The T. W. Robinson Company was established in 1883 by Titus W. Robinson. The business was a department store located at 28-30 Main Street (116 Main St. North), Moose Jaw. In 1912, the store’s name changed to Robinson-MacBean Ltd. W. F. MacBean was the company’s secretary and treasurer. He later became the managing director of the store after T. W. Robinson’s death on October 2, 1913 in Toronto. The original store was two storeys with a basement. From 1912-1914, a new building was constructed for the department store. Three storeys were added to the existing building. When that was completed, the two lower levels were removed and built again to correspond with the three upper floors. No disruption to service occurred during the construction of the new building. The new structure had five storeys and a basement – it was at one time the tallest building on Main Street. The store had various departments, including: dry goods, men’s wear, ladies’ wear, shoes, house furnishings, and china and glassware.
The Robinson-MacBean department store made news in 1923 when four night constables were arrested for breaking and entering and theft. The constables had in their possession ‘Niagara Maid silk bloomers’ that were only sold at Robinson-MacBean’s store. In 1928, the store was renamed to MacBean’s Ltd and remained at 116 Main St. North until 1931. The building was vacant for a few years before the Army and Navy Department Store moved into the building.

The Moose Jaw and District Hospice Care Association Inc. was incorporated in 1983. It was organized by a group of professional and lay people with a shared concern about care for the terminally ill. In 1983 at a meeting Dr. R.W.A. Hepburn moved and Cheryl Craig seconded that a process be initiated to form a non-profit organization. The steering committee appointed to plan a public meeting were Dr. R.W.A. Hepburn, Marion Riley, Norma Hopps, Ruth Taylor, Cheryl Craig, Sheila Phillips and Eleanor Stamm. Ruth Taylor and Eleanor Stamm were asked to continue as acting chairman and secretary, respectively. Herb Taylor volunteered to act as treasurer. The first public meeting was set to take place on November 23, 1983 at St Michael’s and All Angels Church. The three short term objectives of the group were 1) education of the general public and professionals, 2) organization and training of volunteers, 3) fund-raising.

The board of directors was composed of local people representing a number of disciplines and services which directly and indirectly affect those who are dying and their families. Involved with hospice care were the Victoria Order of Nurses, Thunder Creek Home Care, Moose Jaw Union Hospital, Providence Hospital, Moose Jaw Ministerial Association, nursing homes, funeral homes, social workers and volunteers. A volunteer training program was in place to train people to care for the terminally ill and their families during their illness and bereavement.

In June 1993 a special board meeting was held to discuss amalgamation with Thunder Creek Home Care. The aim for amalgamation was to provide optimum care as well as to avoid the duplication of services. Any members wanting to volunteer services would be most welcome by Thunder Creek. The volunteer program was transferred to Thunder Creek Home Care. Over the summer appropriate action was take to dissolve the Association. A motion was carried at the final board meeting on September 7, 1993 that the Non-profit Corporate Act Articles of Incorporation be amended to state that all assets go to the Providence Hospital for palliative care programming. The books, videos, filing cabinet and answering machine would be donated to the
Palliative Care Program at Providence Place. The minutes of meetings would be placed in the
Archives Department at the Moose Jaw Public Library, and Walter Pritchard would keep the financial records for six years.

By 1907 the Moose Jaw River had become a heavily used recreational centre. The Moose Jaw aquatic Club was formed as a non-profit organization with the prime interest to foster aquatic sports and a place where the young people of the city could meet in wholesome and worthwhile athletic and social activities.

In 1912 the Club hired local architect Sholto Smith to design a club house on the riverbank. The official opening was held on August 7, 1913. During the 1920's and 1930's the Club thrived, hosting swimming and boating events, regattas, and dances. It became affiliated with the Canadian Amateur Swimming Association. In 1934, Phyllis Dewar, a Club member won 4 gold medals in swimming at the British Commonwealth Games.

In 1948 the club house sustained damage due to vandalism and flooding. In the late 1950's the building was moved south from the river up the bank to its present location of 276 Home Street East and was altered. It is now the home of the South Saskatchewan Wildlife Club, known as the Sportsman’s Centre.

It is unclear what happened to the members of the Aquatic Club. There is no documentation in the Library Archives as to when the Club ceased. Other swim clubs were formed and probably absorbed the members of the Aquatic Club.

Heritage Moose Jaw is a non-profit organization that aims to preserve and promote the community’s history. The organization values heritage as a source of identity and pride for the citizens of Moose Jaw. They offer heritage homes tours and cemetery tours. Heritage Moose Jaw meets once a month on Tuesday evenings.

