Tiny little middle-of-nowhere Hoosier is hanging on for dear life. A handful of people still live here, give or take, with more on farms in the immediate area. And while the CO-OP and Post Office slash Coffee Shop are open, it’s hardly thriving. There are just as many empty or forgotten dwellings and buildings in town as used or lived in. Sadly, this very same story plays out across the province of Saskatchewan, time and again, and many towns like this within its borders are sadly near the bottom of their long downslide.
We only made a brief stop here. A good ten or fifteen minutes, then like the wind we were gone. This was a scouting mission of sorts, plain and simple, a quick look to see what there is to see, with plans to return at some point. In order to truly honour or respect a place, we feel one must spend time with it. And this place deserves the time. It’s pretty special. This post will only be a taste. Later, we’ll make it a meal.
A Few Minutes in Hoosier: a brief stop in town to take in some old buildings, with hopes we’ll be back. Researched, written and photographed by Chris Doering and Connie Biggart. (BIGDoer/Synd)
Hoosier dates from the early 1910s and sprang to life with the coming of the railway – Grand Trunk Pacific, later folded into Canadian National Railways. The line existed for one reason, the transport of grain (Hoosier had some elevators). It was a typical prairie branch, sleepy, meandering, not so well maintained and at best a break-even affair. Still, the line managed to hang on till the 1980s.
At the peak many dozens lived in town. But that was long ago. Today, it’s not so many. If you and the kids show up there, well, the population triples. On our visit there was a home coming at the community centre. Lots of people about, the most the town has seen, no doubt, since the very early days.
Scroll down for photos and to comment.
There’s a few buildings left over from the past that are worth a look. One is the old Hoosier United Church. From 1916, it was used regularly into the 1960s, and then intermittently, often doubling as a community hall, into the 1990s. Mostly intact, the foundation is buckling, which is of great concern. Some beams have been put in to mitigate the problem, but that at best is a stop-gap measure. The issue might be terminal if something more is not done.
A bit newer, from 1930, is the old school. A fine brick structure, it’s seems oddly large given the always modest population of the area. Of course, the town and surrounding area was busier back then and people often had really big families in the old days. The building replaced an earlier school, a stunning structure also of brick, that burned down. The current building remained in use until the 1960s when it was closed. Today, it’s showing the ravages of time, and is rough shape. Some sections have or are collapsing. Sad to see it in such a state and I fully expect at some point it’ll have to come down for safety reasons.
Outside town is the Hoosier Golf and Country Club. Opened in the early 1960s, there’s a small “clubhouse” and nine holes. At one time, I guess it was a busy place, old photos proving that. We’re not sure when closed. No one we called was sure but the history book used as reference, published in the 1980s, mentions it still being open then. So we figure it lasted into the 1990s, if not perhaps a bit longer. It’s not in all that bad shape although the “links” are looking more like a farmer’s field than a course. Looking out across it however, one can picture happy people golfing away an afternoon. If we come back, we’re bringing some clubs. Lots of rough, so expect the wedges will come in handy.
That’s it for now, the accelerated tour’s over. There’s more to see in town and the buildings chronicled here need a more attention that we gave them. Unless the world comes to an end, I’m certain we’ll be back to give the place its proper dues.
If you wish more information on what you’ve seen here, by all means contact us!
Date: July, 2016. Location: Hoosier, SK. Article references (and thanks): Book: Prairie Sod to Golden Acres – History of Hoosier District, Canada’s Historic Places (HistoricPlaces.ca), Jason Sailer. Please show the town respect if visiting.
I grew up in Hoosier and lived there until 1971. The old church was a favorite Meeting place every Christmas. The school kids and the church classes would gather with their families and friends to put on a special and exciting Christmas concert, that was enjoyed by all, young and old. The old curling rink hosted many bonspiels as well as nightly league games. Out of that little 2 sheet curling rink, and natural ice came some very good curlers. I could go on and on about the good times in Hoosier, but I am sure others would like to say some thing as well.
Such amazing memories! We just love it when those connected to the places we document share their experiences and I know our readers do too. Thanks and here’s to a great 2019!
