Committee	Staff
Table of Contents	Table of Illustrations
Geography of the Community	Map of Main Industries
The Earliest Inhabitants	Where They Came From
How People Were Enticed to Come West	Incidents of Travel
Old Trails and Stopping Places	Chartering Boxcars
Special Trains	Pioneer Settlement
The Dress of a Pioneer Family	Churches of our Community
Schools	Teachers
Trustees	People Who Went to School in Bienfait, and Still Live Here
History of the Community in the Two World Wars	Development of Trade Union Organization in the Bienfait Area
Bienfait's Early Establishments	The Bienfait Hospital
Some Milestones in Saskatchewan's History	Conclusion
Summary	The Early Social Life of our Community

When Premier Douglas introducted the art to provide for the clebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of Saskatchewan, he called on the people of the province
#TO HONOR OUR PIONEERS
#TO TEACH THE PRESENT GENERATION THE RICH HERITAGE OF EXPERIENCE TO BE FOUND IN OUR HISTORY;
#TO REMIND OURSELVES THAT THE PROVINCE HAS BEEN BUILT ON A FOUNDATION OF CO-OPERATION AND TOLERANCE AMONG PEOPLE FROM MANY LANDS;
#TO PROMOTE PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES WHICH WILL HAVE A CONTINUING VALUE FOR THE CULTURAL LIFE OF THE PROVINCE IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE CENTURY.

These objectives have become the ground work of the Jubilee thinking and planning.

We are just emerging from the pioneer period in our history. The memoty of the remarkable progress which has been made on these prairies in the last fifty years is still fresh in many of our minds. On the other hand, we may fail to appreciate the full significance of the development that has gone on over a period of half a century. For that reason.....the government feels that some special notice should be taken of the Golden Jubilee of the Province of Saskatchewan."

The following maps give the boundaries of the community of Bienfait and show the position of Bienfait on a map of Saskatchewan.

Before the coming of the railroads, the pioneers made their own rails. Then after the laying of the rails, the settlers followed the railroad. Although the rails reached Bienfait as early as 1895, regular train service did not begin on the C.P.R. until 1905 and on the C.N.R. until 1909. The first (and last) provincial highway through Bienfait was (and is) Highway 18.

The first settler at the present site of Bienfait was ------ Gillis. Bienfait was incorporated into a Post Office in 1906. Before this, the settlers got their mail at Hirsch, a community ten miles distant. Milligan was the first Post Master of Bienfait. The name Bienfait is obviously French. It is said that this name was given toe settlement by two French Railway workers. The end of their day's work found them at the present site of the town. Once said to the other "Bienfait" which in English means "Well done". Although the name is French, the first settlers were Scotch. Now however, Central Europeans comprise an estimated 60% of Bienfait's population of 100.

The early settlers were farmers and ranchers. Mixed farming is still carried on in the Bienfait district. The first coal mine in Bienfait was operated by H. Hazzard in 1890. Bienfait is now the center of a well-developed coal area. (Western Dominion Coal Mines) the largest coal mine in Saskatchewan is found here. It is the result of the combining of several small coal companies in this area. Although coal was first obtained by deep-seam method. Western Dominion inangurated the open-pit style in 1938 and now most of the coal-mining in this area is this type. Today the Bienfait district produces the majority of Saskatchewan's coal.

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A. Indians

Indian tribes which merely passed through here included the Cree, Blackfeet, and Sioux tribes. To the Crees goes the credit of having named our province "Saskatchewan" which means "rapid river". The Cree tribe which is now settled on the reservation at Sintaluta and Momartre own the rocks at Roche Percee. At intervals they would come down and hold ceremonial dances on the rocks.

The Blackfeet passed through here and settled in Eastern Alberta.

The Sioux who were settled mainly in North Dakota and Montana, came here only to seek refuge from the American Cavalry who were seeking revenge for the Custer incident.

The Assiniboine tribe is the only tribe which made their hoome in our district. They were a peaceful tribe who spoke the language of their neighbor tribe in the states...the Sioux. THey lived in tepees made from buffalo hides and poles. As they raised no food, they had to depend on nature to supply them with game and wild fruits. They hunted and trapped such game as rabbits, deer, bison and porcupine. They wintered here because of the abundance of game.

Their only ceremonial activity was the Sun Dance. First they would have a buffalo hunt to provide food for the feast. Then they cut down a tall tree, stripped it of its branches, dragged it into camp, and set it up as a pole. Next day the medicine man performed tricks of magic and on the last day there was a great feast. Sometimes young men tortured themselves at the Sun Dance by piercing their shoulders with pointed sticks.

The Cree and Blackfeet tribes took part in the Riel Rebellion, while the Assiniboines took part in the later Indian uprising.

B. Fur Traders

The Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company carried on some trade in our district. Hides and furs were the only important products traded. Hides were left at the store at Peace Post (8 miles west of Roche Percee) near Wood End. Furs were piced up at the Post by hidebuyers and transported to St. Taylorton hill, across the Souris river at a ford near the present bridge, passed Ball's farm and turned southwestward to Short Creek south of Langens's and then to Peace Post.

C. Squatters

A Squatter is a person who settles on public land or on new unoccupied land without permission or right, in hope of gaining the title to it.

This practice wasn't too common in this area. However one such person settled near Roche Percee. The people called him "Old Craig, the Hermit." The remains of his hut are still to be found near Ball's Farm east of Roche Percee. He hunted and fished for a living and had nothing to do with anyone.

Squatters didn't have any legal rights and the law just left them alone.

D. Cattlemen

Very little ranching was carried on in this immediate district. However, small ranchs, consisting of from 50 to 70 head of cattle and horses, were found along the Souris River, from Hirsch to West of Roche Percee. To-day, ranching has become almost extinct.

Following is a list of settler ranchers and their date of occupancy.

1989 - Joe Martin

1900 - Hessay, Gow, Evan Jones, Harry Martin

1901 - Robert Gillis

1902 - Archie Milligan, Joe Burner, Piel, Harry Brown, Clark, Hemmingers 1903 - Fred Lacoste, Preacher Turry, Clare Monte, Almer Chamberlain, Harvey Schrock, Tom Graham, Bert Ward, Jim Lusk

1905 - Claude Moore

1907 - Babcock

E. Border Smugglers

Border smuggling was very prevalent in 1920. THe main item smuggled was liquor, but small amounts of wheat, wool, and livestock were also smuggled at intervals.

Different classes were either directly or indirectly involved the majority of the smugglers being men who wanted to make some easy money on the side-line.

The chief effect of this activity was annoyance to residents of the area. Many times an innocient resident was called up in the middle of the night and asked to pull a smuggler's wagon out of the mud or he may be asked to hide the cahe of liquor in his cellar. This lead to the discomfort of a party who was running the risk of being implicated in an affair not of his choice.

Police officers patrolled the border country and any suspicious vehicle was stopped and searched. Many times the officers gave chase and even resorted to gunfire. However, contempt of prohibitation, fear of reprisals and exposure of friends, acquaintances or kin seemed to favour the smugglers, much to the disadvantage of the law enforcement officers.

The common set-up for smuggling was a Canadian and an American working together with the tip-off persons in some in-between stations.

