The community of Radville was dealt a blow early Monday morning as the Long Creek Saloon and Chinese family restaurant went up in flames. Radville-Laurier firefighters alongside the Ceylon fire department raced to save the southern Saskatchewan heritage building, but the fire spread too quickly resulting in a total loss. For one resident, it means the loss of her favourite meeting place.

(Photo from Tourism Radville Facebook page)

“Everybody always ended up at the Long Creek Saloon at some point,” recalled Sue Niemegeers of Radville. “We had bachelorette parties, stags, and class reunions. In the latter years you’d go in Friday nights for steaks – just everybody would go to the Long Creek Saloon.”

The saloon was also part of the famous ghost tours of Radville and a popular spot for cowboys, cowgirls, and rodeo fans to congregate during the community’s annual rodeo weekend.

The saloon was built in 1911 and originally called the “Empire Hotel.” Originally it had two floors, however due to a rapidly growing community and the arrival of the railroad, a third storey was added in 1912.

“113 years it stood there on main street and it was our gathering place all through those years,” Niemegeers said.

The business has gone through a few owners over its 113 year history and there have been reports of paranormal activity in the building. Strange occurrences like the sound of moving furniture have been reported along with paintings and mirrors falling off walls after being fastened in place. There have also been claims by former employees that they’ve had their hair pulled or feel as if they’ve been touched. Eerie!

“It’s a huge blow to our town. That was our twin tower on main street,” said Niemegeers.

She adds that residents, former residents, and visitors may share memories of the Long Creek Saloon on the Tourism Radville Facebook page.