History of Moosomin

The Town of Moosomin was the first Saskatchewan community on "steel", with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1882. First known as "siding No. 4" and the Moosomin Station" early businesses were established and by 1884 the community had grown to include five general stores, five hotels, two livery stables, two blacksmiths, a doctor, a lawyer, butcher, one printer, amongst other businesses. Moosomin was incorporated as a Town in November, 1887, R.D. McNaughton was the first merchant to arrive in Moosomin. He founded the famed R.D. McNaughton Company, a general store operation that played a vital role in early settlement.

The name "Moosomin" has been a controversial subject over the years. The word "Moosomina" in the Cree Indian language meant "moose berries." The popular and long-drawn meaning of the word was "Crossing of the Trails", since the Moose Mountain and Wood Mountain Trails did cross at Moosomin in the fur trading days. A little know version the meaning of "Moosomin" was "hay meadows." The final version is that the name "Moosomin" comes from an important Cree Chief "Moo-soo-min", who was well known in these parts before and during the rebellion of 1885.

Moosomin had several military units that were associated with the community. These included the 16th Light Horse, in the early 1900's; 10th Canadian Mounted Rifles, 1915; 217 Infantry Battalion, and the 101st Battery of the 22nd Field Regiment was based at Moosomin Armories (presently the Community Hall.) Moosomin also had a jail, the Moosomin Gaol, which is located at the site of the present day Turpie Farm. In 1905 a hospital opened, and it was the only between Brandon and Indian Head. A normal school was opened, and before this time it served as the home of the Legislative Assembly for the District of Assiniboia. The Moosomin World-Spectator is the oldest weekly newspaper in Saskatchewan.

One of Moosomin's more notables is General Andrew McNaughton, born in Moosomin in 1887. In the Second World War, he commanded Canada's overseas army and then became Minister of Defence. In the interwar years he was Chairman of the National Research Council and following the Second World War was Chairman of the International Joint Commission which handled questions pertaining to the international waters along the Canada-United States border.

The early social life of the early settlers of the Moosomin area was limited by distances and transportation methods. Sunday church services were often held in private homes. The small one room school houses became the centre of activity in most areas. Saturday nights were often the social night of the week, when groceries and supplies were purchased. There was often entertainment in the Opera House over in the R.D McNaughton Store. Summer picnics were held in the period between summerfallowing and haying. July 1st in Moosomin was the highlight of the summer for many years, there would be a parade, sports events and refreshments. With the arrival of the automobile, social life changed accordingly.