On July 1 of 1915 a government ban on the sale of liquor -- so-called prohibition -- came into effect in Saskatchewan, and 406 bars did not open that day. They stayed closed for nine years. But while the sale of liquor within the province was prohibited, there were loopholes. And if there were loopholes, Harry Bronfman, the owner of the Balmoral Hotel in Yorkton wasn’t shy about exploiting them.
Prohibition laws closed legal drinking establishments and forbade the sale of alcohol as a beverage. Possession and consumption of alcohol was only allowed in private dwellings. But alcohol could be purchased for other purposes, including medicinal use. And distillers, brewers and licensed producers could sell their product outside their home province.
Harry established the Canada Pure Drug Company in Yorkton, the precursor to the massive Seagram empire that dominated the liquor business in Canada and around the world through much of the 20th century.
Coming in December: the Balmoral under new ownership in the 1950s, and its eventual demise.
Let me tell you stories about Yorkton
These are stories about people and events in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada, which has been on the map since 1882 when a small group of men from Ontario, and originally from Britain, came to the District of Assiniboia, still largely unsettled prairie and aspen woodlands.
There are many stories -- and perhaps some myths and mysteries -- to be explored.
We will publish a new podcast twice a month, generally on or around the 10th and 24th of each month. All will be available on this website, as well as other audio streaming services to which you may subscribe.
These podcasts are a labour of love and respect for those who came before us, and who make Yorkton what it is today. As a former newspaper owner and editor, former city councillor, still-active community volunteer and local history buff, I know many of us have stories to tell. If you have one we should know about, get in touch.
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