July 1881-James Ross & Hector Sutherland were exploring
for land that they felt sure would be the choice of the Canadian Pacific Railway
for a divisional point. The juncture of Moose Jaw & Thunder Creek was the
best place to cross the river valley & there was an abundant water supply
for steam locomotives.
April 1883-The first scheduled passenger train arrived in
Moose Jaw. Moose Jaw's business centre consisted of 6 stores, 5 saloons, 1
drugstore, 2 blacksmiths, 3 hotels & 40 houses.
Early 1900’s-The tunnels underneath the city were finished,
being built for maintenance of the heating systems under the buildings in the
downtown area.
1906-1936-Moose Jaw Brewing & Malting Company was in
operation.
1920-1930’s-During the US era of Prohibition, Moose Jaw was
Al Capone's source for liquor.
1985-A truck fell through a downtown street, revealing a
tunnel that led into a vast underground network. Anthropologists and local
historians concluded that the tunnels connected several hotels that were long
rumored to have served as brothels & saloons during Prohibition.
June 2000- The Tunnels of Moose Jaw opened its doors, story
telling with history & presenting it in an entertaining & educational
way. First, that Chinese migrants lived & worked in the tunnels, providing
cheap labor while existing in a sad state as the city’s subterranean society.
Second, that the tunnels were used during prohibition for rumrunners &
gangsters.
The Moose Jaw Tunnels- Al Capone’s
Hangout?
During Prohibition, alcohol was legal in Canada & with ready access to
Chicago by rail, it was a relatively simple matter for Capone to distill &
ship alcohol in great quantities directly to Chicago for sale to fund his
criminal empire. When in Moose Jaw, Al Capone supposedly (Although there were
several reports by people who said they saw him, no photographs or documentation
exists) lived in a motel directly across the street from the Canadian Pacific
Railway depot/freight yard & operated his enterprises in a network of steam
tunnels & rooms under the streets of the city.
Moosejaw…The
Restaurant
Why did we name our restaurant/micro-brewery after a city with
such a past?
The history, whether fictious or not, of the city was so interesting; we
thought it would make a great restaurant concept. Also, the fact that we
make our own microbrew at Moosejaw lent itself wonderfully to Al Capone using
the city as a hub of action during the Prohibition.
Our tribute’s to this past include:
~ The Canadian
flag proudly displayed in the restaurant’s entryway.
~Many of the large
trusses used in building were flown in from Canada.
~Our logo the Mountie
Moose-decorated to represent the Royal Canadian Mounted Police famous Red Serge
Uniform.
~The Red Maple Leaf located in many of our advertising pieces,
giving nod to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
~The Shaved Capone- It's
rumored Al Capone would smuggle the famous Moosejaw Beef across the border back
to Chicago for his mom. In keeping with Al's love for Momma, we prepare thinly
sliced Italian-style beef, top it with pepperoncinis, green & red peppers,
mushrooms, provolone cheese & a sweet gangsta mustard sauce all on a toasted
roll.
~ The Canadian Club-Served warm on a Ciabatta roll & stuffed
with roast pork, sliced ham, sliced Canadian bacon, Swiss cheese & dill
pickles. Topped off with a Dijon bistro sauce.
~ Saskatchewan
Sodas-A super brewpub needs a super soda selection! Handcrafted on premises for
freshness! Selections include: Moosejaw Rootbeer, Gonzo Grape & Orange.
Also, pictures of this colorful history adorn the walls of the restaurant.
