Excavation for the hotel began in 1930. The Saskatoon
Library Local History room has wonderful photos of the steel skeleton, and
other stages of the construction. Materials used in the building included
Tyndall stone from Manitoba, bricks from the Claybank Brick Plant in
Saskatchewan and tiles from Estevan. Although the hotel was completed in 1932,
but the hotel didn’t open until 1935 because of the financial difficulties of
the Depression. The first registered guest was Harold Stovin, in December 1935.
I’ve stayed there in the past, and gone to many
functions. In 2010 the hotel celebrated
its 75th anniversary with an open house that included displays and
tours. We saw china from the past, posters, menus, and newspaper stories
(demonstration protesting dress regulations in 1970). There was a slide show
and story tellers recounted their and others’ memories. Tours showed us the
Royal Suite (where Queen Elizabeth stayed, and which can be booked by ordinary
mortals), as well as telling us about the Bessborough ghost.
The hotel has gone through many changes – ownership,
renovations, etc. It still stands and is
loved as an icon and landmark of Saskatoon.
Beaver Creek
When you live in a city, even if it has good parks and a
wonderful riverbank, there are times when you need the country. Beaver Creek,
13 kilometres south of Saskatoon, is a great place to escape to when the need
for quiet and open country grabs you.
It was established in 1979 and is managed by the Meewasin
Valley Authority. It’s a great place to watch the Perseid meteor shower in
August. Its trails take you through short grass prairie, wooded areas, and to
the riverbank.
I’ve seen a grasshopper laying eggs, watched many different
kinds of birds, and had fun trying to identify various flowers and other
plants. Beaver Creek was the first place I recognized poison ivy. I’ve hiked it
at all seasons of the year. The interpretive centre is fun for kids and adults
alike.
Check out the Meewasin website for information about
programs and hours.
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