The boundaries of the village of Roche Percee are really the extent of one section of land. The location is Section 30, Township l, Range 6, west of the second meridian. The school district encloses this area, and several other sections of the adjoining land. About 1903 to 1910-11 the people of Roche Percee were not centred in the village as now. Most of the pople lived at a mining camp one-half mile south. It was then known as the Sutherland mine, which later became Roche Percee Coal Mine. The first church was built in 1902, and was located about three miles east of the village. The first school in the village site was built where Mr. McQuarrie now resides, near the white cement bridge on Highway 39.
The Roche Percee hotel was situated where L. Zimmerman Jr. now lives. If you have ever looked closely over every big rock, you will have noticed that there isn't one rock which has not been touched by someones initials. If one were to be gifted enough to decipher all the initials there would be pages and pages of names. Some may be very important, such as "Wild Bill Hickock", mounties names, and many others. No one will ever now who all came through here. These rocks have very peculiar forms, some are assumed to be of prehistoric lizard, sharks, mushrooms, etc.
In a report on the rocks of this vally by B. M. Dawson (1875), he says they owe their curious forms to the weathering away of soft sand from the bed of hard rocks, which is rendered durable by an abundant calcareous cement.
2. The Earliest Inhabitants
(a) Indians:
With information gathered from the talk by Mr. Dan Kennedy, Chief of the Assiniboine Tribe, we know that the Assiniboine Indians lived in Roche Percee in the late 1700's. He describes this as their place of worship at the rocks, and just a few years ago a band of them came back to worship at the rocks, and are returning to worship again this year. They used to eat the wild plums which were abundant here. The vicinity around here was a battle ground way before the whiteman came Mr. Kennedy explained.
These Assiniboines used dogs as beasts of burden before they acquired horses around 1770. They were supposed to have come through here with dogs.
The Assiniboines were noted for roaming. They always settled in wooded areas in the winter. That is why this area was frequented by them.
When asked where they procured their flint Mr. Kennedy said they got it somewhere down in North Dakota. It was in the form of the soft rock, which hardened when exposed to air. Mr. Kennedy said that the Assiniboine Tribe at one time numbered about 30,000. Now there are less than 3,000 left. In the hills surrounding the area to the south there are many camping places, which were used long ago by the Indians.
(b) Explorers:
We know for a certainty, as far back as August 1857, that a Doctor Hector and Captain Palliser made a branch expedition from the north to the Souris Valley. Dr. B. M. Dawson in his later report (1875) on these rocks, said they were of many peculiar shapes, and forms. These rocks were made from soft grey sandstone.
(c) Squatters:
A squatter named Craig, came from Glasgow, Scotland about 1850. He was the first white settler in this area. He was commomly known as a hermit and a trapper. He lived about two and one-half to three miles east of Roche Percee, near Pinto. He made his living by trapping. He used to use a certain native leaf to make his tea. His tobacco he got from the red willow. He was known as an outstanding marksman with a rifle. He lived in a one room shack by himself. He left in 1907 or 1908. It may seem queer but he could quote almost any verse from the Bible.
(d) Border Smugglers:
There was much border smuggling done in the early days, but more was done in the late 1800's. Smuggling was so great, that a Mounted Police camp was built southwest of here. The smuggled goods were usually liquor, hardware, horses, cattle, and many more things that were very valuable. The mounties encampment was situated near the short creek in the valley. Later when people got settled they started to smuggle grain across the border.
3. The Coming of the Settlers
Incidents of Travel
The means of travel of the first settlers to arrive in this green, rich, and fertile valley of ours varied form ox cart to river barges.
The ox carts came from the little town of Emerson, Manitoba, and the river barges, from Winnipeg. The lure to this valley was a belief that there was a fortune to be made by the mining of coal . This interest has grown from a private concern, to the important industry we have here today.
The river barges, constructed to haul this coal back to Winnipeg, were made from large logs, cut along the river banks. When this black coal arrived at Winnipeg, a great interest was aroused. People began to come from Winnipeg and Emerson, to settle at Roche Porcee.
