Elevated view of the betatron being slid down wood ramps into the basement of the Physics Building.

Bio/Historical Note: In May 1948 Dr. Harold E. Johns, Dr. Newton Haslam, and Dr. Leon Katz, professors of Physics at the University of Saskatchewan, travelled to Milwaukee to inspect the betatron that had been built for the U of S. In August of that same year, the U of S installed in the Physics Annex the first betatron in Canada—the world’s first betatron used for a cancer treatment program. Dr. Johns then began the design and construction of one of the first cobalt-60 teletherapy units. Dr. Johns and his graduate students became the first researchers in the world to successfully treat a cancer patient using cobalt-60 radiation therapy. It was also used for research programs in nuclear physics, radiation chemistry, cancer therapy and radiation biology. In 1951 the world’s first calibrated Cobalt-60 cancer therapy unit was installed at University Hospital (G Wing). The calibration work was done by Dr. Sylvia Fedoruk through rigorous depth dose measurements. In early 1952, Maclean's magazine had dubbed the cobalt-source radiotherapy machine the cobalt bomb - a tongue-in-cheek tribute to this peaceful use of nuclear technology. Dr. Johns’ pioneering work in cobalt-60 teletherapy became the gold standard for radiation therapy for many years and thousands of units were installed worldwide, helping countless patients. The original treatment device was used in Saskatchewan until 1972. The work Dr. Johns and his team did on the physics of high energy photon beams was fundamental, and still forms the basis of most treatment planning systems in use today.

Newspaper clipping with a photo showing three men unloading the betatron and a textual description which reads: "Moving the betatron from a flat car on the university grounds was a heavy task. The machine, seen in the foreground, is the betratron itself, or magnetic unit, and the white cabinet in the rear is the control unit. It is used for nuclear research. The betatron is a five-ton pressure unit which has been adjusted to 1/1000 of an inch. The machine was mounted on heavy springs suspended on the flat car to absorb shocks in transit."

Bio/Historical Note: In May 1948 Dr. Harold E. Johns, Dr. Newton Haslam, and Dr. Leon Katz, professors of Physics at the University of Saskatchewan, travelled to Milwaukee to inspect the betatron that had been built for the U of S. In August of that same year, the U of S installed in the Physics Annex the first betatron in Canada—the world’s first betatron used for a cancer treatment program. Dr. Johns then began the design and construction of one of the first cobalt-60 teletherapy units. Dr. Johns and his graduate students became the first researchers in the world to successfully treat a cancer patient using cobalt-60 radiation therapy. It was also used for research programs in nuclear physics, radiation chemistry, cancer therapy and radiation biology. In 1951 the world’s first calibrated Cobalt-60 cancer therapy unit was installed at University Hospital (G Wing). The calibration work was done by Dr. Sylvia Fedoruk through rigorous depth dose measurements. In early 1952, Maclean's magazine had dubbed the cobalt-source radiotherapy machine the cobalt bomb - a tongue-in-cheek tribute to this peaceful use of nuclear technology. Dr. Johns’ pioneering work in cobalt-60 teletherapy became the gold standard for radiation therapy for many years and thousands of units were installed worldwide, helping countless patients. The original treatment device was used in Saskatchewan until 1972. The work Dr. Johns and his team did on the physics of high energy photon beams was fundamental, and still forms the basis of most treatment planning systems in use today.

From back of photo: "Arranging patient in front of 25 million-volt betatron in preparation for treatment are nurse Anne Chudy and Dr. Thomas A. Watson, director of the Saskatoon Cancer Clinic..."

