Western Development Museum

There are four branches of these in SK; Moose Jaw, North Battleford, Saskatoon, and Yorkton.  The docent at one explained to me that when they put out the “call” for items, they received so many that they decided on having four.

The Moose Jaw branch opened in 1976.  The “theme” of this branch is the History of Transportation, with major galleries reflecting the development of air, land, water and rail transportation in the west. It was actually more interesting than I thought it was going to be.

The day I stopped for a tour was the day of the Shriners Annual Childrens' Festival.  In talking to some of the Shriners I learned (yes, they still do drive the tiny cars) and that they don't do the circus anymore because it involved too much of a monetary outlay for the parents, so they do this event now and it is entirely free.  Even the admission to the Museum was free that day.

First time I've actually seen this sign

 

North Battleford’s theme is the Heritage Farm & Village and the exhibit experience is of the 1920s farm and village life.

From 10,000 farmers in 1900, Saskatchewan grew to some 250,000 farmsteads by 1914.  At first, the farms were small, often only a 160-acre homestead, and basically self-sufficient.  As development continued and villages were built along the rail lines, farmers developed an intimate relationship with their nearest village.  The farmers supplied the villagers with fresh produce and the village supplied the farms with manufactured goods and repair necessities.

Saskatoon is a 1910 Boomtown; a representation of a typical Saskatchewan town.  I think this was my favorite because you “followed” the Worthy family, watched and listened as the first Mrs. Worthy takes you from their trip from Scotland, starting with the train trip across Canada, to their first farm and sod house to the Century Farm Family Award, reflecting on her family’s over 100 years of experiences.  It was pretty interesting.

I did not realize that Canola Oil was invented in  Saskatchewan and that the name "Canola" is Canada Oil.

The Yorkton branch is the Story of People, chronicling the stories of immigrants.  There are exhibits including Ukranian, British, American and German immigrants.