Watrous-Manitou Beach Heritage Centre
403 Main Street, Box 730 S0K 4T0 Watrous, SK, Canada

MAYORS GREETINGS AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Seasons Greetings from Mayor John Gunderson and Mayor Poppy Petersen, followed by a look at the Christmas lights in both Watrous and Manitou Beach. December 2020.

To do our part to prevent the spread of Covid-19 leading up to Christmas, the Heritage Centre will be closed until the New Year. Hours will be posted when it is determined we are able to safely re-open the doors. We enjoyed the visitors over the summer and fall. Their stories and interest and support have been greatly appreciated. Everyone's cooperation with the public health guidelines was awesome. We hope everyone stays healthy over this Christmas season.

An account of the Spanish flu (1918) was written by Jack MacConnel, who grew up southwest of Watrous. This is part of a larger account he wrote of his early years, which can be found in Prairie Reflections, page 28.

Another amazing story from WW2, this short film from National Geographic tells of a Canadian Code Talker. Watch right until the credits. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzkEsMYxhFM

Town of Watrous Virtual Remembrance Day Service 2020

The Watrous Cenotaph, or War Memorial, was built under the supervision of the Watrous Legion in 1933. The location was originally known as the Horticulture Park. It was constructed of local stone. The dedication ceremony was attended by many provincial dignitaries as well as 1000 people. For many years the Remembrance Day service was held at the Cenotaph. A time capsule was placed in a small chamber inside the structure which was to be opened in 50 years. In 1983, the capsule was opened. More information about the Cenotaph can be found in Prairie Reflections. Notice the addition of dates on the Cenotaph through the years.

Saskatchewan blizzards of the past. Great reading for a snowbound evening. https://billwaiser.com/saskatchewan-is-no-stranger-to-bad-/ https://www.newsoptimist.ca//tales-of-a-snow-plow-operator

Great to see Jocelyn Kratchmer when she stopped in to pose beside her exhibit at the Heritage Centre. The Hockey History exhibit will be up until mid-October. Fri/Sat 1-5pm or by appointment.