Canada. Some have also been found in Australia. As there was regular trade between New England and Yarmouth, it is possible that the concept for this diamond shaped frog came from the USA. The chimney for Charles & Dora Nickerson's house, built by Howard Curry in Port Maitland around 1885, included these bricks with their diamond-shaped frog.
Sources: [1] http://brickcollecting.com/collection.htm; [2] Historical Trails through Port Maitland, et al, 1985, p. 39; [3] Personal Communication: Susan & Rod Moores, Port Maitland, 9 Sept. 2013 and July 29, 2014; [4] House Photo: Susan Moores; [5] www.johnnyfivecollectables.com/ 2013_09_01_archive.html
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Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan 2014 BOARD of DIRECTORS Rod Stutt, President, Moose Jaw Al Gill, Past President, Regina Terry Sinclair, Vice President, Regina Brian Bell, Secretary, Moose Jaw
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�.
Dragana Perusinovic, Yes, I/we want to become a member of AHSS
Treasurer, Regina Michel Fortier, Saskatoon
Yes, I/we want to receive
Patricia Glanville, Regina
STAFF Lovella Jones, Provincial Coordinator
Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan HELPING HERITAGE HAPPEN
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