It was clear when we left Saskatoon, heading west on Highway 14 around noon on a Saturday.
By the time we passed Perdue, the air began turning hazy with smoke from the wildfires raging in northern Alberta and northwestern Saskatchewan. Just the same, we decided to press on.
We stopped briefly to check out the unique signs for Spyder Autobody on Highway 14 and, later, a point of interest cairn alongside Highway 51.
As we passed Springwater, we felt compelled to turn in. I had driven past the small hamlet years earlier, while on assignment for another project. I never had the chance to visit, but the place seemed so picturesque. I always felt like I had to go back.
The 2016 Census shows the population at 10, down five from 2011.
In its heyday, the town had a population of more than 100.
It had three Saskatchewan Wheat Pool elevators, restaurants, a hardware store, and other businesses on Main Street.
The town’s track and hockey teams frequently made headlines in Saskatchewan and international newspapers.
The old restaurants are gone, but now there’s Route 51 Bar and Grill at the corner of Highway 51 and Main Street.
You can see that Springwater had a proud past. Most homes are fronted by stone retaining walls, reminding me of the stone walls in the city where we grew up.
Trees creating a buffer between the sidewalks and the stone walls create a relaxed and easy-going atmosphere that must keep the town cool and shady on hot summer days.
As we were walking along 2nd Avenue, a man drove toward us on an ATV and introduced himself as Ben. He told us that he grew up in Springwater, left for a time, and returned recently. He said many of the town’s former residents now live in British Columbia, but return to Springwater for summer months.
Ben offered to show us around town.
He described how a wind storm earlier this summer damaged part of the metal roof of the church. He hoped he could find someone to help him repair the damage, adding that he could supply the tin if someone else could help with the labour.
I hope he was able to get the job done.
Ben led us over to the old school ground, which was declared a Saskatchewan Heritage Schoolyard in 1988. The school building is long gone, but the two-story brick building can be found in University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Archive historical photos.
Our visit to Springwater took longer than we expected. But that’s what makes these road trips so interesting. We never know what we’ll find or who we’ll meet.
