Banner portrait of Amy Clemons

Amy Clemons

Born in St. Peters in 1906 and a descendant of Chief Peguis, Amy Clemons was a pillar of Manitoba’s Friendship Centre movement. As Executive Director of the Selkirk Friendship Centre, she dedicated her life to community service, youth programs, and Cree language preservation. Her tireless advocacy against prejudice earned her Manitoba’s 1970 “Woman of the Year” honors and the Order of Canada in 1973.

Black and white banner portrait for Rifkins

Rifkin’s Department Store

Established on Main Street in 1927 by Russian immigrant Harry Rifkin and his wife Freda with just $200, Rifkin’s evolved from a modest, seven-day-a-week general store—complete with a taxi service and hot dog stand—into a beloved downtown fashion staple. Moving to its final location at 212 Manitoba Avenue in 1945, the business was later transformed by their son Max and his style-savvy wife Lucy into a modern ladies’ clothing boutique, elegantly serving generations of local shoppers for 61 years until its closure in 1988.

Banner picture of Ethel's flower shop

Ethel’s Flower Shop

Opened on February 11, 1963, by Ken and Ethel Crowder at 241 Manitoba Avenue, Ethel’s Flower Shop was a cherished community fixture for over half a century. Later owned and operated by Lena Van Blaricom and subsequently Ethel Keith as a passionate family affair, this bustling downtown shop brought comfort and joy to Selkirk residents by supplying fresh floral arrangements for generations of weddings, holidays, and milestones until its closure in 2014.