View looking southeast of observatory; Chemistry (Thorvaldson) Building in background at left.

Bio/Historical Note: The Observatory was designed by Gentil J.K. Verbeke and constructed in two phases using local limestone from 1928-1930 for about $23,000. The R. J. Arrand Contracting Co. was contracted to build the Observatory Tower in 1928 for a cost of $6625. The firm completed the tower $353 under budget on 14 April 1929, for $6,272. On 20 June 1929 R. J. Arrand was again awarded a contract by the University, this time to build the small classroom wing of the Observatory for $15,640. Work on the classroom wing was completed on 23 January 1930 for $15,034.50. University funding for the construction of the building was supplemented by private donations. Along with the Field Husbandry Building, the Observatory would be among the last free-standing buildings constructed on campus until after World War II. A plaque with the names of many donors still hangs inside the dome of the observatory. Saskatoon residents will find many of the names highly recognizable even today. A sundial was added to the exterior of the Observatory during the 1940s. It reads:
I am a Shadow
So art thou
The observatory facilities are available for use by both university students and visitors to the campus. The telescopes and other scientific equipment are used by students during the laboratory component of their courses. University personnel regularly offer tours of the observatory to elementary and high school classes, youth groups and other community associations. The Observatory is staffed year-round on Saturday nights so that any visitor may view celestial objects through the telescope.

W.P. Thompson, head, Biology and third University President, cutting a ribbon during the official opening of the [W.P. Thompson] Biology Building. Stairway of a biology lecture hall in background.

Bio/Historical Note: The W.P. Thompson Biology Building is named after Walter Palmer Thompson, the University of Saskatchewan's third president and founder of the Biology Department (1913). Designed by Izumi, Arnott and Sugiyama, it was constructed between 1957 and 1959 and officially opened in 1960. Set back from the Bowl, the flat-roofed cube style building was located between the Collegiate Gothic architecture of the Chemistry and Physics Buildings. It originally consisted of a teaching wing and a research wing but a header and greenhouse complex was added in 1962. Unlike many other Canadian universities the Department of Biology remained a single unit, balancing diverse sub-disciplines rather than separating into several distinct departments. Prior to the building's opening in 1960, work in biological sciences was scattered among four campus locations. Perhaps the most striking of the building’s features is the mural of mosaic tiles that adorns the south and west exterior walls. The mural depicts the four main stages of cellular mitosis. The artist, Roy Kiyooka, chose chromosome patterns as a testament to Dr. Thompson's important discoveries regarding the genetics of wheat rust. In 1986, the Geology Building was completed on the south side of Biology, resulting in the transformation of the south façade from an exterior into an interior wall, part of a new atrium.

Electrical equipment sitting on carts and tables near the betatron.

Bio/Historical Note: In May 1948 Dr. Harold E. Johns, Dr. Newman Haslam and Dr. Leon Katz, professors of Physics at the University of Saskatchewan, travelled to Milwaukee to inspect the betatron that had been built for the U of S. In August of that same year, the U of S installed in the Physics Annex the first betatron in Canada—the world’s first betatron used for a cancer treatment program. Dr. Johns then began the design and construction of one of the first cobalt-60 teletherapy units. Dr. Johns and his graduate students became the first researchers in the world to successfully treat a cancer patient using cobalt-60 radiation therapy. It was also used for research programs in nuclear physics, radiation chemistry, cancer therapy and radiation biology. In 1951 the world’s first calibrated Cobalt-60 cancer therapy unit was installed at University Hospital (G Wing). The calibration work was done by Dr. Sylvia Fedoruk through rigorous depth dose measurements. In early 1952, Maclean's magazine had dubbed the cobalt-source radiotherapy machine the cobalt bomb - a tongue-in-cheek tribute to this peaceful use of nuclear technology. Dr. Johns’ pioneering work in cobalt-60 teletherapy became the gold standard for radiation therapy for many years and thousands of units were installed worldwide. The original treatment device was used in Saskatchewan until 1972. The work Dr. Johns and his team did on the physics of high energy photon beams was fundamental, and still forms the basis of most treatment planning systems in use today (2024).

From back of photo: "Arranging patient in front of 25 million-volt betatron in preparation for treatment are nurse Anne Chudy and Dr. Thomas A. Watson, director of the Saskatoon Cancer Clinic..."

