History Series – Part 6 1946–1955—A Decade of Quiet Modernization
Early Municipal Actions and Staffing Changes
The decade opened in 1946 under Mayor Daniel, with councillors Frook, Schoneck, Gamble, McAdam, Logan, and Kerr, and R.W. Harris serving as secretary‑treasurer. That year, the site of the current swimming pool was reserved for the Booster Club as planning began for a community swimming pool. Constable C. Rushworth resigned, and Martin Brotzell was hired as constable and utility man at $130 per month, later increased to $140, supplying his own team and wagon. A public gents’ toilet was also made available.
Health Concerns, Garbage Removal, and Power Changes
In 1947, rats were becoming a problem, and council examined pasteurization of milk. Saskatchewan Power prepared to take over the town’s electric franchise. Council granted the Booster Club permission to build a swimming pool on the southwest corner of the future pool site. A new bylaw governing garbage removal was adopted, and the town purchased a one‑ton Chevrolet truck for $1,816.30. Mayor Daniel briefly resigned but later reconsidered.
Activity continued in 1948. The town purchased a second‑hand siren for $140, and McLeod Bros. bought lots 19 and 20, Block 2, where the Locker Plant would later be built. Saskatchewan Power removed its generating units from Gull Lake. The Rehabilitation Committee received permission to build a memorial on lots 11, 12, and 13, Block 3, and council appropriated money to purchase land for an airstrip.
Sidewalk Construction, Traffic Signs, and Recreation Work
In 1949, cement sidewalks were constructed, and the council erected stop signs, speed limit signs, and No Parking signs on Main Street. M. Brotzell resigned as constable and utility man, and George Hawthorne was hired as utility man. Council recommended that Highway 37 north be taken over by the Government and rebuilt. A donation was made to the Rehabilitation Committee for a memorial plaque, and a pipeline was installed from the water main to the skating rink.
Pasteurization Plans, Photographs, and Utility Transitions
In 1950, council supported Mid‑Way Propane Ltd. in bringing propane service to town. Residents petitioned council to supply a barn for farm teams. Dave Johnston informed council of his intention to build a pasteurization plant. Rev. Halverson donated two colour photographs—an aerial view of Gull Lake and a herd of antelope on the town’s edge. The skating rink required bracing. George Hawthorne resigned, and C. Huntley was hired as constable and utility man. Gull Lake received a sanitary score of 90 from the regional Medical Health Officer.
Lighting Upgrades and Sanitation Recognition
In 1951, the council instructed Power Corp. to upgrade street lighting in the business area. Gull Lake received a certificate for achieving the highest sanitary score in the Health Region.
Road Signs, Utility Staffing, and Co‑op Expansion
Council activity in 1952 included assisting Snow Plow Clubs, purchasing a well from J.F. Melville (lot 9, Block 21), and selling old light standards for $1.00 each. Len Turner and later Reese Jones were engaged as utility men. Council ordered new road signs: No Parking, No Trucks Over One Ton, and 20 MPH Speed Limit. The Pioneer Co‑op purchased several lots in Block 100.
The history book records no notable council minutes for 1953.
School Site Planning and Station Hill Lighting
In 1954, buildings moved into town were required to pass inspection. The Larger School Unit met with council to discuss a site for a new school, and council allocated land in Blocks 48 and 101. Mercury vapor lights were approved for Station Hill, and Gull Lake again received the highest sanitation score in the Health Region.
Speed Control, Water Line Permission, and a New Skating Rink
The decade closed in 1955 under Mayor Partridge, with councillors Schoneck, Buck, Douglas, Sweeting, Lyngstad, and Moat. Lloyd Turner resigned as utility man, and C. Huntley returned to the role. Town police were instructed to reduce speeding, especially on Station Hill. Council required that only pasteurized milk and cream be sold in town. Anglo American received permission to install a water line through town. Council was seriously considering water and sewage. A letter of condolence was sent to the Badge family on the death of former mayor F. Badge. A new skating rink was constructed, and the old rink was torn down.
Closing
Across these ten years, the council minutes record steady municipal activity: staffing changes, land allocations, utility adjustments, sanitation scores, traffic signage, lighting improvements, and ongoing work on recreation facilities. Each entry reflects the practical decisions made by council during this period, forming a clear picture of the town’s documented actions from 1946 to 1955.
Gull Lake Events
Source: Gull Lake Memories: A History of the Town of Gull Lake
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