Timeline   The following collection of dates and activities has been drawn from Argyle’s excellent local history books: Come into our Heritage - R.M. of Argyle 1882 - 1982, Argyle Centennial History Book Committee Historical Sketches of Argyle Municipality, The Baldur High School Centennial Committee A timeline is a useful way to establish a community’s development, and a good way to note its highlights. All of this information can be used to develop the kind of content that is helpful in describing a community’s history through short, effective and accurate texts that will be appropriate for educational support materials, plaques, website content, and myriad other follow-up projects. More notable activities have been underlined. The dates and activities have been presented in a decade-by-decade format, which allows us to relive the past through the lens of the flow of time; but it is important to note that pivotal events can also be broadly grouped by major chronological periods in our history attached to primary activities of a given era.   1600 – 1699 International ________________________________________ British Colonies are established along the east coast of North America. These colonies would eventually become the “13 Colonies” that would break away from Britain to form the United States. Canada ________________________________________ What we now know as Central Canada (Quebec and Ontario) is called New France. The profits available through the Fur Trade would prompt westward exploration. Manitoba ________________________________________ In the 1690’s Henry Kelsey travels southwest from Hudson Bay – to the eastern edge of the Great Plains. The Argyle Icelandic Settlement ________________________________________ When the first settlers arrived in Argyle it was obvious to them that they were not the first inhabitants of this land. Native people often passed through and evidence of past inhabitants was more visible in those days, be it in the form of burial mounds or prairie trails. Stone projectile points found in the Avery Mound (SW 14-3-13) near the northeastern corner of Rock Lake, show that an early culture called The Lake Shore Culture occupied the territory about 1500, BC. Although settlement by the Sioux, Algonquin, Plains Cree and Assiniboine people was intermittent as befitted their dependence on the roving herds of bison, it was ongoing and substantial. We know the region was then, as it is now, a home. With that knowledge comes the understanding that the story of the first peoples is still unfolding, and that it bears some similarities to the story of our ancestors. They also migrated here, likely as not led by advanced scouting parties (explorers?), and they adapted to the land and took from it what they needed to survive and even prosper.   1700 – 1799 International ________________________________________ 1783: The United States of America gain independence from Britain after a long military struggle. Canada ________________________________________ 1759: The Battle of the Plains of Abraham effectively gives Britain control of the territory of New France. A treaty in 1763 formally cedes the territory. Manitoba ________________________________________ 1738: The French Explorer, La Verendrye, builds Fort La Reine on the Assiniboine River (near present day Portage La Prairie). 1760: Exploration of southern Manitoba is undertaken by both the Hudson Bay Co. and the Northwest Co. with the establishment of fur trade posts near Souris Mouth and Hartney beginning in the 1760 - 90’s. The Argyle Icelandic Settlement ________________________________________ The closest fur trade post serving the Argyle region was in the Spruce Woods to the north. Pine Fort or Fort Epinette was established in 1785 and continued to be the western headquarters for Indian trade until 1794. It was located on the NE quarter section of 36-8-14 west: David Thompson visited the site in 1798 and B. Tyrrell located the remains of the early fort as late as 1890. Pine Fort was the headquarters for trade with the Mandan Indians of the Missouri country. 1800 – 1849 International ________________________________________   1804-06:  Lewis and Clark lead an expedition across North-western United States to the Pacific Ocean. Canada ________________________________________ The War of 1812 – 14. In what is essentially a war between The United States and Britain , Canada successfully repels and American invasion with the help of native tribes. Many years later Dakota warriors, descendants of those who fought, still treasured medals given for service the British Crown. Manitoba ________________________________________ 1812: The beginning of agricultural settlement in Manitoba with the arrival of Selkirk Settlers. This would lead to the establishment of Winnipeg as the commercial centre of the region. 