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Timeline... 1890 - 1900

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.



The R.M. of Argyle

A decade of Growth – Fire - Rebuilding


1890

A flouring mill is conducted by Band and McDonald, capacity of the mill 75 barrels per day run the year around.

The first school in Baldur was in the upper room of the store which Mr. Kadrie now occupies. The building was then used by C. W. Watson, later Dr. Watson, as a boot and harness shop. This started in the spring of 1890 with Miss Wells as teacher.

The first blacksmith is Harry Goodman.

 

Photo (1912) courtesy the Archives of Manitoba

It seems that the settlers were good law abiding citizens as there was no police officer until John Harrower of Baldur was appointed in 1890.

J. Playfair and Sons owned and operated a planing mill from  1890 - 99.

The first store in Greenway was built and opened early in 1890 by C. H. Carbouneau, who brought his supplies by team from Cypress River about fourteen miles north.

Thomas E. Poole moved to Baldur in 1890 and established himself as a hardware dealer and tinsmith.


1891


“In the year 1891 Mr. W. 0. Fowler had some small buildings under construction such as flour and feed shop shops, and a well-established bakeshop. The J. S. Smith and Co., general merchants, started business in a building now occupied by Cleghorn’s Drug Store, erected by a lumberman by the name of Brundit who joined the ranks of local businessmen.

In the year 1891 a frame church from the Tiger Hills was hauled to Baldur and church services of all denominations took place there until churches were built.

Baldur’s first elevator, the Manitoba Elevator, was a horse-powered structure built in 1891 by W.O. Fowler and operated by his son Alex. This was soon replaced by the Farmer’s Elevator with a 12 horsepower engine. “  Baldur Gazette 1899

   

The Brandon Sun, Jun 5, 1891


 
The Simpson School

In the early days of the village the children attended Tiger Hills School, then situated about three kilometers  to the southwest. As the town grew, a new district formed from parts of Tiger Hills and Otenaw districts was created for the town of Baldur in 1891. It was named the Simpson School District, in honour of the surveyor who obtained the school site from the Northern Pacific town-site company. An existing school at Hnausa Mb (North of Gimli) had already taken the name Baldur. 

At first, classes were held in various locations with Miss Jeanie Wells as the first teacher. The building in the photo was erected in 1892. The bell was donated by the Hon. Thos. Greenway, the Premier of Manitoba. For the first years only the main floor of the new building were used for classes with the upper story used as a lodge room and hall. It was soon full however, and by 1902 the Principal’s class was moved to rooms over a commercial building, and a third teacher (Miss Annie Playfair) was added to the staff.

In 1905, after considerable debate regarding the site, the second Simpson School replaced this structure, which was moved a short distance and converted as a residence. In 1915, after the closure of the school at Hnausa, the name was changed to the Baldur School District. Baldur High School, as it was later known, served until 1976.

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.

The Glenora School district was formed in April 1892.

 

Frank Schultz, Banker


 

F. Schultz's Private Bank

Frank Schultz came to Manitoba  in the '80's, taught  school a few years at Mapleton, then  removed to  Belmont, where he was connected with the office of Frank Burnett for about three years. In 1892 he opened a real estate and inŽsurance office in Baldur, which  has grown to a good  paying business.    A year or two ago he bought  from the Northern Pacific railway the townsite of Baldur and is  the  veritable Lord of the Manor     He is  P. G. of  Baldur Lodge. No, 27,1 O.O.F., is an enthusiastic Orangeman and has been an active worker in the order for years.      At the recent session of their grand lodge he was elected to the responsible position of Grand Master. He never rests, is alŽways on the move, and it is not his fault if Baldur is not one of the most progressive towns in the province.
(Baldur Gazette 1899)

The present Marringhurst School erected.

James Graham opens the first butcher shop in Baldur.


1893

W.O. Fowler built the first two-storey brick building on Elizabeth Avenue in Baldur.  Over the years this building, demolished in 1981, served as a post office, a bicycle shop, an IOOF Hall and a pool room and barber shop.

A prairie fire left devastation in its wake, nor was it checked 'till it had reached J. Brinkworth's. Tree, logs for buildings, game and stock were not spared. It burned the Cowie and Watson Grist and Sawmill (near Neelin) and they didn't replace it.

Farmers sold shares and built a farmer’s elevator in opposition to the Manitoba Elevator with a 12 horse power engine by the Vulcan Iron works and R. McCauley was the grain buyer with Andy Embury being the owner of the elevator.

 

Map of the Province of Manitoba Showing the Division into Provincial Counties (1893)
Image Courtesy of University of Manitoba Archives & Special Collections

1894
 
The Preston Bros. and Herman Davis opened the first lime kiln at the west end of Rock Lake. It was here that the pioneers purchased their lime to plaster their log houses. The lime was also used to white wash the interior of their dwellings to make them cleaner and lighter.

Baldur’s first drug store opened under the supervision of Dr. Irving M. Cleghorn, who was beginning his practice in Baldur.

 

Brandon Sun May 14, 1894

1896

The Skjalbreid Hall built in Grund in 1896 was used for various social events.

 

The Hall at Grund (photo courtesy Roy Christopherson)


1897

In 1897 Frank Schultz built the bank building that served Baldur until it was replaced in 1977. It became a Union Bank (operated by Mr. Schultz) in 1903 and in 1925 the Royal Bank absorbed the Union Bank.


Frey SD. # 890 established on 24-6-14.
Mimir SD. # 891 and Hola SD. # 889, (1-6-14) established

W.O. Fowler appointed Postmaster.



