The exhibits in the Streets of Selkirk tour are designed to explore the history of Selkirk’s landmark streets. Identify who they are named after and important events/people/buildings on the street.
Britannia Avenue is a tribute to the connection that Selkirk residents felt toward the British monarchy. The avenue was likely named at the start of World War I when British patriotism was at its peak in the town. British jingoism was at its height between the Boer War and the beginning of WWI. Songs such…
Rosser Avenue recognizes former Confederate General, Thomas Lafayette Rosser. In 1881, as chief engineer of the CPR, he granted Selkirk’s fondest wish. For a price, he gave Selkirk a rail line, though such branches were against CPR policy. Many thousands of extra dollars changed hands before track was laid. Within a year, Rosser was fired…
Selkirk’s First Commercial Street The name Eveline was given to the muddy trail behind the busy waterfront in 1875. Eveline was most likely the wife of inn-keeper and entrepreneur, John Greig. Before the creation of Selkirk, the “inner trail”, as it had been known for 50 years, led along the riverbank to Lower Fort Garry.…
John Christian Schultz had come to prominence by leading the “Canadian faction” opposing the Legislative Assembly of Assiniboia Led by Louis Riel. He invested in Selkirk and came to own the land that became Clandeboye, Manitoba and Superior Avenues. He built the first Merchants Hotel in 1887. John Christian Shultz, Date Unknown, Archives of Manitoba, Mrs.…
The Birth of Selkirk Colcleugh Avenue is named for Selkirk’s first Mayor and founder, James Colcleugh. As a contractor on the telegraph line between Rat Portage and Manitoba, Colcleugh reached a spot tentatively called “Selkirk” which was to be “the crossing” of the Red River. The location was just a mark on a railway map…