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On the traces of Germany in Saskatchewan and surroundings

Did you know...

... that a German family holds the place of the “first family of Saskatoon” ?

There are many German descendants in Saskatchewan since the 19th century. Today, they make up 30% of the population. A monument in Saskatoon, the largest city of the province commemorates its “first family”. There, traces of a German-Canadian Nobel-prize winner can also be located, as well as a German cultural center and a German weapon which was used both in World War I and World War II. In the North of Saskatchewan lies a remarkable art gallery, which displays the work of a German-Canadian painter.

Traces

Commemorative plaque at University of Saskatchewan © Goethe-Institut Montreal

German Traces in Saskatchewan
 Dr. Gerhard Herzberg

Dr. Gerhard Herzberg was a celebrated German-Canadian chemist and the founder of the field of molecular spectroscopy. Mostly famously, Herzberg won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1971, “for his contributions to the knowledge of electronic structure and geometry of molecules, particularly free radicals".
 

Cathedral of the Holy Family © Goethe-Institut Montreal

German Traces in Saskatchewan
 Cathedral of the Holy Family

Established in 2011, the 28.5 million dollar project of the Cathedral of the Holy Family is unique for being both the first Roman Catholic cathedral to be built in Canada in over 50 years. It is also the first cathedral in North America to integrate solar cells into its windows. 

Egg Money Sculpture © Goethe-Institut Montreal

German Traces in Saskatchewan
 Egg Money Sculpture

Located at the Saskatoon Farmers Market at River Landing, along the South Saskatchewan River, the Egg Money sculpture pays tribute to pioneer women in the early history of Saskatchewan. 
 

Labatt’s Garden © Goethe-Institut Montreal

German Traces in Saskatchewan
 Labatt’s Garden

It all started when John Hoeschen and several other businessmen formed the German-American Land Company. They bought land 70 miles east of Saskatoon in 1902 to sell as homesteads.

Hugh Cairns Armoury © Goethe-Institut Montreal

German Traces in Saskatchewan
 Armories on Idylwyld

Located at the Hugh Cairns Armoury is a "15-cm-Kanone 16“ or "K 16“ for short. The canon is missing its wheel carriage and is therefore mounted on a barrel transporter carriage. It was in service from 1917 to 1945 and could fire shells up to 22 kilometers in distance.

The German Cultural Centre in Saskatoon © Goethe-Institut Montreal

German Traces in Saskatchewan
 German Cultural Centre in Saskatoon

The German Canadian Club Concordia was founded in 1957 by Eugen P. Boensch and a handful of immigrants who were willing to serve as directors of the Club. The members socialized at several venues all over Saskatoon until the present location was purchased. 

Kusch Family Monument © Goethe-Institut Montreal

German Traces in Saskatchewan
 The Kusch Family Monument

Called the “first family of Saskatoon,” the Kusch family is considered to be the first couple with children to settle and make a life in the city. Karl (1840-1915) and Julia (1839-1923) Kusch emigrated from Neustadt, Germany.

Imhoff Gallery © Franziska Davies I German Council Saskatchewan

German Traces in Saskatchewan
 Berthold von Imhoff

Nestled in the prairie bluffs of the rolling plains near St. Walburg in northern Saskatchewan stands one of the most unique art galleries in North America. The gallery was built in 1920 by the German-Canadian liturgical artist Berthold von Imhoff (1868-1939). 

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