The Fowler House – hosting Students and Staff from the Simpson School

W.O. Fowler came to Baldur in 1891, from the Wawanesa area. He built a flour and feed shop, and a bakery. He was a major shareholder in the Manitoba Elevator Co. He also served as Postmaster. This fine home, built in 1897, remained in the Fowler family until 2010. It is a Designated Municipal Heritage Site.

1898

The Anglican Church was erected with Archbishop McRae as dedicator and Rev. Belter as rector.

Greenway School district was organized. The school was built in 1898 and was opened on January 1899 with Miss Elizabeth Buch as teacher of the 10 pupils.

Frank Shultz purchased the town site from the Northern Pacific Railway, the population was around 400 and townspeople could choose from four general stores, a hardware, three fruit and confectionery stores and a host of other businesses.

The first publication of the Baldur Gazette appeared on June 30, 1898.

Statistical Information Concerning the Municipality of Argyle for 1898.

(From the Baldur Gazette Special Historical Edition, Sept. 1898)

The population of the Municipality of Argyle is 3,200. It has 800 resident farmers. Comprises 240,708 acres of which 3,500 acres are wooded and 80000 acres under cultivation. The municipality is exceptionally rich in stock, having 5,000 horses ; 7,000 cattle ; 1,000 sheep; and 4,000 pigs. The asŽsessed value of real and personal proŽperty is $1,125,000; taxes imposed for general municipal purposes amount to $3,750; school purposes, $11,874; deŽbenture purposes $271.50; judicial and county, $866.00 The total taxes imposed for 1898 being $17,762 00. The assets of she municipality at the first audit were $34,604.52 and the liabiliŽties $9,992.55, showing the municipaliŽty's net worth to be nearly $24,000. The debenture indebtedness on the 3lst December 1898 was $1.390. It is hardly possible for any municipality to be in a better financial condition than is Argyle at the present time.

In 1898 a business streak of energy was evinced the town gaining thereby a third general store, a second lumber yard, a bakery and a newspaper, and the onward rush continues at the present time. The activity in mercanŽtile and business circles during the preŽsent year has resulted in the erection of $25,000 worth of building, and inŽdications of a like expenditure next year. It has a population of lour hunŽdred, has a solid stone and a number of handsome brick business houses and reŽsidences and is most substantial in every respect. Populated by progresŽsive liberal-minded businessmen

The Baldur Gazette building was originally situated on the present post office lot and was moved to its present site later. The first publication took place June 30th, 1898, with Mr. S. R. P. Cooper as proprietor and editor.

COUNCILLORS in 1898

Ward 1—R. M. Wilson, Marringhurst P.O., Man.
Ward 2—John Clark, Baldur P.O., Man.
Ward 3—S. Fargey, Belmont P.O., Man.
Ward 4—A. W. Playfair, Baldur P.O., Man.
Ward 5—Skafti Arason, Glenboro P.O., Man.
Ward 6—J. Scott, Jr., Hilton P.O., Man.
SECRETARY—TREASURER. John Harrower, Baldur, Man.


LEADING   BUSINESS   HOUSES IN BALDUR. 1898

C.F. CURTIS, GENERAL MERCHANT.
THE J. SMITH  & CO,   GENERAL MERCHANTS.
MRS. S. BELL, GENERAL MERCHANT.
W. J. S. WAUGH. GENERAL MERCHANT.
H. DAVIDSON, WATCHMAKER AND JEWELER.
CHESTER HOUSE. J. CHESTER. PROPRIETOR.J. PLAYFAIR & SON. FURNITURE DEALERSUNDERŽTAKER, AND LUMBER MER-CHANTS.

The Chester House

DRUG & STATIONERY DR  I. M. CLEGHORN.
SHAVING PARLORS. S.  J.   MARION.
D. MACKENZIE. LUMBER MERCHANT.
CHRISTIAN JOHNSON, DEALER IN  AGRICULTURAL IMŽPLEMENTS, SEWING MACHINES,
H. GOODMAN, GENERAL      BLACKSMITH      AND MACHINIST.
G. B, SEXSMITH, BUTCHER AND  FRUITERER.
NUNN & RAYCROFT, BAKERS,  CONFECTIONERS    AND FRUITERERS.
A. E.  WEST, MERCHANT TAILOR.
A. HELGASON, BOOKBINDER  AND ACCOUNT BOOKMAKER.
W. O. FOWLER, POSTMASTER, DEALER IN BICYCLES
MRS. W.J.S. WAUGH,  MILLENERY ETC.
MISS DORA SNYDAL, DRESSMAKER ETC.
M. MORRISON, CARRIAGE BUILDER AND GENERAL BLACKSMITH
J. SCAMMEL,  GENERAL BLACKSMITH
N.P. HOTEL J, DEW. PROP.
MR. G. COUZENS,   BOOT AND SHOE MAKER
MRS. M.W. RANKIN,  CONFECTIONARY


1899

A skating rink was built on the south side of the track.
Three grain elevators serve Baldur.
The first telephone was possessed by Dr. Cleghorn and connected his home to the store.
Municipal Clerk John Harrower was robbed at gunpoint and the thieves made off with $700 in municipal funds.
Baldur Curling Club organized.
Two performances were given by celebrated poetess Pauling Johnson.



The Fowler Block

The structure is a Municipally Designated Heritage Site and the oldest building on Elizabeth Avenue. Harry Haskill, the “Glenboro cyclone bricklayer” (A quote from the Baldur Gazette) is credited as builder. It has housed a Grocery / General Store since it opened in 1899.