Deleau, Manitoba

Stories

H I S T O R Y
O F
D E L E A U – B E T H E L D I S T R I C T
C E N T E N N I A L Y E A R 1967

BY (Mrs. E. P.) IRENE ROBSON

This brief history of Deleau – Bethel District is in response to the request by Mrs. O. B. Perkinson on behalf of the “Manitoba Historical Society, for Centennial Year.

DELEAU – BETHEL HISTORY

For our Centennial Year I am asked to relate the History of our particular spot in Canada, that place we call “HOME”.
Deleau-Bethel Community is a bilingual one having always been so, but I feel sure that the people of the past and the present of this area, have not found this to be of any real consequence in their lives. The two Nationalities, English and French, have enjoyed three generations of co-existence, and have more in common at this time in their history than any time previous.
For the early History of Deleau area, I presume most of our folk have the one written for the Booklet published on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of Hartney and District in 1957. A decade has passed since then and many changes have occurred. At this time in our Centennial year, we shall try to record some events of these years and also search a little farther into events and happenings of the District.
“I am grateful to those who assisted me in my research and to those whose recollections add so very much to the story of the lives of our pioneers.”

But now let us go back to 1881 when the land of this area was surveyed.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE HISTORY COMPILED IN 1957

In the month of May, 1881, the land of this area was surveyed. Many sections of land were occupied by four homesteaders. The story is told that on one section, three farmers placed their one shack in the center of the section, and that each lived in his own corner, on his own land.

There were many bachelors among the early settlers. This area consisted of three rural schools, Maffam, Menteith, and Deleau Consolidated School No. 785.

The pioneers of these areas settled in periods from 1881 to 1905. Among those coing to Deleau district in 18881-85 were J. E. Marples, E. Lapanne, the Turcotte family, Marfel, Chicoine, Ed Colleaux, Jos/ Gatin, Tom Bird, Lambert, Douven Roblin, Flock, Carpenter, Anderson, Marcq, Baude, Charles and Arthur Watts and Levi and Albert Fisher. In the period 1889-1900 came the following: S. Deleau, E. Michelle, the Renauld family, B. Blanchard, Thierry, Perlot, Daigmon and Blavier families, Victor Dupoint, Jos. Betholet, Joe Kerr, George Allen, and the J. B. Abraham family, and the Ireland brothers, Andrew, Alexander and Dave, coming in 1882. From 1900 to 1907 the later settlers included the Ivan Decock family, in 1906, the Jules Marcq family in 1904, the Paul Nannon family in 1905 and Mr. and Mrs. Con Hardy in 1907. Also Mr. and Mrs. R. Cronin and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Robson Sr. in 1911. In 1889 Sebastian Deleau, his wife and two sons arrived in the area from Belgium, homesteading on 20-7-23. In 1892 Mr. Deleau gave a portion of his land to the Canadian Pacific Railway for the site of the village which was named Deleau, in honor of this pioneer. His grandson, Albert Deleau, still resides on the old homestead. The C.P.R. reached Deleau in the year 1892. The town of Reston was then the end of the line. Mrs. S. Brigham of Winnipeg was a passenger on the train on its first trip through Deleau in December 1892. She had come to visit with her daughter, Mrs. William Robson. The first postmaster and first storekeeper at Deleau was Mr. Lapanne. Up to this time the mail was brought to Hartney by horse and buggy, and the Deleau pioneers went to Hartney and to Menteith Junction for their mail. In the village was a one-room school built in 1892, also the Roman Catholic Church which was built in 1899. This is still in use. It was renovated in 1951. It is part of the Grande Clairiere parish. The first priest was Rev. Gaire.

Mr. J. B. Abraham was an early storekeeper in the village, coming to the district in 1894. His eldest son had been in the store business in Hartney, and so the Abraham family, of several sons and one daughter operated a well-stocked store for many years, selling the business in 1918 to Levi Jay of Hartney, followed by L. Breen. Joe Kerr operated a warehouse in the village in 1895, buying grain. There was no loading platform at that time, and the bags of grain were loaded from the wagons to the railway cars by the string-arm method. The elevators were later built and remained for years. Early elevator operators were W. Abraham, Con hardy, Ralph Cronin, and Mr. McLaughlin. Much grain was loaded over loading platforms, later after the elevators were dismantled. In 1924, E. P. Robson acted as buying agent for the United Grain Growers. Loading the cars with the Robson grain blower, loading thirty thousand bushels of grain in the fall of 1928. Two of the early settlers, Sebastian Deleau and Ed Colleaux, were immigration agents; their job being to return to Belgium for immigrants, all expenses being paid by the government. Among the first immigrants to arrive at Oak Lake were the Purlot family, their children, Mrs. Eugenie Blanchard and Mrs. Victor Thierry. In 1892 a brick factory was begun and operated by Messrs. Alex Colleaux, Jos. Nannon and Jos. Gatin. This was situated north of Deleau. Later two more brick factories were opened, one on the present a. Duncan farm, and one near oak lake. The first home built from these bricks were those of Ed Colleaux and Jos. Turcotte. The church in Deleau is also built from these bricks. Mrs. V. Thierry drew bricks with oxen from the lake factory to help build the church. Others who helped were Messrs. Chicione, J. Monjeon, Turcotte, Lapanne, Jos. Gatom. Baptiste Blanchard, Jos. Bertholet, and Mr. Collignon.

It is regrettable that we have brief history of only a few of the early settlers, but theirs indicate the contribution all these folks made to the district. E. Marples and his wife came from Ontario in 1881 to Brandon. From there they followed the trail south to Wawanesa, forded the Souris River, almost losing their two cows, and came west to the Swafffhan District, later moving to the Deleau District. They homesteaded on 12-7-24. Mr. Marples owned a herd of pure-bred Hereford cattle, at one time owning the champion herd in Canada. He also raised Shetland ponies for sale. In 1906 they installed electricity in their farm buildings and new home, having their own electric plant. The family purchased their first car, a Rio, in 1908. Incidentally, it was the first car in the district. The William Robson and R. Brigham Hereford herds were begun from the Marples herd.

Gaston Deleau, son of Sebastian Deleau, operated the large farm as the older son, Desire, lived in Redvers, Saskatchewan. inn earlier days it was a unique picture to see six six-horse outfits going to work in a nearby field around 7 a.m. each spring day. Gaston raised Percheron and Belgium horses, also beef and dairy cattle. Besides being a successful farmer, he also served on the local school board and Sifton council. Mr. Deleau’s sudden passing in 1957 closes a generation f the family after which the area is named.

The Renauld family, consisting of two girls and five boys, lived south of Deleau village, settling in 1892. These Renauld boys will long be remembered as great threshermen of the early days. With them doing the threshing for their neighbours far and near was Jos. Betholet who came to the district in 1892. Mr. Betholet drove oxen in the early days. With his wife, they lived on their farm, where they raised their large family of twelve children. Mrs. Betholet and her brother Jules Marcq, lived with their uncle, lambert Marcq, on the present Decock farm when young. To Mr. and Mrs. Bertholet we are indebted for much of the early history of the district. Other settlers of 1881-82 were Tom Bird who homesteaded on S.E. 20-7-23 and John Duncan whose homestead was N.W. 22-7-23, the present home of Mr. and Mrs. Llyod Duncan. These two early pioneers did considerable carpentry work, during first years in the area. The C.P.R. first chose a site for the village of Deleau on Tom Bird’s land, but he valued his land too highly, so when Dr. Deleau donated his land, the present site was chosen. John Duncan was reeve of Sifton Municipality in the early days. The family moved to Brandon around 1910. The Ireland brothers came early in 1882 and spent the remainder of their lives in the district. Andrew homesteaded 32-7-32 where his son, Andy added 34-7-23 a little later on. Some members of the Alex and Dave Ireland families still live int eh Deleau area.

At the turn of the century, we have more families who settled in this area. The ivan Decock family came in 1902 from Belgium, and farmed their large holdings for years. Their youngest son, Frank, was in the store business in Deleau until 1964 and also owned some of the farmland around Deleau. The Paul Nannon family, who settled in 1905 on their farm, southwest of Deleau, came from Belgium, and are now retired. Their son, Maurice operated the old farm.