1822: Peter Fidler noted the abundance of sturgeon at the intersection of the Souris and Assiniboine Rivers.  In the same year the forts at this intersection were attacked by the Dakota. The Argyle Icelandic Settlement ________________________________________ Several competing Fur Trade Posts operated near the confluence of the Souris and Assiniboine between 1793 and 1828.   The Argyle Region in 1800 – 1849   Peter Fidlers map - upside down! Note: Rib Lake - former name for the Pelican - Rock Lake feature. 1850 – 1869 International ________________________________________   1861-65: Civil War in the U.S. 1848-52: Potato blight causes extensive crop failures in Ireland. Canada ________________________________________ 1867: Confederation united four British Colonies to create Canada. From the outset, leaders like John. A. MacDonald envisioned a Canada that stretched westward across the Prairies to the Pacific. Manitoba ________________________________________   1859: Expeditions by Capt. Palliser and Henry Youle Hind explore the Northwest Territories to examine the suitability of the region for agricultural settlement. 1869:  Louis Riel leads a group of Metis in the formation of a provisional government. The Argyle Icelandic Settlement ________________________________________   The Red River Metis on their annual bison hunt would often pass west of Rock Lake in the region we now know as Neelin. There is evidence that some Metis later returned to settle. The Argyle Region in 1850 – 1869 These maps show the region about 1859.   The British North American Exploring Expedition, commonly called the Palliser Expedition, explored and surveyed the open prairies and rugged wilderness of western Canada from 1857 to 1860. One purpose was to to assess the regions potential for agricultural settlement       1870 – 1879 International ________________________________________ 1876:  Battle of Little Bighorn, June 25 and 26. A combined Lakota, Northern Cheyenne and Arapaho force, overwhelms the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the United States. 1876: Alexander Graham Bell successfully transmits the first bi-directional transmission of clear speech. An improved design for the “telephone” was patented the next year. Canada ________________________________________ 1874: The newly created Northwest Mounted Police march west from Dufferin, Manitoba, on passing the Turtle Mountains they have a brief glimpse of some of some Minnesota Sioux and their white captives.  Manitoba ________________________________________ 1870: The Province of Manitoba enters Confederation largely on terms put forward by Louis Riel. 1874: July 31 - First Russian Mennonites arrive at Winnipeg on the steamer International. 1878: December 4 – the first freight by rail reached St. Boniface.  First export of wheat from the prairies. First grain elevator built in Niverville. Steamboats service established the Assiniboine as far as Fort Ellice, stopping at the Cypress River and Souris Mouth. The Argyle Icelandic Settlement ________________________________________ In the early 1870’s a combination of economic factors and natural disasters, such as volcanic eruptions in Iceland, prompted increased, and large-scale emigrations to North America. On the advice of a Missionary named John Taylor a large group of settlers arrived on the west side of Lake Winnipeg in the late fall of 1875, establishing a settlement that has shaped the culture of that part of Manitoba through to the present day and was to spread to the Argyle region.   The Icelandic Settlement 1880 – 1889 1872 Hector Le Ber surveyed Townships 3 and 4 in Range 12 West during the months of July, August and September of 1872. And during the same months John and William Otty; and another set of brothers Walter and David Beatty, surveyed the rest of Argyle in Ranges 13 and 14 West. 1875 In October of 1875, Sigtryggur Jonasson, with the assistance of John Taylor, a missionary who was to become a lifelong friend to the Icelanders, moved the settlers to the Keewatin District north of Manitoba, along the shore of Lake Winnipeg. Here they established the "State of New Iceland" with its own constitution, laws and government, although in all except local matters, it remained under the authority of the Canadian Government. 1878 The early settlers of the Glenora district arrived around 1878 and settled in this district mainly around the north part of the Lake. There were a number of experienced farmers among them from Ontario. Years of early fall frosts brought disaster and suffering to heavy soil farmers while lighter soil farmers produced a good sample of wheat with fair yields. Among the first settlers are Noble and George Lawrence. 1879 John Wilson homesteaded on the Marringhurst plains. Mrs. Wilson was the first white woman to settle in the district.  