Moose Jaw is steeped in history and has over a century’s worth of stories, so the best way to learn about those tales is by taking a walking tour through the old cemetery or downtown.
Moose Jaw's first cemetery was created in 1893 and located east of St. Anthony's Home on South Hill. The cemetery was relocated shortly afterward, and in 1890, the Moose Jaw Cemetery was established. It was later declared a Municipal Heritage Site on May 3, 1999.
There are about 5,550 plots and 7,000 people buried in the historic cemetery, located at the corner of Ninth Avenue Northeast and Caribou Street East. Many of these people helped build the community, while others were buried there after dying by unnatural causes — murder sometimes.
Those stories of intrigue and mystery can be heard while taking tours offered by Tourism Moose Jaw. This is the fifth year the organization is offering tours of the oldest cemetery in the community. This 50-minute tour will look at notable people who shaped the community.
For example, one story focuses on a Chinese man from the early 1900s who was considered one of Moose Jaw’s greatest entrepreneurs. Another story looks at Tasinaskawin Brule, the wife of Chief Black Bull, who is the only Aboriginal person buried in the cemetery.
Also, M. Miriam Kent was buried in the cemetery, the victim of poisoning. Police believed that her husband was the likely culprit behind her demise.
One notable feature of the cemetery is there was no segregation. While other cemeteries in the early 1900s accepted only specific groups of people, the Old Cemetery accepted all residents, regardless of race, religion, or socio-economic background.
The burial of Tasinaskawin Brule ensured that Aboriginal people could also have space in the cemetery.
The program launches in June with tours on Saturdays at 10 a.m. and on Sundays at 11 a.m. In July and August, tours are offered every Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. In September, tours return to a schedule of 10 a.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. on Sundays.
Tickets are $7.50, while a family of four can pay $25.
Meanwhile, Tourism Moose Jaw also offers a walking tour through the community’s notorious downtown. A 45-minute walk features the important buildings, people and events that have helped shape Moose Jaw for more than 100 years. You’ll learn more about the architecture, rum runners and even an out-of-control trolley.
In June, tours are offered Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m. In July and August, tours are offered Thursdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., while in September, the schedule returns to Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m.
Ticket prices are the same as above.
The Tourism Moose Jaw office is located at 450 Diefenbaker Drive, just off Thatcher Drive East.
Anyone interested in touring the cemetery or booking a downtown walking tour is encouraged to register online at www.tourismmoosejaw.com. You can also call the tourism office at 306-693-8097 or visit the office to have staff help you register.
