Selkirk Centennial 1982

Selkirk’s 1982 Centennial was a year-long celebration that brought together residents, former community members, and visitors. Years of planning and strong community support resulted in major highlights such as Homecoming Week, parades, festivals, and visits from distinguished guests. The Centennial fostered a lasting sense of civic pride while honouring Selkirk’s history and looking ahead to its future.

Selkirk’s Centennial was an unforgettable year. The year united citizens, former residents, and people from across the continent and the world. There were events of every kind imaginable, souvenirs and collectors’ items specially created, and celebration demonstrated in every art form. It was a year like none other Selkirk had experienced before.

To be able to throw such a spectacular year-long party, planning for the Centennial began about ten years prior. Tim Taylor, a Town Councillor, proposed that over $100,000 be raised over a ten-year period so there’d be no hesitations when it came time to finalize plans. Many fundraising events were held to fundraise further and community organizations, individuals, and businesses offered donations to assist with costs.

The Selkirk Centennial Committee met for the first time mid-1978. The Committee was composed of 14 directors, John Veitch, Chairman, Bud Oliver, Vice Chairman, Hugh Williamson, Coordinator, Bob Wur, Treasurer, Bess Corby, Secretary, and Florence Fedyck, Eileen Cyr, Dawn MacFarlane, Doreen Oliver, Steve Banera, Bill Regehr, Tannis Briggs, Dave MacLaren, George Plews, Del Reid, Edgar Taylor as Directors. These passionate individuals, along with many additional members formed five sub-committees to manage Finance, Entertainment, History, Costumes, and Publicity.

The Committee along with numerous volunteers, the participation of friends, relatives, local businesses, and the community pulled off an incredible year.

Leading with a Logo

A specially designed logo for letterhead, newsletters, ads in the newspapers, souvenirs, and the Centennial Flag quickly became an important item to pin down. The Centennial Committee held a contest in early 1980 to create the design of the Centennial logo. The winning design, by Bob Davis is comprised of two solid blue S’s which represent Selkirk’s proximity to the Red River and Lake Winnipeg, as well as transportation and the fishing industry. The two striped, red S’s symbolize the role that railroads and the steel industry played in Selkirk’s growth.

Preserving Centennial Spirit

Several souvenirs were produced by Chas Fidler & Son in Selkirk, such as tea towels, placemats, both sponge plastic and vinyl, spoons, plates, silver platters, tankards, logoed T-shirts, lapel pins, sports hats, caps, a glass spun ox cart, pen holders, paper weights, and the Selkirk Centennial Dollar. The souvenirs were engraved or embroidered with the Centennial logo and showcased a variety of Selkirk scenes, such as the Oxcart in Selkirk Park, the Selkirk Bridge and Ferry, the M.S. Lord Selkirk II, and more. The Selkirk Centennial Dollar was used as change during the 1982 and was valued at $1 or as a trade item.

Regular stamps were paused at the Selkirk Post Office in favour of a distinct commemorative Selkirk Centennial design created by David Bowen, a student at the Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive Secondary School.

Selkirk’s artistic community group at the time, Art Cart, rallied local talent to compile images for a Centennial Calendar. Selkirk artists created drawings and paintings of local scenes for inclusion in the calendar. The calendar was then sold to raise money for the year’s events.

Barry Potyondi published an award-winning history book, Selkirk the First Hundred Years, in honour of the Centennial Year. The book was extremely popular and continues to be an excellent source of the city’s beginnings to this day.

In addition to art and literature, the Centennial had music and media too. The Centennial Song by Bill Simard became the theme song for the year. Many residents still know the lyrics by memory. Hundreds of records were produced and sold in the Selkirk General Hospital gift shop. The proceeds were also used to fund Centennial events.

Bud Oliver, Centennial Co-Chairman, ran the ‘Centennial Moment’ on the radio which featured an interview each week on a previous or upcoming event.

Celebration took on a multitude of forms: trees were planted, Selkirk School Board member, Gus Protopaps baked the ‘biggest cake ever’, the Selkirk Enterprise created a special souvenir Centennial Edition which featured photos and memories from the past century. Items were collected for a Town Time Capsule, and even a special whiskey was created in collaboration with Thomas Adams Distillers Ltd.

Encapsulating Selkirk

To honour the Town’s progress up to 1982 and to celebrate Selkirk’s future success at the Bicentennial in 2082, a time capsule was created and buried at the Civic Office. Town councillors, their wives, the Centennial Committee and their spouses, Ed Smith and his wife, Franz Frandsen, his wife, and his son, Richard Ross, Premier Howard Pawley, MP Terry Sargeant, and other town officials attended the ceremony. Each guest was invited to sign a guestbook which was included in the capsule. Letters from organizations to descendant organizations or individuals to their families in the future are also tucked into the capsule, along with a handful of Selkirk memorabilia, history, and Centennial souvenirs. The rest? Selkirk will have to wait until 2082 to be revealed.