John Cumming, former soldier and ship’s captain, who first came to the Marringhurst area in 1879.   1880 – 1889 International ________________________________________ 1882: Thomas Edison builds the first power plant in New York. 1885: Karl Benz patents his first automobile. 1889: The Eiffel Tower opens in Paris. Canada ________________________________________ In 1885, after long-standing grievances remain unaddressed, Louise Riel and Gabriel Dumont lead an uprising of Metis in the Saskatchewan River Valley communities in the Prince Albert - Battleford regions. Subsequent actions by native groups lead by Big Bear and Poundmaker create concern in Manitoba communities but relations between settlers and native people remain peaceful.  Manitoba ________________________________________ 1881: March 2 - Manitoba Boundaries Act passed in Parliament, providing for an extension of the province’s borders. The town of Brandon is created in May of 1881 when the site is selected over Grand Valley as a crossing and divisional point on the C.P.R. Within a month it is a busy centre. Homestead Regulations are eased to attract more settlers. Three options existed: 1. Three year’s cultivation and residence – with the settler not absent for more than six months in any one year. 2. Taking up residence for two years and nine months within two miles of the homestead and then afterwards residing in a habitable house on homestead for three months at any time prior to applying for the patent. With 10 acres to be broken in the first year, 15 in the second, and 15 in the third. 3. A five year system that allowed the settler to live anywhere for the first two years as long as he began to cultivate the land within six months and build a habitable house.   The Argyle Icelandic Settlement ________________________________________ The Argyle Icelanders A combination of bad luck and bad weather combined with a smallpox epidemic, harsh winters and wet summers made life extremely difficult for Icelandic settlers near Gimli, but the colony persevered and eventually thrived. For those that preferred fishing over farming the location served them well once they adapted, but it wasn’t great farm land and that likely prompted some to try their luck elsewhere.   Everett Parsonage, a pioneer of the Pilot Mound district, had worked for John Taylor in Ontario and through him had contacts with some of the Icelandic settlers at Gimli. He advised them to visit Argyle. In August of 1880 Sigurdur Kristofferson and Kristian Jonsson set out to vist Mr. Parsonage and he showed them a largely unsettled area in the rolling country in the northern part of the Municipality, an area we now know as As soon as he could Sigurdur, filed on SE 10-6-14 and called his new home “Grund”, An Icelandic word meaning grassy plain. More soon followed, with two more men taking homesteads that fall. In the spring of 1881 four families arrived at their new homes, by winter there were eight families, then 17 by the next year. By 1884 they had “650 cultivated acres, 60 head of cattle, 62 oxen, 60 sheep, 9 work horses…” and more. Six schools and a church were built by 1900. Before Baldur was established a strong community was in place, and although the store and post office established at Sigurdur Kristofferson home didn’t evolve into a village, the name Grund has lived on. 1880 In the year 1880 the influx of settlers began in earnest to the east half of the municipality. In August, 1880, Sigurdur Kristofersson and Kristjan Jonsson set out to visit their friend, Everett Parsonage, in Pilot Mound, travelling by rowboat to Winnipeg, by steamer to Emerson, then walking by way of Nelsonville, camping at night on this three-day trek. Parsonage guided them to the area that became Grund. In the Nelsonville land office Sigurdur filed entry for the first homestead in the Icelandic settlement of what was to be Argyle - SE 10-6-14. He named his farm "Grund", an Icelandic word meaning grassy plain In the same year Christopherson, Arason, and Johnson hoisted the Union Jack in the name of the Icelanders north of the Tiger Hills. Other settlers of 1880: Sigurdur and Fridbjorn Frederickson 1881 By 1881 the first council of the newly created R.M. of Argyle was in place although it was not active until 1882.   This 1881 map shows that the Argyle  region was just beginning to attract settlement in 1881. Weir, Thomas R. [Settlement 1870-1921] [map]. 