THIS Geocache is NOT at the coordinates provided as it is a mystery cache! Please solve the puzzle based on the story provided.
Silverwood Heights, Silversprings and the Ghost of Factoria: A Journey Through Saskatoon's Past
In the northern stretches of Saskatoon, where modern streets wind past lush greenery, a hidden piece of history lies waiting for the discerning explorer. The story of this land, now known as the neighbourhood of Silverwood Heights, with many scenic views, begins with a fascinating juxtaposition of ideals and ambitions in the early 20th century.
Just a few miles south of what is now Silverwood Heights there is the history of the Temperance Colony, a community founded in the late 19th century by the fervent advocates of the Temperance Movement. This group, driven by a vision of a society free from the ills of alcohol, established a dry community on the prairies with the belief that removing alcohol would eliminate societal problems. Their settlement, Nutana- now a Saskatoon neighbourhood, was a testament to their ideals, dedicated to creating a paradise untouched by spirits.
Fast forward to 1907, when William Alexander "Billy" Silverwood, a livestock dealer from Ontario, ventured north of the city to purchase land with a different vision in mind. The land he acquired was known for its pristine natural springwaters, a vital resource in a city plagued by contaminated water and frequent outbreaks of typhoid fever. Silverwood saw an opportunity not just for personal profit but for a public good. He established Silverwood Springs, a bottling plant that provided clean, safe drinking water to the people of Saskatoon. In 1906 Saskatoon became a city with a population of 4,500, which included the community villages of Saskatoon, Riversdale, and Nutana.
As Silverwood's bottled water gained popularity, it drew the attention of Robert E. Glass, a Chicago businessman with grand ambitions. Glass purchased Silverwood's farm in 1912 with plans to create an industrial metropolis named Factoria. His vision was expansive: a city complete with a brewery, which would utilize the spring water to produce beer, alongside a flour mill, brick factories, and a thriving hotel and restaurant. The dream was to make Factoria a shining example of industrial progress.
However, Factoria's rise was short-lived. The onset of World War I, coupled with economic challenges, led to a collapse of Glass's ambitious plans. The flour mill and other businesses struggled, and the once-promising industrial city faded into obscurity. The Silverwood bottling plant also succumbed to fate, its operations ending as the spring water became contaminated by runoff from Silverwood’s burgeoning and thriving livestock barn in an ironic twist of fate.
By the 1950s, even the Silverwood barn, a symbol of Silverwood’s early success, was destroyed by a lightning strike, leaving only ruins and a poignant reminder of what once was. Today, Silverwood Heights stands on the land that was once home to both Silverwood Springs and Factoria, its modern streets and homes nestled among the historical remnants and ruins.
Yet, this neighborhood holds a rich tapestry of stories. To the south, the Temperance Colony’s legacy of a dry, idealistic society contrasts sharply with the enterprises of Silverwood and Glass. Geocachers exploring Silverwood Heights can uncover clues from these historical chapters, where the echoes of a temperance vision and industrial ambition intertwine.
As you seek the hidden cache, remember that you are walking through layers of history. From the ideals of the Temperance Colony to the ambitious dreams of Factoria and the clean water once provided by Silverwood Springs, this area is a testament to the diverse aspirations that shaped Saskatoon. Look for the remnants of old foundations and stones that whisper tales of a bygone era. Here, in the shadows of the past, the story of Silverwood Heights, Silversprings, and magical ghost story of Factoria invites you to discover its historical treasures.
Discovering the Wonders of the South Saskatchewan River Valley
Nestled along the serene expanse of the South Saskatchewan River, the river valley unfolds as a living tapestry of biodiversity, rich with the vibrant flora and fauna that define this unique ecosystem. As you venture into this lush landscape, you will find yourself immersed in a world where nature thrives in its most magnificent form. It is a remarkable ecosystem where Autumn lingers much longer here amid the bubbling springs than anywhere else in the city.
