Looking Back - Veteran returns after pilgrimage to Vimy Ridge memorial

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Published on Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Photo courtesy of Cecil Pittman archives. 80 years ago: Friday, Sept. 18, 1936; C. “Scotty” Mann returned after a pilgrimage to Vimy Ridge, where he fought during World War 1. 

By Cecil Pittman

Neepawa Press

80 years ago, Friday, Sept. 18, 1936: C. Mann (World War I veteran) returned home Monday night after participating in a pilgrimage to Vimy, where Canada’s war memorial was unveiled by King Edward. Looking well, and a few pounds heavier, he is now busy relating experiences and displaying souvenirs to interested friends.

70 years ago, Thursday, Sept. 19, 1946: Shareholders of the original holding company of the curling rink met with the committee of the curling club in Dr. Martin’s office a week ago Tuesday night to organize for the sale of additional shares of stock.

The original charter of 1921, authorizing the sale of 200 shares, had been renewed and 102 shares had been sold, leaving 98 shares in the treasury. A committee of E. Murray, chairman, A.E. Walker, Roy Birnie, Ed Ross and Percy Murray was authorized to sell the remaining shares at the original value of $20 each. Sales are reported brisk.

60 years ago, Thursday, Sept. 20, 1956: Irene P.M. Small, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Small, of Arden, recently received word that she has been awarded three scholarships for general proficiency. The first award was presented to Irene in June by the Arden Women’s Institute for $50 and another $50 awarded from Wright and Wightman Limited, through Brandon College, was received shortly after. The last scholarship, for $100, was the B.J. Hales Award. Irene received her education in Arden school, attending high school under Ben Foreman, then principal, passing all grades with high standing.

50 years ago, Friday, Sept. 16, 1966: Norbert Szucki, of Polonia, brought into the office on Wednesday a potato top measuring about six feet. Also advised of a sunflower plant growing to a height of 8’ 10”/flower head 46½ inches in circumference. These were grown on the farm of his father-in-law, Joe Smith.

40 years ago, Thursday, Sept. 16, 1976: During the brief council meeting Sep. 7, discussion took place on the verbal inquiry by Dawn Burnett on the possibility of establishing a new meat cutting plant and abattoir in Neepawa. It has been proposed that the plant be established on the Burnett farm a bit south of the former location, across the creek, with access off the Carberry highway.

The councilors felt, however, that not enough information was available for them to make any decision on the matter and it was tabled until a formal request is made by Mr. Burnett.

30 years ago, Thursday, Sept. 18, 1986: Production at the Springhill Farms Ltd. hog processing plant in Neepawa got underway for the first time on Tuesday Sep. 16.

13 hogs were processed during the morning, while processing of another 20 hogs was completed by the end of the afternoon.

“We’re testing all the equipment to get it going,” said plant general manager Jack Irish, as he stood near the killing floor line. “It’s going to take us about two weeks to get everything worked out.”

The general manager said the training of the plant’s present 40 killing floor employees working on the production line is being assisted by two experienced workers from the Hillshire plant.

20 years ago, Monday, Sept. 17, 1996: They were going to the dogs at Neepawa Collegiate last week – the hotdogs, that is, and free ones at that. The noon-hour barbecue was one event on the calendar welcoming new students to the school.

10 years ago, Monday, Sept. 18, 2006: The scourge of a summer day in Manitoba used to be mosquitoes. This year, swelling numbers of yellow jacket wasps took up that role, becoming the most unwanted of visitors at outdoor activities.