Dr. William Graham Mainprize

Born July 7, 1888 in Mount Albert, Ontario, Canada.
Son of George Mainprize and Hester Matilda (Kester) Mainprize.
Brother of Robert Arnold Mainprize and Gordon Mainprize.
Died Aug 3, 1976.

1911, when, at the age of twenty-two Dr. Mainprize graduated from Toronto University with a distinguished M.D. degree. He was the youngest ever spring graduate in Medicine. He spent the summer of 1911 at his Uncle Albert Mainprize’s farm at Alameda, Saskatchewan when he read a newspaper article about the retirement of Dr. H.W Scott in Midale. He arrived by train in Midale on July 2, 1911. Within days he bought the practice from Dr. Scott and started seeing patients.

Having spent his boyhood days in the scenic beauty of his native province of Ontario, the bleak prairies must have looked barren indeed. This however, did not dishearten the aspiring young physician. In addition to the Midale district he served the villages and communities of Goodwater, Bromhead, Tribune, Maxim, Colgate, Halbrite, Griffin, Huntoon, Viewfield, Benson, and Macoun.

To undertake to serve such a vast field, "Doc" was forced to make use of all sorts of transportation. It has truly been said of him, "blizzards, snow, mud, water and danger could not stop "Doc" from carrying on his work of mercy. Where others might have found an excuse, he found a way."

The one paramount reason for "Doc's" stay in the Midale district was his marriage to Helen Wedin, then, the Midale beauty. Without her assistance his task would have been impossible. Throughout the years, she has not only devoted her life as a housewife and mother, but has served her husband as secretary and receptionist for his office calls." Dr. Mainprize enjoyed the friendship of Mr. Moser, also the friendship of the municipal officials, and the people he cared for in as a doctor.

They had two children. Graham William was born May 13, 1922 Graham married Ruby Inez Lucille Egland, daughter of Hans and Lizzie Egland

Marie married Hugh McKinnon. He is a Guidance Counselor in Campbell Collegiate, Regina They have six children: Graham, Bruce, Mary, Karen, Paul, and Peter.

Maynard Moser

Maynard Amel Moser was born in Blue Earth City, Minnesota on February 20, 1879. His parents were Fredrick and Emma Moser of Switzerland. He married Theresa Kathleen Paul on April 15, 1900.

Maynard came to Canada in September, 1902 and filed on a homestead on S.E. 24-2-11W2. Then in April, 1903 Theresa and small son, Leonard, joined Maynard in Canada to make their home here.

After Maynard received clear title of his land, he sold it and bought a farm S.E. 27-4-11 near Midale from George Flury in 1905. He built a house on this land with help from Hugo Hoipkemeier. He sold this farm in 1908 and moved to Midale, bought a restaurant called Midale Cafe from Abe Peterson. The following year Maynard accidently dropped a coal oil lamp in the basement and the building and all belongings burnt.

In 1909 he bought a pool hall and bowling alley from Billy Hyme. In 1913, this building also burnt down. He then built a pool hall on the same location and in one corner did his barbering. In 1920, George Arts built an addition onto the pool hall for a barber shop. Maynard barbered until he was eighty-one years old, retiring in 1961 when he sold his business to Erwin Larson.

Maynard was a chartered member of the early Board of Trade in Midale. He was one of the oldest men to be in business and was in business the longest time of any business man. He is a member of the Midale Baptist Church. He was on the Board of Deacons for a number of years, and was active in the church in other capacities. He was an ardent worker and Christian witness at Dr. Mainprize Park. He and Dr. Mainprize spent all summer painting, pruning trees, and weeding at the Park.

In 1978 at Midale's 75th Anniversary Mose was the oldest surviving male citizen and was chosen "King". He was presented with an engraved cup. He was also honored on the same day by having the avenue in front of his home named after him. Moser Avenue joins Mainprize Street, so during the years to come, two buddies will still be together in name.

Theresa and Maynard had four children.

Leonard John was born September 15, 1901 in Ortonville, Minnesota. He passed away on July 11, 1966,

Myrtle married Frank James Wensley.

Esther Ellen was born March 29, 1906 and died March 29, 1906.

Ellen Esther was born April 27, 1909. She married Milton (Mac) Achen.

