The joys of spring seeding and prairie challenges

WHISPERS OF THE PAST SANDRA L. BROWN

In April 1911, folks on the western prairie were getting tired of the lingering winter and longed for the joys of spring.

Daily temperatures were well below zero and snow was at an estimated depth of eight inches.

Some townsfolk longed for the buzzing sound of mosquitoes rather than the seemingly unrelenting winter. The bleakness of winter on the prairie did not keep them from planning activities as organizational meetings were well advertised in the Lloydminster Times newspaper.

On the other hand, farmers welcomed each fresh arrival of snow and the moisture it brought to their resting land. They were encouraged by the reopening of the Cereal Mill. Also, a new Farm Pro - duce Store was opening on Broadway. Farmers would receive wellearned cash for their fresh butter, eggs, poultry, hides, etc.

Spring weather can be rather fickle and arrive on its own schedule no matter what the predictions of the groundhog shadow are as it emerges from its hole. Folks in the area experienced a long-lasting electrical storm one evening.

Lightning lit up the darkened sky along with heavy claps of thunder and a steady downpour of rain. What a surprise this April storm would have been while snow remained on the frozen ground!

Canada’s annual official Groundhog Day began in 1956 with its traditional role of predicting when spring will arrive and how much longer winter will grace us with its cool presence.

Looking back one year earlier to 1910, farmers were getting ready to seed as spring had arrived phenomenally early in April.

Harvest from the year before had shown what the land could produce judging by the number of awards won at two provincial fairs.

Farmers were encouraged to grow mostly wheat, as the price of oats was low due to the limitations of a local market. Wheat on the other hand was needed worldwide.

Milling qualities of the Red Fyfe wheat were considered far superior to that of the Preston variety.

The latter was in question of being more productive.

However, the new mill, in its quest to manufacture high-quality flour, was willing to pay between 3-5 cents more per bushel for Red Fyfe compared to other varieties. It was predicted within the next two or three years, only the Red Fyfe variety of wheat would be grown within the Lloydminster area.

Some farmers in the Marshall area had their land prepared and had already begun seeding. Boys who had gone home for the winter arrived back to the district to provide muchneeded farm help.

Newcomers had arrived and settled into town residences. One of the new settlers arrived with a gasoline tractor outfit from the International Harvesting Company. He intended to use it to break up the land surrounding the town and offered his services to other farmers in the district.

Along with the early arrival of spring and the means of early seeding, raging prairie fires east of Lloydminster ran rampant. Every spring for our early pioneers brought potential and challenges.

Calendar Of Events

The Meridian Source Calendar of Events is a free service provided for non-profit organizations located within our coverage area. All events are in chronological order, as space permits and at the editor’s discretion. To place

Square Dancing Introduction

NEW LOCATION!

Intro to square dancing will be held on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at City Church, 511549 Street. Walk to the beat of music by following simple instructions from the caller. Come alone or bring a friend. Wear whatever is comfortable. First evening is FREE!

Bingo at the Moose

The Moose Lodge, located at 5213-57 Street, Lloydminster, hosts bingo nights every Monday and Wednesday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m.

Comedy/Dinner Night

Shine Christian Academy is hosting a fun-filled evening with comedian Leland Klassen – Just for Laughs and Winnipeg Comedy Festival guest on April 14 at City Church, 5115 49 St., Lloydminster. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50/person and attendees must be at least 12 to attend.

Legacy Monthly Supper/Dance

The Legacy Centre is hosting its monthly supper/dance on April 14. Doors open and dancin’ at 5 p.m., supper served at 6 p.m., then dance the evening away to the tunes of Memory Lane. Cost is $25/person. ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY. Please purchase or reserve you tickets before noon on Thursday, April 13. Call the Legacy office at 780875-4584 for more info.

JAMBOREE

There will be a jamboree on April 16 at 1 p.m. at the Islay Community Hall. Admission is $10, participants are free. Everyone welcome! Lunch served. For more info, contact Dixie at 780-744-2204.

Lashburn Senior Centre Crib Tourney

The Lashburn Senior Centre is hosting a crib tournament on April 17. Teams and singles both welcome. Doors open at 9 a.m. and the tournament starts at 10 a.m. Cost is $10 to play, lunch is available for $10. For more information, please call 306821-2457.

Managing High Blood Pressure Class

The SHA is hosting a “Strategies for Managing High Blood Pressure class on Aril 18 from 9-11 a.m. at the Prairie North Plaza –Suite 109. To register, please call 306-8206262. The class is free of charge.

Jubilee Jems Spring Tea

The Jubilee Jems Spring Tea will be back at the Jubilee Home on April 20 from 2-4 p.m. The tea will include a bake sale, mystery parcels, grocery hamper raffle, and more. All funds raised support resident comfort.

Spades Tourney

The Legacy Centre is hosting a Spades Tournament on April 20. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost to play is $10/person. Lunch is