1:3,041,280. In: Thomas R. Weir. Economic Atlas of Manitoba. Winnipeg: Manitoba Dept. of Industry and Commerce, 1960, pate 13. (Warkentin and Ruggles. Historical Atlas of Manitoba. map 153, p. 332 Other settlers of 1881:  Kristjan and Thora Anderson, Skuli and Sigridur Anderson  1882 Other settlers of 1882: Bjorn and Kristin Anderson, 1884 Jon Olafson called the meeting. "All farmers" are present and 36 persons of over 18 years join in forming a congregation which they call Frikirkju congregation, indicating by the name, their non attachment to any state church. This was New Year's Day 1884. Trustees elected were: Bjorn Jansson. Skapti Arason, Skull Arnason. The original Hecla School was built on 16-6-14. The first picnic in the district took place in 1884 at Jones's Lake. Baldwin Benedickson entertained at stilts. Sigurjon Snydal shone in the ox race. A post office was established at Jon Olafsson's home at Bru in the early 1880's. It was named Bru Post Office, the word "bru" being the Icelandic word for bridge. The Olafsson home, later Albert Oliver's home, was near the bridge on Oak Creek. The location was the northwest corner of NE 16-6-13. At first Mr. Olafsson walked to Millford for the mail, but later, when the railroad came through Cypress River in 1886, he would get the mail at Cypress River. The Bru Cemetery was established in 1884, on the northeast corner of NE 16-6-l3. A one-acre plot was donated by Jon Olafson 1885 Distance and mode of travel hampered the progress and continued growth of the congregation. The result was that on July 26, 1885, the Frelsis Congregation (Grund) was organized to serve the western community. The two congregations later reached a compromise to build a church at Grund. This was done and the church built in 1889. Therefore these two congregations of Frikirkju (Bru) and Frelsis (Grund) worked together in harmony for over 20 years and shared the same church building. During these years they were served by Rev. Hafsteinn Petursson, Rev. Jon Clemens, and Rev. Fridrik Hallgrimson. The first Argyle Lutheran Ladies' Aid was held in a small log house the home of Hildur Thorsteinson, in June, 1885.   1887 Some writers record Bru S.D. No. 368 as having been established as early as 1885, with Mr. McBain as the first teacher. However, the first official register of attendance is for 1887, with 19 pupils enrolled. The first school building was on SE 16-6-13, the homestead of Bjorn Jonsson, and the present residence of Claire Johnson. Bru School     1889 At a joint meeting in 1888, the Bru and Grund congregations decided to invite the Synod to hold their 1889 convention in Argyle municipality, and they also agreed to build a church. Frelsis (Grund) Church built.   Frelsis Church in 2010 At a joint meeting in March, 1889, it had been decided to call a minister. Ninety dollars was collected and sent to Hafsteinn Pjetursson in Iceland. He came immediately, was ordained in Winnipeg, and served the district until 1893, for a salary of $500. The Northern Pacific is run from Morris to Brandon.   Baldur is Born In 1889, after several unsuccessful efforts to secure a much-needed rail link, the Canadian Northern Pacific Railroad (a branch of the American company), proposed a line linking Morris with Brandon and passing through the center of Argyle. The towns of Greenway and Belmont were quickly established. But that left quite a stretch without a station and farmers felt they deserved better service. Settlers in the district directly west of the present town and the north and south were not sat¬isfied. To their way of thinking, a station should be placed between, Greenway and Belmont. While the surveyors were busy grading the line, farmers in the Otenaw district lead by A.W Playfair, suceeded in convincing the railway company that another station was needed. The first site chosen was three miles west of the present town and again citizens including Jesse Chester, Reeve Peter Strang and Sigurdur Chistopherson, rallied in support of the current location. The surveyor reconsidered and chose a location a few miles further east. This still wasn’t what the locals had in mind and Jesse Chester apparently carried the surveyor’s equipment himself to the current site. His persuasion won out and in the spring of 1890 land was purchased from M.T. Cramer and Mr. Taggart for $7.00 per acre. Given that beginning, the name “Chesterville” suggested by a railway official Mr. Lehorn would have seemed appropriate, but Sigurdur Chistopherson’s daughter Carrie has been given credit for the suggesting name “Baldur” the Nordic God of innocence and summer sun. A vote settled the issue and Baldur it was. Carrie herself was recognized in the name of the second avenue of the new town. The development of the new town was well under way.   1890 – 1899 International ________________________________________ 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 The Argyle Icelandic Settlement ________________________________________ A decade of Growth  The Icelandic Settlement 1890 – 1899 1890 The Village of Baldur is established on a new rail line In 1890, at a meeting in Argyle, Manitoba, a second district where Icelanders congregated, three speakers argued for the extension of the franchise, and the entire audience joined in the debate that followed. The outstanding instrument in the suffrage campaign was the Icelandic-language monthly, Freyja, meaning “Woman,” published between 1898 and 1910 by Sigfus and Margret Benedictsson. 