Music has always played a special role in shaping Selkirk’s social life. From the community’s earliest bands to its more modern musical groups, music has consistently had a way of bringing people together.
One band that left an enduring mark on Selkirk’s musical history was Fifty Fingers, which became a popular fixture in the community during the 1930s.
Fifty Fingers performed many songs that were popular at the time, including their own hits, “Song of the Islands,” “Stardust,” “All of Me” and “Whispering,” along with numerous other covers.
The Fifty Fingers
Remembered for its performances beginning in the fall or winter of 1936 or 1937, Fifty Fingers was initially fronted by: Gunnar Johannson, trumpet; Dr. Lois Bloom, saxophone; Leo Oddson, piano, guitar and songwriter; Mannie Houghton, drums; and Will Gibbs, piano.
A number of other musicians were also associated with the group throughout the years, including Stanley Wur on drums; Ernie Margeson on piano and as conductor; Bill Inridson and Ben Boberg on violin; Jo Johannson on violin; Bill Chapman on saxophone; Tom Richards on trombone; George Bishop on bass; Lorne Johannson and Earl Martin on piano; Doug Doherty on trumpet; and Colin McLeod on saxophone and clarinet.
Many of these musicians were also involved with the former Selkirk schools’ band and the Vest Pocket Symphony.
A Musical Dream Comes to an End
According to a 2006 letter from Dr. Bloom documenting the history of Fifty Fingers, the group faced a harsh reality as its members moved into different stages of their lives.
“Unfortunately Selkirk was not ready for a symphony orchestra,” Bloom wrote.
Beginning in 1940, members began leaving Selkirk to pursue full-time careers and other opportunities. Gunnar Johannson was among the first to move away.
The musicians went on to follow a variety of paths after their time with Fifty Fingers.
Dr. Lois Bloom became a dentist and eventually moved to Vancouver, while Mannie Houghton became a steelmaker. Leo Oddson briefly served as the Lutheran Church’s choir teacher before eventually moving to Calgary.
Ernie Margeson first played background music for silent films at local theatres before becoming an organist for local churches. Colin McLeod worked as a musician in Sarnia, Ont., before becoming a journeyman in Winnipeg and later moving to Alberta, where he played in orchestras. Stanley Wur remained active in music until his retirement.
Ben Boberg enlisted in the Air Force, and Gunnar Johannson lived in northern Manitoba for four decades before retiring back in Selkirk.
As of 2006, many of the band’s former members had passed away.
Despite eventually disbanding, the group’s influence remained an important part of Selkirk’s musical history.
Saturday Nights at the Oddfellows Hall
While Fifty Fingers was active, the band provided much of the entertainment for Saturday night dances at the Oddfellows Hall.
Admission was 25 cents for men and 10 cents for women.
According to Bloom, the dances were extremely popular, drawing guests from both Selkirk and surrounding communities. Their popularity was even reflected in the local business community, with stores remaining open until midnight to accommodate the late-night crowds.
A poem by an unknown author, published during the era, captured the excitement — and sometimes the chaos — of a Saturday night at the hall.
“Saturday Night in Home Town”
Have you ever been to the Oddfellows Hall,
Where the roof does leak and the stove does fall?
Dancers of all kinds always go there,
Some dance with wildness and others with care.
Mike Scrovitch comes in with rhythm in his head,
And dances around with feet like lead.
With bended knee and dainty toe,
Diazcuk and Val a dancing go.
The New York blonde with skirt so high,
Shakes a leg and wiggles a thigh.
The only partner she can get,
Cries on her shoulder and makes her wet.
Miss Hansen peeks from the dressing room door,
While George and Liney flirt on the floor.
Here we have a second Astaire,
Whose chopped off legs kicks in the air.
Skinner hates to spend two bits;
But it has to be done to make new hits.
Jack Blow comes in all in a whirl,
And tries his best to “get a new girl.”
Janet comes in with lovely eyes,
And frowns so pretty as she looks at the guys.
The Brown girls arrive in flounces and flares,
And up to the stove they pull up their chairs.
The boys from the country with sweaty brows,
Dance around with stomping and bows.
The hall soon fills with dust and smoke,
And everyone tries their best not to choke.
And when the dancers get too warm,
To Gordon’s drink stand they all do swarm.
Now some nite this smooth floor will fall,
And this will prove fatal to one and all.
And when the Gonor girls thump around,
We’re sure we’ll soon be hitting the ground.
After the ball is over, everyone rushes around,
Purses, compacts, gloves and boots simply cannot be found.
Coats are tossed and overshoes thrown,
But of their things are usually stolen.
If you haven’t been to this hall yet,
Go there once and you’ll never forget.
And if you don’t have a real good time,
Try once again — it’s only a dime.
A Final Reunion
The story of Fifty Fingers came full circle during Selkirk’s 100th anniversary celebration, when members of the group reunited for one final performance.
According to Bloom’s 2006 letter, all the members were eager to take part.
“Thank you to the committee for asking us to participate in your programs and reliving a dream,” Bloom wrote. “It was a labor of love recovering their past musical ability for three of the group.”
Sources
Winnipeg Free Press, July 1982
Howard, K. G., Stories of Selkirk Pioneers and Their Heritage
