Caswell Hill, the south side of 33rd Street West
Caswell Hill, originally named the Ashworth-Holmes subdivision, was put on the real estate market September 1, 1905. Its boundaries were originally between Avenue A North and Avenue E North, between 22nd Street West and 28th Street West, but as a result of the rapid population influx, and more specifically, the development of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, it was later expanded to 32nd Street West. Today, shops along the south side of 33rd Street West make up the northernmost boundary of Caswell Hill.
A Brief History of the Caswell Hill Neighbourhood
The Caswell Hill area was named after one of the first settlers that arrived with the Temperance Colonists. Robert Caswell arrived in Nutana with the Temperance Colonists from Moose Jaw in 1883.
Caswell Hill School, located at 204 30th Street West, is believed to be on the original site of Robert Caswell’s homestead. Built in 1910, the school’s design was strongly influenced by the British. The two-storey brick school still remains today and continues to provide education to the children of the Caswell Hill neighbourhood.
In the summer of 1907, Caswell Hill’s population began to grow. One of those that decided to reside in the area was Colonel Herbert Acheson. Colonel Acheson was a prominent resident of the community, serving as Saskatoon’s City Solicitor. Still existing today, the Colonel’s residence is located at 502 Walmer Road.
Through the continuing migration of people to Saskatoon, Caswell Hill rapidly expanded. By 1912, Caswell Hill had become a popular place of residence.
Caswell Hill has a unique example of the first crescent-shaped developments in Saskatoon. Willingdon Place contains 12 houses, all of which were designed by local architect Frank P. Martin. The homes exhibit features associated with the Arts and Crafts Movement that was popular in Canada in the 1920's and 1930's. Over the years, the homes have undergone some renovation work, and some ornamental features have been lost, but overall, they still exhibit a great degree of architectural continuity.
Caswell Hill School, located at 204 30th Street West, is believed to be on the original site of Robert Caswell’s homestead. Built in 1910, the school’s design was strongly influenced by the British. The two-storey brick school still remains today and continues to provide education to the children of the Caswell Hill neighbourhood.
In the summer of 1907, Caswell Hill’s population began to grow. One of those that decided to reside in the area was Colonel Herbert Acheson. Colonel Acheson was a prominent resident of the community, serving as Saskatoon’s City Solicitor. Still existing today, the Colonel’s residence is located at 502 Walmer Road.
Through the continuing migration of people to Saskatoon, Caswell Hill rapidly expanded. By 1912, Caswell Hill had become a popular place of residence.
Caswell Hill has a unique example of the first crescent-shaped developments in Saskatoon. Willingdon Place contains 12 houses, all of which were designed by local architect Frank P. Martin. The homes exhibit features associated with the Arts and Crafts Movement that was popular in Canada in the 1920's and 1930's. Over the years, the homes have undergone some renovation work, and some ornamental features have been lost, but overall, they still exhibit a great degree of architectural continuity.
From the beginning, Caswell Hill has maintained a mixture of homes, industries, services, churches, parks, and schools. For the most part, Caswell Hill has served as a major transportation centre. This includes the CPR station that was built in 1907, and the City of Saskatoon Transit headquarters built in 1913.
The CPR station opened its doors in 1903. At that time, the station was only a small house. However, the house was eventually replaced with the current structure in 1907, serving as a hub for most residents of the city. It remains as one of the finest examples of early 20th century railroad stations in Western Canada, and today is a national historic site.
As well as a transportation center, Caswell Hill also served as a location for dairy production. Dairy was the second largest industry in Saskatoon, and two out of the six facilities were located in Caswell Hill. These two dairies were the largest in the city. Dairy remained a significant industry in Saskatoon until 1940. The only remaining dairy building in Caswell Hill is the Dairy Producers Co-op, originally known as Hill’s Dairy, located at the corner of Avenue E and 23rd Street.
Caswell Hill has a strong representation of religious denominations. In 1906, Saskatoon’s first resident architect, C.E. Cordery, drew up the original, but unfulfilled plans, for Christ Church in Caswell Hill. Due to the extravagance of the structure, only the basement was excavated and the foundation completed. With insufficient funds the church remained untouched over the next fifty years. Therefore, the structure was referred to as the “Dugout on the Hill.” Nevertheless, the church was completed as originally envisioned in 1955.
The Islamic Center on 25th Street West is the oldest religious structure in Caswell Hill. It originated as a church, was developed into a gospel hall in 1922, and later designed to be a Mosque in 1979.
Many of Saskatoon’s street names can be traced back to British royalty. This is likely the case for Bedford Road in Caswell Hill. The word Bedford goes back hundreds of years. Originally, the name started with John Russell (1486-1515), the first Earl of Bedford. Bedford’s name is not specific to Saskatoon, appearing in other communities in Canada, the United States, Britain, and Australia.
Walmer Road is another significant street in Caswell Hill. It appears on city maps at least as early as 1912, but its meaning is unknown. Jamieson Street was named after Mr. J. L. Jamieson, a CPR superintendent in the early 1920’s. The street was named as a result of its close proximity to the CPR station.
Located between Avenue D North, Avenue E North, 30th Street West and 31st Street West, Ashworth-Holmes Park is one of the oldest parks in the city. The park’s name is derived from the names of two men, Mr. Joe Holmes and Mr. John Ashworth. Holmes moved to Saskatoon in 1904 to be the managing editor of The Phoenix newspaper. He then teamed up with Mr. Ashworth where they both were involved in real estate. The Park contains many facilities including: the Mayfair Bowling Club, Kinsmen recreational unit, tennis court, children’s accessible playground, barbecue facilities, and picnic tables. All of these facilities have been incorporated into a landscaped area that contains many mature trees and shrubs.
From the Caswell Hill Local Area Plan Report
2001
2001