Alcock researched and applied for the marker through the Saskatchewan History & Folklore Society Inc. Since 1957, the SHFS has been vigorous in its effort to preserve a view of the past and present lifestyle for future generations. This is done through the collection of stories, poems, songs, memoirs, reminiscences, old letters and pictures. When viewed as a whole, this collection provides a panoramic vista of Saskatchewan’s traditions and customs. This composite defines the unique character of the province and gives insight into how and why Saskatchewan’s history has proceeded as it has.
The chalet located on the grounds of Camp Easter Seal has now been formally recognized by the SHFS. With a history stretching back 77 years and rooted in the Dirty Thirties, the chalet played a pivotal role in the government-implemented work relief program to help the unemployed earn wages through meaningful employment.
In January 1931, work began on the chalet. To clear the path for the project, the Town of Watrous transferred the land title to approximately 30 acres to the province. The majority of the construction materials, field stone and poplar were harvested from the local area.
The lodge measured 60’ by 80’ with four bedrooms with shower/bath, a private sitting room and a main and private lounge on the ground floor. Each lounge had an electric fireplace. A large dining room was adjacent to the kitchen. Upstairs there were 10 bedrooms and a mezzanine balcony.
A crew of 500 men from Estevan, Regina, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Melfort and 22 rural municipalities were gainfully employed throughout the process. The walls of the lodge were constructed of native field stone embedded in cement and the rafters were made of native poplar poles cut on the property. The roofing material was the regular, standard thatch. Along with the lodge, the men built 15 cabins, also of stone with thatched roofs, developed 150 camp sites and installed running water, electric lights and five miles of gravelled road.
The cost to the provincial government was $29,000, most of which was labour costs. Although the official opening of the buildings and park took place July 4, 1931, the first day of business was not conducted until approximately one week later when everything was completed.
Because numerous patrons were turned away that summer, the decision was made to increase the park’s accommodations by erecting an additional building to house the dining space. It was of the same design and built of the same materials except instead of a thatch roof it had a shingled roof.
Sunday, July 22, 1956, the former provincial park chalet and its outbuildings became the permanent home of the province’s Camp Easter Seal, a camp for physically and mentally disabled children and adults.
The site’s history has been deemed to be an important part of both local and provincial history, thus meeting the SHFS’s criteria that nominated projects be unique to Saskatchewan. The plaque is similar to the one found on Watrous’ main street in front of the Anglican Church, commemorating the stained glass window. The information found on the local markers give visitors a brief glimpse into the colourful and rich history to be found not only in Watrous and Manitou Beach but also within the province.
With the area’s rich history, groups, organizations or individuals with an historical story to tell may apply for a marker grant. Schools, churches and cemeteries are very well represented by SHFS markers. Consequently, applications for these types of projects will be considered only if the project is unique to Saskatchewan. For projects of great significance to the province, the SHFS is willing to completely sponsor the cost of a plaque....

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