Charles Parker Holden came to the west from Ontario in
the 1880's and
homesteaded north of Deloraine, where he spent a few years farming. In
1891 he set his course westward and came to Melita to engage in
business. As the railroad was not yet constructed to this community,
Mr. Holden had to transport his first load of furniture by horse from
the nearest railway, which could have been Deloraine. His furniture
store located on the northwest corner of Main Street added another
merchantile establishment to a town that was soon to enjoy a
substantial boom. As Mr. Holden had been trained in cabinet making it
seemed to be natural to be in furniture retailing.
In the Western Progress, dated January 11, 1899 it is noted that
his advertising stated bargains in furniture also that pic¬ture framing
and undertaking was a specialty. Then in later issues it stated that
the undertaking supplied a hearse. Mr. Holden had his own black team
with fancy harness and nettings over the horses with glass panelled
hearse on wheels, which could be changed to specially built sleighs for
winter use. This newest hearse was built by a carriage maker in Napinka
some time before 1910.
As for furniture, the Enterprise weekly paper, October 1904 carries an
ad for Newcombe pianos, no price quoted, but a new shipment of iron
beds are quoted from $4 up.
Mr. Holden’s life in Melita was an active one, and he is entitled
to a full share of credit for the community's upbuilding. The Melita
Band was one of his favourite organizations. He was a member for 47
years. His name was also recorded in the membership of the Canadian
Foresters, the I.O.O.F. Lodge, and the L.O.L. He served both as a
councillor and president of the Board of Trade, as a member of the Town
Council and the board of Melita Consolidated School. The Curling Club
will remember him as one of its oldest members. Victoria Methodist
Church and later Victoria United Church found him a staunch and
faithful servant on the board and in later years as
an Elder. He was also a member of the choir for many years. Service to
the community was something of supreme importance to Mr. Holden. He was
well known and highly esteemed over the entire southwest part of the
province.
Adapted from Our First Century, page 360,
572
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