1891   The Brandon Sun, Jun 5, 1891   1892 Sig. Christopherson, the first person to establish an implement shop, sold to W. Hearn in 1892. Immediately C. Johnson built an implement shop on a lot which he rented from S. Christopherson until W. 0. Fowler bought it and  later built his block and Chris Johnson had to move. He bought a lot on its present site and as a dealer in agricultural implements, Chris Johnson developed an excellent trade. 1893 Rev. Hafsteinn Pjetursson  (Frelsis) 1889-1893 The Island Society was established in the year 1893, at Grund with seven members. The object of its promoters was a most worthy one - the supplying of literature to those who might not otherwise be in a position to procure it, and thus tend to educate and elevate all, by the perusal of the highest classes of literature. 1894 Stables were built that at Frelsis. Families from Frelsis joined together in several groups to build three large barns - north and east of the church. The last of these stood until 1944, when it was torn down. 1894 On June 13, 1895 several ladies of the Frikirkju Church congregation met at Josef and Malmfridur Bjornsson's home, NW 16-6-13 (Holmkell Josephson's parents) to organize the Bru Ladies' Aid. 1896 The Skjalbreid Hall built in Grund in 1896 was used for various social events. The Library Society was instrumental in having Skjaldbreid built, and for many years it was the scene of concerts, dances, plays, and various celebrations. There the Good Templars met, the Ladies' Aid held their tombolas; the Young People organized their club; and there were Sunday School picnics.   The Hall at Grund (photo courtesy Roy Christopherson) In 1896, a belfry with steeple was added to the porch to house the 500 pound copper bell, which could be heard ringing clearly for five miles 1897 Frey SD. # 890 established on 24-6-14. Mimir SD. # 891 and Hola SD. # 889, (1-6-14) established In 1897, Bru School was moved to the northwest corner of SW 11-6-13. Records show that in 1898, enrolment varied from 40-55, depending on the season and age of the pupil, with trustees being Harvey Hayes, Halldor Anderson and C.B. Johnson. The Hola School District No. 889 was formed in the year 1897. The schoolhouse and four-team stable were built in the spring of that year on land bought from the crown - $3 for the dee·d. A race track had been built north of the Grund hall about the year 1897, for horse and buggy races.   1898 The first publication of the Baldur Gazette appeared on June 30, 1898. The Bru Hall was built on the northwest corner of NE 16-6-13. The land was given or sold by Albert Oliver for the sum of $1.00. The deed for the land was dated April 27, 1898. Apparently the hall was built that year   1900 – 1909 International ________________________________________ 1901: Queen Victoria dies, Jan. 22. Edward the VII reigns. 1901: Marconi sends the first radio signal across the Atlantic. 1903: Ford Motor Co. established to manufacture automobiles Canada ________________________________________ May 15, 1909: An Earthquake is felt across the prairies. Manitoba ________________________________________ 1901: Manitoba’s first Hydro-electric plant opens on the Little Saskatchewan River northwest of Brandon.  1906: Manitoba farmers organize the “Grain Growers’ Grain Company” with shares available at $25. For any farmer wanting to join. 1908: Manitoba Government Telephones takes over the telephone service. The Argyle Icelandic Settlement ________________________________________ The community reached what is termed the consolidation era (following the pioneer and establishment eras). Rail and roads are established.The initial spurts of growth have settled. Hastily erected frame buildings are replaced with more substantial houses and barns. Recreational and cultural options are explored.  The Icelandic Settlement 1900 – 1909 1901 Serious outbreaks of scarlet fever and mumps. Rev. John Clemens (Frelsis)  1896-1901 1902 On July 19, 1902, the Icelandic community celebrated the silver wedding anniversary of four of its pioneer couples: Ami Sveinson and Gudrun Jonsdottir; Skafti Arason and Anna Johannsdottir; Kristjan Jonsson and Arnbjorg Jonsdottir; Sigurdur Kristofersson and Caroline. Taylor. These couples had been married in 1877, at Gimli. Close to 500 people gathered at Skjaldbreid and a very entertaining program was enjoyed by all out among the trees. In the hall, a banquet was prepared by the women in the community. Rev. Jon Bjamason, who had married three of the couples, gave the anniversary speech. After the meal, toasts were proposed. 