Methods of conveying the liquor across the border varied from the use of compartment fuel tanks to filling tire tubes with whisky and air to get pressure. Once the destination was reached, the whisky was drained from the tires and placed in bottles or metal containers. Large caches of liquor were hidden in cisterns, grain bins, hay and straw stacks and under piles of gravel.

Cars, trucks and wagons were used to transport smuggled goods across the border. However, on certain occasions smuggled goods were carried ono foot or on horseback.

Smuggling was a profitable proposition, but very few seemed to have benefited, for it was "easy come, easy go". If the smuggler was caught by the law, the resulting fines and loss of a cargo wiped out the profits of his career. The risks were great and many included rivalry with different groups and the danger of being caught by the patrol officers.

In our immediate district two men were wounded in gun battle with American and Canadian law officers near Portal.

Another man, Paul Muttof was murdered. A shipment of liquor had been transferred from a warehouse to a truck. A few hours later, Loe Dillage met Paul Mattof in the C.P.R. station at Bienfait to complete a transaction which involved $10,000. During this time a hold-up was staged and Muttof was shot to death by a sewed-off shot gun in the hand of an unknown person. The $10,000 and a diamond stick pin were stolen after the murder and as yet have never been recovered.

F. Gypsies

A gypsy is a member of a wandering tribe of people found in Europe, Western Asia, Australia, Northern Africa and the United States.

They were not permanent residents here but they travelled through here at intervals. They weren't well received, shunned as outlaws and theives. They came in cars and horse drawn wagons loaded full of pots, blankets and other personal belongings. Whenever they came into the district, residents gave them food or a few chickens just to get rid of them before they stole any items of importance.

Everywhere they wandered, they plied their trades as horse dealers, fortune tellers, metal workers, musicians and dancers.

Gypsies are of Caucasion Nationality and their Native language is called Romanian, Indo-Iranian tongue allied to the language of Northwestern India. Their customs, particularly of marriage and of family life, frequently were at odds with the laws of the land, but despite the dangers of prosecution were tenaciously adherred to.

To the members of our district, the gypsy was looked upon as a sly, dishonest person with a free, roving spirit and a love for music and bright colours.

Because of the economic and political conditions of thier homelands, the people set out for Canada around 1900. THe talk of a new land lured settlers from the Ukraine, England, Ireland, Norway, Poland, France, Germany, Scotland and United States. Many of these people came about 1899 although settlers did not arrive in Bienfait until about 1902. Among them were blacksmiths, farmers, and shoemakers but when the town began to develop into a mining center, many other trades were practised. Many of the settlers left their families in their homelands until they had setlled and made a suitable home for them, then they were sent for.

Graph showing the approximate percentage of the distribution of the population in the Bienfait community in the first decade (1900-1910) of the twentieth century.

Because of the stirring tales of prospering relatives and promise of wealth and better living conditions people from many nations swarmed into the unsettled lands of the west. THe settlers obtained their homesteads by paying ten dollars to the government and by signing an agreement promising to work the land for three years. At the end of these three years they received full ownership of this piece of land. The people received very little or no help from the government or land companies. Each settler brought or bought his own tools and prepared to make his own living in the untamed territories.

Transportation to seaports in the foreign countries was chiefly by train. THe long voyage across the Atlantic took from one month to six weeks. Cattle-boats and steamships were only two of the many kinds of boats used to carry the immigrants to their new homes. It was very seldom that there was a shortage of water or food but housing accomodations were not adequate aboard the ships. Some of the ships were hindered by storm but others crossed with few mishaps. Usually there were no signs of plagues or sickness except a few cases of sea sickness. The people would travel from the port of some foreign country and land at the port at Quebec city. The voyage from the city of Quebec to Bienfait cost more than the voyage across the sea, but even so the fare was only a quarter of the price of the same trip to-day.

When the first settlers came to this district they brought their families with them. These settlers travelled for at least ten hours a day in which they covered from fifteen to twenty miles. In the summer the buggy was used while the bob-sled was used in the winter. The horse was about the most widely used animal to draw the sleds and wagons. The fee at a livery barn, and storage of cargoes was twenty-five cents a day. The goods they brought over the trails consisted chiefly of merchandise. When they went on trips their stopping place was usually at a hotel. These hotels were similar to our hotels only not as modern and up to date. The entertainment at these stopping places were supplied by traveling shows.

The Souris River at that time was used for transporting light weight goods. It is now used for sewage disposal, as a source of drinking water and fishing. The first dirt roads were built twenty years ago. Bienfait was never on a Trans-Canada trail.

Boxcars were chartered principally for transporting coal and grain. Few shipments of cattle were made from Bienfait. The C.P.R. was the only railway to have a stockyard in Bienfait, therefore the C.N.R. did not ship any cattle. The cattle that were shipped from Bienfait were cared for by the shipper.

To charter a boxcar, a mining company, cattle shipper, or farmer made arrangements with the station agent, who had a supply of cars on hand, or could soon have one ready for use.

The shortage of boxcars in Bienfait was only momentary for every night a train of empty cars was brought in and kept on hand. The main use for the boxcars was for shipping coal. In the early days few cars were shipped, but now the mines have machines, more coal is dug, and more cars are needed to ship it. Sometimes 150 cars of coal are shipped in one day. Grain and cattle are also shipped out of Bienfait. The cost of shipping 100 pounds in the thirties was thirty-five cents, today it costs one dollar and ten cents. The low fee was the reason why the railroad has played an important part in the history of our community.

The Canadian Pacific Railway reached Bienfait about 1905 and the Canadian National Railway in about 1901. At this time there was nothing on the town site except a pile of lumber. There were also a few farmers living a few miles from the Railway. Most of the settlers came by wagon or ox-cart and although the railway was handy, few settlers used it. The trains at that time were two-wheelers and much smaller and not as elaborate as the present day trains. The number of cars in the train is the same as it was in earlier years and the speed of the train was about 50 miles per hour. The trains arrived earlier in the morning and earlier at night then they do now. Special trains have taken people to the Brandon Fair or to a dance at one of the neighbouring towns. These special trains taking people to the dances were pulled by a mine engine which towed three or four flatcars upon which rode the merry-makers.

A. Shelter

The pioneers homes were made of sticks, sod, clay and sometimes with mud and straw roofs. THey obtained their heat by means of small stoves. Home made candles and coal oil lamps were used to supply light. They had home made furniture which consisted of beds, tables, chairs and cupboards. Among their tools were the axe, hammer, pick and shovel.

Their crudely built wooden stores were set-up to carry on trade and very little money was obtained when goods were exchanged.

The first classes were held in homes but later a school was built where Jenning' garage now stands.

The first church services were held in people's homes.

The Post office was located at Archie Milligan's home. Later Nelson and Doerr took over the post office where the Drug Store now is situated.

B. Foods

The common types of foods were soda crackers, lima beans and bread. hunting was done during the fall and winter. The most common animals and fowl caught were jackrabbits, ducks and prairie chickens.

Fishing was done mostly for recreation. Some types of fish caught were jack, pickerel, and sucker.

Much of the pioneers food was obtained from his garden. The vegetables grown were similiar to those we grow in our gardens. THe potato was the main vegetable.

The main field crop was wheat wich was exported to European markets. From some of the wheat they made brown flour.