Opening the Year

The year began with an impressive display of fireworks on December 31st, 1981. The Opening Ceremony set at the ballpark behind the Curling Rink, now known as Water Tower Park. Candy from a local shop, a cupcake, and a button pin which read, “Selkirk’s Centennial I Was There” were handed out to all the children in attendance. Everyone signed their names in the registration book, which was kept for the Centennial Closing Ceremony. Mayor Bill Shead offered opening remarks and set the tone for the next year of celebration. Bonfires were coordinated with the help of the Town’s Parks and Rec Department, and fireworks, overseen by Fire Chief, Ted Wozny were set off from the field at the Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive Secondary School, which could easily be seen from the park.

Guests of Honour

It wouldn’t be a party without special visitors. The Centennial Committee dreamt big when inviting special guests to Selkirk. Not only were the Governor General Edward Schreyer, his wife Lily Schreyer, and their son, and Premier Howard Pawley and his wife Adele Pawley invited to celebrate Selkirk, so were Lord and Lady Selkirk, and Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne!

Princess Anne’s tour began with a visit to the Selkirk Mental Health Centre, a wreath laying ceremony at War Memorial Park. She then attended a luncheon with Mayor Bill Shead, Town Councillors and other dignitaries aboard the M.S. Lord Selkirk II. The luncheon included a menu of Lake Winnipeg Pickerel, buttered fiddleheads, Pomme Parisienne potatoes, and deep fried ice cream topped with orange sauce. She then opened the Canadian Heritage Festival by releasing 115 balloons into the sky. Her final stop was the Manitoba Rolling Mills for a tour of the steel mill.

The Governor’s Dinner was hosted by Governor Ed Schreyer and his wife Lily and took place at historic Lower Fort Garry. The meal was catered by Rideau Hall and the plates sported the Governor General’s crest.

Homecoming Week

On the morning of July 1, 1982, Selkirk was bursting with activity. Former residents had arrived from throughout Canada, the United States, and the world for the biggest event of the year: Homecoming Week. The week, which had taken four years to plan, featured a kickoff on July 1st, and then a series of class reunions for each decade, the Town Parade, First Peoples Pow Wow, Highland Festival, and more.

Selkirk Park was set up with an improvised stage made from a semitruck flat deck trailer painted with the Selkirk Centennial Logo. Service groups such as the Legion Ladies Auxiliary, the Kiwanis Club, Selkirk Kinsmen, and the Lions Club contributed to setting up and ensuring the day went off without a hitch. Hot dogs, drinks, and ice cream were distributed to the first 5000 children who attended the park that day. Bud Oliver, Emcee and Centennial Committee Vice-Chairman, opened the event by introducing Richard Hooker, who led the singing of ‘Oh Canada.’ Chairman, John Veitch offered a welcome to the crowd, and greetings from Mayor Bill Shead, MP Terry Sargeant, and Premier Howard Pawley followed.

After speeches were complete, awards were up next. The first baby to be born in 1982, Rhiann Forrester, was celebrated with a plaque and a 1982 silver dollar coin. Other awards were given to the largest family of a mother, father, and children in attendance, the person who had travelled the farthest to be at the festivities, and the oldest person in attendance. The ceremony was closed by performances from Bill Simard’s and the Selkirk Centennial Song and the high school band, the Royal Blues Concert Band.

A Beard Growing Contest followed, where men who had been growing beards since January finally determined who had the ‘best’ and ‘scruffiest’ in town. The Centennial Robot SC 100 also made an appearance to the delight and awe of many children.

Away from the stage, the RCMP Musical Ride began at 3pm, and a variety of sports were played in the park. All types of competitions, games, and activities were organized, just like an old-fashioned picnic of years past. There was a nail hammering contest, tug-o-war, horseshoe tournament, and a grocery scramble. That evening the Musical Ride performed a second time at 7pm, with the opportunity for people to purchase tickets and watch from the upper deck of the S.S. Keenora at the Marine Museum. The night closed with a spectacular show of fireworks over the Red River.

The day officially marked the end of Selkirk’s first century and the beginning of the second. The day was a wild success,

“the surrounding streets, the dock, the bridge, boats on the river, and even country roads were filled with people. It is estimated that at least 25,000 people witnessed this spectacular finale. The day had exceeded our wildest expectations and then, like all days, had slipped quietly into history” – Doreen Oliver, Selkirk Centennial Committee.

Grand Reunions

The next several busy days of Homecoming Week focused on class reunions. Those who had graduated in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, enjoyed a revival of the beloved Sunday School Beach Picnic on July 1st. That evening a 1950s themed social with jive contests, spot dances, period costumes, and tunes celebrated 1950s grads. 1960s graduates enjoyed a beer, wine, and cheese evening and a ‘Big Bash’ at the Schreyer’s house the following night. The 1970s and 1980s were honoured with a social, dance, and nostalgic displays at Memorial Hall. 1982 grads were given special commemorative Centennial pins.