Army and Navy Department Store Ltd. was founded in 1919 by Samuel Cohen in Vancouver, British Columbia. The store sold army surplus goods, however, as the demand for army supplies declined after WWI, Cohen began selling other materials. The organization buys leftover merchandise from wholesalers and retailers in eastern Canada and sells that merchandise in western Canada. Jacqui Cohen, Samuel Cohen’s granddaughter, is the owner, president and CEO of the company.

There are 6 locations in Alberta and British Columbia.
The Army and Navy Department Store’s Moose Jaw location opened July 31, 1933 at 116 Main St. N. The store moved to 225 Main ST. N in 1945.

The organization announced on January 15, 2000 that they were closing the Moose Jaw location due to poor sales.

In May 1977 a public meeting was held for those interested in forming a Tuxford community organization. Many were interested in compiling a history of the Tuxford area. That was the beginning of the Tuxford Heritage Group. Many people came forward to volunteer their time and efforts to the project.

At the Heritage Group’s first meeting they decided “to record the history of the Tuxford community, the book to be hard covered, of standard size and well-illustrated with local pictures, to cover the Village of Tuxford and the former school districts of Blofield, Buffalo Lake, Clinton, Fairwell, South Lake, and Westlake.” Committees were formed in each school district and letters were sent to as many family contacts as could be located, asking them to submit histories of their families, as well as human interest stories and photographs. They also asked permission to present all the original manuscripts submitted to the Moose Jaw Public Library Archives Department when the book was completed. The local media provided information on the project and public meetings were held to obtain material and stimulate further interest. Some of the committee members included Olive Wells, Vera Astleford, Clara Puddell, Elsie M. Hobday.

The book covers the period of time from 1857 to 1977. The book was published by the Tuxford Heritage Committee in 1979. It was printed by Friesen Printers, Altona, Manitoba. Financial assistance was provided by “New Horizons”, a federal government program to assist senior citizens in projects of their choice.

The Keeler Grandmothers Club was organized on June 19, 1954 at the farm home of Mrs. Percy Lightle. The first president was Mrs. Lightle, Secretary-treasurer was Mrs. Irene Bullivant. The club was a social club and all the senior ladies of the Keeler district were welcome to join. Charter members were: Mrs. J. Keeler, Mrs. Palmer, Mrs. J. Gardner, Mrs. W. Shwenneker, Mrs. H. Buckmaster, Mrs. P. Lightle, Mrs. H. Dow, Mrs. D. English, Mrs. J. Aupperle, Mrs. R. Swanson, Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Bullivant, Mrs. Crittenden, Mrs. Knight, Mrs. Pierce and Mrs. Smith. Membership dues were 25 cents per year. A collection was taken at each meeting for lunch and a white elephant draw. Contests and bingos were also enjoyed.
By the 1990's the Club had retired to Moose Jaw with its members and still met in each others homes. In 2001 the games were discontinued and members met monthly for lunch at a local restaurant.
In 2006 the Club still meets once a month for coffee and fellowship.

The Pla-Mors Hockey Club was organized by former junior hockey players who still loved the game and desired to play. The possibility of reviving the old Senior Hockey League was discussed. Sponsors considered it a bad risk. In 1959 the players decided to go ahead and organize, even if it meant costing them money personally the first year. Their purpose was to promote their own calibre of hockey and foster minor hockey. They were instrumental in re-organizing the Saskatchewan Senior League consisting of Moose Jaw, Yorkton, Regina and Saskatoon. The first coach of the Pla-Mors was Roy Belbin, captain George Hunchuk, manager Jim Chadwick and trainer Earl Gray. Executive for 1959-1960 were Jim Chadwick, president; Leo Heisler, vice-president; Ernie Webb, secretary-treasurer and executive members Clarence Waldo, Merv Hulse and Dr. Bill Mullen.

The Department of Agriculture was one of the original departments created upon the formation of the Executive Council of the North-West Territories in 1897. The department was headed by a Commissioner and a Deputy Commissioner. With the transfer to a provincial government in 1905, the department (still under a Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner) was organized into: the Fairs and Institutes Branch; Weeds and Seeds Branch; Dairying; Bacteriologist; Public Health Officer; and Brand Recorder. A Bureau of Information and Statistics was also added.

The Department of Agriculture's original responsibilities included dealing with brands, stray animals, pounds, stock and hide inspection, control of predatory animals, noxious weeds, prairie fires and protection of game, as well as encouraging development and providing assistance to farmers. The department also compiled production statistics and meteorological data. In addition, under the 1906 Department of Agriculture Act, the department was responsible for matters relating to immigration, vital statistics and public health, including hospitals.

The titles of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner were superseded by Minister and Deputy Minister respectively, in 1909.