The Jules Marcq family settled in 1904. Mr. Marcq now lives with his younger son on the old farm. Albert runs a garage in the village. Mr. and Mrs. Con hardy took up residence int eh village in 1907. Mr. hardy bought grain for some years, and later became postmaster, until joe Turcotte took his place. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Robson came to the Deleau District in 1911, settling on the Lockhart farm northwest of the village, where they were active in church and community life. Mr. and Mrs. G. Allen who came from England around 1899, was a blacksmith in the village, later taking up farming. One professional man who lived on a farm NW of Deleau Village was Dr. Larose, it is understood, practiced in this area. His wife was a pioneer teacher at Deleau School. The Lapanne family were among the first settlers, the father operating a store and also the post office. His one son, Ed, a farm homesteading on the section which is now the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Canning. A Mr. Lapanne was the first photographer in Deleau.

In the Maffam School District northeast of Deleau village, were several pioneers. Members of some of the first families still live on the old homesteads. The Maffam School District was organized in 1893, one-half mile north of the Malcolm home. The first teacher was Miss McCallum, his salary was $40.00 per month. On the first roll are the names of 22 pupils. The first secretary-treasurer was James Canning; trustees were J. Denbow and Robt. Cooper. The earliest settlers in this area included the following families: Cooper, Walker, Kennedy, Brigham, Lowry, Spicer, Cornish, McFadden, Denbow, Duncan, Canning, Malcolm, the Gordons and the Doyle family, also the Bradleys, who came from England. Mr. Andrew Duncan, bother of James and John, was later in settling. It is impossible to obtain some history of all these pioneers, although we have been able to locate and record some.

Mr. Walker came from Ontario in 1882, securing his homestead on 34-7-23 that year. In 1889 he married the sister of Andrew Ireland. This wedding was of special interest in that it was a double wedding, the other couple being Mr. and Mrs. James Duncan (the two brides were sisters).
Messrs. Walker and Duncan operated a threshing outfit in 1888, threshing the crops for 19 farmers. Mr. and Mrs. Walker’s daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Elect, live on the old homestead. James Duncan came west to Brandon from Ontario in 1885. Because of the Riel Rebellion, his first job in the west was guarding the city of Brandon. The first fall, he was on his homestead, he walked to Brandon, returning with a cow and a cat. The latter to take care of the mice in his shack. The return journey was also made on foot. During the first years he farmed with oxen. He was superintendent of the Monteith Sunday School, served on the local council, and school board. His son, Colin, now operated the Balmoral Stock Farm, stocked with a good herd of purebred Hereford cattle.

J. T. Denbow and Mrs. Denbow with their daughter, Bertie, came from Ontario to Brandon in 1885, taking up a homestead that autumn. Here they raised a large family. Weekly church services were held at their home. One Sunday the minister from Oak Lake baptized members of the Denbow, Duncan, Walker and Doyle families. The eldest son, George, was a harness repairer. Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Denbow and family now live on the original homestead.

James Malcolm came from Scotland in 1882 to Ontario. He came west to his homestead the following year. During his first year of settlement, he was unfortunate to lose his small shack by fire. Returning to Ontario, he lived with his brother at Kincardine, Andrew Malcolm Furniture Co., and lived on the farm until his passing. His son operates the farm now.

James Canning came west in the seventies, from Quebec province, settling on his Deleau farm in 1887. He made the trip from Winnipeg to Brandon by steamboat up the Assiniboine River. He worked with the C.P.R. while the line was being built west from Brandon. Both he and his wife were especially interested in young people, and their hospitality will long be remembered. Mrs. Canning was a Sunday School teacher at Bethel Church.

Richard Brigham was an early settler of the Maffam district, coming with his parents as a young man from the Alexander district. He married Elizabeth Robson in 1897, and they successfully farmed together on Ma Maple Glen Stock Farm, now owned by W. A. Walker. Mr. Brigham raised a show herd of Hereford cattle, and was a frequent prize winner at local fairs with his all-purpose horses.

The Robert Cooper family settled on their homestead in 1888, raising a family of three girls and four boys. The members of this family have contributed much to the field of education. A son and a daughter are teaching higher education after receiving degrees, a son is clerk to the Municipality of Estevan, Mrs. Edward Cooper, C.C.F. member of the Saskatchewan Legislative, is often heard on the radio talking about legislative session proceedings.

The Andrew Doyle family of six girls and five boys, came from Dryden, Ontario, to their homestead on 14-8-23. The Doyle children were all very fond of sports and added a spark to the recreation of the community.

The Gordon family came to the district east of Deleau around 1890, homesteading on 27-7-23. This family of Presbyterian faith were an asset to the Menteith and Bethel Church committees in which they served. They were a musical family and required higher education. Their daughter Grace, Mrs. Dr. Bigelow of Brandon was a teacher during the first years of Menteith School. J. L. and Mrs. Gordon lived on the homestead until their retirement in 1944.

Thomas Daniel homesteaded the land presently owned by Garfield Jasper. He came to Manitoba from England in 11884. He worked with his neighbor, William Robson, on the railroad. On leaving the farm Mr. and Mrs. Daniel retired to Souris.

Andrew Duncan, brother of John and James came to Maffam district in 1892, from Ontario. It took Mr. Duncan 14 days to reach Brandon due to a railroad strike. He worked for his brother James for five years at $14.00 per month. He tells of his first spring in Manitoba, when a snowstorm at the end of April brought two feet of snow after the wheat was sown and the cattle turned out to graze. Following the storm. the cattle were found eight miles away having travelled ahead of the storm. Mr. Duncan is enjoying good health at the age of 80 years. (1957)
The Menteith School District was organized in the year 1890. The school was situated near the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Scharff. On the first roll of pupils are the names of two present Hartney residents, namely Mrs. E. Ames and Miss anna Scharff. The first teacher at the school was Miss Dempsey. W.J. Jasper was the first secretary-treasurer, remaining in office until consolidation. Early trustees were W. H. Winter, John McSorley, G. Scharff and W.H. Hayter. The school district included land from two municipalities, hence the name “Menteith Union.” The Magwood family settled in Cameron Municipality nearby, with the children attending Menteith School. William Magwood was the first white baby born in the district in the year 1882, on the farm where Mr. and Mrs. Jim Woodcock now reside. William Magwood, now living in Winnipeg, spends some time each summer on the old homestead.

Alfred Andrews, a pioneer of 1882, came from Ontario, secured his homestead and joined the group of neighbor bachelors. In 1887 he returned to Ontario, and later that year arrived back west with his bride, Annie Robson. Always interested in Horticulture, tree-planting and gardening were his main hobbies. The trees seed plot he planted still stands. From this plot he landscaped his home yard, and also the farm, with maple trees. His farm home, lawn and garden were awarded first prize one year by the C.P.R. for the division, the railroad being near his home.

Gardiner Scharff came from the east to Fort Garry in 1874, making the journey on foot and by canoe or boat. He stayed for the summer and then returned to Ontario. In 1885, he came back and secured a homestead, where he lived with his family for the remainder of his life. His son, John, his wife and family now live on the old homestead. An elder son, Delmer, was an outstanding mechanic of the Hartney district, and is remembered for his many years of operating his threshing machine throughout the area.

Mr. and Mrs. Fred West, pioneer of the early 80’s lived near the present Denbow C.P.R. siding. Then around 1890 they moved to their homestead, the N.R. Jasper home later, on which Mr. and Mrs. Wes jasper now reside. Mrs. West had very few white women to keep her company. She cared for some of the bachelors’ needs, baking bread, etc. the West family moved to Alberta in 1912.

William Robson and his bride, accompanied by his siter Mary, later Mrs. W.M. Brooke, arrived in Manitoba from Ontario in the spring of 1889, their destination being Griswold, Manitoba. For a while they lived with his sister, Mrs. Alfred Andrews, and also worked on the railway line which was being laid near Wawanesa. Later that year he helped with the harvest on the farm of John Duncan. Mr. and Mrs. Robson moved to their homestead, 16-7-23, “Sweet Sixteen” Stock Farm, and remained there until retiring in 1932. They were always interested in farming and with their family operated large farm holdings. Their four sons took training at the Manitoba Agricultural College, one receiving his degree, and they were ardent church members. Mr. Robson was the first superintendent of Bethel Sunday School, which was held first in the homes before the church was built. He served as councilor and reeve of Sifton municipality, later giving leadership in the organized farm movements, the U.G.G.?, U.F.M.? and M.F.A.C. he helped to established the Hartney Consumers Co-operative. His terms in the provincial Legislature as an Independent, from 1920-22, indicated his sincerity of purpose, Mrs. Robson is the remaining pioneer of the early days, and spends much time in her home on the old homestead, where her youngest son and family live.

