Gull Lake in 1914: New Offices, New Debentures, and a Town Searching for Water
- May 2
- 3 min read
Gull Lake entered 1914 with a new council and a growing sense that the community needed more suitable surroundings for its civic work. For several years, council had been meeting in the back room of the fire hall—a practical but cramped arrangement. Early that year, they approved the rental of office space from George Sharp in the Clarendon Hotel for $12 per month, securing a one‑year lease and giving the town its first dedicated administrative office.
Automobiles Arrive, and Traffic Rules Follow
Automobiles were beginning to appear on local streets, prompting council to prepare a bylaw to regulate their use. Horse and oxen traffic still dominated daily life, and council made clear that traditional traffic had first consideration. At the January meeting, council also hired Ernie Storrs to tend the fires at the fire hall—a small but memorable detail for long‑time residents.
A Town Solicitor and the Challenge of Debentures
February brought another first: the appointment of N.R. Hoffman as town solicitor at a retainer of $100 per year. Around the same time, council received word that The Ontario Securities Company had purchased the $3,500 fairgrounds debenture at ninety‑four and a half, netting the town $3,307.50. Encouraged, council asked whether the company would consider buying an additional $1,500 issue.
But not all debentures were finding buyers. The $10,000 issue intended for a municipal hall appears to have stalled in the tightening financial climate. As a result, the fire hall built in 1910 continued to serve as the town’s main public building until it burned in March 1923, after which the present hall was constructed.
Sidewalks, Boulevards, and a New Push for Water
Despite financial pressures, council pressed ahead with infrastructure. In March 1914, they approved a bylaw to borrow $3,500 for grading, boulevards, and sidewalk construction, with a public vote set for April 20.
Water remained the most persistent concern. Council hired Mr. Haddon of Winnipeg to test springs near the base of the Bench south of town. The John Galt Engineering Company also submitted a report on springs farther west on the homestead of Wilbur George (E½ 27‑12‑19), estimating a potential output of 122,000 gallons per day and calling the site ideal for a water supply.
Enthused, council sought a 90‑day option on the SE 27‑12‑19 and began preparing a bylaw for waterworks. Water rights were still open, and the town planned to apply for them. But differing engineering opinions soon emerged, prompting council to seek further assessments—including from a Calgary firm—and to send Mayor Morrison, Councillor Latour, and Secretary Hinton to Regina to consult the Local Government Board.
By late summer, council finally chose a direction. In the August 29 minutes, a plan submitted by Mr. Haddon was accepted — though the details of that plan have since been lost to time.
Fairgrounds, Debentures, and the First Hospital Services
In May, the parks committee received approval to build 100 feet of grandstand at the fairgrounds. Another $2,000 in debentures was sold to Henderson & Company at $94.50, matching the prevailing rate.
June brought a milestone in local health care. The Homemakers’ Club had rented a building to provide hospital services, and council agreed to contribute $10 per month for 1914. This appears to be the first formal reference to hospital services in Gull Lake, though Dr. Christie had provided care as early as 1909. The building was located on Lot 2, Block 34 — just north, across the street from today’s skating rink.
The R.M. of Gull Lake Appears in the Record
Also in June, council issued a permit for the R.M. of Gull Lake to build an office on Lot 1, Block 64. The R.M. had recently been incorporated, as had the R.M. of Carmichael the year before. Their development would later become a story of its own.
War Clouds and a Change in Leadership
By late summer, council minutes became less consistent — a reflection of the world’s shifting priorities as the First World War began in August 1914. Local affairs continued, but the tone of the records shows the community’s attention turning outward.
That same month, the tax rate was set at 15 mills for school purposes and 15 mills for general municipal needs.
August also saw a major change in leadership. Mayor Charles Morrison, who had served through 1913 and into 1914, resigned to begin a business in the new town of Shaunavon. With only one nomination submitted, Councillor R. Shingler was acclaimed as mayor. His vacant council seat was filled by Reg Stull, also by acclamation.
Gull Lake Events
Source: Gull Lake Memories: A History of the Town of Gull Lake
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