Frances Mae was born May 4, 1919. She married Lauritz Egland.

Theresa died December 16, 1953.

Project Executive

Graham Barker

Spent 19 of my best years in Midale. Dad was principal for 40 years. ...Founder of Phoenix Group, Saskatchewan’s largest advertising agency. Community involvement: ..Past President/Saskatchewan Roughriders ..VP Marketing..Regina Memorial Cup ..VP Marketing..YWCA Capital Campaign Awards: Lifetime Achievement Award..Saskatchewan Advertising Agency Association ...Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal...Government of Saskatchewan ....Governor General of Canada Award/Exceptional Community Volunteerism

Murray Kerr

Murray was born and raised in Midale where he attended school from Kindergarten to grade twelve graduating in 1982. Murray moved to Brandon, Manitoba to pursue his post-secondary education. He earned a Business Administration Diploma in Marketing from Assiniboine Community College and an undergraduate degree from Brandon University.

Murray spent seventeen years as the Recruitment Officer at Brandon University. During this time, he traveled throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan and North Western Ontario to career events promoting the University. He was the Director of Admissions for 14 years before retiring in 2019.

Murray has extensive volunteer experience. He was the Director of Moving and Storage for two years preparing the Athletes Village prior to the 1997 Canada Summer Games in Brandon. He was the Residence Accommodation Assistance for two World Youth Baseball Championships, six years with the Big Brothers & Big Sisters Organization; a regular blood donor for many years and served on numerous community committees over the last thirty years.

Dr. Mainprize lived in our neighborhood about a half block away in Midale so I saw him regularly. He was also my doctor on a few occasions. Very early in my life I recall him to be very well known and respected in the community and surrounding area. There were many stories told about him as a person and as a doctor. As I got older, I began to appreciateDoc not only as a Doctor but also for his ingenuity.The creation of the mudmobile and the snowmobile added another dimension to his character. A man ahead of his time!Growing up, the mudmobile really captured my imagination on how the Doc alongwith other creative people in the community designed and fabricated unique vehicles out of necessity to deal with the harsh prairie weather.A parade in Midale is successful only if the mudmobile is running in it! Dr. Mainprize could have relocated his practice and family anywhere to avoid the harsh climate that Saskatchewan had to offer. Especially when many of his patients lived many kilometers from his home where prairie roadconditions and terrain were not ideal for vehicles of the day.

Doc’s commitment to his patients resulted in him modifying existing transportation to befunctional on the prairies if he were to succeed in reaching his patients in a timely manner.To me, Dr. Mainprize is a multi-dimensional character, a Doctor; family man; inventor; engineer; pioneer; and at times, a survivalist.

I’m pleased to have the opportunity to work with Jack on the Mainprize Documentary project. Jack and I made a number of amateur super 8 films together in our teens. I look forward to the challenge as a volunteer on the project telling the story of a local icon.

Dallas Pederson

In 1972 I started farming. Married in 1978 to Wendy Johnson. We have had 3 children. Glenn, Brandy and Benji.

In 2000 Glenn come home to the family farm and is farming with me to this date! In 1979 I began my 33 years serving on council for RM#7. 14 years as Reeve. I served on Oungre Memorial Regional park board and recreational board. I also spent a few years in the WHL as a scout for the Moose Jaw Warriors.

My parents Harold and Ruth took on the task of operating Mainprize Park for a few years in the late 60's. This included the grounds, concession, and golf course. These years at the park led to an early interest in swimming and golfing. Mainprize Park was recognized as having the largest pool in Sask, capacity of 750,00 gallons! During the late 60's and early 70's there was as many as 1500 people inside the fence one afternoon! This estimation was made by one of the six guards that were on duty that afternoon. Normally 2-3 guards were on staff.

The pool was a huge drawing card for the park. Swimming and lessons where offered here. Families come from communities all around the park including Midale Oungre Goodwater Torquay, Outram Tribune, Bromhead, Halbrite, and Macoun!

This is where my swimming lessons began. From lifeguard to Instructor and finally examiner! All thanks to Mainprize Regional Park!

Because of the work we did on the golf course, also allowed us to make many rounds on the 9 holes. I even got to golf with some if the notorious local members, like Max C. Hugh Pearson George Molberg Art Nurnberg (Midale Police! I was nervous) and more!

