History

The town of Radisson is named for the great explorer Pierre Radisson who was instrumental in the development of The Hudson’s Bay Company in western Canada then known as Rupert’s Land. Rupert’s Land was a huge land mass west of Hudson’s Bay. In the early 1900’s, pioneers were moving west hoping to find a place to settle and raise a family. This was the same time settlement in the Radisson area began.

In 1905, the Canadian Northern Railway was granted title to the land along the tracks. This same year, Radisson saw about 65 buildings built, among them being the railway station, the Zimmerman Hotel, and the first grain elevator. In 1905, the Radisson School District was formed and held classes in temporary quarters until the school building was complete the following year.

Radisson was incorporated as a village in 1906 and later gained town status 1913.

In 1903, Radisson saw their first set of trappers, Bert Myers and Jack Ordean. They set up a homestead near the Radisson Lake where they trapped muskrats and took the furs to Saskatoon for sale. Also in 1903, the first trading post was established by Smith and Shea Company. This post was established two miles north of where the town now stands, north of the Radisson lake.

In 1904, Sam Amson rented a log building from the trading post and established his store, also located on the north side of the Radisson Lake. In 1905, Harry Sullivan bought the first up-to-date threshing machine for which he held steady employment.

In 1903, the Great Bend Post Office was established and located about 2 miles north of the present town. This post officed served Radisson, also with Fielding, Maymont, Speers, Richard and Albertown. In 1905, with the construction of the railroad, the post office was moved into the township and renamed the Radisson Post Office. The original building was later moved to George Hamilton’s farm where it still stands. In August of 1972, the Radisson Library was organized as the 11th library in the Lakeland Library Region.

Community members are invited to submit additional historical images and articles.