The first known white explorers to pass through this valley of ours, were Captin Palliser and Doctor Hector in the year 1857. The first people to settle in the immediate vicinity of Roche Percee were. Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Knight, whose wife is the present Mrs. A. R. McKersie, still resides in the stone house in this village. Some of the early settlers were: Joe Ballison, Sam Frain, and J. B. Adams. There was also a man who settled in a log house, a few miles east of Roche Percee. He was known as Craig, and who made his living by hunting and trapping. As he was a very quiet man, he was considered a hermit, and is stll remembered for his spectacular shooting skill.
4. Pioneer Settlement
(a) Shelter:
The various types of homes of the first inhabitants, were very crude structures, made from mud, grass and sticks. Other homes were made of long straight logs, cut and notched from trees. A few of the homes were made from stone, one of which is still in use at the present time. The interior of these houses were crude. The floors were made of sod, and the walls of bare logs. The fuels used for firing was wood and coal, which is still used extensively. Light was provided by kerosene lamps, and in some instances, the light from the fire. The only articles of furniture were deeply treasured pieces, which they were able to bring with them; and the rest, depended upon their skills as a craftsman. They grew wheat, which was made into flour. Potatoes were grown, and the meat was usually wildlife; but, in some instances, domestic animals were used. The most popular wildlife dishes were: deer, rabbit, prairie chicken, pheasant, and wild ducks. Fruit, such as plums, saskatoons, and chokecherries, were picked and preserved by the process of canning.
(b) Food:
As a source of food, fish, such as piko and suckers were caught both in winter and in summer. During the winters when loneliness became almost a part of them, they would have such activites as dances and box socials. They were held either in private homes, school, or in the community dance halls. In the summers, picnics were a source of entertainment, held in the park at Roche Percee, which was recently destroyed by flood waters. The dance hall was situated in the park, just across the white bridge, west of the village. The popular dances of that time were: two steps, waltzes, and of course, the old square dances. The main centres of attraction at these picnics were: baseball, softball, and horse racing. The clothing styles of that time for women were the old hoop skirts; but men's styles have not changed too much since then.
(c) Hardships:
Floods, snowstorms, duststorms, and the summer thunderstorms were some of the hardships endured by the people who settled in this valley. The most destructive of these were the floods, which can be remembered as far as 1904. The floods from 1904, 1907, 1909, 1910, 1913, 1915, 1921, 1925, 1943, and 1948. These floods almost demolished, or moved anything in their paths. The severe snowstorms often became so bad, that cattle were unable to reach food and often died of starvation. Another hardship which had to be faced, was the very poor system of transportation and communication. The fastest means being horseback; and, even this took quite a number of days. The only time there was a connection between the settlers and their former homes, was when some one delivered a number of articles down stream, or when new settlers arrived. This was greatly changed with the building of the railroad through here in 1894.
(d) Law Enforcement:
The law was enforced by the North West Mounted Police. Short Creek Camp (quite near Roche Percee) was the first major camp of the North West Mounted Police on the 1874 trek westward. It was here the force divided. One column went to Edmonton, and the one remained at the foothills on the Souris River near Roche Percee. The following was recorded in one of the diaries of a member on their march westward. "July 24, 1874 There was keen rivalry between the troops to get away after the night stopover. "A" troop struck out at 3:30 A.M. Water was badly needed, and after a long, gruelling march, a spot known among the Metis as St. Peter's Spring, a dirty mud hole was reached. After sinking a barrel packed round with stones, a serviceable watering-place was out cropping, Came in view, and camp was made. In the afternoon; La Roche Percee, a remarkable limestone came in view, and camp was made on the bank of the Souris at Short Creek, where there was good water, wood, and grass. Buffalo pemmican was issued for the first time. All the horses were tired out, many of them lying down, unable to rise. Some did not get in until the following morning. Distance from Dufferin (Emerson, Manitoba) 270 miles."Cst. Jean D'Artique noted in his diary that the trail behind was strewn with broken carts and horses and oxen overcome with hunger and fatigue........in a deplorable condition. The chief duties of the mounties in this area consisted of patrolling the boundary watching for smugglers, and cattle rustlers. They also acted as customs officers as well as immigration officials.
