Jasper Cultural & Historical Centre Tour Guide
Welcome/History of the Building
The Jasper Street School was built in two stages: the first two story section from the front doors to the archway was built in 1910 and provided 4 classrooms; On completion of the second section 1914 provided 8 additional rooms – one for every grade. J.L Gold was the master carpenter and contractor for the construction of the Jasper Centre.
The building operated as a school until December 1986 when it was slated for demolition. However, a group of citizens bought the school for $10.00 and established an arts and heritage centre. The Fleming collection was the foundation to the museum. It has grown since its opening July 1st 1988 and is currently, the largest museum in the immediate south west and has approximately 20,000 square feet of exhibition, meeting and program space.
The Rodger Newby Western Room
Rodger Newby, a local rancher, collected and framed prints from old calendars and magazines of Charlie Russell paintings; these line the walls of this room. Charlie Russell was born in St. Louis in 1865 and travelled to Great Falls, Montana when he was sixteen, this is where he settled and sculpted over one hundred pieces. The prints depict the OLD WEST before it disappeared with time.
In addition, there is a collection of ranch gear and heritage saddles donated by local ranchers and cowboys. They depict the various types of working saddles used by women, ranchers and NWMP officers. The bedroll and blanket were used by Clay Gilchrist, a well-known rancher of the area. The red “trader point” blankets are twice as long as the usual blankets, they were called “8-point” size.
Richard Rooney Gallery
As with the other two galleries, the Richard Rooney Gallery exhibits a variety of arts & heritage exhibitions relating to the mandate of the Jasper Centre. The shows change every two months and feature local and regional artists, photographers and other related topics and exhibits.
Our mandate is to provide a space that serves as a hub to promote diversity and inclusivity to all marginalized people, groups and organizations.
Eva Small Pocket Gallery
Named after Eva Small, graduate of the Maple Creek School of Nursing, a long-time nurse and wife of local rancher Reg Small. Eva was an active member of the local Arts & Crafts Club, and founder of the Potters Club which met regularly at the Small Ranch as well as Cypress Park. She also explored painting and photography. Eva was a life-long supporter of the Arts and was an inspiration to many of her generation.
Archie Eichhorn Gallery
To the right of the Heritage Gallery, we have the Archie Eichhorn Gallery. Named in honour of much beloved and long-time educator, Archie Eichhorn. During Archie’s tenure in Maple Creek, he encouraged students to participate and excel in all areas but especially the arts and drama. On the side, Archie pursued his own art, mainly oils and produced many wonderful works especially following his retirement when he had more time to devote to his craft.
The Fleming Rooms
Eaton Beauty Doll, found in the baby bassinet. The artefacts in these two rooms were collected by local ranchers, Irvine & Phoebe (Tootsie) Fleming.
The rooms reflect the local history and culture of the Maple Creek/Cypress Hills area. Their collection was located and displayed in a building on their ranch south of Maple Creek until it was donated to the Jasper Cultural & Historical in 1987.
Irvine & Tootsie ‘s generosity has allowed visitors to Jasper Centre the unique opportunity to view this fascinating collection. In appreciation the Jasper Centre had dedicated two rooms to their memory.
Irvine Fleming (1897 – 1987)
Phoebe (Tootsie) Fleming (1902 – 1989)
Ranch Room
The buggy was a Doctor’s Buggy that Mr. Fleming used to ride in the local parade. Along the north wall you will see local brands dating back to 1900. Some were registered before 1900 and are still in use by local ranchers. You will also notice various styles of horseshoes and animal care tools. The map is a 1902 Western Canada map. Mr. Fleming also acquired Indigenous artefacts some of which are on display in the glass covered cabinets. There is a photo and pair of moccasins that belonged to Chief Pay-e-pot. Chief Pay-e-pot’s legend is closely tied to the village of Piapot.
Ranch House Room
The room is set up like a ranch house with artefacts from the 19th century, featuring lamps. The Eaton Beauty Doll, found in the baby bassinet, was one of the first dolls whose eyes closed when you laid it on its back. In the cabinet, as you come in, have a look at how our musical instruments and cameras have changed through the years.
