Looking back - 1955: Post office addition underway

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Published on Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Neepawa Press archives. 40 years ago, Thursday, Oct. 30, 1975: Bill Fraser proudly displays the “Neepawa Variatones” original new album.

By Cecil Pittman

The Neepawa Press

80 years ago, Friday October 29, 1935:

Harry Hamilton, well-known clerk of the local locomotive foreman’s office of the railway here was the most seriously hurt of four passengers in a 1935 Chrysler car owned and driven by Dr. J. P. Rehill. When returning from Yorkton earlier Friday morning, the car struck the bridge west of Canora. This bridge, one of the worst traps in the country, was the cause of a man’s death several years ago, when he was thrown from the rumble seat of a car, which struck the corner of the bridge, which is on a sharp turn. Mr. Hamilton had his knee-cap injured and was later taken to Winnipeg. 

70 years ago, Thursday October 25, 1945:

Approximately 200 Chinese ring-necked pheasants were liberated in this district during the weekend, the Provincial Game and Fisheries branch has announced.

The officials of that branch, assisted by James S. Strohman, secretary-treasurer of the Neepawa branch of the Manitoba Game and Fish Federation, were in charge of the distribution locally. 

In addition to the plantings in this area, pheasants were liberated in four other parts of the province. 

60 years ago, Thursday October 27, 1955:

Construction work has started on the new addition on the north side of Neepawa Post Office and extensive renovations to the interior of the original building. Harris Construction Company of Winnipeg has the contract.  The new one-storey addition will extend 30 feet north of the present building and will be the same width as the post office.

50 years ago, Friday October 22, 1965:

One hundred years and still going strong - this is the record of the Salvation Army. During the centenary year, 1965, appropriate celebrations are being held in more than 70 countries around the world. 

In Canada, a unique feature in the organization’s 100th year will be a trans-Canada motor cavalcade from Newfoundland to British Columbia.

Neepawa is one of only four stops in Manitoba. Other centers to be visited by the group are Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie and Brandon.

40 years ago, Thursday October 30, 1975:

With the visit of Margaret Laurence and the interest in the formation of a cultural center in town, things artistic have been in the limelight recently. And catching a share of that limelight are the Neepawa Variatones, who recently released their first album. 

The album is entitled Time to Dance and the group hopes it will be suitable for house parties and small get-togethers as well as just some easy listening.  The group was formed in 1963 and there are three of the original five members appearing on the LP. Bill Fraser, Walter Zeke and Vic Murray have been with the group since its inception while Marvin Alex and Dale MacDonald have joined the group over the years. 

30 years ago, Thursday October 31, 1985:

While renovations to the Neepawa District Memorial Hospital have been delayed due to the weather, officials are still targeting a grand opening in January.

That’s the word from hospital board chairman Mel Chambers, who noted the next logical step is accreditation for Neepawa’s 38 acute bed care facility. 

“Once the renovations are in place, we can have an analysis done on whatever is not in place, we can make an effort to change,” he said.

Accreditation is a national “stamp of excellence” given to hospitals that meet certain criteria. The criteria revolves around patient care and documentation, said Chambers.

20 years ago, Monday October 31, 1995:

The Whitemud Watershed Conservation District received a $175,000 third quarter grant from the province for continued conservation management.

The Turtle River Conservation District received a $75,000 third quarter grant, while the Alonsa Conservation District received a $45,000 grant.

Community-based conservation districts and agencies work with the government on projects involving soil and water management, wildlife and fisheries habitat enhancement, recreation development and education.

10 years ago, Monday October 31, 2005:

The Just Income Coalition wants Manitoba’s minimum wage to be increased from $7.25 to $10.25 an hour. 

“Someone who is working full-time should not find themselves in difficult circumstances,” said coalition spokesman Sid Frankel.

“It’s wrong for people who are working full-time not to be moved out of poverty.”