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 Coming from Saskatchewan and knowing little bits
of its history, a town that comes to mind is "Beanfate" (say it out loud), at least that is how the English
speaking residents of the province call it. It is actually spelled Bienfait.
It was thought that it was named by a French Railroad worker when he pounded in the last spike
of the day at the town location and was heard to say "Bien Fait" or "Well Done" in French.
But that is not the case.
(Click on the picture to enlarge)
The Town of Bienfait got it's name from the Railroad. Same as just about every other settlement
back in the early 1900's Contrary to the popular belief that it was named by a French Railroad worker when he pounded
in the last spike of the day at the town location and was heard to say "Bien Fait" or "Well Done"
in French.
This was the belief for many years, but it is false. The true meaning of the origin is found
in CPR files. They reveal that Bienfait was named by the railway for a member of a Dutch Banking firm, based in
Amsterdam Holland, named Adolphe Boissevain & Co. This banking firm played a large part in introducing CPR
shares to the European Money Markets to finance the construction of the Railroad to places like Bienfait and Estevan.
The person who Bienfait owes it's name is Antoine Charles Bienfait (born in 1857) now you know the rest of the
story!
The Village of Bienfait was Incorporated Apr 16, 1912 by Archibald "Archie" Peter McNab,
(1864- 1945) Minister of Municipal Affairs Government of Saskatchewan who became Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan.
Bienfait was part of the coalfields of southeast Saskatchewan. In 1931 striking coal miners marched
from Bienfait to nearby Estevan, resulting in the Estevan Riot.
If you have the time you can read about some of the rich history of the town and view some pictures,
including this one:
(Click on the picture to enlarge)
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