Beechy, Saskatchewan
| Beechy | |
|---|---|
| Village | |
  Location of Beechy in Saskatchewan | |
| Coordinates: 50°31′48″N 107°13′48″W / 50.530°N 107.230°W | |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Saskatchewan |
| Region | Southwest Saskatchewan |
| Census division | No. 7 |
| Rural Municipality | Victory No. 226 |
| Founded | 1908 |
| Village established | 1925 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Francis Fleuter |
| Population (2006) | |
| • Total | 243 |
| Time zone | CST |
| Postal code | S0L 0C0 |
| Area code(s) | 306 |
| Website | Village of Beechy Website |
Beechy is a village in southwest Saskatchewan, Canada, in the Coteau Hills area of the province, at the intersection of highways 342 and 737. As of 2006, the village's population is 243 (down from the 2001 population of 295).[1]
History
The Beechy area was first settled by ranchers in the early years of the 20th century, with Robert Cruikshank being acknowledged as the first settler in the area.[2] Starting in the 1910s, the large-scale immigration of Europeans to the Canadian Prairies resulted in an increase in population for Beechy as well, attracting settlers who started ranching and farming in the area, which remains Beechy's primary activity today.
In 1919 the Canadian National Railway surveyed the Beechy area and determined it to be an ideal place for a marketplace. Work on the railroad was begun; news of the future railroad stop attracted merchants. The train first arrived on December 21, 1921.
The growth in population brought other much-needed services to this rural community, the first grain elevator was set up in 1922, and the first hospital a few years later. Originally, Beechy's health services consisted of just one medical practitioner, and the "hospital" was based out of a private residence, with extra rooms built on for wards. This hospital was used until 1966, when the RM of Victory opened Beechy Union Hospital.
In 1925, Beechy's population reached the required 100 residents to upgrade Beechy's status to "village".
Demographics
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Recreation
One of the first baseball teams in the area was formed in Beechy in 1911. Baseball is still played in the village today by the Beechy Breakers.
Beechy's first organized hockey team played during the winter of 1935-1936. After World War II, those Beechy residents who served overseas, which included the entire hockey team, returned to Beechy and created the Beechy Bombers hockey team. The first skating rink was built in 1952.
The first agricultural fair was held in the area in 1922. The agricultural society was organized in 1936 and granted its charter in 1945. The first racetrack was built in 1948, and the following year the first harness races were held.
The community hall was built in 2000, replacing the much older Legion Hall which was demolished and replaced with a monument.
The biggest event in Beechy is the Beechy Western Days rodeo, first held in 1968.
Attractions
In south west Beechy, scenic giant sandcastles have formed due to many years of wind and rain erosion and from the subterranean collapse. This extraordinary site kicks Saskatchewan's stereotype of having only flatland.[5]
Beechy today
Municipal Directory Saskatchewan - Village of Beechy Like many of Canada's agricultural communities on the Prairies, population in Beechy has steadily been declining, due to the aging population, and farmers leaving their farms because they are no longer profitable. In 1991, the Beechy hospital was closed by the provincial government (the former hospital now serves as a clinic). Surrounding rural schools were closed too, however, schoolchildren in the RM of Victory are bused to Beechy for their education.
Notable residents
- Elwin Hermanson - politician. Represented Beechy on the federal level as the Member of Parliament for Kindersley—Lloydminster and was the Reform Party House Leader and then represented the area provincially, becoming the first leader of the Saskatchewan Party and Leader of the Opposition until 2003 when he relinquished the leadership.
- Herbert J. Swan - politician. Former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan.
See also
Notes
- ↑ "Beechy on Statistics Canada". Retrieved 2007-05-20.
- ↑ "History page on beechysask.ca". Retrieved 2007-05-20.
- ↑ "2011 Community Profiles". Canada 2011 Census. Statistics Canada. July 5, 2013. Retrieved 2012-08-08.
- ↑ "2006 Community Profiles". Canada 2006 Census. Statistics Canada. March 30, 2011. Retrieved 2012-08-08.
- ↑ http://www.beechysask.ca/tourism.htm
External links
Coordinates: 50°53′0″N 107°23′0″W / 50.88333°N 107.38333°W