A Landmark in Stone
Located near the former village of Cardross, the Parker House has earned its place among Saskatchewan’s most treasured stone houses. The house showcases a distinctive dual-style construction that reveals the collaborative spirit of the Parker family:
- Front façade and fireplace: Crafted by the skilled stonemason Charlie Parker, the stonework here features neatly squared, professionally placed stones that exhibit precision and artistry
- Other walls: The side and rear walls were built by Eddie Parker, using uncut, field stones in a more rustic, random rubble style—practical, resourceful, and equally strong
This contrast not only speaks to differing skill sets but also hints at a cost-saving strategy, putting the finest craftsmanship on the sides visible from the road, while using simpler methods elsewhere. Some humorously call it the “Parker Method”.
Despite years of exposure to the elements, the interior retains a surprising sense of warmth:
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The fireplace is remarkably intact and could almost invite you to tend a fire.
- According to family lore, a mounted deer head once adorned the mantelpiece, a quiet remnant of domestic life now lost.
Eddie and Edith Parker raised seven daughters in this homestead. One of their daughters, Evelyn Maude (Parker) McAdam, led an extraordinary life. She served in the Canadian Air Force, achieved her education, worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant, and contributed extensively to her community and the Royal Canadian Legion.
Another nearby structure, the Stevenson House, built in 1914 is remarkably similar in style. Also constructed with Charlie Parker’s front stonework and rougher fieldstone elsewhere, it reinforces the architectural pattern of that era and region.
The Parker House is more than just ruins in the prairie, it's a story carved in stone. It reflects the balance between artistry and practicality, the tale of a vibrant pioneer family, and the craftsmanship of a dedicated stonemason.
It's a testament to resilience and a canvas for rich prairie histories. Imagining the light filtering through the windows, the fire crackling in the fireplace, or the echoes of laughter down the steps, this house speaks volumes to those who pause and listen.
