ROTARY CLUB OF SASKATOON
February 24,2025
MEETING AT THE SASKATOON CLUB
President-Elect, Will Arscott, chaired the meeting.
Members sang O Canada. Wilson Nabiimpa recited grace.
Paul Gauthier handled technology. Cashier was Wayne Palmer. Greeter was Avis Hardy. Presenter: Terry Hoknes.
HEALTH OF THE CLUB: Scott Byers advised me that his father, Drew
Byers, passed away on Sunday, February 23, due to complications from pneumonia. Our wishes and condolences to their families.
HAPPY AND SAD DOLLARS
- $20 Avis took part in a walk/program on the weekend, organized by the St. Anne’s CWL and the Salvation Army. The walk was to bring to our attention awareness on human trafficking in our city and province. They had a speaker who was a survivor of human trafficking.
- $50 Maureen was asked by Gary Rusu to thank us for our volunteering at the Friendship Inn where several of us volunteered during their noon meal on family day, February 17. Maureen says Gary gives a further $50 for being in Mexico’s warmth right now.
- $25 from the Palmers for Canada wining the Four Nations cup (hockey).
- $200 from Graham for time spent in Revelstoke and in anticipation of returning to our area and Wakaw. Also, he was glad to see Vic on Zoom.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Donna has Grocery Cards available.
Chairman Will confirmed that he is attending leadership training in Russell, Manitoba (called PETs). It is not limited to those planning on becoming President in the future. It can be attended in person or remotely.
The RYLA Committee is looking for members with computer savvy to join them.
Steve announced that because of lack of support we are not going ahead with Adventures in Technology this year.
The Golf Pool fundraiser will be on your radar soon and Will asks you to spread the word to get more people to enter.
Presentation:
Maureen Torr introduced Terry Hoknes, who has a passion for gathering information about the history of Saskatoon. He is on the board of the Historical Society. He has compiled stories, many old photographs, and videos.
The following are pieces of information Terry gave us during his very interesting talk:
John Lake is considered to be the founder of Saskatoon. In 1882 a few families arrived on the banks of our river. At that time there was no railroad which came to that spot and there was no source of food supplies. At that time our district was part of the Northwest Territories, and the Regina district was referred to as the district of Assiniboia. The railway had only been built to Moose Jaw at that time.
The first families in Saskatoon settled in the Nutana area. Posters invited people from other areas to come and when they got to Saskatoon there was nothing here. Supplies had to be shipped in from North Battleford, Prince Albert, and Moose Jaw.
An 1883 survey showed an area which was not yet developed. In 1885 the Luis Riel Rebellion took place and in 1876, Treaty #6 was signed establishing reserves on land which was already owned by the indigenous dwellers. By that time the millions of buffalo were already gone.
As the roads were being developed in Saskatoon streets like Broadway were very wide because there had to be enough room for a horse and wagon to turn around.
In 1890 the railroad reached Saskatoon and then growth started to accelerate. Downtown and Nutana were like two separate villages. The first bar was at the Queen’s Hotel, the first school was on the University grounds. Those attending school would have to use a ferry to cross the river from downtown until the traffic bridge at Victoria Avenue was built in 1907.
Our province was established in 1905. Nutana Collegiate was established in 1909 and over the top of the bridge a pedestrian crossing was completed and was used from 1912 to 1964.
In 1913 Streetcars started to be used. They lasted until approximately the 1970s.
Next Meeting is March 10. Presenter is Dorothy Hudson speaking on the Ghana water project.