Looking Back — March 4, 2024

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 04/03/2024 (878 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

SIXTY YEARS AGO

Brandon Collegiate Institute’s first building addition in 57 years opened with crowds and ceremony this evening. The $500,000 addition was officially opened by Great West Life president David Kilgour, who was quite happy to admit he studied at the older collegiate in Grades 9 and 10 in 1925-26. A teacher in Mr. Kilgour’s student days at BCI and later principal for 22 years, J.R. Reid recalled past memories of the older collegiate.

Rural Manitoba has lost a familiar landmark. Grain still burned early today in the smouldering ruins of the vintage 1900 Pendennis elevator struck by fire March 2. More than 10,000 bushels of flax and wheat burned. The Pendennis elevator, about 15 miles northwest of Brandon, was the third elevator within 10 miles to be destroyed by fire since 1962 and the fourth since 1957.

FIFTY YEARS AGO

Fantasy Land on Ice, the Brandon Figure Skating Association’s annual ice revue, was the major event in the city over the weekend. The show featured 228 skaters, including guest soloist Ted Barton, Canadian junior champion, and James Riddell of Shilo. Crowds of 2,200 on Saturday night and 3,100 on Sunday afternoon were in attendance.

FORTY YEARS AGO

China has invited Progressive Conservative Leader Brian Mulroney to visit Peking following Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s decision to resign, indicating the Chinese believe Mulroney will be Canada’s next leader.

The provincial government has named three new members to the Brandon University board of governors: Brandon lawyer David Campbell, Brandon University professor emeritus David Stewart of Killarney and Rev. Art Seaman of St. Dominic’s Church in Neepawa.

THIRTY YEARS AGO

Canadian John Candy, the congenial corpulent comedian who delighted millions playing a host of zany characters on television and in films, died of a heart attack today. He was 43.

Music and memories flowed from the stage of the Evans Theatre last night as stories of life and death, joy and sorrow poured forth from the cast members of “Six Years War,” a theatrical tribute to the veterans of the Second World War, directed by James Forsythe.

TWENTY YEARS AGO

After a lengthy search, the School of Music at Brandon University has filled a position in instrumental music education. The successful candidate is Wendy McCallum, no stranger to the School of Music as she graduated from Brandon University with both a bachelor of music in 1992 and a bachelor of education, two years later.

Mars was once soaked with water, enough to support life in a “good, habitable environment,” NASA scientists said after reviewing data from the Mars rover Opportunity, although they said the finding doesn’t prove that life existed.

TEN YEARS AGO

Speaking out against tax hikes and staff cuts were some of the final pieces of public feedback Brandon School Division trustees received regarding the 2014-15 budget. Community members were invited to make presentations regarding the BSD’s budget during a special board meeting on Monday night. Among the five presenters was Brandon Teachers’ Association president Alison Johnston, who told trustees the BTA does not support the division’s tentative budget. Johnston said “at the very least” the division should stick to a “status-quo budget” that maintains September 2013 staffing levels.

Political activist and local health professional Vanessa Hamilton has resigned as president of the Brandon- Souris NDP federal riding association, and is no longer a member of the party. Hamilton said she made the decision for personal reasons, and still supports the party’s platform.