Most of their fruits were dried with apples being used most.

Sugar was very coarse.

C. Clothing

In the spring and summer, men and women wore fairly light but coarsely woven clothing. Clothes worn in fall and winter were closely woven and they were worn for comfort not for looks.

The girls wore thickly woven cotton and wollen dresses or white cotton pinafores along with high-buttoned boots. The teenage girsl costume included white, middy blouses, thick dark woven skirts which reached their ankes. They wore baby-doll shoes and long black or white stockings.

The boys wore overalls topped by large suspenders and over those a vest. In winter they wore a cotton and wollen cap. When they went to church they wore breeches.

The women wore full length dresses that reached to their ankles. Their shoes were made of patent leather which buttoned up to the ankles. Their stockins were made from either white or black cotton. They usually wore their hair in an upswoop. They always get a new Easter dress or hat in spring.

The men's clothing consisted of heavy woven trousers supported by suspenders worn over a white shirt.

All the clothes were woven or knitted, very few were made from hides and furs.

D. Problems In Transportation And Communication

Pioneers arrived by Red River carts drawn by oxen and some even came in wagons drawn by milk cows. The most common means of transportation was by horse and buggy.

The only trails were cow and buffalo trails. The C.P.R. was the only railway company in operation at this time.

The first agent was Bill McQuay. In the year 1906 the first message was sent by C.P.R. as the C.N.R. was not yet in operation.

The first Post Office was situated at Archie Milligan's farm in the year 1905. For the first three or four years Bienfait residents had to go to Estevan for their mail. After Bienfait got its Post Office the settlers at Taylorton came by horse and buggy for their mail.

The first telephone line was completed in 1914. There was only one long distance line which ran to Estevan, the remainder were party lines. The cost of phone calls was fifteen cents for two minutes. This cost rose in 1954. The first operator was Bertha Kilender. Mrs. Mildred Felgate was operator in the years 1915 and 1916.

E. Types Of Activities

They cleared a small plot of land with their horses or oxen. They usually worked from dawn to dark during harvest. The machines used were sowing drills, horse-drawn ploughs and threshing machines.

Winters were very cold and during this season the only recreation was the gathering of people at homes for occasional parties.

The farmer had many chores besides his field work such as feeding his poultry, milking, supplying fuel, repairing his buildings and looking after the garden.

The size of the farms was a quarter of a section. In the beginning they used the hand plough. Later the tractor was introduced.

The pests that injured the crops were crasshoppers, gophers in the years 1916-1917.

In the Bienfait district there wern't very many ranches. One was at Estevan and another at Taylorton. On each ranch they had from 20 to 40 head of cattle. Cattle were priced from $25.00 to $40.00 a head.

During the winter the farmers trapped weasels, mink, muskrats and snared rabbits. They tried to free their area from coyotes by hunting them. The price of pelts for weasel - $.25; mink -$2.00-$40.00; muskrat - $.35-$1.00.

The people co-operated in building houses and barns. Sometimes several pioneer farmers wood seed and harvest the grain crops of a less fortunate neighbour.

The women got to-gether to can fruit and vegetables and also had sewingbees. They had no beef rings at that time.

The first blacksmith came to Bienfait in 1908. Since there were no harness shops in the community, they sewed harnesses at their homes.

F. Hardships

Blizzards were common and some of the worst were in the year of 1916 and 1917. The length of cold spells was often from 10 to 12 days. The temperature would sometimes drop from 20 degrees below zero to 40 degrees below zero.

In addition there were cyclones and tornadoes about five or eight miles out of Bienfait but none actually occured in Bienfait until July 5th, 1952. This cyclone caused severe damage to crops and property.

The worst drought in the Bienfait district was from 1929 to 1938. The soil was very dry since there wasn't much rainfall.

During the "dirty thirties" the farmers had very little feed for their livestock so they fed the cattle Russian thistles.

The Flu epidemic which hit Bienfait after the First World War lasted for nearly a year during which many people lost their lives.

In 1906 Bienfait had its first doctor, a Frenchman, who was also the Druggist. After the French Doctor left, two brothers, Jim aned ill Creighton, took over his work. The patients who were critically illwere taken to Estevan, since there was no hospital in Beinfait. Many people died, not because of lack of medical supplies, but, because there was nomeans of speedy transportation to the hospital. The Doctors kept all communicable diseases under control. They also had vaccination and innoculation at that time to help prevent communicable diseases.

The rum-runner were plentiful and they operated from Bienfait to as far as the United States.

The prairie fires were caused mostly by sparks from the trains. These fires sometimes compoletely destroyed farmers' crops and buildings.

Bienfait was well supplied with coal as fuel from the mines in the area. At first the settlers' farms were from six to eight miles apart, later more settlers came, filling in the gaps.

The first communities were about eight or ten miles apart.

G. Law Enforcement

The North West Mounted Police arrived in the year 1902. Their only means of transportation were on horseback and sleighs. One of the first mounties was Seargeant Larry Lett.

One of the first provincial policeman was Robert Dunbar. Some of the duties of the provincial police were:

(1) To catch criminals and law-breakers.

(2) To go to the homesteaders during the winter months to see if the families were in need of coal.

(3) To put out prairie fires.

Incidents which required the aid of the police were;

(1) The murder of Paul Matoff one night in October of the year 1922 at the height of te border-booze-running period.

(2) They were responsible for catching the rum-runners who stole carloads of whiskey and trucked it out of town.

A. Anglican Church

The first services of the Anglican faith were held in the little brick school house in the year 1923. Thus the services have been going on for over thirty-two years. The first minister was Rev. Harrington, who travelled from Estevan to hold services here. He was followed by Rev. Robertson, Rev. Jolly, Rev. Jackson, Rev. Walker, Rev. Christmas to the present Rev. McVean. The first church was a frame building built on the present location in 1925. Since then it has been improved with the brick siding and other repairs. Most of the work and money needed was donated. The equipment consisted of chairs, an organ donated by Charles Pickard, who was the first organist, and a hoome made altar. Since then it has been improved by pews, a new altar and organ and other equipment. Socials and whist drives were held there before real services began. The work of the early ministers consisted of joining the congregation to-gether, baptizing, confirming, building, etc. Sunday schools were started at the same time as the services. The first burial place was in its present day location.

B. Greek Catholic Church

The first Greek Catholic priest to visit the Bienfait District was Father Androchowich. He held his first mass in the school at the M&S Mines. Though the place of worship was not at church but a school, mass was held there once every three or four months for about ten years. Father Androchowich made trips down here from Winnipeg, the city which is considered to be "the centre of Canadian Ukrainians."

In 1921 it was decided to hold mass at the Ukrainian Library in Bienfait instead of the M&S school.

In the same year Father Androchowich started to teach catechism. With the help of a few nuns he prepared the first group of children to receive their first Holy Communion in Bienfait.

Father Androchowich was also the one to preform the first Easter mass for the Greek Catholics in Bienfait.

Following Father Androchowich came Father Ritioshelo followed by a line of priests from different parts of Manitoba and Saskatchewan until at the present there is Father Obarianyk.

At the present time the Greek Catholic people of Bienfait have mass usually the first Sunday of every month, performed by Father Obarianyk at the Bienfait Ukrainian Library.

