President's Message
Come Home to History: The Dalnavert Visitors Centre
Dalnavert News
Heritage News
Sir John A. Macdonald Dinner
Will Rural Road Names Become History?
MHS Annual Multicultural Dinner
Restoration Progress at Inglis Elevators
The Manitoba Museum News
The Nellie McClung Foundation
Wrap Yourself in Tradition
Centennial Organization Award Program
Centennial Farms
New members
Contributions
2004 has finally arrived! Consequently, we are only months away from celebrating our 125th Anniversary and we have kicked off the year with an exciting January. The media attention has been excellent: two articles in the Winnipeg Free Press and guest spots on CBC Radio and the A-Channel have provided many Manitobans with information regarding our milestone and accomplishments.
Many of you were fortunate to attend the Sir John A. Macdonald Dinner. Our guest speaker, author Jake MacDonald, accompanied by musical and performing artists, Manitoba's own Simpson's Folly, made this year's dinner special and very enjoyable. It was also an exceptional occasion to witness former Manitoba Premiers, Howard Pawley and Gary Filmon together.
During our Society's celebratory year, we are planning to have an extremely productive and exciting time. Our traditional events such as Chocolate Madness, the Multicultural Dinner, Field Trips and our Annual General Meeting are currently in the planning stages. Special events such as lectures, displays and our actual 125th Anniversary Celebration are also being prepared. For further information of upcoming events, please read this and future editions of Keywords or contact our Office Manager, Jackie Friesen.
This is a very exciting time to become involved with the Manitoba Historical Society. I urge those interested to attend MHS events and to consider participating on a Committee. The MHS has existed for 125 years. Its longevity must be attributed to the passion and commitment of the members and by becoming involved will only ensure we thrive for at least another 125 years.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday Season and is looking forward to making this a year of pride and celebration for the Society.
During the recent festive season many people attended one or more of the events or programs held at Dalnavert, making it one of the best seasons ever. Visitors to our Festive Sunday event were entertained by the voices of the Pot-Pourri Singers and the lovely music played by harpist Kathleen McDonald. If you were amongst those who entered the Christmas Raffle the winners were: Cheryl Ottenbreit who won the first prize a book, W.O. Mitchell Country by Courtney Milne; Irene Zurawsky who won the second prize a book, A Thousand Miles of Prairie, edited by Jim Blanchard; and Elizaber Berard won the third prize, "A Christmas Carol" CD, performed by Richard Hurst. Thanks to all who entered.
Harpist Kathleen McDonald
Although the anniversary date isn't until June, this year is Dalnavert's 30th anniversary of operation. The first program of the year is a pleasurable distraction from the cold weather. On Sunday February 8th we will once again be hosting our most flavourful program - "Chocolate Madness". After enjoying a low-calorie lunch, at home, come out to Dalnavert and indulge yourself in a decadent dessert or two. This fund raising event will take place from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. At the event there will be an opportunity to sample an assortment of chocolate desserts, each item bearing a cost relating to their chocolate content, coffee is free. This will also be an opportunity to buy a special Valentine treat for your "sweetie". Admission to the event, one free sampling ticket and an opportunity to tour of the museum costs $5.00. Additional sampling tickets will cost a very reasonable 50 cents each or twelve for $5.
The School of Scottish Arts continues with the second of this year's series of programs, "Links and Lanes of Scotland". Join us for a colourful presentation of the famous, the unique and the best golf courses in Scotland and the exhilarating bicycle and hiking trails in the highlands and lowlands. While we travel through our favourite parts of Scotland either on foot or by bicycle, we'll show you famous landmarks, stop and play 9 or 18 holes of golf and suggest many dining/drinking establishments for you to enjoy. We'll give you travel tips, suggestions for accommodations and other pertinent information to make your dream trip an experience you'll never forget! The cost is only $8 per person. Pre-registration is preferred and can be done by calling 943-2835.
