Jake's Building sits in the WDM Heritage Village. (Submitted photo/WDM North Battleford)

By Keaton Brown

Western Development Museum

Brick and mortar buildings an integral part of Saskatchewan’s history

Jan 8, 2020 | 10:02 AM

The small brick buildings on the Western Development Museum’s (WDM) campuses across the province are more than just brick and mortar, they are a key part of our province’s history.

The WDM is campaigning to bolster support for our heritage and asking for help in preserving these buildings.

The tiny little brick building sits on the west end of the Heritage Village at the WDM North Battleford is known as Jake’s building.

It was built as a cobbler’s shop on Railway Avenue for Jakob (Jake) Marjan in 1932. It would stay there until 1991 when it was saved from demolition and moved to the WDM North Battleford.

Jake’s early life set the stage for what he would make of himself in Canada. He was from the former Yugoslavia in Central Europe. In 1914, at the age of 12, Jake apprenticed as a shoemaker in his home village.

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After the First World War, Jake sought opportunities in Canada and arrived in Halifax in 1926. He funded his travels west working for the railway companies and finally settling on North Battleford as his new home.

In 1929 Jake returned to cobbling at the Beaver Motel. Two years later, he married Leokadia Martin, the daughter of a farming family. Together they built the little shoe shop that would serve as Jake’s shop for the next five decades.

Elizabeth Scott, curator for WDM, said these buildings are physical representations of Saskatchewan’s history.

“There is nothing like the real thing,” she said. “Going into a building like Jake’s building where you can literally feel the history inside those walls. As museum professionals, we aim to provide visitors with those types of experiences.”

Scott said they rely on public support to help preserve these integral parts of our province’s past.

“Our heritage is so fragile. That building was slated for demolition in the late ’80s early ’90s. At that time the WDM stepped in and saved that building,” she said. “With the passage of time and our climate and it living outside it needs some care and attention as do all the buildings in our care. We currently have 16 artifact buildings in the village.”

Scott emphasized the story these buildings tell are what make Saskatchewan what it is today.

“It’s got a poignant story,” she said. “It is the story of coming to Canada and coming to Saskatchewan and coming to North Battleford. It is the story of making something of himself here and we want to keep that alive for future generations in the Battlefords and across the province as well.”

The WDM is asking to help preserve and interpret this #SaskInspired story today so future generations may learn from Jake’s Saskatchewan spirit. They believe he was the true embodiment of our provincial motto, From Many People, Strength.

To support the brick building, visit wdm.ca/donate or call the WDM North Battleford at 306-445-8033.

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keaton.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow