I grew up north of Saskatoon in the community of Waldheim. I come from at least 5 generations of Mennonites on both of my parents sides of their families. In the 1860's the Mennonite Brethren church was formed largely as a revival of faith from the larger Mennonite church. One of the pieces of this revival included turning away from alcohol in all its forms. In a sense, the Mennonite Brethren embrace Prohibition and Temperance and saw their Mennonite cousins as being too liberal in their approach to alcohol.
From these Mennonite Brethren (and other Mennonite groups - including the original group) the community of Waldheim was formed. It was founded within a larger "reserve" granted to the Mennonites around the late 1800's and early 1900's. Saskatoon was the 'major centre' of the area during this time period and continues to be so.
As of 2016 I believe Waldheim is still a "dry" community, although I believe now you can buy some alcohol at the golf course on the edge of town. Also for many years a bar has been open 6 miles down the road in the Mennonite (original style) community of Laird (of which many in Waldheim have frequented). As you can imagine, alcohol was never seen as 'normal' in our community. I never saw it in my house, Welch's grape juice was (and is) always used for communion in church, and the appearance of alcohol is not even universal amongst the youth within the community.
Coming from this type of community it fascinates me to learn that Saskatoon was a Temperance Colony. My view of Saskatoon has always been morally negative, especially in regards to liquor. The Mennonite land grant is just north of the Saskatoon land grant and in terms of ideals such as Temperance and Prohibition it is clear that the Mennonites were far more successful than the originators of Saskatoon. A big part of the motivation for this research comes from my own personal curiosity as to why the Temperance movement so obviously failed - and is there any possibility (or need) of holding on to these ideals in a community context.
It has been an enjoyable journey looking at the history of Saskatoon in relation to the Mennonites just north of town. I'm glad I grew up where I did with the ancestors I had. I still see the negative effects of alcohol on our society and have no problem supporting the ideals of Temperance. As for Prohibition - I personally think that goes a little to far, even for me.
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