We have already received a number of inquiries regarding this year's Garage Sale. Those who had items to dispose of left them at Dalnavert. If you too find yourself in the position of having to dispose of items from your own home or that of a friend or relative why not think of the museum's May Garage Sale. With this same topic in mind there is another way in which you could assist Dalnavert monetarily. Sometimes we find ourselves burdened with extra pieces of furniture or household goods. In such a case there is a way in which it could be turned to Dalnavert in a profitable way. The museum has a working relationship with a local auction house where once an item is sold Dalnavert gains the net proceeds and you receive a tax receipt for the selling price. If any Society member should have a need to dispose of something in either manner please give Tim Worth a call at 943-2835.
We would like to recognize those who have chosen to support the operational component of Dalnavert in the past two months by making a monetary donation: Mrs. T. Hume Gibson, the estate of Edwin Nix, Geraldine L. Robinson, Marina Plett-Lyle, Dave King, Mr. & Mrs. P. Tod and anonymous donors. Thank you ever so much.
The inaugural Lieutenant Governor Westman Regional Winter Festival takes place on February 5, 6, 7 and 8 in Brandon. The festival, which will resemble Winnipeg's Festival de Voyageur and Folklarama, is a joint venture of the City of Brandon and the Westman Multicultural Council. There will be six cultural pavilions showcasing the heritage, customs and food of different cultural groups. German, Ukrainian and Métis pavilions have been confirmed and others are pending. On February 7 Lieutenant Governor Peter Liba will judge a snow sculpture competition organized by the Brandon Downtown Business Improvement Association.
The Carman-Dufferin Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee has marked four historic sites in the municipality of Dufferin:
The committee plans to mark four more sites in Dufferin and four in the Carman during the next year.
At the Costume Museum of Canada in Dugald look forward in 2004 to a spectacular display of costumes and props that were recently received from Winnipeg's Rainbow Stage. The display will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Rainbow Stage.
The Fort Garry Historical Society, an affiliate of MHS, will hold its annual meeting at the Pembina Trail Library, 2724 Pembina Highway on Saturday, February 21 at 2:00 p.m. There will be an open discussion on the future work of the society - "Preserving the past for the 21st Century." Visitors are welcome.
A limited number of copies of Captured Memories, a pictorial history book on the R.M. of Louise are still available. The book, published by Pilot Mound Museum with pictures from the museum collection as well as other sources, is a visual record of activities, events, personalities, sites and street scenes throughout the last hundred years. Copies may be ordered for $20.00 from the Pilot Mound Museum/Library, Box 126 Pilot Mound, R0G 1P0 Telephone (204) 825-2784 or (204) 825-2035. E-mail pmlibrary@mts.net
The Beautiful Plains Museum in Neepawa is working on new displays. These include a dress shop upstairs and an expanded sports room downstairs. The museum has taken over responsibility for an old fire truck that has already appeared in a number of parades during the past year. A fundraising project is the sale of prints of paintings done by Dr. William Hobbs of Boissevain. He has painted several train stations, including Neepawa's CN station circa 1920. Prints are available for $50. The original is currently on display in the window of Harris Pharmacy. For more information call Alan at (204) 476-2723 or Don at (204) 476-5131.
The Souris and District Heritage Club held its 14th annual meeting at "The Plum" - 1883 Souris Heritage Church Museum on November 25. The Annual Report highlighted a) the 120th Anniversary of the building, August 13, 2003 b) the glowing report of the Beautification judge c) the completion of the conservation and exhibit project which received one-half funding from Manitoba Department of Culture, Heritage and Tourism. The Plum had an increase in visitors over 2002 and 2001. The greatest increase was in school tours. Tourists in July and August also increased. The Karen Cartwright bobbin lace sold exclusively at the Plum Museum was popular last summer.
Portage la Prairie is the site of a year-long celebration of the 25th anniversary of the arrival of the McCain Foods plant which provides employment for 540 residents and a market for 343 million pounds of potatoes.
Come enjoy all-you-can-eat pickerel at the Delta History Fish Fry and find out about the Delta History Initiative, which is collecting information for a book on this world-renowned marsh and beach. This fundraiser fish fry will be held on Saturday, 28 February 2004, at the Herman Prior Centre, 40 Royal Road North, in Portage la Prairie. Come anytime between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. Tickets (adult $10, children 6-12 $5, kids under 6 free) will be available at the door or in advance from the Delta Marsh Field Station (toll-free 866-770-5372, Visa or Mastercard).