Bio/Historical Note: In May 1948 Dr. Harold E. Johns, Dr. Newman Haslam and Dr. Leon Katz, professors of Physics at the University of Saskatchewan, travelled to Milwaukee to inspect the betatron that had been built for the U of S. In August of that same year, the U of S installed in the Physics Annex the first betatron in Canada—the world’s first betatron used for a cancer treatment program. Dr. Johns then began the design and construction of one of the first cobalt-60 teletherapy units. Dr. Johns and his graduate students became the first researchers in the world to successfully treat a cancer patient using cobalt-60 radiation therapy. It was also used for research programs in nuclear physics, radiation chemistry, cancer therapy and radiation biology. In 1951 the world’s first calibrated Cobalt-60 cancer therapy unit was installed at University Hospital (G Wing). The calibration work was done by Dr. Sylvia Fedoruk through rigorous depth dose measurements. In early 1952, Maclean's magazine had dubbed the cobalt-source radiotherapy machine the cobalt bomb - a tongue-in-cheek tribute to this peaceful use of nuclear technology. Dr. Johns’ pioneering work in cobalt-60 teletherapy became the gold standard for radiation therapy for many years and thousands of units were installed worldwide. The original treatment device was used in Saskatchewan until 1972. The work Dr. Johns and his team did on the physics of high energy photon beams was fundamental, and still forms the basis of most treatment planning systems in use today (2024).

Elevated view of the betatron being slid down wood ramps into the basement of the Physics Building.

Bio/Historical Note: In May 1948 Dr. Harold E. Johns, Dr. Newman Haslam and Dr. Leon Katz, professors of Physics at the University of Saskatchewan, travelled to Milwaukee to inspect the betatron that had been built for the U of S. In August of that same year, the U of S installed in the Physics Annex the first betatron in Canada—the world’s first betatron used for a cancer treatment program. Dr. Johns then began the design and construction of one of the first cobalt-60 teletherapy units. Dr. Johns and his graduate students became the first researchers in the world to successfully treat a cancer patient using cobalt-60 radiation therapy. It was also used for research programs in nuclear physics, radiation chemistry, cancer therapy and radiation biology. In 1951 the world’s first calibrated Cobalt-60 cancer therapy unit was installed at University Hospital (G Wing). The calibration work was done by Dr. Sylvia Fedoruk through rigorous depth dose measurements. In early 1952, Maclean's magazine had dubbed the cobalt-source radiotherapy machine the cobalt bomb - a tongue-in-cheek tribute to this peaceful use of nuclear technology. Dr. Johns’ pioneering work in cobalt-60 teletherapy became the gold standard for radiation therapy for many years and thousands of units were installed worldwide. The original treatment device was used in Saskatchewan until 1972. The work Dr. Johns and his team did on the physics of high energy photon beams was fundamental, and still forms the basis of most treatment planning systems in use today (2024).

Elevated view of the betatron being slid down wood ramps into the basement of the Physics Building.

Bio/Historical Note: In May 1948 Dr. Harold E. Johns, Dr. Newman Haslam and Dr. Leon Katz, professors of Physics at the University of Saskatchewan, travelled to Milwaukee to inspect the betatron that had been built for the U of S. In August of that same year, the U of S installed in the Physics Annex the first betatron in Canada—the world’s first betatron used for a cancer treatment program. Dr. Johns then began the design and construction of one of the first cobalt-60 teletherapy units. Dr. Johns and his graduate students became the first researchers in the world to successfully treat a cancer patient using cobalt-60 radiation therapy. It was also used for research programs in nuclear physics, radiation chemistry, cancer therapy and radiation biology. In 1951 the world’s first calibrated Cobalt-60 cancer therapy unit was installed at University Hospital (G Wing). The calibration work was done by Dr. Sylvia Fedoruk through rigorous depth dose measurements. In early 1952, Maclean's magazine had dubbed the cobalt-source radiotherapy machine the cobalt bomb - a tongue-in-cheek tribute to this peaceful use of nuclear technology. Dr. Johns’ pioneering work in cobalt-60 teletherapy became the gold standard for radiation therapy for many years and thousands of units were installed worldwide. The original treatment device was used in Saskatchewan until 1972. The work Dr. Johns and his team did on the physics of high energy photon beams was fundamental, and still forms the basis of most treatment planning systems in use today (2024).

Elevated image of the betatron sitting on a flat train car with eight men standing around it.

