Origin of Moosehorn's name:A Post Office and Canadian National Railway point on 31-26-7WPM and a School District on 32-26-7W. Geographic Board of Canada records indicated that the railway point was so named due to the large number of moose and elk which used to live in the area (presumably based on large numbers of antlers being found).
"As giving as this land can be, so it can be most unforgiving to those who choose not to respoect and protect it ..."
The settlement of Moosehorn began in 1908 when surveying was done to organize the area into sections. In 1911, the railway established a siding around which the town was built. There were many difficulties surrounding this land due to the lack of drainage. In the history book ”North West Interlake", Mr. Herbert Watchorn relates how the survey crews at times were trekking through water waist deep, and through terrible tangles of willow in order to establish their steel line measure every half mile. The highway was established by 1946.
In speaking to Myrtle Buechler (age 91), she recalls at age three and a half how she and her family arrived in Moosehorn via the train from Winnipeg, and travelled to Ferdinand Helm homestead with horse and buggy. They drove into pools of water as they labored over a trail that led through meadows and bush toward their destination. They stayed at the Helm homestead until they could secure a place for themselves. Myrtle mentioned that the small homestead was so crowded that she and other children ended up sleeping on the floor behind the stove. It was a cozy spot, but a mixed blessing when Myrtle burned her hand. She also spoke of a drainage problem. She witnessed many horses stuck in the swampy terrain on the pioneer trail. Her message to the present generation is, ”life was good, and still is."
I have chosen the CN station; Parish and the Heimbecker Elevator as my theme for Moosehorn. Life revolved around these services to a large degree. Unfortunately, these services no longer exist. I found it most gratifying to be able to preserve their memory on canvas. The people portrayed are local people some living, and some have passed. I regret that space does not allow for me to include all the many interesting people who helped in the development of this town. For those who hold a special place in their hearts for Moosehorn, there is a beckoning to return from near and far.