Saskatoon Western Development Museum
Farm Life in Saskatchewan

The Winning the Prairie Gamble: Farm Life in Saskatchewan exhibit in Saskatoon will tell the story of a farm family from their arrival in Saskatchewan in 1905 to the present, entwining the family story with the events which affected their lives. It will recreate the story of our province in an exciting and engaging presentation that will include audio-visual and experiential components.

In the first of six sections, the visitor experiences the feelings of an immigrant to Saskatchewan, arriving in a new land filled with promise, hopes and dreams. Then the scene shifts to the settling-in stage and life in a "soddy", or sod house. The optimistic years during the 1920s take visitors to a fairground where new farm machinery and home innovations are being sold. A fun house will offer visitors a taste of a 1920s fair.

The scene shifts in the fourth section of the exhibit to the Great Depression, where the displays present the hardship of prairie life and the impact of the Second World War. The fifth section tells of post-war prosperity as exemplified by the electrification of rural Saskatchewan. The last section, from 1955 to 2005, brings visitors up-to-date and looks to the future.

As museum visitors journey through 100 years of Saskatchewan history, they will have countless opportunities to act, interact and react through various exhibit elements.

Special areas in the Gallery will be designated as Heritage Sites. Within the Heritage Sites, the remarkable stories and images of Saskatchewan families, towns and businesses that comprise the WDM Family History Album can be accessed by the public via computer terminals. Through the searchable database, visitors will have the opportunity to access the wealth of experiences that tell The Saskatchewan Story. As a lasting tribute, the names of all those who have contributed by sharing their stories, images and financial donations will be permanently inscribed on the heads of wheat in the Heritage Sites.

Moose Jaw - transportation
North Battleford - agriculture
Saskatoon - farm life
Yorkton - immigration