Every year as the district
became more settled a growth in the town was noticeable. No
other town in Southern Mantoba could stand comparison with the quality
and amount of building done, those under construction and those
contemplated up till the fall of 1899. The cost of these buildings
involved an outlay of from $20,000 to $25,000. In the spring: of 1899
J. Scammel commenced the erection of a four roomed frame dwelling. R.
Band built a stable with a loft and a bake oven by Messrs Munn and
Raycroft. In the east end of the town Jw. A. Playfair designed a
handsome two storied six roomed frame dwelling: lumber shed, J. Dew
converted his cottage to a 2 storied house, Mr. Morrison built a
blacksmith shop transforming his former workshop into a large residence
on a stone foundation; Mr. Wm. Taylor erected a cottage and
stables, Moscrip purchased the residence, lots and shop of Mr W.
Morrison for a blacksmith and carriage shop. Mr. T. Hinds, who had been
in the Gazette office, also had a barber shop, sold his shop and left
for Wawanesa where he continued in the newspaper work. Mr. Alex Fowler
had his block built by Harrry Haskill, the Glenboro cyclone bricklayer.
It was and is today a handsome brick building on his lots at the corner
of Elizabeth and 2nd Streets. There were two stores on the structure;
the corner one was occupied by John Smith and Co., and the other by Mr.
A. Fowler where, he conducts his saddlery business. It has a lean to
where Mr. Fowler has an excellent Boot and Shoe repairing shop,
employed as shoe-repairer. For the past twenty-five years Arni
Bjornson has been in his employ.
Mr, W. 0. Fowler had his residence built of St. Boniface brick. Mr.
Alex Fowler resides in this building at the present time. This same
year T. E. Poole had his residence built. The fourth general store,
a substantial frame building opened on Oct. 5th, by M. W. Waugh,
with his wife opening a millinery establishment in the Fowler block.
Other signs of prosperity were indicated by the unloading of
numerous threshing machines. The frst skating and curling rink was
completed in 1899. Later Mr. Alex Fowler and C. Johnson were two of the
Canadians honored by taking part in the visit to the Scottish Curling
Association in Scotland.
Baldur could boast of the high class of its buildings, as those erected
in the years 1899-1900 were exceptional. Considering the poor crops of
that year the impetus in building was truly remarkable.
The Curtis Hall had a large stage and ante room with a seating capacity
of 350 people. Mr. Curtis equipped it for travelling troops. It was
officially opened with a memorial service for Queen Victoria, conducted
by Rev J. C. Clemens of the Lutheran church. A beautiful picture hangs
in this hall with the painting and design of Windsor castle by Mr.
Swanson of Winnipeg. This hall is now used for moving pictures by Fred
G. Stilwell. This same year Mr. H. Davidson opened a shop for
watchmaking and jewelry and S. J. Marion started a Shaving Parlor; D.
McKenzie, a lumber merchant, opened a lumber yard and
Rollins and Sons moved into the Fowler Block.
The town can be said to have held its own in spite of what is generally
recognized to have been far from good years since the Great War, and at
the same time to have made advancement of some little moment. The
future of Baldur rests upon the energy
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and enterprise of the business men. In the
early years the array of costly buildings which abounded so plentifully
in its limits was an indication that the men who put their capital into
them
had every faith in the town's future. We trust that the organization
among the business men of the town for legitimate advancement of all
enterprises and for mutual advantages is carried on so that the
town can forge ahead and continue holding its own with increasing
competition on all sides. The population of Baldur is roughly
450. Members of the Town Board are as follows: Chris. Vickcrs,
secretary-treasurer, Eiki Andersen, and John Sveinsson.
Another View of Belmont
The town of Belmont is the
centre of a Fine Wheat Growing district
SKATING RINK
In the eary days of 1899 a skating rink was built on the south side of
the track. The old board of directors and committee consisted of
Messrs. Schultz, Chris. Johnson, Alex. Fowler, Dr. Cleghorn, and
McDonald. Messrs Parker and Cooper appointed auditors. This rink is
used excessively by those partaking in the sports of skating and
curling.
The second and present rink was completed and opened in December 1914
and is an edifice of which all are proud, well built and a fitting
embodiment of the sporting spirit of the people; up to date in every
respect having all conveniences.
The rink directors were as follows:
Chris. Johnson as chairman. Alex. Fowler, Dr. Cleghorn. T. E. Poole,
and J. E. Playfair.
The rink committee for 1940 are Messrs. Fred Arnold, Dick Holder, Siggi
Anderson. Jack Syndal and Jack Brinkworth
Lady car driver: "Gentlemen, could you tell me please how to make an
Anti-freeze in this cold weather?"
Garage man: “I can, lady. Just put your aunty in the rumble seat."
CORRECTION
The two pictures appearing on the this issue and labelled
Mr. and Mrs. Christian Johnson, are not the picture of the former reeve
of Argyle and his wife but of Mr. and Mrs. Christian B. Johnson who
lived north of Baldur.
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