The new hamlet of Bresaylor had been surveyed and lots purchased ahead of the first train’s arrival at the end of 1905. In the spring of 1906, building construction began in earnest.
Several stores were built including a hardware store, which also sold building materials and lumber. Another store was built which supplied groceries, clothing and yard goods. A furniture store was also constructed, as well as a grocery store.
Mail service switched from road to rail with the postmaster having to meet the train twice daily to pick up and send off mail. The post office was moved from the country to one of the first stores built in the hamlet.
In June, the foundation of the new hotel was completed and when it was constructed, the hotel became one of the finest between Saskatoon and Edmonton because of its décor and comfort. By Sept. 19, the first elevator had been built and was operational.
A privately run ferry to cross the North Saskatchewan River at Bresaylor was being planned. The Bresaylor businessmen had raised $850 and had ordered the cable for the ferry. Ste. Anne’s Anglican Church was completed and dedicated on Dec. 16. A drug store was also set up and a doctor also arrived in the area.
The building boom continued in 1907 with the establishment of an implement dealership, livery stable and pool hall, as well a butcher shop, which is now the museum. A blacksmith shop was built one-half mile from the hamlet.
As there were no railroads south through Cut Knife or north through Edam yet, Bresaylor had a trading area from Gallivan to Edam. Farmers brought grain and livestock to ship from Bresaylor. Most would have stayed overnight and did their shopping before returning home.
When the railroad arrived, a “fish plant” was established. Tons of whitefish from northern lakes were freighted to Bresaylor and shipped to points east. One winter 26 railcar loads of fish were shipped from the area. By 1907, the fish stocks in Turtle Lake had been depleted and fish were taken from lakes further north. The fish plant operated until a railroad was built north of the river through Edam and west, and fish plants were built closer to the source.
In 1914 the telegraph office was moved from three miles east of Bresaylor to the building which currently houses the museum. During these years you could take the passenger train travelling east at 7:20 a.m. or hop on the train travelling west at 10:20 p.m.
When the First World War broke out in 1914, many young men in the area left to fight in the war. Some were killed in action while others returned home injured and continued on with life back home.
Check out the Bresaylor Heritage Museum Facebook page for more information. The museum is open by appointment only from June 9 to August 31. Please phone 306-895-4813.
