Saskatoon

Saskatoon Archaeological Society calls for investigation of Farnam Block

The historic and esthetic value of the Farnam Block on Saskatoon’s Broadway Avenue is easy to see, but one organization is urging officials to consider the hidden value.

Group says there may be vaults or tunnels below

Are there hidden archaeological treasures hidden below the Farnam Block? (CBC)

The historic and esthetic value of the Farnam Block on Saskatoon’s Broadway Avenue is easy to see, but one organization is urging officials to consider the hidden value.

The Saskatoon Archaeological Society believes there may be structures underground.  

 “As an archaeological society … that does concern us,” said Karin Steuber, president of the Saskatoon Archaeological Society.

That’s why Steuber has written a letter to city hall asking that the Farnam Block site be protected so that a full assessment can be done there.

The Farnam Block has long stood as one of the architectural gems on the historic Broadway Avenue. Most recently, it was home Lydia's Pub, a popular bar and local music venue. 

The building, however, has fallen on tough times and may have to be torn down. The new owners are considering all options, but have already asked city hall for a demolition permit.

Steuber wants to prevent that. She said there may be some hidden treasures on the site, structures that could hold valuable information about the city’s history.  

"Potentially there are underground feature such as vaults or tunnels and as an archaeological society well that does concern us."

The archaeological society’s letter will be presented to a committee at city hall later this week.