Exhibition Grounds - Log Cabin
- Regular
Description of the Historic Place
The Log Cabin is a small log building located in the Exhibition Grounds. Constructed in 1937, the cabin remains a unique remnant of Saskatoon’s past.
Heritage Value
The heritage value of the Log Cabin resides in its association with the Saskatoon Old Timer’s Association and Saskatoon’s Annual Exhibition. The Log Cabin was constructed in 1937 to "perpetuate the memories of those intrepid pioneers who broke the first sods of the prairie in Saskatoon and the surrounding district," and to provide a headquarters for the Saskatoon Old Timers Association. The Exhibition Board donated the land at the Exhibition Grounds for the cabin and the cost of construction was covered by donations. The cabin was designed by Frank Martin, noted Saskatoon architect, and was constructed by A.W. Cassidy & Company Ltd. The cabin, whose design has some elements of the Arts and Crafts movement, is rectangular with an open veranda over the front door. The logs for the cabin originate from the old Borden Bridge.
The Old Timer’s Association dates back to 1903 when a group of young businessmen from the three communities that would become Saskatoon formed the organization. The Association’s primary purpose was and still is, social, although it has a community service role as well. In 1903 membership was open to anyone who had resided in the Saskatoon district since 1885. Men over 18 years of age could join for a $1.00 membership fee and women over 16 could join for free. Membership requirements were later changed to only include those living in the area prior to 1907, before being changed again in 1966 to require members to either have lived in the Saskatoon district for 40 years or be a descendant of someone who had.
Early members of the Association were a who’s who of early Saskatoon. The first executive consisted of F.A. Marr, Archie Smith, W. Irvine, J.W. Clark and W. Eby. Other early members included Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Caswell, J.F. Cairns, and W.W. Ashley. James Clinkskill, former mayor, was made honorary President of the Association in 1935. At the same time R.W. Caswell was made honorary Vice-President. The Saskatoon Old Timer’s Association, although not as active or large as it once was, continues to operate and maintain the log cabin as a resting and socializing destination, particularly for seniors, during the Exhibition.
The cabin remains in its original location and has changed very little since it was first constructed.
Source: City of Saskatoon Built Heritage Database
Character Defining Elements
Key elements which contribute to the heritage value of this historic resource include:
- Those features that represent its association with the Saskatoon Old Timer’s Association and the Saskatoon Exhibition, including its original location within the Exhibition Grounds; its rectangular form; logs; verandah; windows; and wood shingles.