Joyce Goodhand, former vice-president of Manitoba Historical Society who moved to Saskatchewan a few years ago, is the executive director of South West Crisis Services in Swift Current. She has recently become a board member of the Saskatchewan History and Folklore Society.
The Centre for Rupert's Land Studies holds its biennial Colloquium in Kenora, Ontario May 26 - 29, For information about registration, program, field trips and special events contact the Centre for Rupert's Land Studies, University of Winnipeg 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg MB R3B 2E9 or check the web site: www.uwinnipeg.ca/academic/ic/rupert
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Click photos to enlarge
A very happy Celebration of 125 years of History, the first event of an exciting year! On a cold Saturday in evening on January 17th, many Manitoba Historical Society members and their friends dined together in the warm elegant ambience of the Provencher Room of the magnificent historic landmark, the Fort Garry Hotel.
On behalf of the Sir John A. Macdonald Dinner Committee, I would like to thank you all for attending. Your enthusiastic support of the Annual Sir John A. Macdonald Dinner is very much appreciated. We are indebted to our many sponsors and contributors who added to the success of the evening.
The amusing reminiscences of their time in office given by the Hon. Howard Pawley and the Hon. Gary Filmon added a lighthearted touch to the evening. The traditional music of the 1800s provided so charmingly by Simpson’s Folly took us back to that historic time in Manitoba history. Our keynote speaker, Jake MacDonald, engaged his audience in a fascinating accounting of the role of Sir John A. Macdonald and the development of the province of Manitoba.
Congratulatory messages were received from her Excellency, the Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, the Hon. Paul Martin, and the Hon. Peter Liba. Greetings from the Provincial Government were given by Hon. Peter Bjornson, Minister of Education, and from City Council represented by Councillor Garth Steek.
Arrangements were made by Céline Kear to have members of the press present, and coverage was received in both the Sun and the Free Press.
In closing I would like to thank MHS President, Steven Place and his wife Liza for their assistance at the event; it is very much appreciated. Thank you also to the Dinner Committee members for all of their support and advice, in planning the event and their participation during the evening. Also, my appreciation is extended to Carl James and Tim Worth for assisting with the raffle, almost $700.00 was collected in raffle proceeds alone; and for Bill Fraser for photographing the event. Thanks are also extended to Judith Hudson Beattie and Corinne Tellier for arranging the Society display, which enhanced the main stage.
Finally, I am extremely grateful to Jackie Friesen, the Office Manager, for her very pleasant assistance over the past four months, and for overseeing details during the dinner. It is very difficult to find adequate words to express my thanks.
Margaret Morse, Chair
Sir John A. Macdonald Dinner Committee
Manitoba Historical Society
An article in the January 8, 2004 Manitoba Co-operator raises this question. To comply with the new civic addressing standards, some rural municipalities are already putting up new road signs. Each grid road is to be named by a numbering system based on its location from the prime meridian, if it runs north or south or from the international border, if it runs east and west. This system will make 911 emergency response much easier but road names commemorating pioneer families and one-room schools may be forgotten within a generation. For more information on the new addressing standards go to the Association of Manitoba Municipalities web page www.amm.mb.ca and search "Civic Addressing Standards."
St. John's Cathedral
(click to enlarge)
In March 2004 our popular annual Multicultural Dinner will celebrate ... The Manitoba Historical Society.
Manitoba Historical Society members and friends are invited to help celebrate our 125th anniversary by attending a gala evening featuring
Will the dinner include pemmican and bannock? Not a chance! By 1879 the young city of Winnipeg was striving to become a sophisticated urban centre. Roast beef was the principal item on menus of the day, as it will be on ours.
Period attire will be appreciated, but is not required.
Cost per person: $25.00
Lower Hall, St. John's Cathedral
135 Anderson Avenue
(Handicapped accessible)
Tour of Cathedral 6:00 p.m.
Dinner 7:00 p. m.
Note: Street parking only. Driveway may be used to drop off and pick up passengers at the door but no parking in the churchyard please.
Transit Route 18 stops at Main and Anderson, one block west of the cathedral.
Please phone the MHS office at 947-0559 by March 10, 2004 for more information or to make reservations. We accept Visa.
