Looking Back — July 3, 2023

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 03/07/2023 (1166 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

SIXTY YEARS AGO

More than 6,000 people filled every seat in the exhibition grandstand and overflowed into temporary bleachers to be in on the official kickoff of the 1963 Provincial Exhibition.

Mayor Stephen A. Magnacca and Mrs. Patrick Golding of Brandon have been admitted to the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. The announcement was made in Ottawa this week.

FIFTY YEARS AGO

Lefty Hendrickson of Brandon made it official yesterday. He signed a one-year contract with the B.C. Lions of the Canadian Football League, thus ending his one-year retirement.

Whether or not city cyclists are beating any speed records, they are pedalling more than any previous generation in the city’s history. City hall has sold a total of 5,980 bicycle licences so far this year.

FORTY YEARS AGO

The Riverside Canucks and Binscarth Orioles split first and second prize money after winning their respective semifinal games before rain and darkness halted the annual Manitoba Senior Baseball League tournament at Birtle.

The monthly rent for a telephone is going up 6.7 per cent in Manitoba and it will take a quarter to make a local call from a pay phone.

THIRTY YEARS AGO

In a day tinged with sadness, Hunterville United Church, located 30 kilometres north of Brandon on Highway 10, closed its doors last Sunday after 89 years of administering to the spiritual needs of its parishioners. About 125 people attended the final service with guest minister Dr. Tom Saunders, former minister of the church from 1938-40.

The delicate aroma of cut flowers greeted all who visited the Prairie Oasis Seniors Centre to help the Brandon Horticultural Society celebrate its 100th birthday.

TWENTY YEARS AGO

The three-storey red brick warehouse at Seventh Street and Pacific Avenue, which houses both National Exchange and the Brandon Boxing and Fitness Club, has been “conditionally sold” to Vancouver developer Peter Tines, says former owner Wayne Mennie.

Brandon University is launching a new creative arts degree program in September. The four-year degree is geared to students seeking breadth of preparation in the fine and performing arts. Students have the opportunity to combine interests in two of the areas of art, drama, music and creative writing in a 60-credit major.

TEN YEARS AGO

The provincial sales tax increased from seven per cent to eight per cent July 1, a decision that has been met with widespread criticism since it was announced in April. “I don’t think anybody likes it,” said Ryan Johnson, manager at Extreme Electronics. “On the bigger purchases … it is substantially more taxes. Even though it is one per cent, when people are coming in and getting $5,000 to $10,000 (purchases), it does add a couple hundred bucks.”

Brandon’s newest city councillor was officially sworn into office on Tuesday. John LoRegio took over the Meadows ward seat after reciting the Oath of Office under the direction of Justice John Menzies. LoRegio garnered the support of 51.6 per cent of Meadows ward voters in last week’s byelection.