Mr. and Mrs. W.J.H. Jasper settled in the Menteith district in 1892. For some years previously Mr. Jasper had lived with his parents south of Hartney. Both Mr. and Mrs. Jasper served on the local school board. Mr. Jasper served as councilor to Sifton Municipality for one term in the early years, Mrs. Jasper is now living with her son in Hartney.

Mr. and Mrs. John McSorley came from Ontario in 1893, living first in the Hayfield district, then in the Forbes area for short periods, finally purchasing the Will Forbs and John Scharff Sr. homestead in 1893, where they lived and raised their large family of girls and sons.
Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Abrey and their large family of nine sons and one daughter were early settlers. Mr. Abrey came west in the year 1882, returning to Ontario, and coming west again in 1889 to the Souris area, living for a brief time north of town. He then moved to Menteith, later settling on the homestead, Section 19. Today their only daughter, Mrs. J. Denbow and her son Lloyd, live in the family farm. During the first years the Abrey family drew their grain to Griswold by oxen. Fred, who now lives in Hartney, tells of a wonderful pair of oxen they owned, which would make the trip to Souris a distance of 10 miles in one hour.

The McBurney family settled southeast of Hartney on the land now owned by W. Witt, in the year 1893. In 1889 the family moved to their farm in Menteith district. The McBurney boys were baseball enthusiasts and real old-time threshermen. Mr. and Mrs. Art McBurney and family lived on the farm until their retirement to Souris.

The W.H. Hayter family moved tot his district from Oxbow in the 1890’s. Mrs. Hayter died during the early days of the district. Mr. Hayter retired years later, living in Deleau for some years. His son Russell taught school.

Mr. and Mrs. John Bartley, early settlers, lived in the district west of the present No. 21 Highway and near the home of Mr. Hunt, as did also Mr. and Mrs. blizzard, some years later in 1897 and 1898. Mrs. Bartley is remembered for her nursing ability and assistance when many of the pioneers; children were born.

Frank Milson, a pioneer who came and went a bachelor in the 90’s lived on his farm, 24-7-23. Frank was a valuable citizen, giving leadership in Bethel Church as Choir leader and Bible class teacher. He also trained the children for Christmas and other program presentations.
Other folk living in the Menteith area for a while in the early days were Arthur Winter and S.H. Winter, the Ayre family, and A. Winter families, both homesteading on the land now owned by Arthur Cantlon.

The Warner and Fleming families, also the Graham and Miller families, were early 1900’ pioneers. Frank Maquire, who lived on Sec. 12, owned the first steam engine in the district. Mr. and Mrs. George Dooks, lived in the district since 1898, on the farm now operated by Clinton jasper and family.

Mr. and Mrs. W. Scharff homesteaded on section 16-7-23 in 1893. Later Mr. and Mrs. W. Brooks and family took up residence on this land for a short while.

Tommy Guest was an early settler on the A.T.H. Robson farm, as was also Mrs. Hartsel and son Syd. Some years later, Mr. Horton moved on this farm.

The Irwin family lived on Section 24 in the early 90’s near the Denbow C.P.R. siding.
Joe Williams was the early resident of the present farm of Mrs. Hunt. He was a well-known thresher of the early days.
Mr. John Perkins, an early settler, lived on the Russel Duncan farm. On the road which passed along his land is what has always been called “The Perkins’ Cut.”

Churches:

The religious life of the Deleau district has centered in the church in Deleau village, and in Bethel Church (Methodist), situated near the junction of Highway 2 and 21, also in the Menteith Presbyterian Church, which ws situated on S.W. 25-7-23.

This church was in use in 1892. For while both Presbyterian and Methodist services were held in it. The Menteith Church was later moved to Whitfield district on the John Hume farm, and finally it was sold. Before Bethel church was built in 1895, church services were mostly held in homes, and in Maffam and Deleau schools. A Sunday School was organized at Deleau with W.M. Robson as superintendent and John McSorley as secretary-treasurer. The McSorleys travelled to Deleau Church services in the buckboard. Bethel United Church held its 80th anniversary in 1975. Mr. A. Andrews, Mr. W.M. Robson and Mr. J. McSorley with their wives and families were among the first members of the church community. Regular church attendance and interest was of primary importance in their lives. Very soon the families were all joining in the fellowship of the church of their faith. The Bethel Community remained church centered, but the social life pattern has changed, since a larger school is now situated in Deleau, where all the children attend. Most social activities take place there. We have children and grandchildren of the pioneers living in the community who are attempting to marry the torch their forefathers handed to them. The Bethel Auxiliary of the Women’s Missionary Society will observe a half-century of active service in 1958. Mrs. Wm. Robson is the one active charter member, and also a life member. Mrs. Delmage of Souris, organized the auxiliary in 1908. This Women’s organization has been active through the years doing both W.M.S. and W.A. work.

For recreation, the pioneers met in their homes, travelling in sleigh loads, having fun and enjoyment at their parties. Skating parties were enjoyed on Plum Creek and the James Canning Farm especially enjoyed was the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Canning after skating. Skating parties to Hartney were frequent, the young folk driving in cutters and sleigh loads. The home of Mr. and Mrs. W.J. jasper was a half-way stopping place. The local boys participated in baseball games, providing healthy entertainment in the early 1900’s. later a Bethel Baseball Club was formed by the boys wearing green and white uniforms. R. Brigham was manager of the club. Today the boys at Deleau have a fastball team and the girls a softball club.

Happy times were held on the sandhills, one mile north of Deleau, where there was a toboggan slide. Coal oil and gas lanterns lit the hill and slide, and old and young folk rode their toboggans, sleds and even scoop shovels, down the trail. The late Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Gordon chaperoned the groups, and were on hand if any injury occurred. This spot was named “Gordon heights.” The Bethel annual picnic and ice-cream social were gay times, as was also the annual fowl dinner and concert. In more recent years a community club was formed, the social events and meetings being held in the school auditorium.

Today young and old enjoy the curling rink for their winter sports. It is situated on the school grounds and is available to anyone.
A project of the Boys’ Sunday School Class under the supervision of the teacher, Mrs. J. L. Gordon, was the Bethel Plowing Match, held annually for seventeen years. The last plowing match was held in 1933. For a few years almost $1,000 was paid for trophies and prizes. The Bethel ladies served meals for the event. In 1933, on the poster is the following advertisement: “Dinner and supper served for 30 cents, meals for plowmen, 20 cents.”

The two world wars affected this area like all others. The women of the district organized themselves for war work. In World War II, the local Red Cross unknit was a very active one. A Red Cross donation sale was held each year in Deleau village, when as much as $1,000 to $1,500 was raised. The auctioneer, W.T. Draper, donated his services.

On the Bethel and Hartney Rolls of Honor are inscribed the names of the young men and women of the district, who served in the World Wars.
Deleau Consolidated school No. 785; in a period of eight years the attendance increased, and another classroom was added. A crescent-shaped park of flowers, shrubs and trees were planted around the school grounds. The grounds have been enlarged by three acres, and the evergreen trees now surround the entire grounds. A curling rink has been erected on the school grounds, with an outdoor rink adjacent; providing winter recreation for the pupils. A five-room bungalow purchased for a teacherage, provides accommodation for the teaching staff. At present seven motor vans heated and well-equipped, transport the school children. The school has a modest auditorium and lunch bar, where social affairs, concerts and meetings are held. A 16 mm. movie projector has been purchased recently for classroom instruction, and for community entertainment.

Local leadership has been given to 4-H Clothing and Calf Clubs, where members receive useful training. A study group who spent one season on credit unions, resulted in the organizing of the Deleau Credit Union, in 1942, with Mrs. R. G. Jasper as first secretary-manager. From a small beginning this has expanded, and now the credit Union office is situated in the town of Hartney.

Deleau has two Farm Forum groups. This adult education appeals to members. The group began when the national organization was begun. The forums are held in members’ homes, each Monday night throughout the winter season.

Men of the Deleau district serving on the municipal council down the years are recorded: A. Andrew, John Duncan (reeve), W.J. jasper, Wm. Robson (reeve), James Duncan, R. H. Baker, Frank Decock, W.A. Canning (reeve), Gaston Deleau, Henry Gatin, N. R. jasper, W. A. Walker, E. P. Robson, Victor Logeot.