1903 In 1903, on a parcel of land near Frelsis Church the Good Templars built a Good Templars hall. The Good Templars were active for many years, producing diverse good effects. When prohibition became effective in Manitoba, there was less work for them to accomplish.   A wide view from the south, dated Sept. 13, 1903. That is snow on the ground! From the September 17, Baldur Gazette; “This is one of the worst falls our farmers have had to contend with. All unstacked grain was saturated through and through by Saturday’s big rain and snow storm, and it is feared that a great many of the stacks have let in the wet.”   1906  Discussions and plans for a new church began at Bru in 1906. Three years later the decision was made to build a new church. 1907 In 1907 the Lutheran Church was built on the corner of Government Road and Carey Street. It was a white brick edifice. The dedicatory service took place on Nov. 24th, 1907. 1908  Thor SD. # 1430 established on 28-5-13 Telephone service expands throughout the municipality. By 1908, an Icelandic suffrage group called “Sigurvon,” or “Hope of Victory,” (Also called “The White Band”) was functioning in Argyle, and several other Icelandic communities followed suit. The Icelandic Women of Argyle form a suffrage society called “The White Band”. The Icelandic Suffrage Societies were the first groups organized solely to promote suffrage in Western Canada.   1910 – 1919 International ________________________________________ 1911: Iceland gives the vote to all women over 25. 1912: Titanic sinks after hitting an iceberg on its first voyage. 1914: WW 1 – 1914 – 18 1917: Russian Revolution and the beginning of Communist rule. Canada ________________________________________ Conscription Crisis Manitoba ________________________________________ 1916: Manitoba is the first province to give women the vote. 1919: Widespread drought. Winnipeg General Strike. The Argyle Icelandic Settlement ________________________________________ Grund like all Manitoba communities was profoundly affected by the World War, and like all Manitoba communities is proud of its efforts on behalf of “King & Country”. The Icelandic Settlement 1910 – 1919 1910 Bru  Church was built on southeast corner of 21-6-13, with Jon Olafson of Glenboro as head carpenter, and was called Frikirkju Lutheran Church 1911 A two manual "Doherty" organ was purchased for Frelsis Church. 1912 Economic downturn in Manitoba – affects much local industry in smaller communities. Council set and annual license fee of $5 for motor vehicles. 1913 Nov. 10, 1913, the ladies aid decided to form a special fund and call it "Memorial Flower Fund" and donated $50.00 in her memory. To this day the fund is being used for many useful projects, such as redecorating the church, setting up a steel fence around the graveyard and helping the needy. 1915 Excellent crop and high grain prices. Reports of War Casualties continue. Oliver SD #1766, established on 21-6-13     The region in 1915 1916 Recruiting rallies held and local units of the Southern Manitoba Battalion set up. On Aug. 19, 1916, a group of young women met at the home of Mrs. B.S. Johnson with the idea of forming a new society - with the main object being to work and send parcels to the soldiers - both food and clothing. A very large number of young men had left the Icelandic settlement to fight in WW 1. Of course there were other good causes that they would work for such as helping poor and needy in time of sickness and also the church community projects as they arose. After much discussion the society was organized and named "Dorcas Society". Miss Gudbjorg Goodman was chosen president.   1917 Manitoba Women are given the right to vote. Drought in Argyle. 1918 The Bru Dorcas Society was formed in early 1918, with Thorbjorg Jonsson as first treasurer. This society was a group of young women, who organized for the purpose of making money to do good works. The annual fee was set at 50¢ per member. Nov 11 – Armistice ends World War 1 Dry conditions continue. 50 cases of influenza reported in the region. 1919 General depression following the war. Low grain prices.   1920 – 1929 International ________________________________________ The conditions imposed upon Germany after WW1 help trigger an economic collapse and political turmoil that results leads to the rise of Adolph Hitler and his Nazi Party. 1927: Charles Lindberg flies solo from New York to Paris. 1929: Stock Market crash signals the beginning of the Great Depression. Canada ________________________________________ Post-War adjustments are difficult. The “Roaring Twenties” though fondly remembered, most correctly apply to the latter part of the decade. Manitoba ________________________________________ 1920: The Manitoba Grain Growers’ Association becomes “The United Farmers of Manitoba.” It turned its attention to progressive farm legislation.   