This year was the first time the Greek Catholic people of Bienfait and district went to a midnight mass at Christmas time.

In connection with the Greek Catholic Church there was a school organized for Ukrainians to learn to read and write in Ukrainian. Also a music school was orgnanized under the leadership of Mr. D. Metelsky. This school was a great success as it attracted other children of different nationalities to join this band. In time they became a very well known group in this district.

Mr. Motelsky also organized a group of adults and formed a band. At that time they became a very well known group in this district.

Mr. Metelsky also organized a group of adults and formed a band. At that time this was the only band of this kind in Saskatchewan.

When Mr. Metelsky left there was no one to take his place, the group broke up but it did its part in organizing the youths of that time.

At the present time there is no such organization connected with the Greek Catholic Church in Bienfait. There is however a sort of re-organization that takes place every three or four years. A special teacher or nun is sent to teach the children to read and write Ukrainian as well as prepare some children for their first Holy Communion.

Father Obarianyk does his best to be in Bienfait as often as possible. He conducts lectures and tries to inspire the people to build their own church here in Bienfait. This might be done in the near future.

C. Roman Catholic Church

The first Roman Catholic Church services were held in the Legion Hall, Bienfait, with approximately twelve people in attendance. The first church, St. Monica's Catholic Church, was built in 1938 by volunteer members of the parish. The first mass in the church was said by Father Beaubeu. Father Wm. Breault of Estevan and Father Thomas Nolan of Weyburn assisted in the services. Father F. Scheck of Weyburn had charge of the choir. The blessing of the corner stone was officiated by Archbishop Monohan of Regina after which thirty children were confirmed.

The church was built to accommodate about 250 people and was to serve the districts of Hirsch, Bienfait, Taylorton and the mining area.

The first committee men were:

Fres. L. Hawkes

Sec. F.M. McDonald

J. Ryson	Wm. Ryson
P. McMillan	Robert Miller
Jas. McDonald	J. Walliser

Up until 1949 the church was part of Estevan parish. With the purchase of the rectory, however in 1949, the parish was no longer part of the Estevan parish. Within the last two years new pews and a new Hammond Electric Organ has been purchased. Rev. Father Horvath is now the present priest.

First Marriage; George Urich and Elizabeth Miller - January 18th, 1904.

First Baptism; Morgan Rudolph, son of John O'Brien and Elizabeth Crate O'Brien, September 28th, 1903.

First Funeral; Alphonese Chartround, nine month old son of Peter and Catherine Chertround, in the Estevan cemetery.

D. United Church

July 4, 1891, Rev. George Reddick, visiting from the Brandon Hills, Manitoba preached the first sermon in this area at Goueds', one mile east of the present Old Taylorton Bridge. Two years later first members were received by transfer: Mr. and Mrs. William were received by transfer. Mr. and Mrs. Henry; Dunbar and Mrs. A.C. Peterson from the Brandon Hills; and Alex Dunbar from Novia Scotia. First preaching services in homes by Mr. and Mrs. Ivor, student. Services were held in C.P.R. waiting room by various denominations. In September, 1898, decision was made to build a church. The church was complete in November and dedicated by Rev. George Roddick. The cost of the church building esteimated at $600.00, amount actually spent was $995.00. Cash balance at the end of the year was $360.00. Albany, Shand, Roche Percee and Old Taylorton were other appointments at various times. Earliest services were held in the Little Brick School, the back of Olivers' Store and later in the Manse.

Through the years the Ladies Aid repeatedly came to the aid of the Board of Management in finicial matters. The first records were written in 1907. Fouir years later the Board of Management began with the prominent names of this Board to recent times include: Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Scott, Mr. and Mrs. George Oliver,

For a five year period was served by Frobisher ministers in 1930. In 1941, the elders elected V.E. Clark and J. Kershaw. In 1943 the elder elected was Alton Ellis. In 1951, the elders elected were Percy Taylor and Mrs. Billington. The first minister was Rev. James Lang, who came in 1902. The present minister is Rev. B.R. Pater.

The Trinity United Church Sunday School was organized in December of 1940 when Rev. J.C. Bitcon was the minister on the North Portal Charge. Mr. Vincent Clark was the first superintendant with Mrs. Ralph Leonard as secretary-treasurer and Mrs. T. Jennings and Mrs. Fred Roper as teachers. There was an enrollment of forty children.

The Sunday School has carried on since that time with a varying enrollment due to an unsettled population. At the present time there are fifty-four on the roll. Those holding office are:

Six classes are taught from Nursery to Intermediate.

United Church

The first school of the district (called Dungy School) was a tiny sod building on the site where Wickstrom's fam is now located. Another early school in Bienfait area was situated on Archie Milligan's farm. The first teacher of this little sod school was Annie Smith. One of the students was Bob Hazzard.

The first rural school was about one-half mile north from Alton Ellis' home. The building was later purchased by the school district and moved to the present site of the little red brick school.

In Bienfait the first school was a little tar paper covered building near where Jennings' garage now stands or the vacant lot near there. A bungalow was constructed and used as a class room while the "Big Brick School" was being built. This bungalow was later sold to Art Graham.

Big Butte School, which was situated 4 1/2 miles from Bienfait on No. 39 highway, is over fifty years old. Four years ago it was moved next to the "Little Red Brick School".

In 1951 a complete renovation of the gib school took place. Four new rooms were added to match the original building and the four old rooms were remodeled to match the new addition. It was hoped that when the big school was completed, the little brick school, and the Big Butte School would not be used as class rooms anymore, but this so far has not been the case. The three schools have been constantly in operation and at the present are once more filled to capacity. The problem will soon arise where the additional space is going to come from, as the pupil population is ever on the increase. While remodeling was being done in the school, the Ukrainian Library was rented to provide the extra needed space. At the same time the Big Butte School was moved in near the Little School. This provided extra class room space.

The sports Equipment of the olden days was the same as to-day. They had bats, balls, and leather footballs the same as we have at the present date.

Pencils were given to each pupil once a month and exercise books were given when they were needed. The parents paid for this at the end of the school term.

The salaries of the first teachers of Bienfait were not very high. After the first World War they were only paid about $450.00 per years. Now they range from $2150.00 to $4250.00 per year and higher.

According to the "old timers" schools of fifty years ago have changed considerably. Not so much in the nature of the building but the nature of the methods and general attitudes.

The first permanent school buildings were equipped with portable blackboard or a wall blackboard situated at the front of the room. There were benches and then double seats which were screwed to the floor. Slates were used at first and then when the pupil had progressed to the pencil stage, about grade 3, exercise books were handed out, also pencils about once a month.

For games, the children played such games as tag, and pum-pum-pull-away, also marbles and skipping. For soft ball there were home made bats and solid rubber balls, later there was football for boys. About thirty years ago basketball was a prominent game for girls.

School holidays were about the same as today but attendance was not as regular as at present. During harvest season or general busy season children stayed home to help out. Sometimes a youngster attended only three or four months of school during the school year. There were no regular promotions or report cards. A pupil was given a new reader when he was ready for it.