The valley floor, a verdant sanctuary, is heavily wooded with an impressive array of tree species. Eastern cottonwoods, with their broad, heart-shaped leaves and tall, slender trunks, form the majestic backdrop of this green paradise. The Manitoba maple, known for its vibrant fall foliage, adds a splash of fiery golds to the woodland palette. Peach-leaved willows grace the water's edge with their delicate, lance-shaped leaves, while the resilient green ash stands as a sentinel in this thriving natural community.
Birdwatchers will find this area a haven, home to a remarkable diversity of avian species. Look skyward and you might catch a glimpse of the long-billed curlew, its distinctive call echoing across the valley. On the sandy shores and grassy stretches, the piping plover nests, a symbol of the valley's commitment to preserving its delicate habitats. The loggerhead shrike, a species of concern, with its striking black mask and predatory prowess, patrols the underbrush, while the short-eared owl glides silently over the fields at dusk, its acute vision piercing the shadows.
The high-flying ferruginous hawk and the regal golden eagle soar above, their keen eyes scanning for prey, while the turkey vulture circles in wide arcs, an avian clean-up crew of the sky. The great horned owl and western screech owl provide a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack to the night, their calls resonating through the still air. In the daytime, the red-headed woodpecker drums its rhythmic beats against the trees, and the prairie falcon performs its impressive aerial maneuvers. The pileated woodpecker, with its vibrant crest, can be spotted carving out new homes in the trunks of old trees.
In the undergrowth and on the riverbanks, the flora continues to captivate with its diversity. The alder flycatcher flits among the shrubs, while the yellow-breasted chat’s melodic song adds a cheerful note to the air. The great blue heron, with its elegant stride, wades gracefully in the shallow waters, hunting for fish.
Beyond the birds, the South Saskatchewan River Valley is home to an array of other fascinating wildlife. Insects buzz in the summer heat, their tiny forms vital to the ecosystem’s health. Fungi and lichen thrive on the damp, shaded forest floor, their presence a testament to the valley’s rich biological diversity. Bats flit through the twilight, their echolocation skills finely tuned to navigate the night. Snails, moving slowly but surely, add to the intricate web of life, while amphibians and reptiles, or “herps,” find refuge in the moist, sheltered areas of the valley.
As you explore this enchanting landscape, your observations can play a crucial role in protecting its beauty. By recording sightings of plants, animals, insects, fungi, and other species on the free app iNaturalist, you contribute to early detection and rapid response to invasive species. This citizen science effort helps ensure that the native species, including the green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), a species at risk due to the possibility of the invasiveness by the exotic Emerald Ash Borer receive the protection they need.
Your involvement in documenting and conserving the natural world helps preserve the delicate balance of the South Saskatchewan River Valley. Every observation matters, and every effort counts in safeguarding this beautiful and vital part of our environment. By protecting the flora and fauna of this magnificent river valley, you help maintain the health and splendor of our shared natural heritage for generations to come.
All Saskatoon parks are open from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight.
Protect Nature’s Beauty: Conserve Plants and Animals, Preserve Life.
Use the correct answers below to fill in the following latitude and longitude for the location please.
Longitude North 52 AB.CDE Latitude West 106 FG.HIJ
A What was the primary motivation for William Alexander Silverwood to purchase land north of Saskatoon in 1909?
* William Alexander Silverwood wanted to create a luxury hotel and resort destination to attract wealthy tourists from Europe to meet and learn from the indigeous persons of North America.(A=0)
* William Alexander Silverwood was motivated by the presence of natural spring water on the land. He saw an opportunity to profit from bottling and selling the spring water, which addressed Saskatoon's pressing issue of unsafe drinking water. (A=1)
* William Alexander Silverwood intended to build a large-scale steel manufacturing plant to support the growing industrial economy of Factoria.(A=2)
* William Alexander Silverwood aimed to establish a large agricultural farm to produce high-quality fruits and vegetables for export across Northern Canada.(A=3)
