Building Bridges between East and West through Education and Cultural Exchange
Strathclair — A Small Manitoba Hometown
Strathclair, Manitoba was first settled by Europeans in the late 1800s. Land in the area was good, but first the land had to be cleared of trees and roots. Often oxen were used originally, but horses were the common power used until the 1940s.
Today, many of the early families are still represented in this small town. Some children and grandchildren of these earliest settlers continue to live in the area and work the family farms.
Some may move into town and become business people, but most young people move on to other kinds of careers. As farmers retire, however, they often move into the local towns where they continue to enjoy good community with friends who have known each other since school days.
The photos here were taken in 2009, at the 125th anniversary celebration of the original founding of the town. Over that period, the town has grown very little. But in contrast to many prairie towns, Strathclair has survived better than most. It is located on a major highway and on a major railway: two good reasons to explain its survival. It is also a well-administered town, where local leaders have helped to provide good government and helped create an attractive community.
Watch for captions under the photos, for more details on a small prairie town and some insights into the pride of the local people.
With a population of just a few hundred, the town of Strathclair is relatively affluent. The surrounding farmland is of good quality.
The local government office for the town and surrounding area.
The government post office on one of the two main business streets.
Part of the main business street with a very old hotel in the far distance.
A fire truck and other equipment is stored here. Men in the community are trained volunteers.
The local school. Buses bring children from the surrounding communities into the town each day.
Hockey (for boys especially) and curling (for older men and women) are important winter sports.
The old movie theatre no longer shows movies, but it has been maintained for live theatre and musical productions.
Each year the local people (and some from surrounding communities) commonly stage a Broadway musical.
This is great entertainment, and people will travel for hundreds of kilometers to attend the annual event.
All the original towns and villages were located next to railways. This was important for farmers.
Having much pride in the old community, volunteers have developed a very interesting museum.
Some of the old town and countryside buildings have been moved to this location. (Wooden buildings are not difficult to move.)
Depicted here is a farming scene from 100 years ago. These are Clydes (work horses originally from Scotland) that were famous work horses.)
Three small churches, representing different Christian traditions, served the spiritual needs of the community.
This Baptist Church is now the most active. People also come from neighbouring towns and farms for weekly church activities.
Many social events will occur at the Community Hall including local dances or receptions for wedding or other special occasions.
This is also where the community “war heroes” are remembered. Listed here are the many local farm boys who died in Europe in the First World War.
One of the streets leading out to the countryside.
A small house, possibly built 70 years ago but still well-maintained by the present owners.
This house had a bit more style, and was probably first built by a local business man.
Manufactured homes may be built with wheels for easy moving on highways, then may become permanent residences with attached rooms like this one.
This is another “mobile home” but with a car shelter attached. Long and narrow, for highway transport, they exist in most small towns.
A small garden patch. Gardens are mostly a hobby, but people will enjoy the fresh vegetables for a few weeks each summer.
The street where our relatives are currently living.
The house was constructed and then moved here in 1969 when my father-in-law retired. Later it was sold to other relatives.
Commonly in small towns there will be separate condos/apartments for seniors. My wife’s parents lived here for some years.
Strathclair, Manitoba was first settled by Europeans in the late 1800s. Land in the area was good, but first the land had to be cleared of trees and roots. Often oxen were used originally, but horses were the common power used until the 1940s.
