Pivotal Events   Timeline... 1890 - 1899 The World World’s Columbia Exposition (World Fair) opens in Chicago in 1893 – to commemorate the 400th Anniversary of Columbus’s arrival in the new world (1492). Featured prominently are exhibits highlighting the possibilities of electricity. Canada 1891: The end of the John A. McDonald era. 1896: Gold discovered in the Klondike. Manitoba Manitoba School’s Question divides the nation as governments decide on the future of French Language instruction in schools. The Manitoba Government authorizes the formation of local Farmer’s Institutes and provides some grants. The goal is to improve farming practices. The Farmer’s Institute Act - 1890 – offers support to local farm groups. Melita & Area A decade of Growth – Fire - Rebuilding 1890 - Arthur enlarged to include ranges 26,27,28& 29; townships 1 to 6 inclusive. - Town of Melita formed with the arrival of the CPR – buildings moved from nearby Manchester. - John Cobb family lives in a double decker tent while Melita's first hotel (The Metropolitan) was being built in 1890 - G.L. Dodds moves his general store to Melita from Manchester. 1891 - First rail car load of groceries arrives for Mr. Graham. -  Arthur Pope openes the first Drug Store in the Holden Block on the SW corner of Main and Souris Streets. - Land Office moves to Melita in 1891 from Sourisford area. - E.R. Redpath is the Station Agent - Metropolitan Hotel opens. - First Bridge over the Souris River built. 1892   - Presbyterian Church built on 56 Ash Street – the first church erected in Melita and oldest now standing - Cemetery Established - First Circus comes to town - Oct 5 - First Fair on the new town site - Melita Basic Band formed - Palace Skating Rink opens 1893 - Melita School built – later sided with brick and enlarged. Now the Antler River Museum. - March 15 – meeting to organize lacrosse 1896 - Curling and Skating Rink Built 1897 - Victoria Methodist Church built at Ash & Souris Street with A.E. Blakeway as contractor and volunteer labour. Named in honour of Queen Victoria – built in “Jubilee” year. - Christ Church Anglican built at 72 Main Street with volunteer labour under direction of Rev. William Stocker as architect. The communion table was carved by Rev. Stocker   -Methodist Church at Elva opened. - Agricultural Society formed with N.Cates as President. - First fair held at Menota. - Sourisford bridge built. - Coultervale Cemetery surveyed on NW corner 22-1-27 1899 First record of organized hockey in Melita