The students of the olden days envy the present day student in many ways. They feel that learning is so much easier and more interesting now. The appearance and atmosphere of the classroom is much more pleasant. There are more books to study from and they are better illustrated too. The visual aids such as the various charts and maps, slide projectors, films and the different laboratory equipment for science were unheard of in the early days. The inside washrooms are a luxury that former students did not enjoy. This should be most appreciated in the winter time.

Most parents feel that children of today are more educated, that is, they know more, simply because there is more to know and because they are better students. In fact it is a regrettable fact that todays' student lacks the quality of initiative and perseverance that was associated with a student of former days. He is not a student in the strict sense of the word, he quibbles about choice of subjects, and has a complete lack of loyalty towards his alma mater. This attitude does not prepare the student for his proper function as a member of society nor does it guarantee a source of happiness to him as an individual. Perhaps in this respect some thought should be given to another change in the methods of handling our youth.

Below is a list of names of the teachers who were on the staff of Bienfait school since the first school was opened in Bienfait, a little one room building on Kupchenko's farm in 1908. The underlined names are those of teachers who served as principals. Also are included the names of trustees who served on the first school board up to the present time.

TEACHERS

Annie Smith - 1908	Mr. Thistlethwaite - 1937
M. Brundage - 1910	Mr. A.E. Gough - 1936, 1939
S. Lemonte - 1908	(Present principal)
R. Grant - 1912	Catherine Salmon - 1938
Jean English	J.S. Parker - 1940
Flora Harris - 1920	Gladys Nesbitt - 1940
L.E. Farry - 1921	D. Bonokoskie - 1940
Katie McKinnes - 1922	S. Creran - 1940
Grace McLeod - 1922	Myrtle Brown - 1940
Miss Irving - 1922	Phyllis Whittle - 1940
Mr. Leitch - 1922	Marion Winkler - 1941
M. J. Norine - 1922	L. Eremko - 1941
M. Easolon - 1922	Jane Young - 1941
Katherine Rodgers - 1922	Irene Hildahl - 1942
H.K. Noir - 1922, '23, '24, '25	A. Lieble - 1942
George McPeek - 1923	Mrs. Lynch - 1943
E. Chappel - 1924	Isabel Gough - 1943
Marion Dow - 1925	Mrs. Jean Read - 1944
Ruby Partington - 1925	Janet King - 1944
Edna Squarrebrigges - 1925	Margaret Charteris - 1945
Theresa Sonmer - 1926	Agnes Boyes - 1945
M. Dalguish - 1926	Elizabeth Charteris - 1946
Ruby Baggs - 1926	Mary Vantomme - 1946
Hazel Fisher - 1926	Mr. Conrad - 1947, 1952
A. Thompson - 1926	Eileen Seipp - 1947
F. Wilson - 1926, '27	Mr. F. McIlmoyl - 1948
H.P. Keeler - 1927	Mary Gebert - 1948
Beatrice Panabaker-1927	Berna Engestead - 1948
E.P. Muirhead - 1928-'40	Bernard Ciasnocha - 1949-'50
G. Muirhead - 1928	Stella Elchyson - 1950
Miss. Bell - 1928	Anne Panteluk - 1950
Miss. Fergeson - 1928	M. Long - 1951
Carrie Wheeler - 1928	H. Dornstauder - 1951
Mr. Barry - 1928	M. Barkwell - 1951
C.W. Locke - 1929, 1930-'35	H. Rustulka - 1952
Janet Robinson - 1929-35	E. Tangjerd - 1953
Mary Mitchell - 1929-35	K. Deck - 1953
Anne Troughton - 1930-35	Mrs. Mackey - 1953
M. Pedlar - 1934	E. Gessel - 1954
Mr. Jackson - 1936	G. Tangjerd - 1954

TRUSTEES

Mr. J. Salmon	Peter McDonald
Mr. A. Ellis	Mrs. Locke
Mr. G. Ellis	Mr. Lallstrom
Mrs. G. Oliver	John Elchyson
Mrs. C. Carrol	J. Cooper
Mr. A. Graham	V. CLark
Mr. H. Potter	Mrs. L. Abood
Mr. J. Gism	Gordon Carr
Mr. J. Kershaw	Mr. L. Abood
Mr. E. Goddard	Mr. H. Barker
Rev. Jolly	Mr. E. McGill

20

BELOW IS A LIST OF PEOPLE WHO WENT TO
SCHOOL IN BIENFAIT AND STILL LIVE HERE

1908
1909
1910 -	Howard Enmark
	Maggie Uhrich (mrs. H. Enmark)
	Rose Heminger (mrs. Les Graham)
	John Grahm
	Bertha Brundage (mts. Gordon White)
	John Trigger
1911 -	Maggie Grahm (mrs. L. Kingdom)
1912 -	Dmytro Bozak (Dan Bozak)
1914 -	Victoria Shasharoski (mrs. A. Wheeler)
	William Graham
	Gunner Anderson
	Carrie Anderson (mrs. P. Christenson)
	Dora Anderson (mrs. Bill Lafrentz)
1915 -	Jessie Grahm (mrs. Ed Horne)
1916 -	Tom Grahm
1917 -	Kathleen Malarky (mrs. Ken John)
1918 -	Lorne Jardine
1920 -	Brownie Shashoroski (mrs. Sam Davidson)
	Katherine Carroll (mrs. Louis Abood)
	James Cuddington
	Mary Marckoski (mrs. John Heintz)
	Bert Cuddington
	Alice Ward (mrs. A. Lynch)
	John McDonald
	John Elychson
	Stewart Doerr
	Mary Bozak (mrs. Alex Konopacki)
1921 -	Victoria Kupchenko (mrs. Jack Hill)
1922 -	Edith Edwardson (mrs. L. Muirhead)
	Philip Gent
	Thomas Hesketh
	George Pickard
	Beatrice Hesketh (mrs. Dennis Brinkworth)
1923 -	Steve Elchyson
	Maude Carroll (mrs. F. Sernick)
	Wing Wong
	May Watchman (mrs. Bert Horne)
	Arthur Cuddington
	Jack Carr
	Vera Enmark (mrs. Jack Nesbitt)
	Hilda Sherratt (mrs. S. Doerr)
1924 -	Phyllis Carr (mrs. Steve Elchyson)
	Victoria Semens (mrs. Dan Smerek)
1925 -	Alice Erickson
	Stephanie Boyko - Stella Boruk (mrs. J. Elchyson)
	Kathleen Gent (mrs. H. Widdifield)
	Veronica Brookes
1926 -	Harry Bradley
	Caroline Baryluk (mrs. Joe Dutka)
	Olga Oback (mrs. O. Mcullough)
	Jean Ellis (mrs. Bill Mitchell)
	Albert Semens
	Olga Chacula (mrs. Fred Liskowich)

21

1927 -	Steve Chacula
1928 -	Annie Bilis (mrs. Annie Thompson)
	Stella Lashinski (mrs. Tony Kaminski)
	Howard Bembridge
	Frank Nieviadomy
1929 -	Annie Lester (mrs. Lorne Jardine)
	Stuart Giem
	Sam Lester
	Wilfred Pickard
	Olive Wallace (mrs. Douglas Smith)

22

HISTORY OF THE COMMUNITY IN THE TWO WORLD WARS

A. TheFirst World War - 1914-1918

The names of those from Bienfait and district who fought in World War I were as follows:

Percy Taylor	Wilbur Enmark
Joe Bembridge	Gordon Quinn
Percy Prescott	Dan Moar
Ken John	Bill Hopkin
Howard Felgate	Jack Kemp
Jim Cooper	Tom Bowman
Art Worrall	Pete Connell
Ernie Philip

Following are the names of those who died in active service:

M. Binks	J. Milne
M. Branton	H. Siddall
F. Bulmer	T. Theaker
R. Flynn	J. White
W. Mularky	P. Ward
E. Snizler

During World War I, victory bonds were sold. The purpose of selling these was so the government could borrow the people's money in order to keep the war front and soldiers supplied with the necessary supplies. After the war these bonds were cashed in by the people who received a set rate of interest on their money.