Bio/Historical Note: In May 1948 Dr. Harold E. Johns, Dr. Newman Haslam and Dr. Leon Katz, professors of Physics at the University of Saskatchewan, travelled to Milwaukee to inspect the betatron that had been built for the U of S. In August of that same year, the U of S installed in the Physics Annex the first betatron in Canada—the world’s first betatron used for a cancer treatment program. Dr. Johns then began the design and construction of one of the first cobalt-60 teletherapy units. Dr. Johns and his graduate students became the first researchers in the world to successfully treat a cancer patient using cobalt-60 radiation therapy. It was also used for research programs in nuclear physics, radiation chemistry, cancer therapy and radiation biology. In 1951 the world’s first calibrated Cobalt-60 cancer therapy unit was installed at University Hospital (G Wing). The calibration work was done by Dr. Sylvia Fedoruk through rigorous depth dose measurements. In early 1952, Maclean's magazine had dubbed the cobalt-source radiotherapy machine the cobalt bomb - a tongue-in-cheek tribute to this peaceful use of nuclear technology. Dr. Johns’ pioneering work in cobalt-60 teletherapy became the gold standard for radiation therapy for many years and thousands of units were installed worldwide. The original treatment device was used in Saskatchewan until 1972. The work Dr. Johns and his team did on the physics of high energy photon beams was fundamental, and still forms the basis of most treatment planning systems in use today (2024).

A man standing in front of the newly acquired betatron and working with a structure of wooden blocks.

Bio/Historical Note: In May 1948 Dr. Harold E. Johns, Dr. Newman Haslam and Dr. Leon Katz, professors of Physics at the University of Saskatchewan, travelled to Milwaukee to inspect the betatron that had been built for the U of S. In August of that same year, the U of S installed in the Physics Annex the first betatron in Canada—the world’s first betatron used for a cancer treatment program. Dr. Johns then began the design and construction of one of the first cobalt-60 teletherapy units. Dr. Johns and his graduate students became the first researchers in the world to successfully treat a cancer patient using cobalt-60 radiation therapy. It was also used for research programs in nuclear physics, radiation chemistry, cancer therapy and radiation biology. In 1951 the world’s first calibrated Cobalt-60 cancer therapy unit was installed at University Hospital (G Wing). The calibration work was done by Dr. Sylvia Fedoruk through rigorous depth dose measurements. In early 1952, Maclean's magazine had dubbed the cobalt-source radiotherapy machine the cobalt bomb - a tongue-in-cheek tribute to this peaceful use of nuclear technology. Dr. Johns’ pioneering work in cobalt-60 teletherapy became the gold standard for radiation therapy for many years and thousands of units were installed worldwide. The original treatment device was used in Saskatchewan until 1972. The work Dr. Johns and his team did on the physics of high energy photon beams was fundamental, and still forms the basis of most treatment planning systems in use today (2024).

Faculty standing around the newly acquired betatron equipment.

Bio/Historical Note: In May 1948 Dr. Harold E. Johns, Dr. Newman Haslam and Dr. Leon Katz, professors of Physics at the University of Saskatchewan, travelled to Milwaukee to inspect the betatron that had been built for the U of S. In August of that same year, the U of S installed in the Physics Annex the first betatron in Canada—the world’s first betatron used for a cancer treatment program. Dr. Johns then began the design and construction of one of the first cobalt-60 teletherapy units. Dr. Johns and his graduate students became the first researchers in the world to successfully treat a cancer patient using cobalt-60 radiation therapy. It was also used for research programs in nuclear physics, radiation chemistry, cancer therapy and radiation biology. In 1951 the world’s first calibrated Cobalt-60 cancer therapy unit was installed at University Hospital (G Wing). The calibration work was done by Dr. Sylvia Fedoruk through rigorous depth dose measurements. In early 1952, Maclean's magazine had dubbed the cobalt-source radiotherapy machine the cobalt bomb - a tongue-in-cheek tribute to this peaceful use of nuclear technology. Dr. Johns’ pioneering work in cobalt-60 teletherapy became the gold standard for radiation therapy for many years and thousands of units were installed worldwide. The original treatment device was used in Saskatchewan until 1972. The work Dr. Johns and his team did on the physics of high energy photon beams was fundamental, and still forms the basis of most treatment planning systems in use today (2024).

A man at work in front of the betatron control panels.