The Argyle Icelandic Settlement ________________________________________ Some General Trends in the 1920’s Throughout the prairies communities erected various  memorials commemorating the sacrifice and service of those who participated in the “Great War.” On farms and in businesses trucks were replacing horses for everyday tasks. The adoption of a car-based transportation economy saw the expansion of car-based service – gas stations, auto repair shops In recreation, tennis and cricket declined. Hockey continued to grow, as did curling. Radio helps connect remote hopuseholds to the rest of the world.  The Icelandic Settlement 1920 – 1929 1921 Bru School was replaced by a new school on the northwest corner of 11-6-13. The Sunshine Highway was built through Argyle. It was a network of roads comprising a designated route from Brandon southeast to link with highway system in North Dakota (Devil’s Lake). It passes through Rounthwaite, Wawanesa, Ashdown, Baldur,  Glenora, and Crystal City. Part of that route ran along what was also the most direct route between Baldur and Glenboro, since replaced by #5 Highway.   Portions of the Sunshine Highway that were replaced as the road was straightened have been preserved as a pathway by the owners of the property. 1922 Argyle Council grants remission on arrear on land settled under the Soldier Settlement Board. Wages for skilled workers drops from a dollar and hour to 85 cents. 1925 Rev. Fridrik Hallgrimsson  1903-1925 Automobile Road Map of Manitoba (1924) Emmett, A.C. Automobile Road Map of Manitoba [map]. 1:760,320. Winnipeg: Stovel Company Ltd., 1924. Image Courtesy of University of Manitoba Archives & Special Collections (Morris Block fonds, MSS 207, A.05-43) www.umanitoba.ca/libraries/units/archives/collections/com 1927 General upturn in the local economy. Formation of the Baldur Cooperative Pool Elevator.   1930 – 1939 International ________________________________________ The depression set off by the stock market collapse in late 1929 is felt across North America and Europe. Sept.1, 1939: Germany invades Poland, setting off World War 2. Canada ________________________________________ The effect of the world-wide economic depression is compounded in Western Canada by an extended drought. In 1936 the Federal Government cancelled debt for feed and wrote off many advances to to the drought areas. Manitoba ________________________________________ The effects of the drought on the prairies are felt most acutely in the southwest corner of the province. The Farmer’s Creditors Arrangement Act – aims to reduce farm debt loads. The Argyle Icelandic Settlement ________________________________________  The depression and the drought affect Argyle much as they affect other communities.  The expansion of the role and scope of schools, the influence of radio, and the changing technology in transportation all had an effect on life. The Icelandic Settlement 1930 – 1939 1930 Rev. K.K. Olafson (Frelsis) 1925-1930 The Bru Young People's Society was organized by Rev. E. Fafnis in 1930-31. The Grund Young People's Society was organized in Skjaldbreid Hall on July 9, 1930. 1931  Milk cows sold for $30. A phone call was 5 cents, but even at that price many people gave up the telephone.   Log cabin built in 1931 to celebrate the 50th anniversary oj Icelandic settlement. 1935 Good rains early but the wheat crop rusted and rotted. On July 28, 1935, a celebration was held to mark the 50th anniversary of Frelsis Congregation. After a short service in the church, lunch was served to a large crowd in Argyle Hall. Rev. B.B. Jonsson was invited to be guest speaker. 1936 Hot dry summer. Federal Drought Relief Program established. Dr. A. Keenberg was appointed the first Municipal Doctor.   1937 Spring rain leads to an improved harvest.   1938 Abundant crops. 1939 September 1:  Hitler invades Poland and World War II begins.     1940 – 1949 International ________________________________________ December, 1941:  The United States enters the war after Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour 1945 – WW2 ends. Canada ________________________________________ Aug. 19, 1942: Nearly 1000 Canadians die and 2000 are taken prisoner in the failed raid on Dieppe. Manitoba ________________________________________   Rationing and consumer goods shortages become a way of life. Manitoba Power Commission decides to extend  service to more rural areas. The Argyle Icelandic Settlement ________________________________________ Record harvests in 1940 began a period of relative prosperity to rural Manitoba. The war effort was foremost in people’s minds throughout the early 40’s.  The Icelandic Settlement 1940 – 1949 1945 The return of soldiers, many with war brides, signals the beginning of the “Baby Boom”. Rev. Egill Fafnis (Frelsis) 1930 - 1945 1946 Council received a matching grant of $4000 to work on the Baldur- Glenboro road.