My son and his wife were passing by Hoosier with their daughter and family in late June 2018. They took pictures for me. I grew up to 11 years old with my grandparents,Henry and Laura Bennett. Their home was right across from the school on the old road to Loverna. I left there finally in 1950 and was back in 1969 with my sister and my 2 year old son. I live in PEI now with my husband. It was nice to see what was left. Of the buildings. I remember Jack Kraus’s store, the railway station, Mr. Jenkins blacksmith shop( he was also school janitor) and lived beside us. The rink was beside the church. Many bonspiels there. The PO, the town hall, the pond, homes etc. Sad but good memories of many people. Marilyn Noye. Summerside PEI
Marilyn, thank you for sharing all these amazing memories! We so love it when our readers “add to the story”. How bittersweet it must be to see the buildings of your childhood decaying like that. Thanks for commenting!
My Rodeo Buddy’s, The Ashbachers are from there. I used to check out the Old School when ever i was there. I still can not understand why no one will step up to the plate and do something with it. The old East Coulee School was in worse shape when i stepped in with my dad to save it !!! If i had the money, i would take it down, brick by brick, and rebuild in in the Drumheller Valley. I have been collecting old buildings hoping to some day set up a Historic Town, for Tourism and for the Movie Industry.
Anything can be saved, even this school, which is in deplorable condition. All it takes in money, which it seems is in short supply. Good luck with your project. We recently visited a movie set site. It was cool! And they had no shortage of business.
A family in rural southern Oregon restored a school like this into a beautiful home. I hope that someone in Saskatchewan is able to restore this treasure.
(via Facebook) I worked near Hoosier in 2001 and saw a golf course north of the town. I was told it was still being used and I believe it had to be as the sand greens were not overgrown, I remember it well because I just moved from BC and had never even heard of sand greens. I remember part of it went through a stubble field.
(A long read) After twelve years it's time to put a face to the name and come clean on something. That's rarely-seen Chris in the photo, one half of Team BIGDoer, my best friend for almost thirty years and orchestrator of everything you see here. For his entire adult life, he's battled a deep depression.
Mostly it's manageable, but there are extended bouts where it's crippling and his life comes to a grinding halt. Sometimes there are days or weeks where he's lost. Sleep does not come easy at this time and further aggravates the issue. As he ages, it's worsening and seems intent on destroying him from the inside.
If you see a lack of posts here, or ones poorly worded, confusing or simply off, it's from one of these periods.
Through all this, he remains as kind, thoughtful and loving as ever, but is somewhere else. To the family, it's just Chris and accepted as it should be. The kids and grandkids adore him no less. Until today, however, this has been hidden from the outside world, although closer friends and some readers were probably already suspect of his condition. I hope admitting this does not break the site.
He finds clarity when we're out and doing things, hiking or documenting something historic and it's only THE reason this page and our website exists. It's therapy. Then he's a new and passionate person, but the monster as he calls it always returns. The Beer Parlour Project has brought out a side I've never seen and when out in the field he's never been so on point and confident.
This post is not for sympathy but to inform. Just so you know where he is and here's what you can do to help (a last ditch request)...
If you see a missed comma or oddly worded sentence in a post, please be kind. You'll probably see his uncertainty when he's off and be nice there too. But if you like what you see, even if the write up could be presented better, post your encouragement. Say something and say it loud...it's important and will keep him sharing. Help Chris get better by cheering him on.
Other than some photos that are mine, everything else comes from him. All the tiring research and the writing (he admits he's NOT a writer), are his.
Chris puts every dollar he makes into this "project of a lifetime", and it's supplemented by donations from readers who enjoy the content. If you want to help...
Admittedly he was not thrilled with the idea of posting this but agrees it probably should be said, even if it makes him uneasy. He doesn't like appearing in photos either. He's so shy, thinks he looks goofy and hates his husky eyes. I love them and they're windows into a wonderful, complex and quiet, but tortured soul. It breaks my heart when he's in a bad space.
This image comes thanks to photographer Arturo Pianzola and was captured while exploring the historic Riverview Mental Hospital in Coquitlam BC. Chris thought since he was in the area last year, he'd stop by to visit with a grandfather he never really knew, who spent his last years at the facility and is buried on the grounds.
Thanks for listening and your understanding. Hopefully we'll see you next week. Johanna (Connie).
Journey of Natty Gann (Disney 1985) and the same location in the Crowsnest Pass 2014. We're visiting the Pass over the new year, as we often do, and this time we'll be staying at a house that appears (briefly) in the film. How cool, eh? Chris has decided it's time on this visit to reshoot this and other Natty Gann comparison shots we did from ten years ago. Stay tuned!