Bio/Historical Note: In May 1948 Dr. Harold E. Johns, Dr. Newton Haslam, and Dr. Leon Katz, professors of Physics at the University of Saskatchewan, travelled to Milwaukee to inspect the betatron that had been built for the U of S. In August of that same year, the U of S installed in the Physics Annex the first betatron in Canada—the world’s first betatron used for a cancer treatment program. Dr. Johns then began the design and construction of one of the first cobalt-60 teletherapy units. Dr. Johns and his graduate students became the first researchers in the world to successfully treat a cancer patient using cobalt-60 radiation therapy. It was also used for research programs in nuclear physics, radiation chemistry, cancer therapy and radiation biology. In 1951 the world’s first calibrated Cobalt-60 cancer therapy unit was installed at University Hospital (G Wing). The calibration work was done by Dr. Sylvia Fedoruk through rigorous depth dose measurements. In early 1952, Maclean's magazine had dubbed the cobalt-source radiotherapy machine the cobalt bomb - a tongue-in-cheek tribute to this peaceful use of nuclear technology. Dr. Johns’ pioneering work in cobalt-60 teletherapy became the gold standard for radiation therapy for many years and thousands of units were installed worldwide, helping countless patients. The original treatment device was used in Saskatchewan until 1972. The work Dr. Johns and his team did on the physics of high energy photon beams was fundamental, and still forms the basis of most treatment planning systems in use today.

Image of grassy area beside railroad tracks used for camping. A tent, people and an automobile in foreground; the Better Farming Train in background.

Bio/Historical Note: From 1914 to 1922 a Better Farming Train (BFT) toured the province providing lectures and demonstrations and presenting exhibits on matters pertaining to agriculture. Funded by the Agricultural Instruction Act, equipped jointly by the Department of Agriculture and the College of Agriculture, and staffed by the University of Saskatchewan, the BFTs were operated free of charge by the railways. Consisting of between 14 to 17 cars they toured the province for several weeks each summer. During part of one summer two trains operated. The train was divided into five sections: Livestock; Field Husbandry; Boys and Girls; Household Science; Poultry; and Farm Mechanics. A converted flat car acted as a platform for the display and demonstration of the "well-selected" horses, cattle, sheep, swine and poultry. Each section usually contained a lecture car accompanied by one or more demonstration cars.

Image of exterior of the Livestock Car of the Better Farming Train with hogs and sheep in pens.

Bio/Historical Note: From 1914 to 1922 a Better Farming Train (BFT) toured the province providing lectures and demonstrations and presenting exhibits on matters pertaining to agriculture. Funded by the Agricultural Instruction Act, equipped jointly by the Department of Agriculture and the College of Agriculture, and staffed by the University of Saskatchewan, the BFTs were operated free of charge by the railways. Consisting of between 14 to 17 cars they toured the province for several weeks each summer. During part of one summer two trains operated. The train was divided into five sections: Livestock; Field Husbandry; Boys and Girls; Household Science; Poultry; and Farm Mechanics. A converted flat car acted as a platform for the display and demonstration of the "well-selected" horses, cattle, sheep, swine and poultry. Each section usually contained a lecture car accompanied by one or more demonstration cars.

Image of a horse and three staff members on the Livestock Car.

Bio/Historical Note: From 1914 to 1922 a Better Farming Train (BFT) toured the province providing lectures and demonstrations and presenting exhibits on matters pertaining to agriculture. Funded by the Agricultural Instruction Act, equipped jointly by the Department of Agriculture and the College of Agriculture, and staffed by the University of Saskatchewan, the BFTs were operated free of charge by the railways. Consisting of between 14 to 17 cars they toured the province for several weeks each summer. During part of one summer two trains operated. The train was divided into five sections: Livestock; Field Husbandry; Boys and Girls; Household Science; Poultry; and Farm Mechanics. A converted flat car acted as a platform for the display and demonstration of the "well-selected" horses, cattle, sheep, swine and poultry. Each section usually contained a lecture car accompanied by one or more demonstration cars.

People peer into flat car with pens of sheep and [hogs]; grain elevator in background.