Bio/Historical Note: In May 1948 Dr. Harold E. Johns, Dr. Newman Haslam and Dr. Leon Katz, professors of Physics at the University of Saskatchewan, travelled to Milwaukee to inspect the betatron that had been built for the U of S. In August of that same year, the U of S installed in the Physics Annex the first betatron in Canada—the world’s first betatron used for a cancer treatment program. Dr. Johns then began the design and construction of one of the first cobalt-60 teletherapy units. Dr. Johns and his graduate students became the first researchers in the world to successfully treat a cancer patient using cobalt-60 radiation therapy. It was also used for research programs in nuclear physics, radiation chemistry, cancer therapy and radiation biology. In 1951 the world’s first calibrated Cobalt-60 cancer therapy unit was installed at University Hospital (G Wing). The calibration work was done by Dr. Sylvia Fedoruk through rigorous depth dose measurements. In early 1952, Maclean's magazine had dubbed the cobalt-source radiotherapy machine the cobalt bomb - a tongue-in-cheek tribute to this peaceful use of nuclear technology. Dr. Johns’ pioneering work in cobalt-60 teletherapy became the gold standard for radiation therapy for many years and thousands of units were installed worldwide. The original treatment device was used in Saskatchewan until 1972. The work Dr. Johns and his team did on the physics of high energy photon beams was fundamental, and still forms the basis of most treatment planning systems in use today (2024).

Head and shoulders image of W.A. (Bill) Riddell, principal, Regina Campus.

Bio/Historical Note: William Andrew (Bill) Riddell was born on 6 July 1905 in Hamiota, Manitoba. He received a BA (1925) and BSc (1926) from the University of Manitoba, an MSc (1928) from the University of Saskatchewan, and completed his PhD (1931) in chemistry and biology at Stanford University. Riddell taught at Regina College during the 1930s before holding various research positions with the federal and provincial governments. He returned to Saskatchewan in 1938 as an analyst for the Provincial Laboratories and was appointed Director in 1942. In 1950 he returned to Regina College, serving as dean until his appointment as acting principal in 1962. Riddell was instrumental in developing the College’s School of Art and in the expansion of the Norman Mackenzie Art Gallery. Perhaps his greatest contribution was his tireless effort to raise the College to full degree-granting status. In 1959 the Board of Governors did just that and, within two years, design and construction of a new campus in Wascana Park began. Regina Campus, as the College was renamed, was the forerunner of the University of Regina. Riddell was named acting principal of Regina Campus in 1961. He was appointed the first principal the following year and a vice-president of the University in 1967. In 1969 Riddell was appointed assistant to the president. He was awarded an honourary Doctor of Laws degree in 1973, the same year as retirement. Riddell was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1974. He received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 1994. An annual lecture was established in his honour at the University of Regina, and later a new building housing the Faculty of Fine Arts and Student Services became the Riddell Centre, in recognition of his long-standing support of the fine arts in the province. Riddell died in Regina on 27 May 2000.

Murray Library under construction; Chemistry (Thorvaldson) Building in background.

Bio/Historical Note: Though the first recorded withdrawal from the University Library occurred in October 1909, nearly five decades passed before the Library had its own building. The early collection was housed either on the second floor of the College Building (later known as the Administration Building) or was scattered among a number of small departmental libraries. Plans for a new library building in the late 1920s were ended by the start of the Great Depression; but a dramatically reduced acquisitions budget was offset by a grant from the Carnegie Corporation in 1933. In 1943 the University hired its first professional Librarian. A combination of provincial grants and University fundraising financed the construction of the Murray Memorial Library. The library was named after the University’s first President, Walter C. Murray. Designed by noted Regina architect Kioshi Izumi working under H.K. Black, Architect, it marked a change in campus architecture away from the more angular and elaborate Collegiate Gothic style to that of the less expensive cube. Building materials included granite at the entrance and Tyndall stone as a wall cladding and window trim. In addition to the library, the building housed the College of Law, an office of the Provincial Archives and a 105-seat lecture theatre equipped with the latest in audiovisual teaching aids. The most dramatic transformation took place between 1970 and 1976 when a six floor south wing was added along with an extensive renovation of the 1956 structure. Designed by BLM, Regina, the south wing was unlike any other building on campus. Clad in Tyndall stone panels made to look like concrete (through a "bush hammered" finish), the grey almost windowless building is industrial and utilitarian in appearance. The University's master plan required buildings in the core of campus to be clad in stone. However, the "bush hammered" finish was used since the Library addition was built during a period that saw the flowering of "Brutalist" Architecture, so called because of the wide use of exposed concrete. The new (south) wing, originally called the Main Library, was officially opened on 17 May 1974, and also became the home of the Department of Art and Art History, the College of Graduate Studies and the University Archives.