Other functions held by the Department of Agriculture in its early years included: a Bureau of Labour to look after the inspection of factories, ensure fair wages and work safety, and coordinate harvest help; responsibility for museums; and responsibility for debt assistance.

During its existence, the Department of Agriculture experienced numerous re-organizations and continual name changes to its branches and divisions. However, with a few important additions and deletions of responsibilities, most of the department's functions continued throughout its life span.

In 1910, the public health and hospitals function was transferred out of the Department of Agriculture. Also in 1910, members from the Department of Agriculture were appointed to the newly-organized Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan. The function of the Fairs and Institute Branch was transferred to the university level, under the supervision of the Department of (Agricultural) Extension. The Director of Agricultural Extension, appointed to the College of Agriculture, reported to the Deputy Minister on the work of agricultural societies.

A major function was added to the department with the creation of the Co-operative Organization Branch in 1913. The branch, developed out of the Office of the Registrar of Co-operative Associations, was established to assist farmers with marketing. It was renamed Co-operation and Markets Branch in 1920 and eventually formed as a separate Department of Co-operation and Co-operative Development in 1945.

The Vital Statistics function was transferred out of the department in 1914. However, added that year was the appointment of Agricultural Representatives. These Representatives provided advice and assistance to producers in various districts within the province. Initially, the Representatives acted as administrative support for the College of Agriculture, but later carried out their own programming. The Agricultural Representative Service became a branch in 1945 and was renamed Agricultural Extension Branch in 1969 to better reflect its function.

Another change to the department in 1914 was the inclusion of a Debtors Relief organization. This function was complemented in 1923 by the addition of the Debt Adjustment Bureau. This function of debt management was removed in 1935. The responsibility for museums was added in 1915, but was transferred to the Department of Railways, Labour and Industries in early 1928.

Early in its existence, the Department of Agriculture included a Bureau of Labour to look after the inspection of factories, ensure fair wages and work safety, and coordinate harvest help. This function continued until 1920 when the Bureau, then named the Bureau of Labour and Industries, no longer reported through the department.

By 1930, the department consisted of: the Debt Adjustment Bureau; Statistics Branch; Field Crop Branch; Dairy Branch; Livestock Branch; Bee Division (added in 1928 and later known as Apiary Branch); Co-operation and Markets Branch; and the Agricultural Representative Service.

As a result of drought and soil drifting in the early 1930s, the Land Utilization Branch was established in 1936 to carry out the work of the Land Utilization Board (1936-1964). The Board was responsible for establishing community pastures, irrigable land areas under the federal Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Act (PFRA), and for relocation of settlers.

By 1940, the duties of the Department of Agriculture were solely related to agriculture. The department was responsible for: the administration of all acts relating to agriculture; the promotion of agricultural interests in the province; encouraging production and facilitating the marketing of field and garden crops, livestock and livestock products; promoting and encouraging co-operation among agriculturalists; instituting inquiries and collecting facts and statistics relating to agriculture or other interests of Saskatchewan; and, issuing agricultural information through reports, statistics, circulars or other publications.

The Lands Utilization Board was transferred to the Department of Natural Resources and Industrial Development in 1945, but this responsibility came back to the Department of Agriculture in 1947. At this time, the Lands Utilization division was placed under the Lands Branch which was responsible for the administration of Crown lands in the province. Lands Branch had also been transferred from Natural Resources to Agriculture in legislation assented to on March 5, 1947. In 1964, the Land Utilization Board was replaced by the Agricultural Development Advisory Board.

The Conservation and Development Branch was established in 1949 to encourage and assist with better land use practices. The branch consisted of three main divisions: Operations; Water Development; and Water Rights.

A reorganization of the Department of Agriculture into five main branches was completed in 1951: Animal Industry; Agricultural Representative Service; Conservation and Development; Lands; and Plant Industry. The divisions of Statistics, Information and Radio, Records and General Office reported directly to the Deputy Minister and were sometimes referred to as the Administration Branch.

In 1958, the Agricultural Machinery Administration was added to the department to do the work of the Agricultural Machinery Board, established that same year. Its functions included investigation of complaints, testing machinery and publishing reports on farm machinery and test results.

The Family Farm Improvement Branch was created in 1960 to assist with the installation of farm water and sewage systems, and to assist with the relocation of farmsteads through grants.

The year 1973 witnessed another major restructuring of the department. The various branches, boards and agencies were organized under four major divisions: Extension and Rural Development Division; Farm Resources Development Division; Production and Marketing Division; and a Planning and Research Secretariat. This structure remained in place until 1980, when only the Extension and Rural Development Division and a Marketing and Economics Division were maintained.