Bio/Historical Note: From 1914 to 1922 a Better Farming Train (BFT) toured the province providing lectures and demonstrations and presenting exhibits on matters pertaining to agriculture. Funded by the Agricultural Instruction Act, equipped jointly by the Department of Agriculture and the College of Agriculture, and staffed by the University of Saskatchewan, the BFTs were operated free of charge by the railways. Consisting of between 14 to 17 cars they toured the province for several weeks each summer. During part of one summer two trains operated. The train was divided into five sections: Livestock; Field Husbandry; Boys and Girls; Household Science; Poultry; and Farm Mechanics. A converted flat car acted as a platform for the display and demonstration of the "well-selected" horses, cattle, sheep, swine and poultry. Each section usually contained a lecture car accompanied by one or more demonstration cars.

The exterior of the Field Crops and Mechanics Lecture Car, and the Boys' and Girls' Lantern Car.

Bio/Historical Note: From 1914 to 1922 a Better Farming Train (BFT) toured the province providing lectures and demonstrations and presenting exhibits on matters pertaining to agriculture. Funded by the Agricultural Instruction Act, equipped jointly by the Department of Agriculture and the College of Agriculture, and staffed by the University of Saskatchewan, the BFTs were operated free of charge by the railways. Consisting of between 14 to 17 cars they toured the province for several weeks each summer. During part of one summer two trains operated. The train was divided into five sections: Livestock; Field Husbandry; Boys and Girls; Household Science; Poultry; and Farm Mechanics. A converted flat car acted as a platform for the display and demonstration of the "well-selected" horses, cattle, sheep, swine and poultry. Each section usually contained a lecture car accompanied by one or more demonstration cars.

Unidentified man standing in the Poultry Car of the Better Farming Train.

Bio/Historical Note: From 1914 to 1922 a Better Farming Train (BFT) toured the province providing lectures and demonstrations and presenting exhibits on matters pertaining to agriculture. Funded by the Agricultural Instruction Act, equipped jointly by the Department of Agriculture and the College of Agriculture, and staffed by the University of Saskatchewan, the BFTs were operated free of charge by the railways. Consisting of between 14 to 17 cars they toured the province for several weeks each summer. During part of one summer two trains operated. The train was divided into five sections: Livestock; Field Husbandry; Boys and Girls; Household Science; Poultry; and Farm Mechanics. A converted flat car acted as a platform for the display and demonstration of the "well-selected" horses, cattle, sheep, swine and poultry. Each section usually contained a lecture car accompanied by one or more demonstration cars.

A group of predominantly women seated and watching a lantern slide presentation in the Tree Planting Car. Staff are identified as T.R. Stevenson and John Mitchell. Photo taken from front of car.

Bio/Historical Note: From 1914 to 1922 a Better Farming Train (BFT) toured the province providing lectures and demonstrations and presenting exhibits on matters pertaining to agriculture. Funded by the Agricultural Instruction Act, equipped jointly by the Department of Agriculture and the College of Agriculture, and staffed by the University of Saskatchewan, the BFTs were operated free of charge by the railways. Consisting of between 14 to 17 cars they toured the province for several weeks each summer. During part of one summer two trains operated. The train was divided into five sections: Livestock; Field Husbandry; Boys and Girls; Household Science; Poultry; and Farm Mechanics. A converted flat car acted as a platform for the display and demonstration of the "well-selected" horses, cattle, sheep, swine and poultry. Each section usually contained a lecture car accompanied by one or more demonstration cars.

Children sit on benches and look at two illustrations of local birds. Staff member [Harry Saville] at projector inside the Boys' and Girls' Lantern Car. View from back of car looking towards screen.

Bio/Historical Note: From 1914 to 1922 a Better Farming Train (BFT) toured the province providing lectures and demonstrations and presenting exhibits on matters pertaining to agriculture. Funded by the Agricultural Instruction Act, equipped jointly by the Department of Agriculture and the College of Agriculture, and staffed by the University of Saskatchewan, the BFTs were operated free of charge by the railways. Consisting of between 14 to 17 cars they toured the province for several weeks each summer. During part of one summer two trains operated. The train was divided into five sections: Livestock; Field Husbandry; Boys and Girls; Household Science; Poultry; and Farm Mechanics. A converted flat car acted as a platform for the display and demonstration of the "well-selected" horses, cattle, sheep, swine and poultry. Each section usually contained a lecture car accompanied by one or more demonstration cars.

