Selected items from the 1905 Empire

Aug 3, 1905 The Canadian Pacific passenger department is sending out circulars to the company’s agents in the wheat area asking for informaiton by wire as to the estimated number of men re1quired for ethe approaching ahrvest work. By that means the department hopes to get an approximate idea of the number of men that will be required in the various districts, which will facilitate matters both from the point of dispatching labour from the east and also in distributing the men when they reach here.

Aug. 3, 1905 The works committee deserve great credit for the manner in which they have hurried along the work of building the sidewalks. Notwithstanding the unfavorable weather, they have already completed the work for this season, having constructed 17500 feet of new cemet walk which with what was done last year makes a total of 18725 feet of practically permanent sidewalks, putting Virden in a place by itself so far ahead as to be out of immediate reach of the other towns of its class in theis respect.

The CPR gardens are a source of much favourable comment by passengers on the trains passing through. They seem to draw the attention of everyone who receives a good impression of the town even though they are only passing through. Mr. Chivers deserves great credit for the state of perfection to which he ahs brought these gardens in such a short space of time. 1905

Among the little things which might improve the appearance and add to the comfort and convenience of the public would be a suitable crossing from the CPR depot to the sidewalk. Aug. 3, 1905.

By Proctor Knox – What’s the use of always being in a rush! You many be further ahead 1—years from now by taking it easy. You may meet a friend and feel as if you would like to spend a little time in conversation but he is in a rush and you are so impressed that you feel as if you had sinned against him in trying to hold him for a minute. He has no time, that is all. But this being in h hurry all the time is doing us a great injury. The constant rush has killed conversation. Get into the average crowd and generally there is only one topic of conversation, the crop and the weather and the prices.  Converstatio is dead as is fine art.

Aug 10  The reserve frontage of over six acres situated west of King St and north of Fourth St. for which Mr. Gyles offered $150 was discussed. The unanimous opinion bing that the property was worth at least $100 per acre.

The law says No grouse, prairie chicken or partridge shall be shot between the 15th Nov and the 15th Sept. therefore any chicken killed before the 15th of next motnh will be in defiance of the law.

Country life – Aug 17 1905  This is the season of the year when the beauty of the country impresses the traveler. Everything in nature suggests prosperity and happiness. The trees are cooling with heavy foliage and the meadows fragrant with the scent of new mown hay. The gardens are filled with vegetqabels and gay flowers and the warm sunshine is painting the face of the country yellow with with brightness more bewitching than that of gold. The person who is privileged to live in the country now should be happy.


Laying of the cornerstone of Virden’s new school by Lebanon Lodge A.F. and A.M.  on Aug 31, 1905.

Virden, while not in any sense booming, is steadily and rapidly increasing in size and importance as a business centre. Most important building this year is the school which is being built by Contractor Hw and McDougall and Harris have the brick and mason work in charge. It will cost when completed and ready for occupation fully $25,000.  The next in importance comes the drill hall and armoury which hs been erected by the Dominion Government. It is a large frame building, situated on Seventh avenue and will be a great convenience to the officers and men of the 12th Manitoba Dragoons. Contractor Ireland has it almost completed. Its cost will be $10,000. Mr. Megaflin will also erect a modern sale stable on  Seventh Avenue.


Sept 7, 1905
A source of considerable interest on Friday was the introduction of an automobile on the streets. The horses were surprised at the unusual sight at first but like true westerners will quickly adapt thrmselves to the sight of their pompetitor. To Mr. H.H. Goulter belongs the credit of having the first automobile in town, although not the first horse-less carriage by any means.


Oct. 12, 1905
Within a short time we shall be connected with the south by the CNR which instead of curtailing our business whould and will if properly gone after, be a means of increasing our trade. It will open an avenue of trade in the south which has been practically closed to us for a long time.  

Oct. 12, 1905
Those who were at the station on Saturday when No. 2 passed through had the privilege of seeing the coaches in chich the Govbernor General and suite were traveling.

We are informed by the local manager, Mr. Higginbotham of the telephone company, that the long distance telephone is proving quite a boon to the patrons of the company and that it is being used extensively.  It will be a further convenience when the line is completed to Moosomin.

Persons desirous of having the gas installed for use this winter are advised to make application as early as possible so that outside connections can be made before the ground freezes. 1905