(An Excerpt from The Asquith Record)

"The original site of the present Town of Asquith was C.P.R. land and purchased in 1903 by Andrew and C.L. Mather.

The first settlers began coming to Asquith district in 1902 but it wasn't until 1906 that quite a number of buildings were erected.

A royal Proclamation had been issued declaring Asquith as a Town Municipality as of August 15, 1908.  It was rumored that, when the census was taken to see if incorporation was possible, the transient railroad workers were included in order to show the required number of residents.  There was a drastic drop in population when the railroad gang moved on."

To read more from The Asquith Record, go to the following website:  http://wwwourroots.ca/e/toc.aspx?id=2713

2008 was Asquith's Centennial Year, and Boy did We Celebrate!!!

Asquith's 100th Celebration was a huge success, with approximately 1500 Asquithians in attendance.  Starting off on Friday with a barbeque on Main Street sponsored by the merchants of Asquith and a Show and Shine of many vintage vehicles.  Lots of visiting and remeniscing ensued.  The 6th and7th mural panels were unveiled that night and at dark a spectacular fireworks display by Bob Hounjet completed the kick-off.

Pancake breakfast at the rink, catered by Country Style Barbeque, got everyone started on Saturday morning in preparation for the parade.  Two RCMP officers, dressed in NWMPolice uniforms on their beautiful black horses (former musical ride mounts) led off the 75 entry parade.  Winners of ribbons were: Mayor Charles Chappell and wife Pearl, Asquith Seniors Float, Royal Purple and Elks, Canada Post, Tannis Hiebert and Aiden Berg - Bicycles, Charlie and Shirley Woodside, Legion, Neil Millard, Jeremy and Jamie Wolfe, Grandora 4-H, Mitzel Farms, Trey Hiebert & Blake Britton with their quads, the Baptist Church Float, Walter Miller's team and riders, Antique fire truck driven by Tom Morrison, and the Calliope from the Western Development Museum.  The Saskatoon Police Pipe and Drum band added much to the parade, as well.

A definite highlight of the weekend was the parachute jump.  Darcy Rousell piloted the plane over the sportsgrounds and Darryl Cattell thrilled the crowd as he floated to the earth demonstrating a parachute jump.

Lieutenant Governor Dr. Gordon Barnhardt was piped in by a member of the Saskatoon Police Pipe Band to the Opening Ceremonies.  Joining him on the stage were MLA Randy Weekes, MP Carol Skelton, and Mayor Charles Chappell.  MC duties were capably carried out by Jim Maddin and Verona Stack.  Eight year old Grace Dieter sang "Oh Canada" and was presented with a pin by the Lieutenant Governor.  Several items of entertainment followed. 

 Demonstrations of threshing, butter churning, ice-cream making, willow chair making, and quilting took place during the afternoon.  There was entertainment in the rink throughout the afternoon, ranging from story tellers to musical acts.  The entertainment was followed by a sumptuous beef supper catered to by Country Style BBQ.

A wedding picture gallery and school displays were set up in Lord Asquith School, a Heritage Home tour was arranged, there were displays in the Seniors Hall and in the United Church, commemorating the last one hundred years.  The Wall of Memory was also erected in Burwell Park for those who wanted to browse throught the names to find names of old friends and acquaintances.  In all, there were many things available for those who attended the celebration.

A cabaret was held Saturday night in the rink, which was well attended.  Music was supplied by "Sorry", a well known local band.

More pancakes were on Sunday were followed by a lovely church service, with participants from the Baptist and United Church as well as St. Theresa's Parish.  Birthday cake was served after the service. 

The weekend culminated with a terrific parade of period costumes and skits.  Marg Down, Chairperson of the Asquith Centennial Planning Committee was presented with the Asquith Volunteer of the Year medal and a dozen red roses by Mayor Charles Chappell, as well as a thank you from the whole community for a job well done.  The entire Planning Committee deserves many kudos for all of the time and sweat equity that went into making Asquith's Centennial a grand success!!!  Thanks again to all who were able to attend and make our celebration the highlight of 2008!!