B. Why did the industrial city of Factoria, envisioned by Robert E. Glass, fail to become a thriving metropolis?
* Factoria failed due to several factors, including the outbreak of World War I, which led to economic decline and the freezing of credit. Additionally, the inability to extend electricity to Factoria and the loss of outside capital further contributed to its failure. (B=1)
* Factoria’s failure was due to a severe drought that destroyed crops and led to the collapse of the planned agricultural hub. (B=2)
* The city of Factoria was unable to attract skilled workers because of its remote location and lack of transportation infrastructure.(B=3)
* The failure of Factoria was primarily because the local government imposed high taxes and stringent regulations that discouraged businesses from investing in the area.(B=4)
C. What was the original vision of the Temperance Colonization Society, and how did it contrast with Silverwood's vision?
* The Temperance Colonization Society sought to develop a thriving industrial city centered around a brewery, whereas Silverwood aimed to create a luxurious resort community for wealthy individuals.(C=4)
* The Temperance Colonization Society envisioned a community focused on agricultural innovation, while Silverwood’s vision was to establish a vibrant cultural hub with numerous entertainment venues.(C=5)
* The Temperance Colonization Society aimed to create a dry community free of alcohol, promoting temperance and moral ideals. In contrast, Silverwood's vision involved capitalizing on the natural spring water to provide a practical solution to the city's water problems and later, making a profit from the bottled water. (C=6)
* The Temperance Colonization Society intended to build a network of schools and libraries to educate settlers, while Silverwood focused on developing a large livestock operation to support the local economy.(C=7)
D. What was the main reason for the contamination of the spring water at Silverwood Springs?
*The contamination occurred due to runoff from Silverwood’s livestock barn which was located uphill from the springs. The waste from the horses eventually trickled down and polluted the spring waters .(D=0)
*The contamination occurred due to a malfunctioning water filtration system at the bottling plant, which failed to properly purify the spring water.(D=1)
* The contamination was caused by industrial waste from nearby factories, which seeped into the ground and affected the spring.(D=2)
* The contamination resulted from a deliberate act of sabotage by competitors who poured chemicals into the springs to ruin Silverwood’s business.(D=3)
How did the economic conditions of the early 20th century impact Factoria's development and eventual decline?
* Economic conditions improved Factoria’s prospects by attracting significant investment from overseas, which fueled rapid development and expansion of businesses until the overseas investors pulled out due to the increase of micro-breweries, and international conglomerate hotels.(E=0)
* Economic conditions, including the onset of World War I and the resulting economic downturn, severely impacted Factoria. The freezing of credit and lack of investment halted development, causing many businesses to close and leading to Factoria's decline.(E=1)
* The economic conditions led to a surge in local consumer demand, allowing Factoria to thrive and establish itself as a major industrial hub with robust economic growth.(E=2)
*The economic conditions had no effect on Factoria; instead, the city’s decline was due to a natural disaster, a major tornado, that destroyed much of the infrastructure and halted development.(E=3)
F. What role did the South Saskatchewan River Valley play in the history of Silverwood Heights and Factoria?
* The South Saskatchewan River Valley was primarily known for its fertile agricultural land, which was utilized by local farmers rather than influencing the development of Silverwood Heights or Factoria. This was a major factor in making the City of Saskatoon the largest city of Saskatchewan.(F=1)
* The South Saskatchewan River Valley served as a major trade route connecting various industrial centers from canoes, bull boats, steamships to the early red river cart trail era through to the rapid expansion of rail lines across Western Canada, and currently facilitating expedited and efficient logistics for goods and people across global distribution channels through the Canada's Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative, but it had no significant impact on the development or history of Silverwood Heights and Factoria.(F=2)
* The South Saskatchewan River Valley provided the natural resources and the scenic location that attracted early settlers and entrepreneurs like William Silverwood and Robert E. Glass. The valley's spring water was a key factor in Silverwood's bottling business, and the area's natural resources were central to Factoria's industrial plans.(F=3)
* The South Saskatchewan River Valley was predominantly a site for recreational activities and tourism such as Maple Grove with the Leisureland Amusement Park, the proposed swimming pool at Sutherland Beach and the University Ski Jump for the 1971 Canada Winter Games, with no notable influence on the industrial or commercial ventures of Silverwood Heights and Factoria.(F=4)
