.
......		EASTEND, SK
		Last modified April 7, 2006

The town of Eastend, Saskatchewan, lies at the east end of the Cypress Hills, although the dramatic Frenchman River valley obscures the view of the hills themselves. The town began over one hundred years ago as a NWMP outpost, and gradually became a supply centre for the surrounding farms and ranches.

The community museum has a palaeontology slant, due to the interest of long-time teacher, "Corky" Jones. His enthusiastic teaching seems to have had quite a long-term impact on the community, leaving a distinct flavour that separates Eastend from other prairie settlements. For example, the Wilkinson Observatory, perched on the hills to the south, is a substantial telescope that many larger centres would be proud to own.

Over the last decade, the town has embraced the future by celebrating the past. Strong advocacy and serious fund-raising convinced the Royal Saskatchewan Museum that the rare Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton found near here should remain as part of the community. A modern interpretive centre displays "Scotty" the T. rex and other local fossils, providing a good tourist draw and significant employment.

Supporting sites have sprung up recently. A Birds of Prey Centre cares for injured raptors, and demonstrates falconry techniques each afternoon. Several B&Bs and other rental accommodation are available, as well as a good book store and a ceramic gallery.

Pulitzer Prize winner Wallace Stegner spent his childhood here, and his home is managed by a community group as a writer's retreat. The annual fundraising dinner, held in March, has become one of the social highlights of the winter.

.

.