Beginning in the late 1970's, the number of boards, commissions and agencies reporting through the department increased. The following are the agencies listed on the Department of Agriculture's organizational charts in annual reports for the period 1977 to 1989:
Saskatchewan FarmStart Corporation (1973-1984)
Saskatchewan Farm Ownership Board (1974-1992)
Saskatchewan Land Bank Commission (1972-1981?)
Agricultural Implements Board (1973-1984?)
Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Board (1960-1984)
Milk Control Board (1977?- )
Saskatchewan Hog Marketing Commission (1977?-1982?)
Saskatchewan Sheep and Wool Marketing Commission (1973- )
Agricultural Development Corporation (1974-1990)
Lands Appeal Board (1978?-1979)
Saskatchewan Lands Allocation Appeal Board (1979?- )
Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (1978?- )
Natural Products Marketing Council (1979?- )
Saskatchewan Vegetable Marketing Commission (1981?- )
Agricultural Credit Corporation (1984-1993)
Saskatchewan Beef Stabilization Board (1982-1990)
Saskatchewan Horse Racing Commission (1983-1994)
Saskatchewan Pork Producers' Marketing Board (1983?- )
Farm Land Security Board (1984? - 1987 Transferred to the Dept. of Justice).

Beginning in 1978, the Department of Agriculture began using the name Saskatchewan Agriculture, although both forms of the name appear in the department's annual reports in this period. Lands Branch was transferred to Saskatchewan Rural Development effective August 1, 1988.

In 1989, the Department of Agriculture was renamed the Department of Agriculture and Food to reflect the addition of new functions relating to diversification and value-added opportunities in the agri-foods industry. From March 2002 to May 2004, the department was known as the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization, after which it reverted to the Department of Agriculture and Food. As part of a government-wide rebranding strategy, the department was renamed the Ministry of Agriculture on November 21, 2007 [The Government Organization Act (S.S. 2007 c.6)]. It continues (2011) to be known as the Ministry of Agriculture.

Formed c.1950s as the Swift Current Civil Defence Organization to deal with the prospect of a nuclear war. Later became the Emergency Measures Organization in 1970s, and focussed on disaster prevention and relief as well as search and rescue operations.

The Southwest Saskatchewan Archaeological Society (SWSAS) held its first meeting on 1982 February 11, at the Swift Current Composite High School with a presentation was made by Tim Jones and Wayne Pendree. In attendance were 25 from Swift Current and 11 other communities in the southwest. Sandra Hill volunteered to be the president of the group and other executive positions were determined at a subsequent meeting. A constitution was drafted and approved within the next two months. The SWSAS agreed to become a chapter of the Saskatchewan Archaeological Society (SAS).

The chapter became very active in short order. In 1984, members participated in archaeological investigations at the Niska site near Aneroid, under the direction of David Meyer, and at the Sheep Camp site on the shore of the South Saskatchewan River, led by Ingrid Cazakoff. The chapter also hosted the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Saskatchewan Archaeological Society in the spring of 1984.

In 1988, chapter members mapped stone circles at Vallee St. Claire in the Lac Pelletier district, south of Swift Current. A report, authored by Sandra Hill, was published in 1989. The SAS AGM was again held in Swift Current in 1988.

A portable library was developed to collect books, reports and other paper documents of archaeological interest, which has continued to grow through the years.

The chapter applied for and received permits to undertake supplemental investigations at the Heron-Eden site southeast of Leader in 1989 and 1990. Grant funds supported the cost of radiocarbon assessments at the University of Saskatchewan, provided by Urve Linnamae and staff.

In 1993 the chapter constructed a portable archaeology display. It has been used in subsequent years to attract and inform the public at several venues in Swift Current during Archaeology Week, Heritage Day and on other occasions. The chapter has also collaborated with the Swift Current Museum and Swift Current Public Library to mount displays and support presentations by speakers, aboriginal performers and the Festival of Ancient Technologies on several occasions in the past 25 years.

A chapter brochure was published in 1994 and has been used since that time to inform the public and attract new members.

Under the direction of veteran member, Ruth Heron, the chapter mapped stone cairns near Battrum from 1996 to 1998. Assistance was provided by the SWSAS when stone circles were mapped near the Hughton Medicine Wheel, an initiative of the West Central Chapter of SAS.

For several years the May chapter meeting was held in Shaunavon to support the membership from that community. A June picnic was often held at Joe and Laureen Gowan’s property on a bend of Swift Current Creek, in the presence of stone circles and other indicators of an aboriginal presence.

While experiencing ebbs and flows in membership, the chapter still has a core of archaeology enthusiasts. At present, all members of the SWSAS reside in Swift Current. Meetings and programs are held at the Swift Current Museum. The chapter registered as a non-profit corporation in 2009.