Fred Payton
Prince Albert Historical Society
Joseph Dudley Hanafin was born in Greenwich, England on Christmas Day 1858. He emigrated to North America where he spent a short period of time prior to moving to Ottawa, Ontario, where he enlisted with the North West Mounted Police on July 19th, 1876. He was posted to Prince Albert in 1878, where he served until July 19th, 1882, one of the first eight members posted to this community.
While on duty with the Mounted Police, searching for horses which had strayed, Hanafin “discovered” Round Lake. More than likely, the lake was well known to members of the First Nations (they called it Moon Lake), but Hanafin’s sighting of the lake appears to have been a first for the early settlers of this area. It is believed that this “discovery” occurred in the year 1881.
Hanafin returned to the barracks, full of the story of how many fish there were in the lake. There were so many, he told his mess mates that the jackfish were jumping up all around. His fellow officers refused to believe him, until finally Hanafin put together a party to go to the lake. The fish were found to be as plentiful as he had said, and the officers of the Mounted Police, as well as other locals, made fishing trips to the lake a regular summer occurrence.
When Hanafin’s service with the Mounted Police ended, he determined to stay in Prince Albert. He married a local woman, and went into business as a real estate and insurance agent. By 1904, he had added a line of implements to the business, and by 1905 his income from real estate and insurance was being augmented by photo equipment, tents, and camping supplies.
It was in the office of J.D. Hanafin that the founding meeting of the Round Lake Outing Club was organised on June 21st, 1905 with twenty-four people in attendance. Elected as president was Frank Spore (a business partner of the brickmaker, Horace Ittner), Barrett Clemons (the hotelier) as vice-president, and J.P. King as the secretary-treasurer. Elected as directors of the Club were George Will, Thomas E. Baker, Horace Ittner, Dr. Lebreque, Dr. David, A. Westwood, Dr. Turnbull, Gustav Wagner (of Red Lion brewery fame, and later as fire chief), D. Pollock and G. Stalker (hotel owners), George MacDonald, Dr. Whybra (the veterinarian), Dr. Kitchen, W. Coburn, W. Symington, Mr. Delavault, Mayor Cowan, and Jack Sanderson. The members of the Club were obviously the movers and shakers of the Prince Albert community of the day.
The objectives of the organization were recreation and the protection of the fish and game in Round Lake and the adjoining area.
As reported in the July 20th, 1905 issue of the Saskatchewan Times, membership in the Club had already reached a roll of sixty, each of whom had access to a two-room club house, with stables for horses, a landing stage, and several boats. The report also noted that the Club had only “squatters’ rights” but that steps were being taken to provide a means of obtaining full control of the lake and the adjoining lands. It was anticipated that Round Lake would become the summer resort of many citizens of Prince Albert.
At a special meeting held on July 18th, 1905, once again in Hanafin’s office, a motion by Hanafin, seconded by George Lacroix, to adopt the Constitution and By-Laws of the Club was passed. In 1906, an act to incorporate the Club (now to be referred to as the Prince Albert Outing Club) was assented to by the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly on May 26th.
Originally the cottages at Round Lake were built on the south side of the lake but access being easier to the north side, the decision was made to relocate to that side of the lake. Some of the property originally purchased for the Club was sold off, but through the years the remaining property has provided an attractive summer resort for those desiring peace and quietness near to nature.
The land around the lake is well wooded with poplar, black and white spruce, and jack pine trees. High and Low bush cranberry, Saskatoon, pin cherry and choke cherry bushes are easily found. Wild flowers including crocus, Orange Lilies, anemone, and wild honey suckle, are to be seen in season. Bird lovers, people such as Ed Brooman, have found the area a delight. Bats and fireflies can be seen at night, and various species of waterfowl use the lake and its shore. Wild animals, including deer, squirrels, chipmunks, porcupine, raccoons, and the occasional bear inhabit the area.
Through the years, many members of the Prince Albert Historical Society have owned cottages at Round Lake. Amongst those whom people might remember are Peggy Kerr, Ian and Mildred Collins, Ken and Jean Guedo, Phyllis Carlson, Jim and Doris Town, Orpha Hunt, Jean Halliday, and Chuck Broomfield.
Other notables included Mayor S.J. Donaldson, Harry Amos, Jack Mountford, F.C. Baker, P.W. Pennefather, Mike Feschuk, Gordon Lund, George W. Baker, Ralph Miller, Andree Martinson, Mayor Hugh Sibbald, Jo and Irene Oliver, Lon Borgerson, J.T. “Dad” Tomlinson, and Dr. Lestock Reid.
Interestingly, Joseph D. Hanafin never owned a cottage at the lake he “discovered”.
As the year comes to an end, I would encourage each of you to visit the Historical Museum to see some of the changes which have occurred since the summer season ended, including the improvements to our front entrance. Check our website for opening times over the holiday.
I would also encourage those of you who enjoy this column to make a charitable donation to the Historical Society. A general contribution can be made, or you could direct your donation to our youth programme, the archives, or the endowment fund. Charitable donation receipts will be issued for every donation of $20.00 or more.
Finally, I wish each and every one of you a safe and happy holiday season!