The first meetings were held twice monthly in the Ukrainian Library. When teh Hawkinson Hall, became open for rental, the Branch moved to the present home.

The Legion is noted for their hard work in establishing the present day picture show.

Early in its history, the Branch purchased a large plot of ground in the Bienfait Cemetery and Ernie Philip, with the help of the members established the present Soldiers' Plot at which annually the Decoration Day services have been held.

The Branch owns a cottage which was erected by volunteer help from the members and other people of the community for the widow of Robert Ellis, who died suddently at his work.

As money became available, improvements were made on the Legion Hall inside and out.

Since the start of the late war, the Flag has flown continually from the Legion Hall and an honour roll inscribed by Wing Wong Jr. has been continually lit by neon lighting in the front window of the hall.

At all times, the services of the secretary has been available to ex-servicement and their dependants, and during the war, of course, to dependants of those serving.

The Branch had the honor of having among its members the oldest Legionaire in the province in the person of Arthur Nelson, a Riel rebellion veteran who was acclaimed as such at a provincial convention in Saskatoon prior to his death.

The Branch took active part in post-war re-habilitation. The Branch welcomes all veterans within its ranks and prices itself upon conducting all its activities in a truly Democratic way. In addition to its social functions it is true the local ex-servicemen's parliament and lives up as closely as possible to those aims and objectives laid down in the Constitution, which in the main are service, not for self but for those less fortunate, and fostering of loyalty to Queen and country and the kindly ties of comradship among those who have given a common service.

B. Air Cadets

The first officers of the local air cadets were A.E. Gough and Mr. Percy Taylor. The Air Cadets first began in the Bienfait Legion Hall.

Awards won by local cadets in the present or past year...........Murray Weppler won the flying Scholarship which enabled him to take a six-week course at the Estevan Airport........... Albin Kaminski had the honor of taking a six-week summer training course at the R.C.A.F. station at Camp Borden, Ontario.

Following are the present officers of the #30 Wylie-Mitchell Squadron
: F/Lt. Taylor: Commanding Officer
: F/O. Walker: Assistant Commanding Officer and drill instructor.

These local boys are now members of the Air Cadets;

John Dunitz	Leonard Rhiendal
Ronald Dzuba	Dean Sane
James Gangi	Wilfred Sane
Billy Horn	Ronald Schlapkohl
Larry Jardine	Harry Sylvester
Albin Kaminski	John Tuchscherer (Longinus & Pauline's son)
Gary Kaminski	Murray Weppler
Louis Keltika	Herby Widdifield
Albert Petrash	Emil Zieglgansberger

Following are the names of those who died in action during World War II;

D. Tyman	D. O'Back	R. Jones
D. Ellis	J. Koltiski
T. Heintz	S. Matynuik
J. Heintz	L. Swederski
G. Redwood	K. Forseth

Victory Bonds were also sold during the war. They were to raise money to help in war-time needs. After the war, people who had these bonds received interest on them.

During World War II meat, sugar, coffee, butter, and gas were rationed. Everyone was given a certain number of rationing and coupons according to the size of the family.

C. The Canadian Legion

The Bienfait Branch 169 of the Canadian Legion B.E.S.L. (British Empire Service League) was formed in the fall of 1901 by a gathering of ex-service men from Bienfait-Coalfields who met in the then "Hawkinson Hall", now the Legion Hall. At the initial meeting, Chas. Locke, then principal of the school, was elected president; A.H. Cuddington, treasureer; and Ken John secretary with an executive which included Prescott, Bembridge, Rawcliffe, Richardson, Philip, Dee, Enmark, Moffat and Worral.

A. Redford of Weyburn, then zone representative, along with Tommy Douglas, were in charge of the initiation and installation ceremonies which admitted some forty veterans into the ranks of the Legion. The Branch chose Art Graham as their first honorary member.

1. First miners union organized in this area was between 1905-1907 with the United Mine Workers of America. Due to the very seasonal nature of coal mining in the district at that time the miners union was not established and went out of existance.

2. In the years preceding the First World War around 1919 and 1920 another union called the One Big Union (commonly known as the O.B.U.) tried unsuccessfully to organize the miners. Incidents such as kidnapping, threats of violence by individuals resulted in its setback.

3. In 1931 the Mine Workers Union of Canada organized in this area, its following was strong at first. However during the course of its organizing campaign an incident commonly known as the Estevan Riot resulted in the death of 3 men and a great number wounded at demonstration of the Union membership in Estevan, so in the course of six months in 1932 this Union's following reached a low ebb and it went out of existence.

4. Prior to World War Two (1938) and in the depth of the depression the United Mine Workers of America, District 18 organized the majority of the miners in this field. Its organizational efforts culminated in a miners strike 1939 a few days before the War began. In the interval of the strike a split developed and an independent union was organized in one of the large mine called the Saskatchewan Union. However as the strike developed in the field and a National Emergency situation was created by the war. In order to restore harmony in the area a commission set up by the provincial government resulted in restoring at least a partial solution at the time to the strike problem. The united Mine Workers of America because of National and International affiliation agreed to leave the district for the duration of the war. This restored peace in the mine fields and two organizations were the result. One embracing a number of mines under the Mine Workers Central Union of Estevan and District and the other the Saskatchewan Coal mines union.

5. In 1945 the United Mine Workers of America District 18 replaced the mine Workers Central Union of Estevan and DIstrict repesented one group of miners and the Saskatchewan Coal Miners Union another group. These organizations are still in existence here. However in 1948 the United Mine Workers of America Called a strike of Pay and Hours of work, and Welfare Fund which lasted around 11 weeks. Today the situation under the banner of the unions in this field is fairly good.

The first hospital in Bienfait was a frame building with only two wards. There was no running water so conditions were poor at all times. But the community of Bienfait was growing and it was soon found that the small hospital was not large enough. A large number of private rooms, a new operating room, and a second storey were added to the hospital. The location of the first hospital was where the "old hospital" now stands. It was built in 1930.

The present-day Health Centre was opened on December 15th, 1942. The new hospital is a very fine building with wards, privates, semi-privates, excellent operating and case rooms, with up to date X-Ray machines, incubator, and sun lamps. A great improvement in the hospital is the hot and cold running water.

The first hospital was sponsored by the miners and was called Coalfields Union Hospital.

The first doctor was a French Doctor, having had his office situated where the Chinese Novelty Store is located.

The first Matron was Muriel Malarky. She was also the only nurse in the hospital.

List of Doctors who have served in Bienfait
1906-------French Doctor
1908-------Creighton Brothers
1913-------Dr. Brundage
During this period there were many graduate doctors who served part time.
1917-------Creighton Brothers
1930-45---Dr. Scott
1945-46---Dr. Buston
1946-47---Dr. Cates
1947-50---Dr. MacPhail
1950-25---Dr. Millette
1952-55---Dr. Barnes

Present Staff At Hospital

Matron--------------------	Mrs. A. Simms
R.N.'s----------------------	Mrs. E. Muirhead
	Mrs. K. Enmark
	Miss K. Scott
	Miss S. Lunbar
Aids-----------------------	Mrs. M. Ewaski
	Mrs. F. Prescott
Cooks---------------------	Miss A. Erickson
	Mrs. Olga McCullough
General Help-----------	Mrs. E. Sane
Laundress---------------	Mrs. A. Housdorff
Secretary-----------------	Mr. J. Cooper
Manager-----------------	Mr. Antonichak

Present Board	First Board
Mr. G. McKenzie (chairman)	Mr. J. L. Salmond (Pres.)
Mr. C. McKenzie (R.M. No.4)	Mr. Sam Davies (VIce Pres.)
Mr. W. Sherwin (R.M. No.4)	Mr. L. Pickard (Sec. Tres.)
Mr. H. Pye (Roche Percee Village)
Mr. R. Moffat (Frobisher Village)
Mr. G. White (Bienfait Village)

ED, a farmer of the early days, had a flock of turkeys which insisted on going to Mr. Wilson's garden and destroying it. Angrily, Mr. Wilson threatened, "If I ever catch those turkeys of yours, in my garden again I'm going to kill them."

A few days days later Mr. Wilson had a fine turkey dinner. Ed came over to his neighbor and was angry with him but the argument soon blew over and Ed said he's sell Mr. Wilson the turkeys. After a few days Mr. Wilson found his turkeys were disappearing. It seems that Ed was enjoying them very much.

In the old days winters were hard and cold. Mr. Wilson and his men were trying to make bread. They could make the bread all right but it just would not rise. For days they tried to make it rise but with little success. In a fit of anger they threw it up to the ciling. When it came down it was covered with little black fly specks.

One clear frosty morning an early resident of Bienfait rose bright and early to do his farm chores. After eating a hearty breakfast he proceeded to go out-of-doors to begin his endless work. But to his astonishment, there was a coyote lying fast asleep under a hayrack which was near the house. Under and surrounding the hayrack was an array of feathers. Before the farmer could make a move to fetch his gun the coyote awoke. He quickly sprang to his feet, but seemed to change his mind about being frightened of the farmer. He stood looking at the motionless farmer. This coyote had steel blue eyes. He looked daggers at the farmer. With each glance he cast another. Slamming the door, the farmer ran for his shot-gun. Upon seeing himself outsmarted by such a formidable weapon the coyote slowly closed his eyes and before the farmer could fire he had cast an iron curtain between himself and the farmer. With each shot the pellets fell harmlessly to the ground in front of the coyote.

Have you ever heard of a bachelor trying to cook when money became scarce. If not, listen to this.

One day Charlie, an early pioneer, was given the task of preparing supper for a hungry crew of men. The food and money had run low. Rice was very cheap and knowing it was the mainstay of Chinamen, he put ten pounds in a pot as a further saving of valuble time. Charlie soon became excited when the ten pounds of rice kept swelling bigger and bigger until it almost crowded them out their single room. Every single pan and dish was filled to overflowing.
That was one dinner that lasted for a long time.

Two gents approached a railroad ticket window. One was carrying the other in his arms, staggering a little under the load.

"Two tickets to Clarksville," he said. "Wait a minute," replied the clerk, "you only gave me the price of one ticket. What about your friend?"

The first looked fondly at his companion slung over his shoulder and said, "Why, he is only a baby."

"That fellow you are carrying?" inquired the ticket agent, "He is at least six feet tall, weighs 190 pounds, and has a beard as thick as a mattress."

The ticket buyer dropped his pal unceremoniously. "You idiot," he howled, "I told you to shave".

This happened at the V-Bar Cattle Ranch in Saskatchewan at an extra big round-up. In the horse-corral was an excellent little horse widely known to be the handiest in every way. He took sick and died. The coyboys decided to skin him in order to make horsehide vests for themselves. The following year the Saskatchewan government ordered a round-up because of hoof and mouth disease. In the V-Bar Ranch they came upon the horse that had been skinned. He looked as if he had been rolled in cones, for little trees about 6" or 8" high had started to grow on him. The boys took this pony and they found out that he was as handy as ever. The round-up cook found him handy as a towel-rack; the cowboys used him for a hat rack.

An innocent bystander watched this funny scene one day forty years ago on a main street in Bienfait.

A citizen of Bienfait who had quite a hangering for his glass of beer came staggering out of the hotel. After stumbling around in the middle of the street for quite awhile, he finally got his bearings at the edge of the side walk. The man then proceeded to walk down main street toward home. He was walking with one foot on the board-sidewalk, and the other on the gutter. He walked this way for about ten steps, then lifted his foot to see what was wrong with it. Seeing nothing he proceeded on his way. After ten steps he again stopped, lifted his foot and found nothing wrong with it. THis little cycle continued untill he came to the end of the foot-highboard sidewalk. From then on he walked down the road still wondering why his one leg had been shorter than the other.

The innocent bystander said he thought this was about the funniest scene he had ever witnessed in Bienfait.

Many years ago there was a bachelor who lived in our town who wished that he were a happily married man with a family. His friends were continually ribbing him about his not being able to get a wife. Finally they decided to play a joke on and to marry him off. One of his friends posed as a girl. A wig and clothes were bought. The bachelor was introduced to his future wife and after a brief courtship they set the date. A few days later a fake marriage was performed. The ceremony which was observed with interest by all the friends of the parties involved was one wedding that was remembered for many years afterwards.

In the early days smuggling rum from across the border was very common. Some pioneers found out it was a lucrative business, profitable enough to risk being chased and caught by the authorities. One smuggler, however, wasn't willing to take chances. He carefully planned out a shortcut which was unknown to the authorities. Further precautions were taken when he poured water on a high hill which was on his smuggling route. When the law saw the rum-runners smuggling, a merry and breath-taking chase would begin. The law would almost catch up with them as they[???????????????????] a thin coat of ice.

Do you remember when we threshed with steam-engines? Then don't tell anyone what you think of this:

It was a nice day in September when we finished the field of what and had to move to another site. I had been the second last teamster to undoad so I had to reload straw from the straw blower. SInce I had the straw with which to fire the steam engine I had to follow the outfit and threrefore I am the best witness of this incident.

To leave the field, the engineer had to cross a ditch, and he was careful to take the machine as straight across as possible! He forgot, however, that a telephone line had been abuilt recently and as he watched his machine he forgot to watch his steamer. He straddled a telephone post! The impact broke the post and pushe dhte front wheels of the steamer hard against the large rear wheels. The engineer stayed with his engine expecting to rise to unknown heights. Nothing blew except the fireman. It was from his swift departure that scientists got the idea of jet propulsion. He went past me so fast that I couldn't see his face. As he broke the sound barrier, the resulting explosion blew my load of straw all over the field. The fireman was crossing the International Boundary about 20 miles south when the border patrol stopped him. He was fined on two counts; first, for flying without a licence and second for flying without a plane.

