CYMRIC, Sask. – Cymric, population two, is located a few kilometres
east of Last Mountain Lake, between Regina and Saskatoon.
At the lake’s north end sits North America’s oldest bird sanctuary and
game preserve founded in 1888. The region boasts a dynamic agricultural
history.
The first grain elevator of Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, Canada’s largest
co-operative, was built at nearby Bulyea. Abandoned farmyards and those
still operating tell about the rich history of large homes and mixed
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farms, and settlers from the United States and United Kingdom.
The name Cymric was given to the hamlet when it was founded in 1912. It
means the Welsh people or language, and it described the origins of
many local pioneers.
The unique combination-lock mailboxes in Lana Aabol’s store date from
before the 1930s. They have survived several moves to different
buildings, renovations and the occasional suggestion that they be
upgraded to more modern units.
Local farmers fiercely defend their S0G O2O post office boxes. Some
have offered to buy them should Aabol ever close the little grocery
where the boxes are located.
Most folks set their brass, wood and beveled glass boxes so they can
give the dial a quick spin and have the box open with a flick of the
wrist.
“Leaving the locks in the same way each time also tells them if anybody
has been tampering with their box. They always know. They say ‘Lana,
who’s been at my box?'” said Aabol.