5. The Schools.
The first school in the area of Roche Percee was within a quarter or a mile from the Old Taylorton church. The building of the first school in the village of Roche Percee was begun in 1907, and was completed in 1908. The school was opened on March 9, 1908. Miss Laura Crimp was the teacher, with an enrolment of thirty-nine pupils. The number of pupils in grade one was eighteen, grade two - fifteen, grade three - six. The pupils' ages ranged from five to eighteen years old in grade one, because some of the boys had to stay home to help their fathers on the farm or in the coalmines. The families attending this school were as follows:McGregors, Bowmans, Buniston, Lee, Chesworth, Pierce, Mullueneux, Mudson, Wrigley, Forsythe, Banka, Gardipie, Lusk, Knight, Hawkins, and Petersons. The first record of school trustees was in 1915. There were others between 1908 and 1915, but there is no known record of these. A few of the first trustees were: Mr. John Auld, Mr. Edward Pierce, and Mr. Archibald Rose. The first school superintendent was Mr. C. Nivius. This school has recently been remodeled, and is now the residence of Mr. and Mrs. L. McQuarrie.
Gleanings Throughout The Years:
1908 - closed Monday of 4th week in Oct. - polling booth at school.
1910 - closed May 6 - death of King Edward VII.
1910 - closed May 20 - funeral of King Edward VII.
1910 - closed May 27 & 28 - Teachers convention in Estevan.
1911 - February 24 - half holiday for tea party.
1912 - closed Jan. 17 & 18 - school repairs.
1913 - closed Mar. 19 - Apr. 7 - sickness.
1917 - one roomed school - 51 pupils. (1955- 2 rooms -65 pupils).
1917 - closed Apr. 2-20 - measles.
1918 - Notation in 1918 register - "Sugar Is Scarce".
1925 - closed Apr. 3-6 - flood.
1945 - May 8 & 9 -V.E.Day.
1947 - Nov. 20 -Royal Wedding
1948-Apr. 23- May 10-flood
1952-Feb. 15-funeral of King George VI.
953-June 2-Coronation Day of Queen Elizabeth
6. The Church
The first church services in the area of Roche Percee, were held in houses, or sod shacks. Later on, in 1902, a Presbyterian Church was built on "Sugar Loaf" hill, hear Old Taylorton cemetery. The ministers were; Rev. James Lang- 1902-04, Rev. J. Knox Clark- 1904-07, Rev. Mr. Hollingshead- 1907-09, and Rev. John Jackson- 1909-1913. Rev. Hugh Neville was the last minister to reside at Old Taaylorton.This church was moved to the Old Taylorton mining camp. Later on it was sold and moved to Bienfait. Its present day location, is behind the old hospital in Bienfait. Services later for the Roche Percee citizens were held in the Roche Percee Town Hall. The earlier burial places in the district were: Short Creek Cemetery, which was located southwest of Short Creek School; and, the Old Taylorton Cemetery, which was located by the church. The last recorded burial in Old Taylorton cemetery was in 1938.
7.Recreation and Social Life
At the turn of the century, Roche Percee was a hive of activity. The community carried on extensive neighborly visiting during the winter.
They had picnics which were held in Sinclair's Park and in the vicinity of Taylorton bridge. They were held east of the mine, around the Taylorton bridge, and later around the rocks. Everyone brought baskets which were placed on long tables for all to eat.
After the inside of the of the old school was burned, there was a bee held in order to reconstruct it and decorate it. The dances of the community were held in Sinclair's Park. The orchestra which played was the Abraham's. Dances were also held in the Town Hall, with the Patterson family as the orchestra. Some of these dances consisted of box socials. For other musical entertainment, Mr Baterrsby played in the Town Hall.
The women of the village had a homemakers club known as the Women's Sewing Circle.
