Western Development Museum - 1910 Boomtown, Saskatoon
About the 1910 Boomtown WDM
The railway played a crucial role in hastening settlement in Western Canada. It imported settlers and supplies, and exported Saskatchewan's produce. Railway sidings developed into meeting places and became railway towns where groceries, hardware, lumber, blacksmithing, mail, express and freight services were provided. Urban life revolved around serving the grain-based economy and rural life revolved around the farm and the railway towns.
Saskatchewan boomed with economic activity from the turn of the century to 1914. Landseekers flooded the west and towns grew almost overnight. 1910 Boomtown, the Western Development Museum's representation of a typical Saskatchewan town, captures the atmosphere and style of this bustling period. Over 30 buildings portray community life - from the general store overflowing with everything from nails to gingham, to the blacksmith shop ringing with the sound of the hammer striking the anvil. The visitor is transported back to a time when the clip clop of horses filled the air. You don't just visit this museum, you live it!
View an impressive collection of farm machinery from days gone by in a seasonal storage facility. Stroll through Saskatoon's only vintage car collection in the Transportation Gallery.
Phase one, two and three of the exciting, dynamic new centenary exhibits, Winning the Prairie Gamble: Farm Life in Saskatchewan, are now open. The exhibits as a whole trace the story of a farm family as it grows and changes over 100 years. Phase one traces their journey from 1905 to 1920. Hop aboard a recreated colonist car and experience part of the arduous and uncertain journey new immigrants took to reach their new homes in Saskatchewan. New homesteads were often nothing more than a parcel of bald prairie, and for many, a sod house or "soddie" constructed from the earth was their first home. Step inside a recreated sod home to appreciate the close quarters many families endured as they worked to "prove up" their land. The exhibits entwine the family story with the events and influences which affected their lives including the First World War, the Spanish Influenza epidemic, faith, grievances against the political establishment and the prairie grain economy. The exhibit storyline entwines First Nations and Métis stories too. Learn about First Nations and Métis farming, hunting and fishing. A diorama scene evokes harvest time on a First Nations reserve. An elderly woman hangs fish to dry on a frame outside her log home. The Métis story is told in an adjoining display, and features the fiddling of modern-day Métis fiddler, John Arcand.
Winning the Prairie Gamble phase two brings the exhibit into the 1920s, boom years in Saskatchewan. New homes could be purchased through the Eaton's catalogue, like the Earlsfield home on display. A 1920s Fair brings together the newest and latest innovations. A 1925 Hart Parr tractor mimics a technique from the twenties - pulling itself up “by the bootstraps.” Under a bright tent canopy, displays of grain and needlework, canning and baking compete for prize ribbons. Government departments worked hard to educate citizens about clean and healthy lifestyles and an exhibit model replicates the model originally entitled “From Apple Pie to Cow Pie.” A Métis rider races his pony, while visitors are offered a chance to view real race footage from an early fair. Other films present showing livestock at the fair. The Fun House beckons. Children make faces that the mirrors distort. Lights flash, a lion roars, a clown looms out of the dark.
Phase three of the Winning the Prairie Gamble exhibit takes visitors back to the "Dirty Thirties." A time when Saskatchewan was ravished by drought, grasshoppers, rust and disease. Many farmers had to struggle for their survival. The Great Depression Exhibit showcases an Eaton's catalogue house, destressed to show the effects of the Depression. An interactive Bennett Buggy ride takes visitors down a bumpy road back to the farm and a magnificent diorama shows the effects of a prairie dust storm.
As well, stop by the Boomtown Cafe. This working exhibit offers delicious home cooked flavour and variety, tantalizing aroma of home baking in 1910 decor, and daily specials. And finally, don't forget to stop off at our Museum Store to pick up some great Saskatchewan or Canadian memorabilia or giftware.
The Saskatoon WDM is also home to the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame.
At 1910 Boomtown we have plenty to offer:
Picnic sites on grounds in Boomtown Park.
Banquet/meeting/convention facilities available for any group.
Self-guided tour information.
Many displays throughout the year.
Boomtown Studio - Have your picture taken in period costume.
Museum Store
Boomtown Cafe
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