First SaskPower office opens in Cupar

Jack Shinske arrived January 15, 1955 to open the first Saskatchewan Power Office in Cupar. Business was conducted from the Cupar Hotel until Del, Patricia, then 1 1/2 years old and Jack's brother Don, age 13, arrived in early May. At that time a corner in the dining room was set up as Jack's office.

It may be of interest to note a moving van brought the Shinske belongings as far as Southey and then a fleet of small trucks led by Les Root brought them from Southey to Cupar. The road was less than perfect, Mud, Mud, Mud.

Daughter Terrie was born in the old hospital this same year and a third daughter, Shirley in 1959.

Jack remembers borrowing a horse which he rode bareback to Duvin Weisbrod's to replace a fuse as it was impossible to travel the road by truck — Les Root and Jack out in an open cutter to replace a transformer at Tom Brombeys in the valley — 45 below zero.

In September of 1957 a second man was added to the staff of S.P.C. in Cupar.

In those early years without the help of Mrs. "Telephone" Miller, keeping Cupar and area in power would have been most difficult. Del wasn't always sure where Jack was but Mrs. Miller always knew.

Del remembers a two way radio being installed in the house — now she to knew where Jack was — sometimes it was stuck in a snow bank or mud hole.

As family we remember the good times, the friends, fellowship and closeness of a fine community.
We moved to Regina in 1973.

As I write this Jack remarks, "We arrived in Cupar in 1955 and so did Television."

Written by Del
Published with permission from Del Shinske/Oct. 17, 2004