For games and other similar interests they played soccer and softball. There also was a Pool Hall, which now is the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Olson. It contained two or three tables and was combined with the Post Office. There was also a hotel which contained a pool room, and beer parlor. Card games were also played here. It was situated across from Bonchal's store.
In the line of sports, there was baseball. Some of the ball players were: P. A. Cook, Tommy Hays, and Norman Earl. Occasionally they would play against Old Taylorton and Bienfait. Hockey was also played by Bill Yardy, Norman Earl, Jim Craighton, N. Rooney, Clen Denning, Bert Mann, and Dr. Purdon.
8. Participants in Two World Wars
World War 1 Veterans
Died in the service of his country: John David Dunbar
1. Mr. Harry Forsythe
2. Mr. Ernest Hanson
3. Mr. Almer Hoehne
4. Mr. Jake Koehn
5. Mr. William Knight
6. Mr. Julius Langen
7. Mr. F. C. Wynne-Jones
World War 2 Veterans
Killed in action: Robert A. Thompson, William J. Knight.
Wounded: Stanley Long.
Decorated: Russel S. Earl
Overseas service: Cecil Koehn, Stephen Ostepchuk, Kenneth Earl, Albert E. Long, Elmer Schoapkohl, William Mann, Gordon Sears, Albert Ed. Knight, Geo H. Brinkworth, Donald Sears, Merle Pearson, Lawrence C. Earl, Raymond Leonard, Theaodore Jahn, Lester Mann, Richard Sears, George Wood, William J. Knight, Hugh Robinson, A. Samenook, Jas Blondeau, Allan Duncan, William Winstanley, Russel ?, Earl Harold Winstanely, Alvin Jahn, James MaQuarrie, Charles Murray, Stanley Smith, John Sears, Arthur Jahn, Richard Wrigley, Fraser Dunbar, Matthew Duncan.
Services in Canada: Kenneth Morine, Ray Morine, Kenneth Olson, Alfred MacDonald, Ernest Hanson, David Dunbar, Allan Edwardson, Irvin Hanson, Magnus Gunderson, John Bonchal, Elna MacQuarrie, Walter Sears, Walter Battersby, Arthur Robinson, Alex. Ostepchuk, Arnold Schlapkohl, William Pearson.
9. The Coal Industry of Roche Percee
The coal mining industry, which has become so important, first originated in 1880, when two brothers, George and Sydney Pocock, came from England to hunt buffalo in Saskatchewan. On arriving in these parts, they discovered that all the buffalo been killed by hunters from across the border. While in the Souris Valley, they found traces of coal, and being determined to show something for their hazardous journey, they loaded their buckboard with coal and returned to Winnipeg.
These samples of coal excited great interest, and soon Hugh Sutherland organized an expedition to Roche Percee, where the first Saskatchewan lignite was mined, and carried on barges down the Souris River, into Assiniboine, and on to Winnipeg. The year, 1895, saw the first actual coal mine opened up by Robert Hassard, on section four, on the west side of the gully, of the southside of the section. The work was all very primitive.
The largest shipper in1934, was the Poage Coal Mines, operated by H. E. Poage. It followed the usual room and pillar method, going in from the hillside. The working seam ranged from five to six feet in thickness. The mine was constructed of 12 x 12 timbers, and the ramp was 26 feet high at its main level, and 30 feet at the final elevation.
The early mines were scattered within a radius of two miles of the village. Some were operated for a great many years, while others, for a short time only. Some of these mines were:
The Blue Seam Coal Mines- located approximately one and a half miles east of Roche Percee, and operated by E. J. Sinclair.
The Uhrich Coal Mines- located approximately two miles east of Roche Percee, and operated by a. Uhrich and A. Matheson.
The Siddal Coal Mines- located approximately one and three-quarter miles southwest of Roche Percee, operated by T. Siddal.
The Good Luck Mines- located on the hill southeast of Roche Percee (southwest quarter of 29-1-6), and operated by W. Brooks.