1967

Having lived in Deleau Community for 51 years the changes have been part of my life. The second generation of French folk speak English fluently and this has given us a common ground for a number of years. Coming together in school and social activities has done much for the two groups. The Jewish in families of Breen and Kaufman and the Ukrainian family, Mr. and Mrs. N. Olenick and three children contributed very much to the community life at this time. Mr. Luis Breen built a new store in Deleau village in the year 1927 which also housed their modern butcher ship and from this a Beef ring was established which served the community well and extended in all directions. This well-equipped store was a marvelous help to all, especially during the “hungry thirties.” Mr. Breen also did a thriving business in hay, cordwood, and livestock which provided a market for the farmers. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kaufman were partners and were also real community citizens. Their children were great scholars and are distinctive professional citizens today. Mr. Sam Breen was among those on the Queen’s Honor list of Q.C.s, Christmas 1966. Dr. Reuben Kaufman has distinguished himself in medicine. (Mrs. E.P.) IRENE GIBSON
At his retirement, the late Mr. Breen sold his business to the farmers of the Community when Deleau Co-op was organized. After some five years of operation, this business was dissolved and the late F. Decock purchased the business. A second store operated for some situated beside the new highway No. 2. Frank Lepard, also Gerry Megaffin and G. Prattinger, were owners of this store. This store was moved and renovated and is the well-equipped store in the village today owned and operated by Ervin Colp.

The late Mr. and Mrs. Con Hardy operated the post office for many years. Their passing was a great loss to the area. Succeeding Mr. Hardy as Postmaster was Joe Turcotte, Ed Masson of Oak Lake who retired due to ill health, Mrs. Ron Masson, and presently Elvin Colp. Ron Masson, husband of Mrs. Ron Masson operates a Garage and a feed Lot Cleaning Equipment business.

Mr. Jules Marcq is the remaining pioneer of Deleau community and still lives on the old farm with his son Gaston, wife and family. The only descendants of the pioneers now living in Deleau village are Mr. and Mrs. Albert Deleau and family and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Bauche and family. The recent descendants of Deleau were Mr. and Mrs. Rene Blanchard and daughter Beverly, the Abrey Brothers, Sherman and Ed., Mr. and Mrs. Ron Masson and son and Mr. and Mrs. Earle Robson.

The consolidated School in Deleau village was a strong and influencing factor in the lives of all citizens, during the years 1920-1965. The youth received their Elementary and High School education and it is doubtful if all children would have had their opportunity without this school. It is with pride we remember our girls and boys who went on to become teachers, nurses, home economists, a doctor, a lawyer, business men and successful farmers with and without Degrees in Agriculture. The school provided a meeting place for most activities. A Community Club operated for several years and the social activities of this club were held in the School Auditorium, as were those of the Curling Club in later years. Political and business meetings were also held here – in fact everything centered around the school with the exception of the Church life.

A brief history of the school will recall to our memories the real contributions some of our pioneers made for their generation of young people.

DELEAU CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 785
By: E. P. Robson; Secretary-Treasurer

The Consolidation at Deleau was the amalgamation of three one-roomed schools, named Deleau, Maffam and Menteith. Maffan School District was formed in 1893, the school being built on the west side of Section 3-8-23 W.I. Menteith School District was formed in 1890, the school built on the S.W. ¼ of 11-7-25 W.I. Deleau School District was formed in 1890, the school built in the village of Deleau on the S.W. 1/3 of 20-7-23 W.I.

About 1912 the consolidation as school districts ws introduced in Manitoba and by 1918 interest in the formation of a larger School Districts. Under the leadership of the late William Robson the three school districts voted for Consolidation in August 1919 by a majority of 3 to 1.
Classes were held in Bethel Church Annex until the new school was built and ready. On December 1, 1919 a ratepayers’ meeting was held in the old Deleau School to elect a board of five trustees. Messrs. Gaston Deleau, Andrew Duncan, Hector Colleaux, Mrs. L. V. Robson and Mrs. W.J. Jasper were elected. Mr. W. J. Jasper was appointed secretary-treasurer. Two teachers took charge of the two classrooms in Bethel Church, namely Marion Brooks and Janet Thomson. Two covered-sleigh vans were ordered from W.H. Gray, Tilston.

A site for the new school was selected on January 19th, 1920, when a vote was held. The land was donated by S. Deleau Sr. of five acres on the east side of the village and south of the C.P. Railway.

Under the supervision of Inspector Beveridge at a meeting of March 11, 1920 a tender of Waterman and Waterbury Co. of Regina to build a two-roomed brick building with a small chemistry and science room as a part was accepted. The amount of $15,000 was raised by the Sale of Debentures, payable yearly, the summer of $1,307 for twenty years. The last debenture payment was in the year 1940. Of necessity, a third classroom was added in 1929. The classes were Grades 1 to4; 5 to 8 and 9 to 11. At different periods there were as many as 90 pupils.
At this time, the later 20s, landscaping was considered and a crescent-shaped park was planned at the front of the school. A caragana hedge surrounded it and within were planted lilac bushes, maples, a scotch pine and one mountain ash which has been a show of beauty for some years now. Flower beds added to the beauty of this spot. Mr. and Mrs. W.G. Hume who were members of Deleau teaching staff in the late thirties planted this ash tree. The late Mr. Hume passed away at his home in Brandon in February of 1967.

In 1945 the school grounds were enlarged. Three acres of land were purchased from S. Deleau Jr. along the east side of the former site, which made an eight-acre site. At this time 200 spruce trees were planted around the site along with some maples and a few willows. In 1948 interest was aroused by the local C.P.R. Station Agent, J.K. Hoath to build a Curling Rink and with the cooperation of the local school board a one-sheet was built on the school grounds. Interest increased and two years later, it ws enlarged to contain two sheets of ice. For several years the community was very curling conscious minded. The curlers took part in neighbouring bonspiels and won a good share of prizes. The pupils learned the game too, even though the school ceased to operate in 1963, the curling continues part time, the Club holding an annual bonspiel for young and old.

An outdoor skating rink was made, adjacent to the curling rink. As well as the boys and girls learning to skate, we produced a good number of above-average hockey players.

The young people took part in the school Field Days, held each year and always did honor their school, staff and community with achievements. Many were very enthused over softball and fastball. A girl’s softball team was maintained for several years and the Boys’ Fastball Club is still holding forth in tournaments with surrounding towns and districts.

One annual event of the school that everyone enjoyed and which kept unity in the district was the Christmas Concert held in the Auditorium where the room ws literally packed. Here, parents and friends saw the interest and effort given by the teachers, who were largely responsible for the fine programs presented. School officials today tell us these concerts were a waste of time in school. There are those who miss this feature of school life of the past.

During the life of the Consolidated School at Deleau, there were 67 teachers, 54 van drivers, 14 caretakers and four secretary-treasurers employed. Two of those teachers now living in our community are Mrs. R.G. Jasper of Bethel Community and Mrs. J.A. McDowell of Hartney. Six and seven vans were used to transport the pupils to school.
In 1959 a big change in our school district took place when the Province voted in favor of the larger school divisions. Souris valley Division which included our area, has their office in Souris which is fairly central. Five trustees and a secretary-treasurer hold their meetings here. This board is responsible for the education and transportation of all secondary pupils.

Deleau School operated as a two-room school until June, 1963 when the east half of the school district was transferred to Hartney School district. By arbitration, it was now decided to operate as a closed school. The school board ws retained and the school financed vans to transport all pupils to Hartney Schools. By a second arbitration our School District was dissolved on June, 1965. The same month the school buildings and its contents were sold by auction. Later in the year the school was dismantled the basement filled in and ground levelled. This naturally was a sad blow to the village of Deleau and Community.

END

Many interested citizens of the area wished to keep the school grounds and park and so promoted the idea of making this a Centennial Project for Deleau area. In July, 1965 the councilor, E.P. Robson, in co-operation with Sifton Municipality were successful in securing the ownership of the Deleau Consolidated school stie. Thus Deleau citizens are free to develop this site as a Roadside park. After receiving permission from the Government Centennial Commission to proceed with this project, an organization meeting was held, when plans were made, and work on the project began immediately. It was completed in 1967. Assistance of both Federal and Provincial grants along with a one-mill levy on the District assessment all channeled through the Municipal Office at Oak Lake.

