Looking back - 1946: 1946 Ford cars went on display for the first time in Neepawa

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Photo courtesy of Cecil Pittman archives. Thur. Mar. 28: Gill & Schmall Agencies building is now at this Mill St. and Mountain Ave. location.

By Cecil Pittman

The Neepawa Press

80 years ago Tuesday, Mar. 24, 1936

John Bogorrass, Mountain Road, informs the Press that the announcement of his engagement to Julia Woywoda of Scandinavia, as appeared in this paper recently, is not true and that there will be no wedding next Sunday as the item indicated. The Press regrets that the item was sent for publication by some smart person to cause an embarrassment for both the persons mentioned.

70 years ago Thursday, Mar. 28, 1946

Happiest men in Neepawa were Atkins brothers, in whose showrooms, the new 1946 Ford cars went on display for the first time last week.

“There’s no doubt about it,” enthused Mr. Atkins. “Compared with their immediate predecessors, these cars pack more styling, engine and chassis improvements than we’ve seen in any one model here since they first introduced the V-8s back in 1932.”

“Examinations of both the deluxe and super deluxe lines – the two classifications under which these first new Fords since the war, are being manufactured – reveals 20 important improvements have been made in their V-8 power plants alone,” said Mr. Atkins.

“In addition, new ride controls are featured, including a rear lateral stabilizer which results in greater steadiness and steering ease, especially on curves.”

60 years ago Thursday, Mar. 29, 1956

Fire of unknown origin early Tuesday morning destroyed the large farm home of Mr. and Mrs. Noble Yerex and family in the Springhill district. The fire, which is believed to have broken out in the roof or attic, burned the three-storey, 12-room home to the ground. Some insurance was carried on the house and contents, Mr. Yerex told the Press in a telephone conversation. The fire was discovered by Mr. Yerex about 4:30 am.

Friends and neighbours rushed to assist the Yerex family in removing furniture and household effects from the burning building and a considerable amount was saved. Mr. and Mrs. Yerex, their son Glen and daughter Carol, who resided in the house, escaped injury in the fire. Another son, Daune, had been living in Eden for the winter months and was unable to get home because of the storm and snow blocked roads.

50 years ago Tuesday, Mar. 29, 1966

Directors of Neepawa Golf and Country Club are looking forward to a banner year, with some innovations expected to increase activity at the local course, which is now considered one of the finest in the province.

Instructional classes for new members, adults and juniors, will be provided during the season, free of charge, on Saturday and Monday mornings. Don Corner, George Mackidd, Wally Cram and Martin Taylor will be instructors.

A special effort is planned for 1966 to reduce the club’s debt structure. Total of $21,800 is owing on the building, greens and watering system. Many local and district citizens have already contributed to the success of the drive through the purchase of $25 shares. Business firms and interested citizens will be given the opportunity to share in this community asset.

40 years ago Thursday, Mar. 25, 1976

“This is radio station 1400 bringing you news, weather and sports from Neepawa”.

Sound far-fetched? If Harvey Davidson, major shareholder in Riding Mountain Broadcasting, is successful in his bid to establish a new a.m. radio station in the Westman area, these words could be heard on the air as soon as next fall.

Mr. Davidson appeared before the Monday evening council meeting seeking the backing of the Neepawa Town Council in his bid to establish a new radio station in Brandon and re-broadcasting stations at Virden and Neepawa. The station would feature programming originating from Neepawa, Virden, Minnedosa and Souris and would offer a heavy coverage of local news, sports and farm concerns.

30 years ago Thursday, Mar. 27, 1986

A two-car collision three kilometres west of Neepawa, near the Airline Drive-in, resulted in the death of 18-year-old Paul Clifford Heel.

The Neepawa man had been driving west on Highway 16, while the vehicle driven by Daniel Edward Walker, 26, of Brandon was east bound when the collision occurred.

The accident occurred at approximately 11:30 pm on Mar. 22, the Neepawa detachment of the RCMP reported.

The two passengers of the Heel vehicle, James Ronald Forsman, 18, and Harold Blaine Repko, 21, of Neepawa are in Neepawa Hospital with serious lacerations, but are reported by RCMP to be in good condition. 

Walker is presently in Brandon General Hospital in the intensive care ward. 

RCMP said no charges have been laid as yet as a result of the accident, as it is still under investigation. 

20 years ago Monday, Mar. 26, 1996

Agency role as of July 1st: Under July 1st legislation opening the door to dual marketing, Manitoba Pork will: 

• Register all producers, and establish fees, levies and penalties, as well as  continue with market research and development.

• Act as a sales agent and operate a pooling system for producers who wish to market through the board. 

• Continue to receive a levy on all hogs marketed in Manitoba to fund programming. 

10 years ago Monday, Mar. 27, 2006

Dauphin honoring war hero: A statue of Lt. Col. William Barker, V.C. will be unveiled in Dauphin this summer. 

Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette MP Inky Mark and Dauphin Mayor Alec Paul said the statue will be a lasting reminder of Barker’s legacy.

Born near Dauphin in 1894, Barker joined the Canadian Mounted Rifles in 1914. He spent a year in the trenches before transferring to the Royal Flying Corps, where his efforts earned him the Victoria Cross, the DSO, the Military Cross, French and Italian Military honors and six gallantry awards from King George V.