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.
First built before 1913 on Sophia Street, Selkirk Collegiate Institute underwent several major expansions over the decades to serve the community’s growing student population. Following the relocation of high school students in 1971 and the introduction of a dual-track French Immersion program, the historic institution evolved into what is known today as École Selkirk Junior High School.
Learn about the wartime and family life of John V. Sinclair, a World War II veteran who courageously enlisted at just 17 years old. After surviving battlefield injuries in France—thanks to a dramatic rescue by his neighbor “Chappy” Adams—he returned home to Selkirk, dedicated 25 years of hard work to the Manitoba Rolling Mills, and proudly raised a remarkably vibrant family of 11 children.
Follow the wartime service of James Laye, a Second World War veteran who stepped forward to serve in the Canadian Army alongside his brother Jack. As a dedicated member of Selkirk’s historic Dufferin Gang, his commitment and sacrifice in the defense of peace and freedom remain an enduring part of his family’s legacy and community history.
Follow the life and legacy of Brandur Goodbrandson, a World War II veteran and proud member of the historic Dufferin Gang. From his early days working as a local icecutter on Lake Winnipeg to expanding his family’s horse-drawn freight business into a prominent regional trucking company, his dedication left an enduring mark on Selkirk’s business and community circles.
Discover Selkirk’s vibrant history as a travel destination! From the historic early 1900s trolley excursions to Selkirk Park, to modern attractions like the Marine Museum of Manitoba and the famous Triple S Fair and Rodeo, explore how the “Catfish Capital of the World” has welcomed visitors for generations.
The Manitoba Rolling Mills Company Limited first began in 1907 on Logan Avenue in Winnipeg and moved to Selkirk in 1913.
Through the Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression, Robert Smith was one of Selkirk’s most generous yet unassuming figures. Discover the inspiring story of this Manitoba Rolling Mills manager and former mayor, whose quiet, legendary acts of kindness supporting his workers only came to light after his death.
The 1929 Wall Street crash initially went unnoticed in Selkirk, but by mid-1930, the gloom of the Great Depression took hold. Discover how the community navigated severe layoffs, created vital “make-work” projects like the historic Selkirk Bridge, and ultimately found a path back to prosperity
Shifting away from fishing fleets in 1911, Selkirk entered a rapid era of industrialization. From retail shifts driven by the Eaton’s Catalogue to the historic rise of the Manitoba Rolling Mills, discover how local leaders and working-class heroes navigated wartime sacrifice and economic change to build a modern industrial hub.