Bell Farm Cottage - plaque reads "Bell Farm Cottage - 1882-1896 - In 1882 Major W.R. Bell was instrumental in forming the Qu'Appelle Valley Farming Co. with land purchased from the government and the CPR. Located north of Indian Head, it was comprised of some 53,000 acres and was the largest farming operation in the Northwest. In 1883 this cottage and 26 others like it were constructed as living quarters for farm workers and their families. This cottage is one of 9 known surviving Bell Farm structures and was used continuously as a farm residence for many years after its construction - Erected in 1985 by the Indian Head Museum Society with the co-operation of the Government of Saskatchewan"
Additional sign reads "The Qu'Appelle Farming Company was formed in 1882 and they purchased 53,000 acres of land at $1.25 per acre from the Dominion Government. Major Bell was one of the main shareholders and he also ran the farm so it became known as the "Bell Farm". In 1883 this cottage and 26 others like it were built for workers to live in on the Bell Farm. This [sic] is believed that this cottage is the only one left that hasn't been changed or torn down. In 1883 2,000 acres were seeded to Red Fife wheat and 2,000 acres to oats etc. They also broke up 2,000 acres of land that year using 160 horses and oxen with 40 sulky plows and a staff of 82 men. In the fall of 1883 30,000 bushels of No. 1 hard red spring wheat was threshed and the price was 88 cents per bushel. Some poor crops followed and in a few years the farming venture failed and went into receivership."