There are two avenues of education directly connected with Deleau Consolidated School which was very important to the children concerned and available to all. One was the 4-H Club work that was maintained for years with our local women being volunteer leaders of the Sewing club. For awhile, there was a Woodwork class provided by the school for the boys; their leader was Rev. A. Friebert of Hartney United Church.

The second opportunity that was available to any and all pupils was that of piano music lessons. This instruction was given by Miss Minnie Buckley of Menteith. Many of the pupils in this class received their lessons in the school auditorium. Those living near or adjacent to school were taught at their homes. Miss Buckley spent most of two days each week with her piano class. This privilege of using the school during study hours was gladly granted Miss Buckley by the school board. Miss Buckley also coached her pupils in the Music Festivals whey they were held in Souris and Hartney. Many of the children who learned this music art were able to assist the teaching staff with their programs. The music recitals were held annually in the month of June in Bethel Church for a number of years, then later at Deleau school. Following Miss M. Buckley’s teaching, Mrs. N.R. Jasper established a class of piano pupils, giving instruction at the school and kept up this good work until moving from the community.

By 1967, the village of Deleau has gone the way of all small centers, has become smaller and the former places of business have ceased to be, with the exception of the post office and a general store. No. 2 Highway provides the best of transportation. A daily bus operates from Reston to Winnipeg, giving six-hours stop-over in Winnipeg, which is a real convenience too. The only communication on our railroad is one freight each way per week. The station, water-tank, stock yard and section house are gone. The grain elevators were dismantled several years ago.
At present the hay industry is one of the main industries of the area. Prairie haystacks to the north and west of Deleau indicate the size. By August and September, the hay flats are a very lovely view. The J. Jiggins family have had one-hundred stacks of hay, in many different years. Today the popular method of transporting the hay to farm yard and also to market is with a “stack mover.” It is not uncommon to see rows of haystacks in and around farm yards, especially where two or three hundred cattle are being fed. Also we see thousands of hay, tame and prairie hay on the farms. Along with the large cattle industry and some trapping in the Lake Area these are the main industries. The light sand loam of the area does not lend itself to heavy grain production, but beautiful trees, shrubs, gardens and flowers grow profusely.
Deleau Credit Union Society was moved to Hartney from Deleau and later the name was changed to Hartney Credit Union. Several Deleau members are still connected with this organization. Many of the Deleau-Bethel farmers are serving on Co-operative Board in Hartney town. The most recent addition to these Co-operatives is the store built in Hartney in 1966 of which most farmers in this area are members.
The women of the area, like the men folk are now in the Hartney and Souris organizations serving in all educational and social interests as well as religious affiliations.

In 1967 the parents of school children found themselves communing regularly for their children after school hours as the pupils engage in the activities of the school, e.g. football, baseball, hockey and curling games; and with 4-H Club work and Christian Education our families today are quite involved in the town life. We anticipate good results from the big changes in our educational courses and the broader field of instruction, every child should be able to find his or her niche and fit themselves for the century of change.

Deleau young men still maintain a Fastball Club and now travel a distance to take part in tournaments, etc. Ab Deleau and Perry Robson are the pioneers of the present club. The Hardy boys, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Gus Hardy, are sports-minded and along with several juniors keep the Club going. Another form of sport is boating and water-skiing. Clair Hardy enjoys Oak Lake waters with his boat. A few of our young married men also enjoy golfing, but all these sports are in and around the larger centers.

The area east, southeast and northeast of Deleau, namely Bethel, has had many changes in the last decade, also. Many farms have new owners. The new No. 2 Highway which was reconstructed in 1947, along with improved municipal roads, has provided good roads for the area. The children go to school in Souris and Hartney in school vans. Now elementary schools and collegiates in both towns provide a good education for the pupils both academic and technical. The families now use these towns as their post office and Deleau post office has less business. The pupils become involved in all aspects of their school life and this results in our youth becoming a part of the school, recreational and church activities of the towns.

Mr. Andrew Duncan was our remaining pioneer of Bethel community. Mr.Duncan died in 1968 at the age of 95.

Bethel Women were organized as a W.M.S. in 1908 and have been the only women’s organization through the years. In 1962 they became the new organization in the United Church, namely the U.C.W. (United Church Women). Our Women’s Organization has always been a force for uniting all efforts and sponsoring social and educational activities. Community Friendship has been a very important part of the women’s contribution. In recalling the great work of our women, we think of one deceased member, Mrs. J. L. Gordon who was a qualified nurse from England. This lady very willingly assisted when many of the local children were born and also gave helpful advice in all illness. Being an ardent church member and with musical ability she contributed much to our community life. Bethel community in this period of history was a force for good and wise living. They lived a full and happy life.

Now we have the second generation observing 50th Wedding Anniversaries. Mr. and Mrs. W. J. McSorley entertained their friends at Wasaga, United church in 1967. Mr. and Mrs. Russel Duncan observed their special day in January 1967 at their home in Brandon.   Mr. and Mrs. L. V. Robson also celebrated their Golden Anniversary in August of 1967.

The History of Bethel Church indicates most of the interest and areas of services the residents had in common. Bethel Church is now closed and along with the school gone, a big change is realized. This History would not be complete without the story of religious witness in the Bethel Community. The Church History was edited in 1965 on the 70th Anniversary of the church. The following is the History.
BETHEL UNITED CHURCH (70th Anniversary)

In the early days of this district, before any church building existed, there was considerable harmony and co-operation in the carrying on of religious work. Services were held in the homes of the Methodists, using the home of Alfred Andrews. The Menteith Presbyterian Church was built in 1892 on a site two miles east and one-half mile north of where Bethel Church was built in 1895. For some time it was used especially in the summer by both the Presbyterian and Methodist congregations. Student Ministers and lay-men were in charge of the services. In the earliest period, students came to us from the Westhall district southeast of Hartney.

As the religious work of the area became organized, the work of the Methodists was superintended from Souris by Rev. Wilson. In 1892 the Huntington, Breezelawn, Menteith circuit was formed with the student pastors residing at Huntington. As time passed the lines between denominations were more distinctly drawn with the result that the Methodists began using Deleau and Maffam schools as their places of worship.

A Sunday School was organized at Deleau, the three main officers being William Robson, superintendent; Alfred Andrews, assistant; and John McSorley, secretary-treasurer.

Some of the first student ministers were Mr. Hardman, Mr. Johnson, B.W. Allison, T.A. Tufts and W.A. shaver, the latter being with us in 1895. Our record of those early days is incomplete and brief. One minute recorded in those interesting years, dated May 20th, 1895, states: “Meeting of the quarterly board appointed trustees for Bethel Church as follows: Bros. Alfred Andrews, John McSorley, Robert Cooper, William Robson, Gardiner Scharff and Frank Milson. Brother Robson appointed secretary. Brother Andrews appointed treasurer.” That same day, May 20th, 1895, the first trustees’ meeting of Bethel Church was held. All trustees were present with Brother Cooper in the chair. The first item of business reads: “Moved by Brother Robson, seconded by Bros. Irvine that the new church be called “Bethel.” Carried, all voting “Yea.” Many more details were settled that day.

When on the 30th of May, 1895, another meeting was held, chaired by Rev. G. H. Long, and two of the interesting items of business recorded were: (1) The exact site of the new church was decided. (2) The Board was authorized to borrow money, not to exceed $375.00. it must be noted that the half-acre lot was donated by T. H. Patrick of Souris, who at that time owned the quarter-section on which our church now stands.

There followed a busy summer. The work of building ws supervised and directed by Alfred Andrews, who was a carpenter. All work was done by the members, and the church was ready for the service of dedication in the fall of 1895. Rev. Mr. Laycock was in charge of the Sunday service and the Breezelawn choir assisted with the music. The following evening a fowl dinner was served. A lean-to was erected opposite a window and food was passed in to those seated in the church.

James S. Woodsworth was our first student minister after the church was built. He was followed by P.T. Thacker, and it was during his term in 1897, that the Bethel Epworth league was organized. Richard Brigham was the first president. This organization carried on regular weekly meetings for nearly 50 years, young and old, joined in its activities. Its officers were responsible for conducting our regular Sunday evening meetings.

