Fundraiser celebrates Carberry’s heritage

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Published on Thursday, November 12, 2015

Submitted Article

The Neepawa Banner

When the provincial heritage branch declared two blocks of Carberry’s Main Street as Manitoba’s first (and still only) Heritage District in 2007, one of their recommendations was to create a comprehensive walking tour guide that illustrates what’s special about the town. Thanks to Winnipeg writer and heritage buff Reid Dickie, Carberry now has such a book.

“I worked for two years creating the guide book. I lost track of how many times I visited Carberry doing research,” says Dickie.  “It was a labour of love and I’m thrilled with the result and even happier to help raise funds for worthwhile organizations.”

Carberry Heritage Walking Tour is a high quality 56 page book featuring articles and pictures of 45 Carberry heritage sites, including the 28 designated buildings on Main Street as well as houses, churches and a few phantom buildings that no longer exist. Along with vivid descriptions, the book contains 86 pictures, most in colour, some archival, a numbered map of the walking tour plus interesting facts about Carberry’s history. 

“As well as promoting Carberry’s wealth of built heritage, which is unique in Manitoba and rare on the prairies, the book is a fundraiser,” says Dickie. “All proceeds from the sale of the book are shared equally by four local heritage organizations: Carberry Plains Museum, Carberry Plains Archives, The Seton Centre and Carberry Heritage Festival.” The book costs $10.

“I am grateful for all the help I got researching the book. Val Andrey at the archives came up with answers to my many questions and Kelly Garnett at the museum supplied me with vintage pictures, especially of James White and his holdings,” says Dickie. 

Once the book was researched, written and designed, raising money to print it was the next step. “Local businesswoman Cathy Drayson deserves kudos for her efforts in this regard,” says Dickie. “I raised $250 from Westoba Credit Union. The Carberry Chamber of Commerce chipped in a substantial amount but it was Cathy who raised the lion’s share, approaching local businesses and individuals for donations and selling nine ads in the book. Without her, there would be no book.”

Through Carberry News-Express 500 copies of the book were printed by Derksen Printers in Steinbach and came out two days before the 2015 heritage festival. “We sold 65 copies at the festival and sales continue to be brisk.”

The format of the book allows the tour to be walked or driven. It is very pocket and purse friendly making it easy to mail. “It’s a great gift for current and former residents of Carberry and area, for birthdays and anniversaries, graduations and visiting friends and family,” says Dickie. “The book is an effective local promotion and marketing tool for Carberry councils, organizations and businesses, too. It demonstrates pride in the past, honouring those who built the town and farmed the land.”

The book can be purchased for $10 at the Carberry/North Cypress Library, Carberry Plains Archives and from Reid Dickie by emailing him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .