The origins of the Moose Jaw Board of Trade are unclear but the first edition of the “Moose Jaw News” on May 4, 1883 makes reference to a “Billiard and pool hall in the ‘Board of Trade Rooms’”.
The earliest minutes refer to a meeting on October 1, 1888 to organize the Moose Jaw Board of Trade. It does not seem to exist as an legal entity prior to this date. Among the members at this time were prominent names such as Ross, Fysh, Annable and Hopkins with J.H. Ross named acting chair and A.N. Hopkins named acting secretary until they are incorporated.
Their activities included the promotion of the City to outside interests and the formation of committees to address issues of local infrastructure - e.g. Railroad, Bridge and Reservoir.
In 1927, a Young Men’s Section of the Board was formed. Among their activities was the publication of “The Optimeter”, a newsletter touting the accomplishments and bright future of Moose Jaw.
Some reference materials state that the Moose Jaw Chamber of Commerce was the successor to the Board of Trade in the first decade of the 1900's but the Board was very active for some time later. The 1945 Henderson Directory lists G.S. O’Shaughnessy as the commissioner for the Board of Trade at 18 High Street East. The 1946 Henderson lists the Chamber of Commerce at this address with the same individual as the commissioner for that group. This would seem to be the approximate date of succession.