Thorvaldson’s Alkali (Sulphate) Resistant Concrete

This story provides a classic example of how fundamental research results in knowledge with major social and economic ramifications. Indeed one wonders how Western Canada would have developed if there had been no solution to the wide spread deterioration of concrete structures.

D.D. Johnson

Guardian Angels and Defining Moments

The one-room log school was where I received my elementary school education still stands but lacking a high school, correspondence courses were my only option. A restructuring in the Provincial school system (1947-48) provided me with the possibility to go to a high school with fully qualified teachers and thus obtain senior matriculation standing. That required living 50 miles from my parental homestead home. It was there that I wrote the Provincial final exams for Grade 12, the first formal examinations I encountered.

Aiming at being thorough

U of S Archives, Wedgewood scrapbook. October 17, 2008 By Patrick Hayes, U of S Archives

The College of Engineering coat of arms was unveiled in the spring of 1934. At a banquet held in the Hudson's Bay dining room, A.L.C. Atkinson, instructor in civil engineering, explained the meaning of the components of the coat of arms. This was reprinted in the engineering handbook for decades. Here is an excerpt:

"The Shield chosen for the College of Engineering has a silver field (i.e. the background in cloth badges is represented by white). On the field are placed two chevrons (inverted Vv) which are divided centrally, the upper one red on the "dexter" side (the wearer's right side) and black on the sinister side (wearer's left) and the lower chevron having the colours reversed. The Chevron conveys the idea of unity. In heraldic language the chevron would be blazoned as "between three wheels gules," gules being the international heraldic term for "red". Actually the third wheel is completely hidden by the corner piece called a "canton", on which is borne the University Arms as a mark of honour. The wheels, of course, have a general engineering meaning, and do not stand for any branch in particular."

"The Wreath is of silver and red twisted skeins; the Crest, a beaver, significant of industry is black. Lastly the Motto "Thorough" is not to be taken as an idle boast, but that we, as Engineers, aim at being thorough."

1912 TOP 10 INTERESTING FACTS

1912 TOP 10 INTERESTING FACTS

Number 10 - Marion Gilroy, Saskatchewan’s first Supervisor of Regional Libraries, was instrumental in developing the earliest regional library system in the Prairie provinces.

Number 9 - March 4 – a train crashed through CNR Bridge (present day Idylwyld Bridge) injuring 12 passengers.