Upper Hallway Gallery
The Upper Hallway Gallery is under development for the next two years. Two feature pieces in this gallery are the tall upright book cases made by Hector Russell, a stone/brick mason and finishing carpenter from Scotland. Russell was hired by the Dixon Brothers in 1909 to upgrade their cabinetry in both old and new store additions. These cabinets donated by Eleanor (Dixon) Mitchell are a fine example of Russell’s work. Russell was also the contractor for St. Mary’s Anglican Church across the street from the centre.
Post Office Room
All artefacts in this room were generously donated by Bill Colquhoun, who was the postmaster from 1976-1986. Upon entering, notice is the original mail slot which was eventually replaced in the 1970s. Through the doors on the right, there are the old-style combination lock mailboxes that were installed in Vidora, SK in 1924. On the left is an old scale used to weigh parcels.
Boardwalk Room
The Dixon Brothers’ Department Store, built in 1883 was expanded in the 1890s and again in 1909. It stood until the early 1960’s on the west corner of the Commercial Hotel block. Most of the items displayed come from the Dixon store. Other displays include a dentist office, barbershop, Maple Creek News and an Agricultural Display. The Maple Creek News is still being published.
Geraldine Moodie Women’s Gallery (The Grand Theatre Room)
Named after one of Saskatchewan’s first female entrepreneurs, the Geraldine Moodie Gallery features not only a selection of women from our region who left their mark in the period ranging from 1875 to 1975, but also honours all women of the southwest.
Geraldine Moodie was the first professional female photographer east of Winnipeg and into the Arctic. She operated a studio in Maple Creek from 1897 to 1901.
The Medical Room
Old medical and lab equipment, photos of nursing classes and nurse uniforms are featured. The room contains a variety of tools that doctors used along with some books that would help nursing students on their way to being full-fledged nurses. Maple Creek had an early school of nursing in conjunction with its hospital. The first hospital was created due to the initiative of several local nurses in the community.
Hugh Varty Railway Room
This is a life size replica of a railway station office, wicket and a loading dock with cargo from the train. Found in this room are many photos of prairie stations and water towers that no longer exist. Artefacts in the room date as far back as 1853 along with a picture highlighting the last train run from Maple Creek, Saskatchewan to London, Ontario in 1989.
Sports Room
This room features some of the athletic excellence within the community from its inception. Check out the binders and discover some of Maple Creek’s own NHL stars and athletes.
Bert Ingram Rodeo Room
The rodeo room displays memorabilia and photographs associated with the former Jasper Centre Ranch Rodeo, and other district rodeos including the Murraydale Stampede, which is the oldest continually operating Rodeo in Canada.
School Room
The blackboard is from the original 1910 school. The classroom contains artefacts from the early school and is still used as part of an annual programme by grade school teachers.
Michel Oxarart Western Gallery
Michel Oxarart, the first official rancher in the Cypress Hills area, established his ranch near Davis Lake (now Cypress Lake) south of present-day Cypress Park. A Basque from the Pyrenees Mountains bordering France and Spain, Oxarart arrived in our area in 1882. This gallery contains a photo exhibition of early ranchers, artefacts associated with ranching, its people and a large display of district brands.
NWMP Room
This room displays photos and artefacts relating to the “A Division” Headquarters, located about a mile southwest of Maple Creek. The only reminder of the Barracks is the lonely cemetery on the hillside above the former site.
Victorian Parlour
This room started as the Victorian sitting room. Over time there have been additions like a dining table from NWMP Division A Barracks.
The square grand piano was the interim piano between the harpsicord and the upright piano. Most of these were destroyed due to the fact they needed constant tuning.
The large oil painting was owned by William and Susan Pollock. The Pollocks were building a new two-story brick house when Mrs. Pollock asked him to bring a couple of paintings back from an Eastern business trip in this dining room.
This painting and the one displayed in the upstairs hallway eventually ended up in the movie theatre. Mrs. Madge Pollock, daughter-in-law to William and Susan Pollock, housed them until they were donated to the Centre.