During the next five years, the circuit was served by Messrs. Nugent, D. B. Kennedy, F. Woodsworth and John M. Lane.
The trees around the church were planted in 1901 by Richard Brigham, J.E. lane and frank Wilson. These men drove to Oak Lake and dug up young trees, which they planted around the church. About this time an addition to the church was built, 16’ x 20’.
In 1902 Bethel became part of the Pipestone circuit, which also included the Findlay appointment. Our first ordained minister ws Rev. Peck, who of course, resided in the town of Pipestone. He was followed by Rev. Mr. Kinley in 1905, and then Rev. D. C. Day who served us for three years.

The Women’s Missionary Society ws organized on Sunday, August 23rd, 1908, in the church annex, following the service. Mrs. J. Dolmage of Souris district organizer, was present. The auxiliary was named “Bethel.” Fourteen charter members. First president Mrs. Alfred Andrews; first recording secretary, Miss Ada Andrews (Mrs. Bert Howard); first treasurer, Miss Kate Jackson (Mrs. A. T. Robson).
The membership fee was one dollar, later changed in 1927 to 50 cents. At first, Bethel, W.M.S. was a part of the Brandon district, and in 1934 was transferred to Rock Lake Presbyterian.   The first years, givings were $40.00 in 1954 and the next year were $210.00. one of our former members was a deaconess in All People’s Mission, Winnipeg. Pearl McSorley (Baker), now of Saskatoon; two teachers to the Indians in Northern Mission (Cross Lake). Ada Brigham (Roughly) of Limehouse, Ont., and Donna Canning (McDougall) to Oxford House. The W.M.S. has mothered the junior groups, C.G.I.T., mission band and baby bands. First mission band superintendent, Mrs. James Canning; first baby band superintendent, Mrs. W. Walker.

The women in the church have continued to serve and give generously of time and talent to the church and to their organizations, the W.M.S. and W.A. all members have had opportunities for training the leadership, through regular changes in officers. The study program was, at first, strictly missionary but has broadened to include the personal witness of the members in the community and the world. Generous voluntary givings have been supplemented by monies raised by fowl suppers, socials and other projects so that the society raised its allocation and made donations to the manse fund and the bord of Stewards and other worthy causes. Some of the present members have accepted Presbyterial offices. After several years on the executive of Rock Lake Presbyterial W.M.S., Mrs. T. P. Robson became president from 1952-1956, gave fine leadership. Mrs. W. S. Robson and Mrs. R. G. Jasper also had the opportunity to serve on the W.M.S. executive. Mrs. L.V. Robson and Mrs. R. G. jasper became its president, 1955-1957. Presbyterial schools, rallies, camps and workshops have been attended regularly. The Bethel women welcomed the formation of one organization, the United Church Women, Presbyterial U.C.W. and Mrs. E.P. Robson, the recording secretary. (Rock lake and Brandon Presbyteries were combined as Brandon in 1961). These wider contracts have deepened our understanding of the work of the church.

In the year 1909, Bert Howard, a young man employed in the community, decided to devote his life to the ministry. He attended Wesley College, Winnipeg, for his theological training and was ordained in the Methodist church. He married Miss Ada Andrews of this district. Their marriage ceremony was solemnized on a Sunday morning after the regular services of worship. After several pastorates in the west, they moved to Ontario. He became principal of Albert College in Belleville, Ont., and now lives retired at St. Catherines, Ont.
In 1910, Bethel along with Forbes, joined with Hartney to form the Hartney circuit. Rev. J. Thorn ws then at Hartney and was our pastor until 1911. Rev. O. B. Kennedy then served us until 1915. Mr. kenned was a very sincere and earnest worker and it was during his pastorate that the church was remodeled and built to its present form. In January 1914, the trustee board of Bethel church had six new members added to take the places of those who had resigned or were deceased. These members were: Messrs. Richard Brigham, Arthur Cooper, John L. Gordon, James Canning, Samuel Cantlon and Wm. Hayter, who along with Messrs. Alfred Andrews, John McSorley, board of trustees. The congregation felt the need for a larger and more modern building. It was first intended to discard the old and erect a new building. To do this required a larger plot of land, and a committee approached James Duncan who now owned this land, stating they would like to have the half-acre north of the lot on which the church stands. Mr. Duncan generously donated the plot.

However, on June 9, 1914, a meeting of the church members decided to remodel the old church and enlarge it to meet the needs. With this decision made, the building committee, Messrs. Wm Robson, J. L. Gordon and John McSorley, immediately got the work underway and the present structure was completed and ready for the special opening service before the winter set in. Rev. Whiteside was the special speaker.
About this time, a branch of the Independent Order of Good Templars was organized at Bethel. Officers were installed and the meetings were held regularly for a few years.

In 1913 the Bethel Junior league was organized by Ada Andres (Howard), assisted by Miss Vera Lonsborough (Mrs. W. Moffat, Elgin) their parents to an evening service under lay leadership. This organization carried on work with juniors for some thirty years, under the leadership of L.V. Robson who took over in 1916 and Mrs. J.L. Gordon who assumed the leadership in 121. These two services were informal and a real opportunity for training and development of talents in young and old. During these years the community was closely knit by a great deal of family visiting, especially among the young folk on Sundays. In 1916, Alfred Andrews retired from the farm and moved to Aurora, Ont. In recognition of the family’s valued services, a stained-glass window was placed in the north wall of the church and dedicated to “The Andrews.” Mr. Andrews resigned as secretary-treasurer of the church and J.L. Gordon was appointed and he held that office until 1928, when the present incumbent, L. V. Robson ws appointed. The envelope system of giving was introduced in 1919.

In 1921 we lost the valued service of John McSorley who had been secretary-treasurer of the Sunday School since it ws organized. The office was held for short times by Ida McSorley, Laura jasper and Lyle Jasper until 1927 when Laura Canning ws appointed and has continued in office to date. Wm. Robson served as superintendent from the time the Sunday School was organized, prior to 1895, until 1935. W.J. McSorely served from 1935-1945 when the present superintendent, E. P. Robson was elected. We give thanks for the services of many earnest and devoted men and women in the Sunday School. The Junior and senior classes have varied in number and size, but the Bible class has been fairly constant and continued until 1963.

Mrs. J. L. Gordon was teaching a class of boys in 1912 and to provide an activity for them, they undertook to have a plowing competition. Mr. w. C. McKillican, superintendent of Brandon Experimental Farm, acted as Judge. This proved popular and grew, so in 1920, Mrs. Gordon turned the responsibility over to the menfolk. When organized for the 1931 match, Ermine Canning was elected president and Norman Jasper, Secretary. Other presidents were R. Brigham 1923, and Bert Canning, 1932, while Norman Jasper continued to serve as secretary until 19134. In 1929 the Provincial Match was held on 15-7-23 and drew a large crowd from outside the area. Messrs. A.R. Turner and A.R. Elder acted as judges for many years and were enthusiastic about the event. On the advertising posters in the notice: “Meals 20 cents, Plowmen free.” In the spring of 1934, the match for that year was cancelled and it was not continued. Other activities have included at different times, Trail Rangers, Mission Band, C.G.I.T. and Y.P.U. Annual Sunday School picnics in Duncan’s grove will never be forgotten, and also the Christmas Concerts held every year.

In 1942 after the passing of the late Wm. Robson, only J.L. Gordon, Sam Cantlon and Wm Irvine were left on the board of trustees, so the following names were added: A.T.H. Robson, W.J. McSorley, W.A. Canning, R. McBurney, W.A. Walker, N.R. Jasper and Fred Day.
From the time of the remodeling of the church until church union, we had enjoyed the services of Rev. J. W. Shier, J.E. Lane and A.R. Manunders. In 1924 owing to the untimely death of Rev. R. O. Armstrong, after he has taken the services only one Sunday on the Hartney circuit, we were served by volunteer ministers and students under the guidance of Rev. O. Coleman of Souris.
In 1945 the 50th Anniversary was celebrated with a former minister, Rev. J.E. Lane, D.D., as our guest. A fowl supper was held on the Monday night followed by a concert. Many old friends attended or sent messages of congratulations.

