The community of Radville was dealt a blow early Monday morning when the Long Creek Saloon and Chinese Family Restaurant went up in flames. Firefighters from Radville-Laurier and the Ceylon Fire Department raced to save the southern Saskatchewan heritage building, but the fire spread too quickly and resulted in a total loss. For one resident, it means the loss of her favorite hangout.

(Photo from Tourism Radville Facebook page)

“Everybody ended up at Long Creek Saloon at some point,” recalls Sue Niemegeers of Radville. “We had bachelor parties, bachelorette parties, class reunions. In the last few years, you would go to Long Creek Saloon on Friday nights for steaks — everybody just went to Long Creek Saloon.”

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

The saloon was built in 1911 and was originally called the “Empire Hotel”. It originally had two stories, but due to a rapidly growing community and the arrival of the railroad, a third story was added in 1912.

“It stood there on the main street for 113 years and it was our meeting place for all those years,” said Niemegeers.

The business has had a few owners over its 113 years of existence, and there have been reports of paranormal activity in the building. Strange occurrences have been reported, including the sound of furniture moving, and paintings and mirrors falling off the wall after being secured. There have also been claims from former employees that their hair has been pulled or they feel like they have been touched. Creepy!

“It’s a huge blow to our city. That was our Twin Tower on Main Street,” said Niemegeers.

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