Information from On Track, the Official Newsletter of the Inglis Elevators National Historic Site, Fall 2003.
Elevator #1 UGG - The elevator was raised and straightened, new cribbing, shiplap, siding, shingles and windows installed. Siding was painted. A 20" slab and a 20" grade beam were poured. The driveway was raised and straightened.
Elevators # 3 & 4 Reliance - Work on these elevators was completed and Reliance logos were painted on the front of the elevators.
Elevator # 5 Paterson - The front of the elevator was painted and the Paterson logo almost completed.
Paterson Annex - New bottom and upper floors were installed.
More information is available on the web page: www.ingliselevators.com.
The elevators are closed for the winter but will be open again next summer. Basic fees to become a member of Inglis Elevator National Historic Site are $30.00 for an individual or $50.00 for a family. To purchase a membership or make a donation contact:
Inglis Area Heritage Committee Inc.
P.O. Box 81
Inglis, MB R0J 0X0
Tax receipts are provided.
A special exhibition is on display until March 4: Reshaping Memory, Owning History: Through the Lens of Japanese Canadian Redress. This is a travelling exhibit produced by the Japanese Canadian National Museum and Archives in Burnaby, B.C.
A special program is presented on Sundays in the Parkland/Mixed Woods Gallery:
February 8
Commercial Fishing in all Seasons on Lake Winnipeg - Join a commercial fishing family to learn about net-making, jigging and the use of fishing equipment on one of Manitoba's great lakes.
February 15
Cree Stories from Red River and Loon Straits - Ruth Christie shares tales of growing up on Loon Straits and other Cree Legends.
February 22
Ojibway Stories - Presenter to be announced.
February 29
Ukrainian Traditions and Folklore - Roman Yereniuk and Hanna Tarasuik bring the Ukrainian culture alive in front of the Ukrainian Rye Farm Diorama.
March 7
Mennonite Stories and Traditions from Southeastern Manitoba - Listen to tales from the Kehler family as they share stories of their past in Neuberghtal. Learn about authentic objects presented in a display from the Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach.
March 14
Stories from St. Andrews - Join storyteller Marc Kuly and his father Barry as they recount tales from the St. Andrews area.
March 21
Icelandic Stories - Presenter to be announced.
Nellie McClung (1873-1951)
Manitoba Archives photo
Members of the Manitoba Legislature voted unanimously to pass Bill 202, a private member's bill - The Nellie McClung Foundation Act. The act creates a foundation empowered to raise funds for the creation, erection and maintenance of a statue on the grounds of the Manitoba Legislative Building to commemorate Nellie McClung.
A board of no fewer than five trustees appointed by the Manitou-Pembina Cultural and Heritage Committee will manage the foundation. The foundation is expected to conduct fundraising and to manage and invest the funds in the best interest of the foundation.
Nellie McClung was born Helen Letitia Mooney in Chatsworth, Ontario in 1873. She moved to Manitoba in 1880 and attended school in Brandon from age 10 to 15. She completed Normal school and took a teaching position in Manitou in 1890. There she met and married her husband Robert Wesley McClung. In 1911 they moved to Winnipeg where Nellie McClung became one of the founding members of the Political Equality League and began lobbying for women's suffrage. She is perhaps best known for her role in the women's mock parliament at the Walker Theatre In 1916, partly as a result of her efforts, Manitoba was the first province to give women the right to vote.
In 1929 Nellie McClung was one of the "famous five" who successfully petitioned he Federal Government to have the legal definition of "person" expanded to include women. She wrote 16 books. In 1938 she represented Canada as a delegate to the League of Nations.
February 21 at the Bay Polo Park
February 22 at the Bay Downtown
Make your own "Genuine Hudson's Bay Company Point Blanket Capote" made from real HBC Point Blankets. You will be given the patterns and instructions to walk away with a complete blanket coat.
From the backs of the early fur traders to the knees of the royal family, Hudson's Bay blankets have long been part of Canada's national identity. This unique, one day workshop includes storytellers, a presentation on the history of the blankets, lunch and all the materials needed to complete your very own capote.
Multi-coloured blankets and other colours are available to choose from.