L.E. Kirk (background) and G. Murray, staff members, standing behind a display of grains with posters.

Bio/Historical Note: From 1914 to 1922 a Better Farming Train (BFT) toured the province providing lectures and demonstrations and presenting exhibits on matters pertaining to agriculture. Funded by the Agricultural Instruction Act, equipped jointly by the Department of Agriculture and the College of Agriculture, and staffed by the University of Saskatchewan, the BFTs were operated free of charge by the railways. Consisting of between 14 to 17 cars they toured the province for several weeks each summer. During part of one summer two trains operated. The train was divided into five sections: Livestock; Field Husbandry; Boys and Girls; Household Science; Poultry; and Farm Mechanics. A converted flat car acted as a platform for the display and demonstration of the "well-selected" horses, cattle, sheep, swine and poultry. Each section usually contained a lecture car accompanied by one or more demonstration cars.

A group of women chatting inside the Lecture Car.

Bio/Historical Note: From 1914 to 1922 a Better Farming Train (BFT) toured the province providing lectures and demonstrations and presenting exhibits on matters pertaining to agriculture. Funded by the Agricultural Instruction Act, equipped jointly by the Department of Agriculture and the College of Agriculture, and staffed by the University of Saskatchewan, the BFTs were operated free of charge by the railways. Consisting of between 14 to 17 cars they toured the province for several weeks each summer. During part of one summer two trains operated. The train was divided into five sections: Livestock; Field Husbandry; Boys and Girls; Household Science; Poultry; and Farm Mechanics. A converted flat car acted as a platform for the display and demonstration of the "well-selected" horses, cattle, sheep, swine and poultry. Each section usually contained a lecture car accompanied by one or more demonstration cars.

"Young children were taken care of here while their parents attend the lectures." Staff and children in the Nursery Car of the Better Farming Train. Rear of children's slide in foreground.

Bio/Historical Note: From 1914 to 1922 a Better Farming Train (BFT) toured the province providing lectures and demonstrations and presenting exhibits on matters pertaining to agriculture. Funded by the Agricultural Instruction Act, equipped jointly by the Department of Agriculture and the College of Agriculture, and staffed by the University of Saskatchewan, the BFTs were operated free of charge by the railways. Consisting of between 14 to 17 cars they toured the province for several weeks each summer. During part of one summer two trains operated. The train was divided into five sections: Livestock; Field Husbandry; Boys and Girls; Household Science; Poultry; and Farm Mechanics. A converted flat car acted as a platform for the display and demonstration of the "well-selected" horses, cattle, sheep, swine and poultry. Each section usually contained a lecture car accompanied by one or more demonstration cars.

"Young children were taken care of here while their parents attend the lectures." Lucy Murray, Miss J. Gillespie, Mrs. Fife, and Mrs. Elva Currie, staff members, with children in the Nursery Car of the Better Farming Train.

Bio/Historical Note: From 1914 to 1922 a Better Farming Train (BFT) toured the province providing lectures and demonstrations and presenting exhibits on matters pertaining to agriculture. Funded by the Agricultural Instruction Act, equipped jointly by the Department of Agriculture and the College of Agriculture, and staffed by the University of Saskatchewan, the BFTs were operated free of charge by the railways. Consisting of between 14 to 17 cars they toured the province for several weeks each summer. During part of one summer two trains operated. The train was divided into five sections: Livestock; Field Husbandry; Boys and Girls; Household Science; Poultry; and Farm Mechanics. A converted flat car acted as a platform for the display and demonstration of the "well-selected" horses, cattle, sheep, swine and poultry. Each section usually contained a lecture car accompanied by one or more demonstration cars.