Dear Editor
I make reference to William Shakespeare’s famous statement (“now is the winter of our discontent”) in Richard III to make a point. For those who love history, and our built history in particular, it’s been a bad summer.
On June 29, arsonists burned the 130-year-old nun’s residence (located just west of Government House which was destroyed by arsonists a decade ago). The nun’s residence was in good shape. Its outstanding feature was the beautiful religious paintings that adorned the interior walls.
A month later, vandals attacked the old Lands Titles office (located about a 100 yards west from the Government House location). They managed to enter the building and create some damage. Fortunately they didn’t set the 135-year-old building on fire. Vandals were also able to get into the old St. Vital Church (more than 140 years old). Luckily it still stands.
During the summer, the old Woolworth Building on 12th Avenue and 101st Street was destroyed by fire. It was constructed in 1955 so it certainly qualifies as a historic building. Will the building adjacent to the north (formerly Fabricland) have to come down as well because of the damage sustained during the Woolworth fire?
Then, of course, the old Sallows and Boyd building (infamously known as the Pigeon Hotel) and the old bus depot were demolished by the City a few weeks ago. We now have another parking lot. The interior of the Sallows and Boyd was so decrepit and decayed that it was beyond ordinary repair. If the building had been maintained and looked after over the years and decades, it would still be standing. Now this stately 100-year-old building, and the old bus depot, part of our heritage, are gone forever, and two more of our downtown historic buildings have been destroyed.
Recently, the 100-plus-year-old Battleford post office was vacated because of a bat infestation. Really hope Canada Post is planning on moving back into this historic landmark. Remember what happened to the North Battleford Post Office in 1972? Unbelievable that this heritage building built in 1904 was demolished to “revitalize” the downtown core. Think it couldn’t happen again? Think again.
Finally, and most unsettling of all, they plan to knock down the historic Saskatchewan Hospital. Seriously. That’s the worst news of all. The old Saskatchewan Hospital should be preserved and used. The external façade should be saved. The interior should be gutted with the building converted into dance and banquet halls, office space and condos. Can it be done? Absolutely it can.
Jane Shury of the Battlefords North West Historical Society is organizing a committee to try to save the old building.
It’s been a bad summer for history lovers. Hope it’s over now winter is here.
Richard W. Hiebert
President
Battlefords Heritage Society
