A Canadian, Sydney Newman, was mainly responsible for developing the British science fiction television program and series, Dr Who. In this series, Dr. Who flies through time on the time machine and space craft Tardis.
In 2013 we have no time machine, but can travel back in time by reading the newspapers of the day, namely The News and the Optimist. What was life like in 1913 when North Battleford became a city? Time travelling with a newspaper reveals that life was sometimes hard, a challenge, often purposeful and productive , joyous and very human. As you read these newspaper snippets, visualize something of life in the past.
May 1, 1913 - North Battleford proclaimed city at midnight.
May 2, 1913 - Council Decides to Declare a Holiday for the purpose of Cleaning-up.
May 24, 1913 - Victoria Day Optimist Marathon Road Race.
Aug. 7, 1913 - Empress Theatre "There was a big crowd at the Empress Theatre last Friday evening. It was an unusual program Manager Hemings had in store for his many patrons. The baby element predominated. And why should it not when it is remembered that a special prize of $5 was given to the mamma and papa possessing the nicest and sweetest looking baby boy or girl. Five brave men and true decided in favor of Mr. and Mrs. Lackey's four month old angelic girl."
Aug. 7, 1913 - Advertisement Canadian Northern, North Battleford to Edmonton $6:50 return.
Aug. 28, 1913 - Provincial Asylum nearing completion.
Sept 25, 1913 "Dr. Hamelin, Horace Davis and Billy Bissett made a record for this season on Tuesday, when they bagged 72 wild geese, weighing over 600 pounds."
Advertisement - Duchess Theatre Thurs. Sept 25th. A Bachelor's Honeymoon "Clean, clever, witty and screamingly funny." Cast: Eddie O'Brien, Rose Ainsworth.
Oct. 16, 1913 "The chief of police, who acts as sanitary inspector, asks us to announce the fact that it is against the city bylaw to bank dwellings with manure, and that it is his intention to enforce the law."
Nov. 5, 1913 "House of ill fame owner fined $15 and left for Saskatoon"
Nov. 18, 1913 Advertisement - The menu for the Auditorium Hotel for Sunday, Nov. 23 included: Essence of Chicken in Cups; Cream of Tomato au Riz; Salami of Domestic Duckling; Timballs of Chicken, aux Petit pois; Fruit pudding, brandy sauce.
Advertisement - Glenora Part lots $150.
Dec 11, 1913 - "First Annual Farmers' Convention in the City of North Battleford Dec. 15th and 16th Chairman, Senator B. Prince. Banquet Dec. 15th, free to all farmers and wives attending the convention. Stabling and water free for farmer's team at Exhibition Grounds, but farmer should bring their own feed.
Dec. 18, 1913 - Chess Club formed. " Mr. Johnson, chairman of the high school board gave permission for the meeting to take place in the collegiate drawing room."
Advertisement - Prince Supply Co., Granulated sugar 100 lbs $5.40, Peaches 25 lbs $2.75 , Baking powder 5lb tin .85c
