(Submitted/Matt Willems)

By Cam Lee

Community milestone

A century of memories: Spalding celebrating 100th anniversary

Jun 26, 2024 | 12:40 PM

Update: On June 27, the town’s administrator advised that the planned Car Show and Food booths have been cancelled. This is due to the rainy weather that’s been forecasted. Everything else will proceed as scheduled.

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The Village of Spalding is celebrating their 100th anniversary on July 1.

The village of 213 people (as of the 2021 census) sits along Highway 6, about 64 km south of Melfort and 65 km northeast of Humboldt. Spalding was incorporated as a village back in 1924, and according to the town’s website:

“The name Spalding comes from Old English meaning “ditch settlement” (spald + ingas). Spalding, Lincolnshire, England, was the birthplace of the wife of the first postmaster Joseph William Hutchison, who arrived in 1905. Pattie Hutchison died in 1920 leaving behind eleven children, the youngest of whom was two years old. As well as being postmaster, Mr. Hutchison served as reeve of the RM and trustee of the school district.”

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Village councillor Matt Willems told northeastNOW it’s a significant accomplishment to have a community be around for 100 years.

“There’s definitely a lot of history, a number of families that can trace settling in this area a number of generations ago and tracing that lineage to this time,” Willems explained. “It’s a big celebration of the history, but also we look at our community today, there (are) a lot of new people in town and so it’s looking back on the past but also celebrating the present and looking ahead to the future.”

Willems said Spalding’s proximity to Melfort and Humboldt has meant more interest in their community as a place to live that offers lower housing prices than the two larger centres. BHP’s Jansen potash project also helps make Spalding a larger draw for people moving into the area.

“There’s lots of opportunities here in Spalding and in the area.”

The event on July 1 will start with a pancake breakfast at 9:30, and events activities throughout the day will include activities for the kids, a church service, museum tours, beer gardens, music, bingo, cards, and more. It will wrap up with supper at the hall at 4:30, followed by a movie at the hall at 7:30, and fireworks at dusk.

(Submitted/Matt Willems)

“It worked out really great with the calendar for us to be able to celebrate with Canada Day and Spalding’s 100th, we’re very happy with that,” said Willems.

Times of events are subject to change depending on weather and other factors, and the village recommends bringing your own lawn chair.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK