Pearson’s Hall was the bustling center for all kinds of social activities in the early 1900’s. Many of the social events held at the hall included balls, concerts, live performances, theatrical productions, and moving pictures, however, the hall was also a gathering place for election campaign results, community meetings, and public speeches. This tragically came to an end when the building burned down in 1920.
Daerwood Park was a development proposed by the Selkirk Land and Investment Company founded in 1904. Their vision focused on developing the northern half of Sugar Point into an exclusive summer cottage community. However, the site experienced recurring natural challenges in the form of floodwaters.
After only 2 decades the Selkirk General Hospital was already at capacity. In 1929 the hospital underwent an expansion which nearly doubled its capacity of 30 beds to 55. The expansion also included a spacious operating room, a large maternity ward, increased nursing accommodations, and an automatic elevator.
Selkirk has often celebrated large events with parades, rain or shine. Some of these events include Victory Day when World War One ended, Canada’s Jubilee in 1927, Coronation Day in 1953, and Selkirk’s 75th Anniversary in 1957. In 1949, the parades began to coincide with the Agricultural Fair weekend.
Selkirk’s early municipal services began in a modest log-house before moving to a repurposed schoolhouse. Other services were scattered across different locations in the community. Eventually, these services amalgamated in a purpose-built civic office, which was later repaired, renovated, and expanded multiple times. The civic centre also housed key services such as the Selkirk Fire Department, the Selkirk Library, and the Police Department.
McLeod’s Bakery was a beloved staple of Selkirk’s downtown for decades, filling the community with the comforting aroma of fresh-baked breads, pastries, and treats. As a cherished local gathering place, the family-run bakery served generations of residents, leaving behind a delicious and heartwarming legacy in the town’s commercial history.
Dr. William Easton (1910–1989) left an enduring 50-year legacy of healthcare dedication and service to the residents of Selkirk and its surrounding areas. Operating a diverse medical practice from 1935 until his retirement in 1986, he delivered thousands of babies, performed countless general surgeries, and championed the development of the consolidated Selkirk Medical Centre—a commitment to local community wellness that is remembered today through Easton Drive and the Easton Place Clinic.
On June 2, 1953, the town of Selkirk burst into a vibrant display of community spirit and civic pride to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Marked by decorated streets, festive parades, sporting events, and a massive community gathering, the historic day brought local residents together to honor the new monarch in truly grand fashion.
During the mid-20th century, the open-air dance pavilion at Selkirk Park was the vibrant heart of the community’s nightlife. Drawing massive crowds every weekend, it served as a beloved social hub where generations of local residents and visitors gathered under the stars to dance to the sounds of live big bands and local musicians.
In the mid-1950s, a wave of excitement took over Selkirk as the community embraced the thrill of the Soap Box Derby. Though the craze lasted only a few short years, it brought local youth, families, and service clubs together for unforgettable summers of building, racing, and high-speed friendly competition down the town’s streets.