Originally from Ontario, Frank and Margaret Schultz
settled at Mapleton on the banks of the Red River north of Winnipeg,
where Frank taught school. On leaving there, they moved to the Belmont
district where Frank took up a homestead south of the town. Needing
money, he undertook to teach at Northfield School near Wawanesa. There
Nellie McClung was one of his pupils. She made several references to
him in her book "Clearing in the West". Later in thankful remembrance
of her early teacher, she sent Margaret a copy of each of her books as
they were published.
In 1892 Frank opened a real estate and insurance office and established
a little private bank in the new town of Baldur. After a few years the
Union Bank decided to open a branch in Baldur. They took over his
little branch and he became their manager, a position he held for the
rest of his life.
In politics he was a strong liberal and the family were brought up in
that political persuasion. A story was told of Sir Clifford Sifton
coming out to Baldur to speak at a political rally. All the Schultz
family, father, mother and five sons, were there. Stuart, the youngest,
and under school age was seated with his friends in the from seats.
When Mr. Sifton finished his speech and people began to clap, Stuart
excitedly asked his pals, "Is he a liberal? Is he a liberal?" When
assured that he was, he too burst into most enthusiastic applause. He
was not going to clap for anyone not of his true political faith.
They were a most hospitable family and the boys always felt free to
bring their friends home for a meal and social activities.
Adapted from Come into our Heritage, page
624.
Mr. Scultz built the building to house his
various enterprises.
Banking in Baldur
The Union Bank opened in 1903. Mr. Schultz was manager of the Bank
until 1915. He was succeeded by Mr. J. A. Mitchell as acting manager.
In 1916, Mr. E. H. Bally was appointed manager and when the Union Bank
was taken over by the Royal Bank in 1925, he continued as manager until
1927. Mr. Bally was replaced by Mr. R. S. Hodge until 1934 when he was
retired on pension. Mr. T. W. Cancannon succeeded him until 1936, when
he was pensioned. Mr. F. H. Bridge succeeded Mr. Cancannon.
F. SCHULTZ, PRIVATE BANKER.
From the 1899 Historical Edition of the Baldur
Gazette
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. 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 al¬ways on the move, and
it is not his fault if Baldur is not one of the most progressive towns
in the province.
The first town board was formed on May 6, 1906. A meeting of the
ratepayers was called on that date and following were elected: Messrs.
Frank Schultz (chairman), G. W. Playfair, and Alex
Fowler.
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