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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


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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