It has been remarked that the
majority of immigrants arriving in Manitoba in the early days were
from Huron and Bruce. However this does not apply to Argyle as we have
people from all the provinces in the Dominion of Canada as well as the
United King¬dom, Ireland and Iceland.
In the Argyle Council for this year England, Ireland, Scotland and
Iceland have one representative each while the other two members are
Canadians. This gives a fair idea of the cosmopolitan character of our
population. Our people struggled along for a couple of years in the
early times without any municipal government but in the fall of 1881 a
meeting was called to organize when the following gentlemen were
elected the first members of Argyle Council: Warden, George W Playfair,
Councillors, F. Butcher, A. Henderson. G. W. Cramer, James Graham, J.
F. Macey, and James McCelland The new council was sworn in by A. W.
Playfair who was appointed a commissioner by the local legislature of
that date. Mr. Wm. Stark was appointed clerk and treasurer, a position
which he held for several years and by his uniform kindness and
obliging manner won golden opinions from the ratepayers of Argyle.
When the new council got to work the west half of the municipality was
not settled. As the country was just as the Indian had left it and
there was so much to be done our township fathers must have been
impressed with the responsibility which rested upon them. But I am
happy to add that they were equal to the occasion. Roads were
constructed and bridges built and soon our fair municipality had a more
civilized appearance. The most difficult task they had to encounter was
the school question. The great majority of the settlers were bachelors
and they were not enthusiastic over school matters but this difficulty
was got over after a time and substantial school houses have been built
in every township.
Then they grappled with the transportation question. Farmers were from
30 to 50 miles from market so it was quite impossible to farm with
profit at this distance from market. The C.P.R. Co. extended their
branch line to Glenboro which was quite a boon to the municipality, but
as many were from 15 to 20 miles yet from market the agitation was
continued for a nearer market which resulted in the Northern Pacific
being run from Morris to Brandon in 1889.
The running of this line right through the centre of the municipality
of Argyle was hailed with delight by the farming community. Farmers now
broke up all their available land an not a few bought more land and on
account of the improved market facilities an era of prosperity was
ushered in which resulted in new buildings being erected and
other improvements were
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visible on every side. Four towns were
established, being Greenway, Baldur, Belmont, and Hilton. Elevators
were soon erected and churches built. The Rev. Messrs. Rose,
Presbyterian; Wil¬son, Methodist; Clemens, Lutheran; Hobbes, Church of
England; Matheson, Presbyterian, and Lewis, Methodist - represent
the different denominations, consequently the spiritual interests of
the people are not neglected. A number of the fraternal societies
flourish here so when the immigrant arrives he meets with brothers who
will stay with him until the clouds roll by. In regard to amusements
skating and curling are popular pastimes in the winter months, While
lectures, tea meetings and con¬certs are freely patronized. In the
summer months cricket and football are the favorite games. Many readers
at a distance will thus understand that the people of Argyle do not
spend their time wholly in growing “ 1 hard”.
It is truly astounding that in the short period of only a decade such
rapid strides and advancement should have taken place in these business
cen¬tres. All these towns are making rapid progress from year to year—a
sure indication that the section of country which supports them is
moving onward.
In connection with this sketch of the early days of settlement we might
point out that most of the pioneers are still residents of the
district. Some it is true have "cross’d the war." But their families
remain, and it is a remarkable fact that of all those who colonized the
district, very few indeed ever removed from it to seek out other homes.
Why this is so, is undoubtedly because the district has met their
expectations. They chose their homesteads in the belief that this
portion of Manitoba possessed the natural advantages necessary to the
successful pursuit of their calling. And though the question of
rail¬way facilities was at first a serious drawback, entailing a great
deal of hardship that might otherwise have been avoided, their faith in
the country remained unshaken. Even under those unsatisfactory
conditions development went on. There was no pause in the inspiring
task of home building, and as a result of this abounding faith in the
district there may be seen everywhere throughout its length and breath
che natural evidences which prove these settlers to have indeed been
home makers.
Farm Residence and Buildings
of Mr. Chas. Hamilton
Photo by F. Stevens
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