Boomtown Street
Indoor
Saskatoon
Boomtown Street
Saskatchewan boomed with economic activity from the turn of the century to 1914. Land seekers flooded the west and towns grew almost overnight. 1910 Boomtown, an indoor representation of a typical Saskatchewan town, recaptures the atmosphere and style of this bustling period. Over 30 buildings await!
Virtual Visit
Want a sneak peek before you visit? Can’t visit in person? We’ve got you covered with two online ways to explore.
Explore Boomtown via Google Street View
The Google Street View team visited the Saskatoon WDM. “Walk” the street in this epic Boomtown Street View adventure.
Explore Boomtown via Gigapan
Visit GIGAPAN.org for an interactive look at Boomtown Street and the entrance to 100 Years of Saskatchewan History, courtesy of photographer David Fahie.
Blacksmith Shop
Volunteer blacksmiths can often be seen at work at the forge.
The blacksmith sharpened plowshares, replaced horseshoes, repaired wheels and shaped iron into tools and replacement parts. Metal was heated in a forge, where bellows forced air through the fire to heat the iron. Tongs were used to hold each malleable, red-hot item on the anvil while the blacksmith hammered it into the desired shape with his sledge. It was then plunged into a nearby tank of water to harden it.
If you are interested in learning more about blacksmithing, sign up for the WDM Introduction to Blacksmithing course.
To find out more about blacksmithing in Saskatchewan, you may also contact the Saskatchewan Blacksmith Association.
St. Peter’s Anglican Church
Originally a school house, this building was converted to St. Peter’s Anglican Church in 1913 in Young, Saskatchewan. Individual families donated a total of 21 chairs to be used in the church. This Church, moved to Boomtown Street in 1972, is the only original building on the street.
The Church is available to rent for weddings or other events.
Schoolhouse
Labour was often pooled to build the one-room schoolhouse, along with a woodshed, board, outhouse and well. The school room was often poorly lit and somewhat chilly. The only way of adjusting the heat was to move closer to, or farther away from, the stove. Most students walked, rode horseback or arrived by horse and buggy. Schools were usually the social centre or recreation centre for the community. They were used for Christmas concerts, church services, dances, meetings and other events.
Photo Studio
Check out c. 1910 cameras and photography equipment,
By 1910, some communities in Saskatchewan were fortunate enough to have permanent photography studios. To make a living, however, many commercial photographers travelled extensively throughout the prairies. Large cameras, similar to the one in this studio, were standard equipment.
Boomtown Café
The Boomtown Café is a “working exhibit” with 1910 era decor and delicious, home style food at a reasonable price. The Café serves a variety of hearty items, from pancakes and omelettes to chicken strips and burgers. Light items like salads and sandwiches are also available. Check out the menu and daily specials on the Boomtown Café page.
WM. Bentley Dry Goods
Most of the fixtures and some stock in this building came from the Bentley store which William Bentley operated in Deslisle Saskatchewan from 1909 until his death in 1963.
Telephone Operator’s House
By 1910, telephones were in place in many parts of the province. The small town’s switchboard was frequently located in the operator’s home. On display are various Nellie McClung items, including her portrait. She was a Western Canadian author and vigorous advocate of social reform and women’s suffrage.
Wing Lee Laundry
Many early laundries were operated by Chinese settlers who originally came to Canada to work on the western section of the Canadian Pacific Railway. The laundry was sometimes both home and business, with sleeping quarters for the family in the back.