Early History Of Bienfait And Community

The Souris-Estevan branch of the Canadian Packific Railway was completed twelve years before the first building was constructed on the present townsite.

The first building used as a residence was built by John Millar section foreman in 1904, on the lot now owned by Mr. Nieviadomy. The first store was built by A.J. Milligan on the lot now occupied by Tony Shpyth. This general store was operated by Mr. Milligan and A.E. Watt, opened for business in 1905.

The first hotel built by Mr. Sandoff of Estevan, was situated on the corner now occupied by the Legion Hall, was later sold to a man at Lampman and moved in 1910.

The Bienfait Mine owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway was opened for business in January 1904.

The present hotel owned and operated by Gordon White, was built in 1907 by Fitzsimmons & Sons.

The first postmaster was A.J. Milligan.

The first implement business was operated by Daniel Jones, Later the firm of Cronk, McDoul & Sinclair opened an office and warehouse.

The first Real Estate & Insurance office was opened by Nelson & Doerr.

The Village of Bienfait was incorporated in 1912, the members of the first council were G.J. Oliver, A.E. WATT and V.F. Doerr and MR. Milligan was appointed sec-treas.

The first poolroom and barber shop was built by Henry Uhrich. Mr. Uhrich also operated a livery and feed barn for many years.

The hardware store was owned and operated by Samuel Fielding.

The first school building, a small frame building was situated on the lot now occupied by the sec-treas. of the Village, this building is now owned and occupied by Oscar Sandberg on Railway Ave.

The first church services were held in the small brick school. The present Canadian Pacific Railway Depot was built in 1907, previous to thata box car was used by the first agent, William McQuay.

The Canadian National Railway branch line from Lampman was completed as far as Bienfait later in the fall of 1909. Bienfait was the terminal for several years. Mr. Scott was the first agent and Mr. and Mrs. Scott with their five children lived in a large tent for three years as there was no housing accommodation for them till the company built the first depot.

Parties In The Country

The most convenient time for partying in the country was the winter season, for the summer months were spent working on the farm. Every Saturday families would take their own breakfast along and go visiting their neighbours. They could not travel through the night so they often spent the night at their neighbours and then departed for home the following morning.

The parties were held in the homes with each family taking a turn. The most popular entertainment included: playing cards and dancing. If this became to monotonous, the remainder of the time was spent in discussion. For lunch, coffee and sandwiches were served. Drinking alcoholic beverages was practically unheard of in those days.

Everybody found enjoyment in these gatherings, from the youngsters to the elder folks.

Parties In The Town

Parties in the urban areas were held the year round with the majority being held during the summer months, as the problem of transportation was easily solved then.

Gathering called "Community Affairs" were frequently held in the earlier days. Some of the buildings used for the parties were the old Brick School and Boruk's boarding house, which was situated west of the Legion Hall. The music was supplied by such musicians as Mr. Clark and Mike Murdoph. The instruments popular in those days were the guitar, violin, accordian and piano. Both dancing and singing comprised an evenings entertainment with lunch being served at the end. The lunch was usually supplied by the women and included cake, sandwiches and coffee.

Sometimes a group of "gay-blades" went down to the M&S for a dance. The travelling was done in box-cars filled with straw. The trip was high-lighted with laughter and singing there and back.

Dances

The first dances in early Bienfait were held in the present-day Anglican Church. Dance steps popular in that day were: square dances, two steps, highland fling, waltzes, turkey-trot and charleston. The dances usually opened with the grand march.

Present-day dances are held in the Union Hall and Legion Hall.

Dance steps popular to-day are: waltzes, polkas, two-steps, fox-trots, jive and mambo. Here are some of the musicians who comprised the early orchestras in Bienfait;

	Night Hawks	Robert's Revellers	Blue J's	Jubileers
Mrs. Parkinson	Ken Johns	Robert Miller	James Miller	Jack Doerr
Mr. McPeak	Jack Fraser	Stewart Doerr	Gerald Miller	Judy Rohatyn
Mr. Clark	Tig Mitchell	Mike Miller	Johnny Dunitz	Dean Sane
Mr. Murdoph	Frank Fairles	Robert Walliser	Joe Meister	Wayne Taylor
Mr. V. Doerr	John Fraser	Miss. E. Backman	Peter Fahlander	Murray Weppler
	Saul Krivel

The most popular songs of the early days were "Red Wing, Charmaine, Over the Waves and Let The Rest Of The World Go By."

In comparision to modern dances, early dances were very much more sociable. The women sat on one side of the hall and the men on the other side of the hall. The crowds included even the youngest members of each family. There was much better behavior at the early dances than at today's dances (so they say).

Box Socials

Box Socials were a social event held mostly in the early twenties. Not to many box socials were held right in Bienfait but at Lignite school which was once east of here but is now at the M&S Mine. The boxes were decorated in many ways. Some were made to represent boats, houses, and Indian tepees. Most attractive of the boxes were the ones decorated as rose baskets. The boxes were packed by the ladies and bought by the men. The boxes were bought by bidding for them. Some sold for as high as $12.00. The men bought the boxes because they wanted to eat lunch with the ladies who packed them. The money raised at these box socials usually went to charity organizations.

CHARLESTON

Memorable Game

The game was Bienfait against Sherwood N.D., the final game in the Glen Ewen Annual Tournament of 1914. It was pitcher Earl Goddard's third game that day. In the last of the seventh inning Bienfait was trailing 4 to 1. First up was Wilfred LaCoste who got a single and stole another base. Next up was Ed Sinclair who walked, followed by pinch hitter Teddy Langen who also walked filling the bases. Harvey LaCoste, the weakest batter then hit a triple to tie the score. Catcher Howard Enmark was passed to put the winning run on base and he quickly stole second. Battery mate Earl Goddard immediately rapped out a double to win the game for Bienfait 5-4.

Team Members -	(tournament baseball team)
	Howard Enmark	Harvey LaCoste
	Earl Goddard	Ed Sinclair
	Wilfred LaCoste	Ted Langen
	Fred Deacon	Jack Malarkey
	Jim LaCoste	Luke Roe
Soccer Team -
	Archie Milligan	Joe Bembridge
	Bert Watt	Howard Enmark
	Archie Johnson	John Twigger
Baseball Team -	(1910-1911)
	Bert Watt	Terry Doyle
	Bert Tubbs	Wills Coundoe
	Roy Olson	Frenchie Coundoe
	Shorty Ashley	Fred Deacon
	Jim Rock	Ed Sinclair
Hockey Team -
	Jim LaCoste	Howard Enmark
	Fred Deacon	Harvey LaCoste
	Archie Graham

Baseball Diamond	- first	- in cemetary, facing northeast
	- second	- LaCoste's farm
Skating Rink	- first	- north side of red town well
	- second	- between Birbergers and Drugstore
	- third	- between Municipal Office and Hotel
Soccer Field	- same as it is now
Golf Field	- southeast of Bienfait	(Symotuk's pasture)

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