G. What remains of Factoria and Silverwood Springs today, and how are they remembered in modern Saskatoon?
* Today, Factoria has been completely forgotten with no remnants left, while Silverwood Springs has been preserved as a National Historic Site with a historical theme park. Silverwood Heights, and Silversprings is named after the springs, and a museum dedicated to the area exists.(G=4)
* The remnants of Factoria are mainly intact buildings and factories, while Silverwood Springs is now a popular tourist destination with restored historical features. Both are celebrated in Saskatoon with annual festivals.(G=5)
* Today, Factoria has only scattered and eroded foundations, and the Silverwood barn was destroyed by fire in 1951. Silverwood Heights, a modern neighborhood, honors William Silverwood, and some historical traces can still be seen in the area.(G=6)
* Factoria has been converted into a bustling commercial district, and Silverwood Springs has been turned into a large amusement park. Silverwood Heights is an unrelated modern development with no connection to the historical sites.(G=7)
H. What were some of the significant businesses and infrastructure that Factoria boasted during its brief period of prosperity?
* Factoria had a large steel mill, a clothing factory, a cinema, a major shopping mall, and an amusement park. It also planned to build a university and a convention center.(H=6)
* The significant businesses in Factoria included a high-tech electronics firm, a pharmaceutical plant, a luxury resort, a golf course, and a ski resort. There were no notable infrastructure plans.(H=7)
* Factoria was known for its shipyard, a large oil refinery, a casino, a science research facility, and an international airport. Infrastructure plans included a monorail and a space observatory.(H=8)
* During its peak, Factoria featured a flour mill, a brick factory, a farm implement dealer, a hotel, and a restaurant. The town also had plans for a railway connection, a school, and a post office.(H=9)
I. How did the emergence of a water filtration system in Saskatoon affect the demand for Silverwood Springs bottled water?
* The introduction of a water filtration system in Saskatoon increased the demand for Silverwood Springs bottled water because people preferred the spring water bottled water's taste over the new filtered water.(I=3)
* The municipal water filtration system had no impact on the demand for Silverwood Springs bottled water, as the bottling plant continued to operate at the same level.(I=4)
* The emergence of a water filtration system in Saskatoon significantly reduced the demand for Silverwood Springs bottled water. With the city's own safe water supply, the need for bottled water decreased, leading to the closure of Silverwood's bottling plant.(I=5)
* The water filtration system led to a temporary spike in bottled water sales because residents were curious about the new filtration technology and wanted to compare it with Silverwood Springs water.(I=6)
J. Why is the Green Ash, a native species in Saskatchewan, considered at risk, and how does this relate to the history of Silverwood Heights?
* The Green Ash is considered at risk due to climate change altering its habitat, which is linked to Silverwood Heights as it reflects the region’s changing environment, and changing settlement over time.(J=4)
* The Green Ash is endangered because of overharvesting and the devastating effects of clear-cutting for construction purposes. This directly connects to Silverwood Heights, where historical logging has impacted and drastically impacted the local flora.(J=5)
* The Green Ash is at risk due to the invasive Emerald Ash Borer, a pest threatening its survival. This relates to Silverwood Heights as the area's natural or indigenous flora underscores the ecological significance of the region and highlights the need for conservation amid development.(J=6)
* The Green Ash is considered at risk due to excessive urbanization and pollution in Silverwood Heights, which has led to habitat loss for this species.(J=7)
K. Optional: Provide a photograph that either captures a breathtaking vista from the heights with the South Saskatchewan River in view or highlights the diverse flora and fauna, local wildlife and lush vegetation, you encounter along the river valley trails.