I had the opportunity helping Doc Mainprize a few times hoeing and pulling weeds in trees! It was HOT! After a couple hrs Doc would look at his watch and say it's TAB TIME! So off to the concession we went. Doc would buy me a coke and he always had a Tab! this favorite pop!

Taking on the duties at Mainprize Park was a family adventure. Mom and dad must have really depended on us kids to help. My brothers and dad took care of the grounds and golf course and helping in concession on weekends! Working at the park as a family, looking back was the most fun we had as a family, even thou it was a lot of work! The worst was shoveling mud out of booth and other outdoor buildings after the floods!

Working at Mainprize Park led to knowing many people from Midale and surroundings areas. Over the years I have been involved in hockey and ball, either coaching or playing in Midale!

Crew

Geoffrey Lee Park

My background is in Fine Arts and Film. I have my BFA from Alberta College of Art and Design with over eight years of hands-on work experience in the Saskatchewan film industry in a variety of positions in the art department, construction, locations as manager or assistant manager. I am skilled at putting together and implementing programs involving numerous individual requirements, complex logistics, and design while under unique and strenuous circumstances. I am comfortable working between senior management and crew members to develop and implement initiatives to enhance the work environment and get the job done. Throughout my experience I have worked with significant budgets and timelines, which require above average written and verbal communication skills. I have experience with a wide variety of power tools and heavy machinery, and am capable of understanding, visualizing, and realizing one’s artistic vision.

Scott Ballingal

As a kid, Scotty B had always talked about getting a VHS camera with his brother. There was no chance of getting one when his Father found out how much these luggable cameras cost. His dream was rekindled when Firewire cards came out and he purchased one in 1999 along with a Digital 8 camcorder. Creating a 22 minute "comedy" show before he knew anything about composition, editing or comedy, “Concatenated” was unleashed on the cable community world. He volunteered at a cable station where he learned camera operation (lens points away from him) and eventually started to freelance. 20 years later, he continues to question his life choices in the broadcast world and writes about himself in third person.

Murray Kerr

Murray was born and raised in Midale where he attended school from Kindergarten to grade twelve graduating in 1982. Murray moved to Brandon, Manitoba to pursue his post-secondary education. He earned a Business Administration Diploma in Marketing from Assiniboine Community College and an undergraduate degree from Brandon University.

Murray spent seventeen years as the Recruitment Officer at Brandon University. During this time, he traveled throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan and North Western Ontario to career events promoting the University. He was the Director of Admissions for 14 years before retiring in 2019.

Murray has extensive volunteer experience. He was the Director of Moving and Storage for two years preparing the Athletes Village prior to the 1997 Canada Summer Games in Brandon. He was the Residence Accommodation Assistance for two World Youth Baseball Championships, six years with the Big Brothers & Big Sisters Organization; a regular blood donor for many years and served on numerous community committees over the last thirty years.

Dr. Mainprize lived in our neighborhood about a half block away in Midale so I saw him regularly. He was also my doctor on a few occasions. Very early in my life I recall him to be very well known and respected in the community and surrounding area. There were many stories told about him as a person and as a doctor. As I got older, I began to appreciateDoc not only as a Doctor but also for his ingenuity.The creation of the mudmobile and the snowmobile added another dimension to his character. A man ahead of his time!Growing up, the mudmobile really captured my imagination on how the Doc alongwith other creative people in the community designed and fabricated unique vehicles out of necessity to deal with the harsh prairie weather.A parade in Midale is successful only if the mudmobile is running in it! Dr. Mainprize could have relocated his practice and family anywhere to avoid the harsh climate that Saskatchewan had to offer. Especially when many of his patients lived many kilometers from his home where prairie roadconditions and terrain were not ideal for vehicles of the day.

Doc’s commitment to his patients resulted in him modifying existing transportation to befunctional on the prairies if he were to succeed in reaching his patients in a timely manner.To me, Dr. Mainprize is a multi-dimensional character, a Doctor; family man; inventor; engineer; pioneer; and at times, a survivalist.

I’m pleased to have the opportunity to work with Jack on the Mainprize Documentary project. Jack and I made a number of amateur super 8 films together in our teens. I look forward to the challenge as a volunteer on the project telling the story of a local icon.