Head and shoulders image of Dr. Hope H. Hunt, College of Home Economics, 1940-1965.

Bio/Historical Note: Dr. Hope H. Hunt attended public and high school in Calgary. She earned a BAHSc from the University of Toronto, an MSc from Columbia University and a PhD from the University of Minnesota, where she held a faculty position. In 1940 she accepted an appointment as head of the School of Household Science at the University of Saskatchewan. In 1941, when the school became a college, Dr. Hunt became the first dean of a College of Household Science in Canada. Her research involved the evaluation of cooking qualities of fruits and was conducted in conjunction with the Horticulture Department. Dr. Hunt was responsible for securing additional faculty members and introducing many important changes to the Home Economics curriculum, including new classes in Child Development, Family Relations, Community Nutrition, Household and Institution Management, Diet Therapy, and History and Development of Home Economics. She was instrumental in changing the name to the College of Home Economics. She laid the groundwork for curricular revisions to establish a general course to meet the needs of teachers and five majors: Dietetics and Nutrition, Housing and Design, Food Science, Clothing and Textiles and Home Management. Dr. Hunt convened a committee to plan a new home for Home Economics in the addition to the Chemistry Building. Dr. Hunt retired in 1972 and was named Dean Emerita. The Hope Hunt Scholarship was established in her honour by alumna and friends. It is awarded annually to a graduate of Home Economics, Nutrition and Dietetics, Family Studies or Consumer Studies who is pursing graduate studies at the University. Dr. Hunt died in Saskatoon in 1995 at age 97.

Iain MacLean, University Secretary, helps University President George Ivany into academic robe during installation ceremony held at Centennial Auditorium. Saskatoon Mayor Henry Dayday seated in background (left of McLean). Chancellor E.K. Turner is seated in large chair to the right of Ivany.

Bio/Historical Note: Jesse William George Ivany was born in 1938 in Grand Falls, Newfoundland. He attended Memorial University of Newfoundland for a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Physics, following which he completed a diploma in Education. He went on to Teachers College, Columbia University for a Master's of Arts degree in Physics Education and to the University of Alberta for a Ph.D. in Secondary Education. Dr. Ivany's alma mater, Memorial University of Newfoundland, conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Laws in 1990. From 1966-1974 he taught at Teacher's College, Columbia University, New York where he headed the Department of Science Education for two years. He has also taught at the University of Alberta and at Prince of Wales College, St. John's, Newfoundland. In 1972-1973 he was visiting fellow, Institute of Education, University of London. Dr. Ivany was Dean of Education at Memorial University for three years before accepting a 1977 appointment as Dean of the faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University. From 1984-1989 he served as Academic Vice-President and Provost at Simon Fraser and was Acting President for six months during 1983. George Ivany served as the seventh President of the University of Saskatchewan from 1989-1999.

Head and shoulders portrait of Dr. Samuel Earl Greenway, Director of Extension.

Bio/Historical Note: Dr. Samuel Earl Greenway was born 16 February 1875 in Little Prairie, Wisconsin. He settled in Manitoba in 1880, and was in turn a farmer, teacher, telegraph operator, and reporter, editor and contributor to magazines. Dr. Greenway was involved in a pivotal event in the history of the University of Saskatchewan, known as “the University crisis of 1919.” The matter became public on June 28 when the Saskatoon Star announced that four members of faculty had been fired without explanation. They were: Samuel E. Greenway, director of Extension; Robert D. McLaurin; head of Chemistry; Ira A. MacKay, professor of Law; and John L. Hogg, head of Physics. All were senior members of faculty with many years of experience. The affair had started in March of that year when Greenway had accused Walter C. Murray, University President, of falsifying a report about University finances. This complaint had been made to the government and not to the Board of Governors. In early April Council voted 27 to zero “affirming its confidence and loyalty to the President” while four members abstained. Three of those who abstained plus Greenway were dismissed as the Board put it, “in the best interest of the University.” The public and the press clamoured for an explanation. When one was not forthcoming, calls for a public inquiry were loud and persistent. In accordance with the University Act, the Lieutenant Governor assumed the role of Visitor and through the office of the King’s Bench held a series of hearings. The Visitor’s report was delivered in April 1920 and vindicated the Board’s decision saying it was “regular, proper and in the best interest of the university.” The professors were not protected by tenure but were employed “at the pleasure of the board.” Their act of disloyalty was enough to cost them their jobs.