On Friday July 2nd, all decades were invited to a ‘Meet the Teachers’ coffee and lunch at Robert Smith School. Saturday hosted the biggest party of all, the giant Grand Reunion that took place at the Selkirk Arena, Memorial Hall, and the Curling Rink. The night promised entertainment from each decade, dancing, visiting, and fun. It was the busiest three days, with memories lasting lifetimes.

An Enormous Parade

The usual parade route along Manitoba Avenue, Main Street, and Jemima Street was quickly abandoned after parade applications came flooding in. The route extended to Manchester Avenue to accommodate the size of the parade, which took an hour and a half from start to finish. The theme, “Selkirk’s Centennial – The Spirit Grows” celebrated the history and progress made over the past 100 years.

Lord and Lady Selkirk were designated Honorary Parade Marshals so that they could be seen by the crowds lining the streets as they passed by. Governor General Ed Schreyer, Premier Howard Pawley, and their families were also in attendance. Everything and everyone were in the parade, such as drum and bugle corps, marching bands, chanters, vintage and sports cars, horses, ponies, pets, decorated bicycles, and of course, several clowns. Former merchants Mr. and Mrs. Tovell of Tovell’s Grocery, Mrs. Wur of the Red and White store, Mrs. Wozny of Wozny’s Grocery Store, and George Tapley of Tapley’s Store rode past in decorated cars. Parades floats of all kinds participated in the annual Float Contest, with the opportunity to win in multiple categories, such as Most Attractive Float, Most Comical Float, and Most Original Entry.

Great Peoples Pow Wow

Homecoming week wasn’t the only event lasting 10 full days. The third annual International Great Peoples Pow Wow, held in honour of Chief Peguis and his descendants, featured 270 dancers and drummers from across the United States and Canada. The event was a part of Native Pride Days, a festival which included an all-Indigenous art display, plus a ‘Red River Hoedown’ with professional entertainment, fiddling, and jigging contests.

A Year to Remember

Over one hundred events were enjoyed during 1982,

“all of which were made possible by the tremendous number of volunteers who willingly and unselfishly contributed so much of their time and resources,” Bill Shead.

The year united the community, instilled pride, honoured history, and celebrated progress. On December 31, 1982, the Centennial Year went out the way it came in with a spectacular show of fireworks, bonfires, candy, and button pins. This time the pins read, “Wasn’t That a Party.” And a party it was.

Selkirk Centennial Events Calendar

December:
31: Opening Ceremony and Fireworks, Centennial Committee and Firemen
31: New Years Even Centennial Ball, Kinsmen

January:
4: Return of Northern Packet, Festival on the Red
13-17: Selkirk Men’s Bonspiel, Curling Club
24: Family Dun Day, P+R Hockey
30: Inaugural Ball, Chamber of Commerce
30-31: Rural Invitational Badminton, Selkirk Badminton Club

February:
5-7: Mixed Zone Playdowns, Curling Club
5-7: Festival on the Red, Chamber of Commerce
5-7: Scout Camporee, Boy Scouts
8: Municipal Bonspiel, Town of Selkirk
11: A.N.A.F. Golden Anniversary Ball, A.N.A.F. Veterans
12-14: Kiwanis Bonspiel, Kiwanis Club
14-20: L.S.S.D. French Week, FR. SAG. Laurel Sarginson
18-20: Provisional Jr. Girls Bonspiel, Curling Club
19: Annual Sportsmen Dinner, Vic Helgason
20: Selkirk Ice Carnival, Figure Skating Club
24: J. Birds Dart Tournament, Legion

March:
3-6: Ladies Bonspiel, Curling Club
4: Centennial Science Fair, Selkirk Junior High
13: Masters Sweetheart Ball, Masons
14: Selkirk Ice Carnival, Figure Skating Club
19: Fundraising Dinner, Selkirk Kinsmen
19-21, Provincial Rural Oldtimers Hockey Tournament, Manitoba Winter Games
20: Open Dart Tournament, A.N.A.F. Veterans
20-21: Invitational Swim Meet, Dolphins
27: Kinsmen Annual Fund-Raising Dinner, Kinsmen
27-29: Provincial Teachers Spiel, L.S.T.A.
28: A.N.A.F. Anniversary Tea

April:
1-4: 10-year-olds Hockey Tournament, L of C
10: All Class Judo Tournament, Judo Club
16-17: Grand Session, Jobs Daughters
16 17: Penny Arcade, Guides and Brownies
17: Selkirk Highland Dancers Recital, Selkirk Highland Dancers
17: Selkirk Highland Dancers Tea, Anglican Hall
25: Navy League Fashion Show, Navy League
30: Centennial Spring Tea, Legion Ladies Auxiliary

