Rivers in 1907 – The Waiting Game

 


The town of Rivers as it existed in 1907 was in a unique position. It was waiting, perhaps with some understandable impatience.

By 1907, what had started as a “tent and shack” encampment in preparation for the arrival of the new rail line, had already evolved into a main street and several houses.  Businesses like R.S. McKenzie’s Store and The North American Lumber Yard were up and running, assured that the town was the place to be. Everyone now knew that the Grand Trunk Pacific was to build a station and establish a Divisional Point, and that would mean construction, lots of it, and with that employment and growth.

The shops in the new town were so popular with local farmers that they often stayed open until near midnight. Business was somewhat fueled by the temporary income local people they got building railway grades.
 

Locals found work grading the line.

Prosperity was what it would mean. The future promised a busy community, and a truly important connection to the rest of the country.

Promoters were selling lots through newspaper ads in the cities. The place was booming, yet waiting for the real boom.

The problem was the river. The tracks that would link the town to Winnipeg and beyond had to cross that river. I’m sure it couldn’t happen fast enough for the people who had already decided to make this new town their home.

In the meantime freight has to be sent by way of Pettapiece on Great Northwest Central branch running about ten kilometres to the north, or Wheatland on the CPR Lenore branch nearby to the west, then hauled by team and wagon. Passengers could get out at the end of the line, on the other side of the Little Saskatchewan, ford that gentle stream, and walk the few kilometres to the town. Mail came by way of Wheatland about three times a week.

But before the first passenger train arrived in late September of 1908 the town had stores, a newspaper, cafes, a post office many other services. They were already planning schools, churches and public buildings. 

When the first train arrived, they would be ready.
 

Construction of McKenzie’s Store in 1907.