This scene was shot in historic downtown Coleman and shows the former Holyk's Grocery. It was built in the early 1900s and the store closed in the '60s. _______
Exploring history with Chris & Connie from Off the Beaten Path. Thanks, Johanna (Connie).
From 2015. Rob Pohl and his strange old-style view camera joined us in documenting the Laing House (with permission). Head down to the comments to see an amazing coincidence with something I found inside.
From the Crossley slides, it's an undated view of Towers School, out near Cluny Alberta. It was originally called Swastika School but that's before the word and symbol were ruined by negative connotations. Built 1922. Gone? _______
Exploring history with Chris & Connie from Off the Beaten Path. Thanks, Chris.
The same alley in downtown Calgary's west end, in the 1970s & today. You have to look hard to see the connection! The area was quite run down back then and is in stark contrast to all the shiny condo towers seen present day. Calgary Place West, an apartment block, appears in both images although it's barely a sliver in ours. Check the comments for more info.
Photo credit: James Tworow collection. _______
Exploring history with Chris & Connie from Off the Beaten Path. Thanks, Chris.
Lost highways (2022): a section of old #93 in Southeastern BC. That BIGDoer-mobile is gone now but quite famous and had a following of its own. Old mine roads, cow paths, 4x4ing across fields - no problem and people would recognize us out in remote areas just by this car. _______
Exploring history with Chris & Connie from Off the Beaten Path. Thanks, Chris.
I grew up in Hoosier and lived there until 1971. The old church was a favorite Meeting place every Christmas. The school kids and the church classes would gather with their families and friends to put on a special and exciting Christmas concert, that was enjoyed by all, young and old.
The old curling rink hosted many bonspiels as well as nightly league games. Out of that little 2 sheet curling rink, and natural ice came some very good curlers. I could go on and on about the good times in Hoosier, but I am sure others would like to say some thing as well.
Such amazing memories! We just love it when those connected to the places we document share their experiences and I know our readers do too. Thanks and here’s to a great 2019!
My son and his wife were passing by Hoosier with their daughter and family in late June 2018. They took pictures for me. I grew up to 11 years old with my grandparents,Henry and Laura Bennett. Their home was right across from the school on the old road to Loverna. I left there finally in 1950 and was back in 1969 with my sister and my 2 year old son. I live in PEI now with my husband. It was nice to see what was left. Of the buildings. I remember Jack Kraus’s store, the railway station, Mr. Jenkins blacksmith shop( he was also school janitor) and lived beside us. The rink was beside the church. Many bonspiels there. The PO, the town hall, the pond, homes etc. Sad but good memories of many people. Marilyn Noye. Summerside PEI
Marilyn, thank you for sharing all these amazing memories! We so love it when our readers “add to the story”. How bittersweet it must be to see the buildings of your childhood decaying like that. Thanks for commenting!
My Rodeo Buddy’s, The Ashbachers are from there. I used to check out the Old School when ever i was there. I still can not understand why no one will step up to the plate and do something with it. The old East Coulee School was in worse shape when i stepped in with my dad to save it !!! If i had the money, i would take it down, brick by brick, and rebuild in in the Drumheller Valley. I have been collecting old buildings hoping to some day set up a Historic Town, for Tourism and for the Movie Industry.
Anything can be saved, even this school, which is in deplorable condition. All it takes in money, which it seems is in short supply. Good luck with your project. We recently visited a movie set site. It was cool! And they had no shortage of business.
A family in rural southern Oregon restored a school like this into a beautiful home. I hope that someone in Saskatchewan is able to restore this treasure.
I’ve seen a few schools turned houses. This one’s pretty far gone, so I think it’s past repair.
Wow so interesting I would love to see towns like this!
Keep coming back and we’ll give you personal tours by way of this website.
(via Facebook)
A fun day Off the Beaten Path – with Chris & Connie.
You know it. Always fun to hang!
Incredible yet sad. All the small town had such hope and promise, yet so few survive.
Yes, so much promise. Now so much…nothingness.
School’s out… forever!
Alice Cooper reference I see…
(via Facebook)
I worked near Hoosier in 2001 and saw a golf course north of the town. I was told it was still being used and I believe it had to be as the sand greens were not overgrown, I remember it well because I just moved from BC and had never even heard of sand greens. I remember part of it went through a stubble field.
Yeah, I could see it being used then. Sand greens are common on small time courses. I’ve seen many in Saskatchewan.