The fall of 1949 marked the coming of Hydro to the district. We had the church wired and the power turned on in September. In June, 1952, the church stable, an old landmark, was sold to L.P. Canning. The same summer we installed a new furnace which greatly improved the heating facilities. Also in 1952, the following men were appointed trustees of Bethel church: E.P. Robson, R.G. Jasper, L.V. Robson, L.J. Canning, N.R. jasper, W.S. Robson, W.A. Walker, Lloyd McSorley and Clayton Canning. October 30th, 1955, we marked our 60th Anniversary with two services of Worship followed by a social time of reminiscing through music, songs and story in the evening. Re. E.S. Dixon, a former minister was our guest. L.V. Robson read the history of the church. Former members and other visitors joined the congregation to make this a memorable occasion.

Music has contributed its part to the services of worship. This congregation has enjoyed hymn singing. The chair deserves tribute as do the organists and pianists who have served faithfully. The pioneer was Mrs. Wm. Robson, followed by Mrs. R. Brigham, Annie Robson (Guild), Olive McSorley (Davreux), Mrs. J. L. Gordon, Gertrude Robson (Jasper) and Lorne Robson.

In the last decade the role of the rural church in the life of the community has changed and bethel Church has experienced this change. Attendance at services of worship declined; numbers of Sunday School scholars fluctuated; church-centered events have been fewer; support of the W.M.S. and recently the U.C.W. has been steady. Since 1962 the Sunday School classes have met during the church services. Preparatory study for the new curriculum was done in the congregation and in 1964 the two classes began to use this curriculum. As a part of the Hartney pastoral charge, we were aware of the condition namely the shortage of ministers and the indifference of people. We entered conversation regarding such changes with Lauder, Elgin and Hartney pastoral changes in the spring of 1965. Out of these conversations came a proposed plan of amalgamation of the Hartney and Lauder pastoral charges as a four-point charge. To further this plan, the Bethel congregation agreed to discontinue services and its members join the Hartney or Souris congregations. The trustees will maintain the church property and occasional services of worship ay be held. The church building will continue to be used by the community as desired. The present trustees are Clayton Canning, L.J. Canning, R.G. jasper, Lloyd McSorley, Westly J. Jasper, E.P. Robson, W.S. Robson, L.V. Robson, and W.A. Walker.

The following ministers have served this pastoral charge since 1925:
1925-30 ………… Rev. A. Lavender
1930-35 ………… Rev. E.S. Dixon
1935-36 ………… Rev. T. W. Bird 1936-41 ………… Rev. J. W. Anderson
1941-44 ………… Rev. J.F.H. Barber
1944-51 ………… Rev. W. R. Donogh
1954-55 ………… Rev. J.F. Douglas
1955-62 ………… Rev. J. Mathieson
1962-65 Rev. Ivan Smith Student supply

During the 70 years this church has influenced three generations, but recent rapid social changes also influenced the church. This rural church like many others, must accept the challenge of changing patterns. To meet this change, services at Bethel are discontinued. We can become a part of the large communities of Hartney and Souris.

We would hope that spirit of God within us will not fail in good works no matter where we worship.

HISTORY OF DELEAU ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Ste. Anne’s Catholic Church in Deleau was built in 1899. The parish has been maintained by loyal devout worshippers. During the last decade, interest has weakened and some of the members have decided to attend the larger, stronger churches in the nearby centres of Souris and Grade Clairiere. Services are held once a month with Father Paulhus of Grade Clairiere officiating. Many funeral services for the pioneers of Deleau area were held in this church.

A small private cemetery adjoins the church property where some of the first inhabitants of the village and area are buried. A Municipal Cemetery is located one mile north and one mile east of Deleau. Here, we find that both French and English early residents are buried.

RECOLLECTIONS AND MEMORIES

Since the History was compile in 1957, more had been received. A pioneer’s son has added much to the early history of the French settlement of Deleau. Mrs. Jos. Turcotte of Pines falls, Man. Has considerable history recorded and his recollections are interesting.

THE JOS. TURCOTTE STORY

My father Jos. Turcotte sr. arrived in Deleau district around 1882. He bought a quarter-section of land from Frank Lockhart two miles north and one mile west of the village, for the sum of $1,400 cash. There was only a log shack and a small sod stable on the place. In the little shack, I was born.
After several years, my father decided to build a new house. He found clay which ws suitable to make bricks so he decided to start a brickyard. During two winters, he hauled oak wood from Oak Lake island which he bought from a Mr. Anderson, and piled the wood in the yard to dry. He also hauled lump lime from a quarry 6 or 7 miles north of Oak Lake on a farm owned by Mr. Arsenault. This material was needed to make bricks and mortar to build the new house. Then father hired two good old country plasterers, Mr. Jos. Nannon and my uncle, Emanuel Marcq, the father of Jules Marcq. They made around 75,000 bricks in 1895 and in the spring of 1896, they started to build our house. It was completed in the same year.

My father was a good carpenter. He had worked on large construction in Chicago as he did all the woodwork on our house. The walls extend six feet down in the ground, they are four bricks thick. After 70 years, it is still in good condition. My father made a lot of bricks. He supplied enough to Jos. Gatin to build a house two miles north of our farm. Mr. Gatin moved to the Kondike during the Gold Rush and came back a few years later, broke. Some of our bricks were used to build the church in Deleau and the brick house in Deleau built by Mr. Edmond Lapanne and now the house of Mr. and Mrs. Earle robson. Mr. Lapanne was a photographer and also was Justice of the Peace, a task that kept him busy as these many problems to settle in those days. This was in the year 1898. Mr. Lapanne’s father built the first store in Deleau later owned by Mr. Con hardy and used as the post office. This old frame building still stands.

Sixty years (or more) ago, there were two stores in Deleau. Mr. J.B. Abraham also operated one. This gentleman was fond of hunting. I can well remember when Mr. Abraham went north to Dauphin moose hunting and brought back a young moose alive. It was kept in the barn for a few years. The boys would hitch him to a two-wheel cart and drive around. He certainly could travel fast.

There was also a tinshop on the lot east of the Lapanne house, this was owned by a Mr. Wattier who stayed only a few years. Then there was Emile Micel the tailor who lived west of the church and a George Allan and his wife, lived in the village operating a blacksmith shop and later moved to a farm north of Deleau. There were two grain elevators, and the lake of the woods and the Northern. Mr. R. Cronin was one of the grain buyers and lived in the home once occupied by the R. Kenward family, C.P.R. section foreman.

At once there were two doctors in the area, Arthur and Felix Larose who were brothers. The only brother stayed several years and married a school teacher who taught in the one-roomed school in the village. They moved to Le Pas and this doctor built the hospital in Le Pas. Some of their children are still living. Dr. Larose had a horse 1 ½ miles north of Deleau. Mrs. Larose was the former Miss Kerouack. The other teachers in those early years were Miss Tourond and Mr. Assiar.

Among the early settlers north of Deleau were Mr. Napoleon, Ormidas Filteau, V. Dupont, Ed. Colleaux, Theophile Bode, Jos. Gatin, Ephren Douvin, Jos. Carpentier, Fisher Bros., MacGregors who had a large ranch of Aberdeen Angus cattle, Mr. Donais, M. Masson, A. Vachon, Jos. Poirier, Jos. Desmarais, Jos. Chiccoine, A. Mongeon and Jos. Cote.

Around our farm must have been a buffalo hunting ground. As a boy, I use to play with buffalo skulls. There were many near our house. A few Indian trails were still visible. Half a mile north of our house, there were several large round mounds which was supposed to be an Indian burial ground. We could find all kinds of Indian Arrows, spearheads, skin scrapers and pounders.

The early settlers had all kinds of trials and tribulations, but they were happy too and did not complain because there was friendship. Any stranger was welcomed for a meal and lodgings, free. During the winter months, they had house parties and dances with the music supplied by a fiddle or a mouth organ musician. At midnight, a big meal was served by the ladies and the dancing and singing continued until nearly morning. Our beautiful girls did not wiggle and dance the go-go as they do now, but they had their own charm and they could cook, mend clothes, clean house and make a happy home too.

In the early days, we had the fish peddlars who came from around Routledge, the Wanlin Bros. they came with double-deck loads of jackfish, selling them 20 for one dollar. They came usually just before lent. They stayed at our place to sleep and feed their horses. Sometimes they as far south as Hartney. Also we had Syrian peddlars who walked with two large suitcases strapped to their backs, which weighed around 150 pounds. Their goods were cheap jewelry, buttons, pins, elastic, shoelaces, socks, silk handkerchiefs, etc. they never paid for meals or lodging instead gave the lady of the house or one of the children a cheap trinket. Later some of them travelled with horse and rig and handled more goods.