For further information or to register, please contact Kimberly Sabad (Polo Park) at 204-9753228 or Rita Diapolo at 204-926-0670 or Ivanka Dmytryshyn at 204-926-0998 (Downtown location). The workshop will be conducted by Suzan Lagrove of the Hudson's Bay Company's Heritage Department. Suzan can be reached at 250-385-1311 local 503 or by e-mail at suzan.lagrove@hbc.com
Cost: $200 plus GST
Fees include all supplies including blanket, sewing supplies, lunch and guest speaker Judith Hudson Beattie.
Length: 1 day 10:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M.
Click here for information on this new MHS program.
Click here for an updated list of Centennial Farms.
Doug Belcher
Bruce G. Donaldson
Mr. & Mrs. Dave Dueck
Robin Baxter
The Manitoba Historical Society would like to thank and acknowledge the following contributors and sponsors:
Sir John A. Macdonald Dinner
Sponsors:
Ida Albo
Fort Garry Hotel
Winnipeg Free Press
Mrs. W. Steward Martin
Meyers Norris PennyContributors:
A Channel – Big Breakfast
Judith Hudson Beattie
Mary Beamish
Beyond Flowers
Jim Blanchard
Keith Burr, ANAF, Vets Unit 60, Pipes & Drums
Shirley Bradshaw
CBC Radio - Ron Robinson
Senator Douglas Everett & Mrs. Everett
Ivan Eyre
Great Plains Publications
Heritage Winnipeg
Hon. Justice Ben Hewak
Carl James
Dr. John C. Lehr
Manitoba Naturalist Society
Randolf Koes, Illustrator
Mordens Chocolates
Margaret Morse
Hon. Justice Nathan Nurgitz
Liza Place
Prairie Pathfinders
Prairie Theatre Exchange
Miles Pepper
George T. Richardson
Royal Winnipeg Ballet
University of Manitoba Press
Phyllis Watson
Winnipeg Sun
Women's Musical Club of Winnipeg
Hon. Justice Scott Wright
WOW Hospitality
Mary Louise Zorniak
MHS-Dalnavert Visitors Centre "This Old House" Campaign
Hon. Duff Roblin
Margaret MacKenzie
Margaret Lynne & James Astwood
Sam Loschiavo
Evelyn H. M. Sawyer
Brian J. McKenzie
Miles H. Pepper
Betty Jo Johnston
W. L. Wardrop
Judith Valenzuela
Bente Cunnings
Ada Allen
R. Allan Patterson
Alfred Monnin
M. E. Frances Mills
Jean G. Campbell
A. D. Brady
Céline & Alan Kear
G. A. McMurray
Dr. T. K. Thorlakson
Muriel Aboul-Atta
Tim & Jean Worth - in memory Of K & P. Worth
Doug Belcher
Beverly A. Jackson
Marilyn De Von Flint
K. R. Brown
Bernice Bell
Carl James & Sandra Mott James
Lisa Hardess & Rodney Macdonald
Carol Scott
Len & Joan Goldsborough
Kathleen Sinclair
William J. Fraser
Carol Polson
R. Waldron
Bernice Bell
MHS - Dalnavert Visitors Centre Capital Campaign
Estate of Ed. Nix
Ruth Palmour
Senga Limited
The Bank of Nova Scotia
George T. Richardson
B. A. Robinson Co. Ltd.
Investors Group
The Murphy Foundation Incorporated
Gemini Fashions
R. A. N. Bonnycastle
Contributions - Manitoba Historical Society
Estate of Edwin P. Nix
Isabella Dryden
Shirlee Anne Smith
Judith Valenzuela
Friesens Corporation
Janet Stevenson
Ernst Hansch Foundation
Contributions - Dalnavert
Senga Limited
Contributions - Centennial Farms Program
Lee Treilhard
Contributions - MHS Heritage Trust Fund
Ruth Barker
Manitoba Historical Society Executive 2003-2004
Click to enlarge
Front: Judith Hudson Beattie, Stephanie Middagh, Steven Place, Gordon Goldsborough
Back: Jim Blanchard, Bill Fraser, Ken Zealand
Page revised: 23 April 2011