May:
1-7: LSSD Art Display, LSSD
7: Mini Folklorama, LSRCS
Rotary District Conference on M.S. Lord Selkirk II, Rotarians
16: Corporate Challenge (Super Stars), Chamber of Commerce
16-17: Manitoba Association of Urban Municipalities, Town of Selkirk
30: Dugald Costume Collection Display, PEO
30: Legion Fishing Derby, Legion

June:
5: Firemen’s Ball, Selkirk Fire Department
5-6: Monster Fishing Derby, Spake Game and Fish
6: Manitoba Pinto Horse Show, Pinto Horse Club
6 and 13: CAMR Row Along, CAMR
19-27: Great Peoples Pow-wow, Friendship Centre
26: Federated Square Dance, LSSD
28: St. Johns Ambulance Meet, St. Johns Ambulance
30: High School Graduation, LSSD

July:
1: Dominion Day Fireworks
1-11: Homecoming Week, Reunions Committee
2: RCMP Musical Ride, Kinsmen
2: Centennial Ball, Committee and K of C
3: Ceilidh, Chamber of Commerce
4: Selkirk Highland Gathering, Highland Gathering
4: Church Homecoming Services, Individual Churches
5: Senior Citizens Picnic
5-11: Wonder Shows at the Park, Agricultural Society and Centennial Committee
6: “The Rovers” Concert, Committee and Lions
6: Veterans Reunion, Legion
7: Selkirk Mental Health Centre Alumni Dance, Selkirk Mental Health Centre
8: Kids Jamboree of Sports, Parks and Rec
8: Old Fashioned Picnic Reunion (20s, 30s, 40s), Reunion Committee
8: Wine and Cheese Reunion (60s), Centennial Committee
8: Selkirk Mental Health Centre Staff Reunion, Selkirk Mental Health Centre
8: Manitoba Hydro Open House, Manitoba Hydro
9: Manitoba Avenue Merchants Street Sale
9: Meet the Teachers, All Decade Reunion, Reunion Committee
9: Social Evening Reunion (70s, 80s), Reunion Committee
9: Social Evening at the Schreyers Reunion (60s), Reunion Committee
9: Open House Reunion (50s), Reunion Committee
9: Street Dancing, Chamber of Commerce
9: Fiddling and Jigging Contest, Agricultural Society
9-11: Selkirk Centennial Golf Tournament, Golf Club
9-11: Centennial Fair and Rodeo, Quilt Show, Agricultural Society
10: Pancake Breakfast, Kinsmen
10: Centennial Parade, Chamber of Commerce
10: Grand Reunion of all Decades, Reunion Committee
10-11: Centennial Baseball Tournament, Agricultural Society
11: Ecumenical Church service, Ministerial Association
11: Masonic Drop-in Centre, Masons
13-18: Junior Golf Tournament
16: Luncheon with Princess Anne on the M.S. Lord Selkirk II
16: With the Gov General, Chamber of Commerce
16-18: Heritage Canada Concerts
17: Council Re-enactment and Councillors Reunion, Town Council
18: Pigeon and Dove Show
25: 4-H Horse Show
25: Band Concert

August:
2-3: Marine Week, Marine Museum
2-3: Two Day Horse Show, Agricultural Society
8: Manitoba Pinto Horse Show, Pinto Horse Club
12-14: Northwest Command Golf, Canadian Legion
14: Appaloosa Horse show, Appaloosa Horse Association
20-22: Centennial All Breed Dog Show, St. Andrews K and O Club
29: Open Horse Show

September:
11: Rotary Street Carnival, Rotarians
12: Terry Fox Marathon, Kinsmen
25: Eastern Star Bazaar and Tea, Eastern Star
Interlake Art Cart Contest Juried

October:
8-10: LSR Community Reunion
9 Amateur Radio Station Opening Ceremony
20-24: Monster Cash Bonspiel, Curling Club
24: CAMR Centennial Lunch, Legion Hall
25-29: Senior Citizen Week, Chamber of Commerce
29: RCMP Band
29: Senior Masquerade Dance, Senior Citizens
30: PEO Masquerade Ball Social, PEO

November:
5-7: Ladies Evening Spiel, Curling Club
7: Tudor Hours Centennial Tea, Tudor House
13-14: Canadian Legion Curling, Legion
26: SSS Agricultural Society Supper at Memorial Hall, Agricultural Society
26-28: Selkirk and District Seniors Bonspiel, Senior Curlers
30: Festival of Bands, Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive Secondary School

December:
4: Town Christmas Party, Town of Selkirk
6: Senior Citizens Dinner, Kinettes
31: New Years Even Dinner and Dance, Kinsmen
31: Fireworks Display to end Year, Selkirk Fire Department