The Beamish Coal Mines- located approximately one and one- quarter miles southwest of Roche Percee, and headed by R. W. Beamish.
The Poage Coal Mine- located approximately one and one- quarter miles southwest of the village. Operated by H. E. Poage.
The Banulas Mine- located about one and one- half miles southwest of the village. Operated by two brothers, Anthony and Alphonse Banulas. They started shipping in 1932.
Other mines in the district were:
Elm Valley Coal Mines- operated by F. S. Wilbur,
Lignite Coal Mines Limited- headed by Hugh Roberts,
Winna Banks' Coal Mine- operated bu H. Banks,
Adams Coal Mine- operated by Frank Adams,
Adams Coal Mine- operated by J. B. Adams,
Prospect Mine- operated by Mr. Peter Roberts and Mr. Tony Miller,
Auld's Mine- ooperated by John Auld,
Great West Coal Mine- operated by Mr. Brodie in Brandon,
Zeiglgansberger Mine- operated by L. and F. Zeiglgansbereger.
The amount of coal shipped out in 1930 was approximately 425 carloads, and by 1932 the shipments rose to about 2000 carloads. During the next year, shipments increased so greatly that the railroad extended its loading platform to accommodate seven cars rather than four.
The Roche Percee coal Mine today under "Old Mac" Coal Company, takes in about ten sections, which are not all under stripping conditions. The mine is situated west of Roche Percee, with the tipples in the village. Coal is hauled in with large trucks commonly called "ukes", which are able to haul twenty tons, the equivalent of half a box car. Approximately one- half million tons are mined annually.
10. Present Day
The present day village of Roche Percee has a population of about twoo hundred and ten people. It is situated fourteen miles southeast of Estevan, and sixteen miles northwest of the International Border Crossing of North Portal. Now, there is a two roomed school, high school and public school combined. Grades range from one to ten, and altogether, there are fifty- six students attending.
There are two general stores, "Bonchals" and the "M & B" store. The "M & B" store consits of the post office and telephone exchange.
There is also a town hall, where social meetings, school parties and the occassional dance are held. There is an annual school christmas concert held at the hall, in which Roche Percee students take part. At the end of the year, there is a graduation and farewell dance, for the school students.
A service staion, a pool elevator, C.P.R. station, a cartage, and construcion company complete the business transacted within the district.
The pierced rocks, from which Roche Percee derived its name, are along side No. 39 highway, going southeast. They are different shapes, forms, and sizes; and pictures of these rocks appeared in many publications throughout the years. Time, weather and vandelism have destroyed their original beauty. However, they still are a point of call for many a transient visitor.
Roche Percee Coal Mining industry is carried on by the Old Mac Coal Company, and is located in the northeast end of Roche Percee. There is the tipple, truck, and storage shop, shower houses, welding shop and other buildings. The Old Mac coal mining company employs almost all the men fronm the village, and some from neighboring towns, numbering approximately seventy men.
The Canadian Pacific Railway runs through Roche Percee daily, bring the mail, and carrying passengers to and from neibhboring towns. The bus runs through the village twice a day, which adds greatly to solving one's transporation problems.
Roche Percee is famous for its bridges. There are four bridges. They are as follows:
The White bridge on highway 39 crossing the Souris River.
The overhead bridge also on highway 39 over the railway tracks.
The black train bridge crossing the Souris River.
The black municipal bridge crossing Short Creekat its junction with the souris river.
In the late spring and early summer, Roche Percee's favorite sport is fishing. At this time the little village loses its baron look and statr to don some of its summer beauty. It is surrounded on all sides by beautiful trees. Some of these trees are: poplar, elm, ash, spruce, maple, and fruit bearing trees, such as the chokecherry, saskatoon, and wild plum.
Some of Roche Percee's most beautiful wild flowers are: the crocus, lily, buttercups, bluebells, cowlips, wild sweetpeas, prairie lily, and many others. Together, they make a coorful picturesque place to live.
Indeed, Roche Percee has a quite an extensive and colourful history behind it. Who knows what changes the next century will bring?