Historic Sites of Manitoba: Morden Experimental Farm / Morden Research and Development Centre (First Street, Morden)

Links to:
Superintendents | Photos & Maps | Sources

This facility of the Canadian federal government specialized in the development of horticultural plants well suited to the dry conditions of the Canadian prairies. Its land was purchased in March 1915 and a tree nursery was established later that year, along with a shelterbelt of caragana and laurel willow. The next year, 25,000 apple seedlings were planted.

A stone bridge over a pond on the grounds of the farm was constructed in 1922.

A barn from the farm was moved to the Pembina Threshermen’s Museum in 1990.

Superintendents / Directors

Period

Superintendent / Director

1916-1918

S. J. Bjarnason

1918-1921

E. M. Straight

1921-1956

William Russel “Russ” Leslie (1891-1985)

1956-1959

C. C. Strachan

1959-1960

W. Breakey (acting)

1960-1966

J. W. Morrison

1966-1979

Eric Douglas Putt (1915-2004)

1980

B. B. Chubey (acting)

1980-?

D. K. McBeath

Photos & Coordinates

Aerial view of the Morden Experimental Farm

Aerial view of the Morden Experimental Farm (no date)
Source: Internet Archive, PC000667

Morden Experimental Farm

Morden Experimental Farm (September 2018)
Source: George Penner

Morden Experimental Farm

Morden Experimental Farm (August 2023)
Source: Glen Toews

Barn at the Morden Experimental Farm

Barn at the Morden Experimental Farm (August 2023)
Source: Glen Toews

Stone bridge at the Morden Experimental Farm

Stone bridge at the Morden Experimental Farm (September 2018)
Source: George Penner

Site Coordinates (lat/long): N49.18958, W98.08986
denoted by symbol on the map above

See also:

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Pembina Threshermen’s Museum (RM of Stanley)

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Brandon Experimental Farm / Brandon Research and Development Centre (Grand Valley Road, Brandon)

Sources:

A Century of Horticulture in Manitoba: 1880-1980 by Peter J. Peters, 1988, pages 32-43.

We thank George Penner, Glen Toews, and David Putt for providing additional information used here.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 4 November 2024

Historic Sites of Manitoba

This is a collection of historic sites in Manitoba compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. The information is offered for historical interest only.

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