History of Wakaw
Geneva Mission:
The history of the town of Wakaw began in 1903, with the establishment of the "Geneva Mission" by the Presbyterian Church. Reverend George Arthur was the first missionary. He & his father-in-law, built the "Mission House". This house eventually became a school, a post office and hospital. In 1906 the Anna Turnbull Memorial hospital was built just west of the mission house. Dr. R. G. Scott succeeded Rev. Arthur as missionary at the Geneva Mission, and he oversaw the creation of a new, larger hospital in 1912. During the war, epidemics & depression, this site became one of the main centres of activity in the area until it closed its doors in 1942. The hospital is no longer standing, but the site is still known as "Scott's Point".
After the hospital closed, the Geneva Mission house became home to Mr & Mrs. John Bailey. In 1996, architect Roman Bergerman and interior designer Marlene Hamilton, purchased the house and grounds. The home, now restored and fully renovated, still retains much of its heritage and remains a landmark of the community.
Please keep in mind that the existing Geneva Mission house and grounds are now private property but that the site of the memorial cairn is a shared public historic site. You are encouraged to take time to stop and sign the visitor's registry (in the small white shed) maintained by volunteers from the Wakaw Historical Museum.
Anna Turnbull Memorial Hospital
Dr. R. G. Scott