I still remember when salesmen came from Ontario in 190r to sell Home Comfort Ranges. They sold a new stove to nearly every settler around Deleau and delivered them in large wagons pulled by mules.

We met many kinds of people in those days. Many from the old country came to our place. Albert Bastein was the son of a millionaire who owned a large lace factory in Marseille, France. They sold lace all over the world. This man was a good nobleman, built an elevator at Findlay and bought grain for several years. I recall an Englishmen, Mr. William Vinent, whose wealthy family provided him with a large sum of money, but finally became penniless. He spent several years around Deleau mostly with the Baragar Family.
The first automobile I saw around Deleau was one owned by a member of Parliament in 1904 who came to our area to canvas for votes. It was very small, one seat and it was cranked on the side to start it. I remember he gave candy to the children, but for the adults there was ample liquor. As he left and went south to Hartney his car became stuck int eh sand, and the Deleau “kids” pushed his little car and received a few pennies to buy candy.

There has always been some Moonshiners around Deleau. In the sandhills southwest of Deleau, three Frenchmen from the south of France had established a small liquor factory and they made a lot of home-brew and had many quarrels with their neighbours.
The hunting in those days was really good. You could shoot prairie chickens by the dozens. Geese and ducks could be seen by the thousands around our old farm. It was duck paradise. After spreading barley in a row for them to eat, I would sneak up on them in the bulrushes with my old 10-gauge shotgun – my best try was nine ducks with two shells.

Among the hunters who stayed at our house were three men from Souris, a storekeeper, a doctor and a layer the latter being the late S.H. Forrest, and the only one I can remember. They remained three days. It was late fall and the weather was cold. Some ice formed on the slough edges and as they had several ducks in the middle of the water and no dog or canoe, they asked me if I would rescue their ducks for them. They were anxious to get them. I agreed, took off all clothes except my overalls and waded in up to my neck in that ice water and gathered all their ducks and brought them out. They gave 25 cents for my work. I will never forget that experience.
Around 1900, we often saw large Indian Caravans pass near our house, which was the main road to Oak Lake those days. They travelled in bunches of 15-20 rigs, small wagons and Democrats. The leader, which I presume was their chief, was on horseback and wore a long-feathered bonnet on his head. Some were horse traders selling mostly small Indian ponies which they called cayouse. My dad bought a pair of colts from them once for $10.00. They camped along the way, when the squaws and children would dig Seneca roots. These Indians came most from North Dakota going north to lake Dauphin. Other horse dealers came our way from the Northwest Territories. Two of these men were Pascal Bonneau and Jean Legars. They bought many horses to our district around 1889. The horses were brought in a long string, each horse tied to the tail of the horse in front, in bunches of 20 or more. In my records, I find where my dad bought four horses from them for $310.000, on the 14th of November, 1889.

One of the oldest threshing outfits in Deleau area was one owned by Chicoine and Mongeon. It was very small; was powered by a kind of tread-mill run by two horses walking s on our modern escalator. The separator was hand fed; the grain fell into steel measurer of one bushel. This outfit threshed about 200 bushels per days. Before too long, large outfits were in the district owned by Rennault Bros., also Gaston Deleau, Desmarais and Sam Pheeny. The charge of threshing was 7 cents per bushel for wheat and 5 cents for oats.   Most of the straw was burned. Some fall evenings, it was a beautiful sight to see 20 or 25 stacks of straw burning at the same time.
The largest gas tractor in the district was owned by Demarais Bros. “A Big Titan” could pull a ten-furrow plow.
I spent over 50 years of my life in and around Deleau, with the exception of the two years I was in the army overseas in the First World War. I returned in 1919, married in 1920 and with my wife and daughter, Irene, spent the years mostly in the village of Deleau leaving for Pine Falls, Man. Where we now are retired.



J. F. Turcotte

MY MEMORIES
Having been brought up on a farm a mile or so east of Deleau village, we were accustomed to another language group lviing near us. The folk living west of Deleau were known locally as French influence in the community for all of the citizens. Twenty years before we heard of school teaching the hygiene, decent eating habits, and standard of civilized social conduct. At high school we discussed ideas; I still remember our principal, Bill Hume, solemnly explained Marxist theory to us.
There was a third community that I have mentioned. Some who did not fit into any category. These were English speaking, nominally Protestant, a few of them were in Bethel Church. I found this group the least attractive of all. I noticed them because their treatment of the Jewish boy often unkind and reflect the narrowness and meanness of their lives. How different from the invariably kind treatment of the Bethel people and from the rougher but open and not unkind treatment of the Belgiums.
                                    Sam Breen, Q.C., Winnipeg

A SAD MEMORY

We have many sad memories, this one is taken from the files of the Hartney Star dated August 21, 1941, I quote:

A JEWISH BOY REMEMBERS DELEAU
In my memories of Deleau there were three communities in the area. There was the Bethel Community – the closest thing toa God-fearing community I have yet experienced. The nucleus of this Community was in Bethel Church. This was a cultured, religious, honest, helpful community, even in adversity (of which there were ample). Only occasionally did it show signs of condescension. Naturally the Consolidated School, that important element, in the west of Deleau was the French-speaking Belgium settlement. The Belgiums were recent immigrants to Canada. They were not well educated, some could scarcely read and write their native French, much less English. By the early 30’s, however, nearly all could speak reasonably fluent English and some already had considerable English education. By and large, they were simple, hardworking, generous people. To most of them, education was not important, nor, as far as I could see, was their church a very great force in their lives.

There was very little mixing between Bethel Protestants and the Belgium Catholics. I feel they were kept apart by differences in cultural and educational levels and habits more than by differences in religion. I agree it was the Consolidated schools more than anything which provided the meeting ground and the common experiences which resulted in the closer relationship between the two communities. This relationship was beginning to be noticeable by the close of the 1930’s. I think the Consolidated School was the largest civilizing influence in the community for all of the citizens. Twenty years before we heard of school teaching the hygiene, decent eating habits, and standards of civilized social conduct. At high school we discussed ideas; I still remember our principal Bill Hume, solemnly explaining Marxist theory to us.

There was a third community that I have mentioned. Some who did not fit into any category. These were English-speaking, nominally Protestant, a few of them were in Bethel Church. I found this group the least attractive of all. I noticed them because their treatment of the Jewish boy often unkind and reflected the narrowness and meanness of their lives. How different from the invariably kind treatment of the bethel people and from the rougher but open and not unkind treatment of the Belgiums.
                              Sam Breen, Q.C. Winnipeg

ANOTHER SAD MEMORY

Elizabeth Olenick, older daughter of Mr. and Mrs. N. Olenick, Deleau, passed away when an operation at the Mayo Hospital, Rochester, failed to save her life. At twenty-three years of age, her life had been one of arduous study. Educated in the Deleau Consolidated School, she later devoted her strength and energy to Christian work, her ambition being to serve as a missionary to her own Ukrainian people. Elizabeth attended Toronto Bible College from which she graduated in 1939, delivering the Valedictory Address, in Maple Leaf Gardens.
One year in the United Church training school fully equipped her for deaconess work. After a brief holiday with her parents, she returned to Toronto, where she took charge of a Mission Station. Later she was transferred to Dauphin, her last charge.
We heard Elizabeth preach in Bethel Church and at the league meetings. Never did she allow an opportunity to pass testifying of the Saving Grace which was here, and free to all.

Nurse Clara Jasper was Elizabeth’s close friend and professional help during her final illness. Mr. Olenick, who was C.P.R. section foreman, living is Deleau, is retired and with his wife lives in Winnipeg near his family Harry and Ramona.
It is regrettable that one cannot tell of each individual and their life among us, but as that is impossible, we can only hope that the children and grandchildren will write their memories and include the great contributions their forefathers made to the life which they now enjoy. They built better than they knew.

As I have scanned the files of our local newspapers for the long-past years, I am aware of the truly great contributions of our pioneers. It is a good feeling to read the tributes, appreciation, challenge to carry the torch that was theirs. The opportunity is now ours.
In Centennial Year 1967 we are all reliving the past and enjoying it. Celebrations are everywhere. Those who visit “Expo” in Montreal have the added privilege of seeing our present accomplishments and future hopes and plans.
We look forward with gratitude for our free land of plenty, of opportunity and about all Peace.