City of Moose Jaw in 1937

Location 

Moose Jaw has not moved – it was, and still is, half way between Calgary and Winnipeg; 100 miles north of the International Boundary and 718 Miles from Minneapolis.

Railroad

CPR reached Moose Jaw in the fall of 1882.

Post Office

The first Post Office opened on June 1, 1883.

City Status

Moose Jaw became a City on November 20, 1903.

Population over the years:

1. Year 1901       Population 1,558
2. Year 1911       Population 13,823 
3. Year 1921       Population19,283  
4. Year 1931       Population 21,300 (Beginning of the Great Depression)
5. Year 1936       Population 19,782

89.1% of the Population of Moose Jaw in 1936 was born in the British Empire.

Power

In 1930 The City of Moose Jaw sold its Light and Power company to National Light and Power Company Ltd. 
The company’s plant produced 21,000 kilowatts of power.

Natatorium – Built in 1932

“In 1914 the city sunk a well 3,302 feet deep from which flows an unending supply of hot water, high in mineral content, and with many curative properties.” (Henderson)

The waters fed the 50 foot by 75-foot indoor swimming pool at the Natatorium.

Wild Animal Park

“This park is 480 acres in extent, is supported entirely by voluntary subscriptions and already has the nucleus of a very fine collection of wild animals.” (Henderson)

Water Supply 

“The water supply of the city is derived from springs situated at Caron, 20 miles west of the city, and pumped from there to reservoirs n the city.” (Henderson)

Education

Moose Jaw had 10 Public Schools (Elementary Schools) in 1937. There were also, 2 Collegiates, 2 Commercial Business Colleges, 2 Residential Colleges, 1Technical School and 1 Normal School for training teachers.

Radio Stations

Moose Jaw had two radio stations. CJRM was commercial and operated by James Richardson and Sons (the Winnipeg Grain Company) and CHAB, operated by the Moose Jaw Radio Association.

Industries

“Moose Jaw is the largest industrial city in the Province of Saskatchewan. Gross value of its manufactured products for the year 1934 being $10,850,639.” (Henderson)

The British American Oil Company processes 4,000 barrels of oil a day. Swift Canada Company processes 270 cattle and 750 hogs a day.

Hospitals

The City General Hospital has 188 beds. The Providence Hospital has 130 beds.

Total Hospital Beds in 1937: 318

Summary

This information was found in the old 1937 Henderson Directory, in the Archives of the Moose Jaw Public Library – a wonderful place to spend the afternoon.