About Our Building

The History of the Pine Lodge Building

The history of this building is interesting. The Forestry Nursery Station was established at its present site, one mile south of town in 1901. The Superintendent’s residence at this station was built in 1905 to house the superintendent, Norman Ross and family. Part of this large building was rented for the tree distribution operations. As the production of deciduous and conifer tree seedlings increased there was a need for an administration building. The Administration Building (the present Pine Lodge) was erected as a one-story structure in 1919 on the site across from the cenotaph. A second story was added in 1929. This made space for the Entomology Branch of the Research section and other staff of the Research branch.

To enhance the landscape of this building many pines were planted. Grounds were well tended throughout the years. In 1982, plans were made to build a bed on the front lawn that would help identify the association with trees.

Cliff Kinney was head gardener in charge of the flowerbeds and grounds at the Nursery Station, as well as the area surrounding the Administration grounds in town. As his assistant, we planned a more permanent, easy care bed. Cliff is quick to say that he had no idea that “permanent” would last this long!

The floor of the staff room at the Station became the drafting board for the 15-foot pine tree that was planned for the east lawn. Computer designs were not on our budget. Tables had to be shifted as the paper was taped to the floor for the diagram. The tree seedlings were to be planted six inches apart so these critical spots were dotted on the design.

The bed for the pine tree was dug out and top soil added. To accommodate the slope of the tree bed, it was shored to produce a more upright bed. The draft was placed on the newly formed bed and stakes were driven in the planting spots. Can you guess how many seedlings were needed for this bed? The baby pine trees were trimmed regularly to crop the leader and encourage branching. The tiny trees responded beautifully and the tree shaped bed developed nicely.

During the 1983-84 season, a new office building was constructed at the Forestry Station. This made it possible to consolidate all Forestry Nursery operations from one location once again. The old building and property were for sale.

The new tenants purchased the property when the entire yard was covered with snow. The building was to be used to conduct a program to assist those addicted to various substances. To protect the client’s anonymity, a name was required that no one would associate with their purpose.

Of course, it was noted that the building was surrounded with stately pine trees that had been planted early in the century. Then spring revealed the Pine Bed. It was the inspiration for naming the facility. The definition for lodge "is a small structure for a special purpose" and Pine Lodge was born. The sign board proudly displays the name.

The first two clients arrived on November 10th, 1986. As of the middle of February 2006, 5,301 clients have passed by the Pine Bed to receive help.

Grounds keepers have trimmed the bed as needed. Wayne Elliott potted many of the new seedlings, born at the base of the large pines. Until 2000, these seedlings were presented to the clients as they completed the program. Sometimes packaged pine seeds were used.

At present, Henry Stoppler continues to tend the grounds and the Pine Bed. Each spring bight flowers line the walk and are tucked into the corners of the yard. This completes the warm and attractive environment.

Cliff Kinney and I are especially proud of the neatly trimmed Pine Bed. To continue to provide joy to others, we hope the pine bed has a very long life. Happy Anniversary Pine Lodge!

Written by Donna Thompson, Communities in Bloom, Indian Head, SK 2006
Reprinted from the Indian Head/Wolesley News