1946-2026 Watching Steinbach Grow – Remembering that first edition.

The first edition of The Carillon came off the presses on Feb. 21, 1946.

What follows are a sampling of articles that made it onto the front page.

The Carillon News makes its bow

It is with some pride, and a great deal of pleasure, that we present to you the first copy of the Carillon News.

The response to our announcement some two weeks ago has been gratifying. All doubts concerning the feasibility of publishing this paper have vanished. Letters of encouragement, and a substantial number of paid-in-advance subscriptions, are convincing proof that the people of Southeastern Manitoba need, and are interested in a local newspaper.

With such endorsement it will be easy to make the Carillon News a good paper.

In perusing this sheet, please bear in mind that this is the first copy and by no means a perfect specimen of what a local paper should be. We have much to learn; but are tackling our self-chosen task with enthusiasm and an open mind. You will notice that this copy does not contain news from as many places as we would like to see, but until every district, every town and every hamlet has its reporter we shall not rest. Then too, we are working on obtaining several good special columns—a Farm Commentary column, by a man whose knowledge of local conditions is so thorough that the printed page will hardly do him justice, and other features.

To help bring about good neighborliness among our communities, to promote individual and community enterprise, shall always be the guiding principle of the Carillon News.

THE EDITOR

Music Festival Entries Invited

A meeting was called largely through the effort and enthusiasm of Mr. W. Friesen on Nov. 21st to discuss the advisability of reorganizing a Music Festival Society in Steinbach. This preliminary meeting was held in the Steinbach High School and was attended by about twenty people. A provisional committee was chosen to find what support there was in the town for such a project and to canvass for members.

Then a meeting was held on Dec. 5th. Thirty members were present. At this meeting the executive, consisting of several members was chosen. The duties of the executive were to set the whole machinery for the music festival in motion.

Accordingly the executive has met four times to date. Various committees have been set up whose members sprang into action as soon as they were appointed; the program for the syllabus was gone over carefully and adjusted to the present needs; adjudicators have been contacted and their presence at the festival made certain; the necessary music has been purchased; membership cards have been printed and distributed and the syllabus has gone to press.

The festival is to take place at the Central Church on Thursday and Friday, May 30th and May 31st.

All entries are to be in by May 1st. Apply to Miss S. S. Johnson, secretary, Steinbach, Man., for entry forms. Entries are open to all schools and individuals in Southeastern Manitoba.

The membership now stands at 57. We hope that the interest and enthusiasm for this project will bring about a steady rise in membership and that the festival will be very successful.

Canning Factory in Steinbach?

We hear (from an authoritative source, of course) that organization is under way to form a canning company in this community. Meetings are scheduled for some time in March. While this paper is keenly interested to see more industries developed in rural Manitoba, because we are of the opinion that decentralization will help cure unemployment and other ills facing market gardeners who have a more direct interest. Watch for developments.

Agricultural Society Busy

The Board of Directors and Club Leaders of the Hanover Agricultural Society are intent on organizing more boys’ and girls’ clubs this year. In 1945, there were 6 calf clubs and one grain club, members this year hope to see in addition to these, several swine and poultry clubs. Parties interested should make haste to get in contact with J.C. Reimer, Steinbach, Sec. Treas., or any one of the directors: Wm. Laing, Jim Keating, Peter Goossen, J.P. Wohlgemuth, J.F. Loewen, P.S. Guenther, Herb Peters, J.R. Barkman, P. Janzen, Grunthal; Frank Wiebe, Kleefeld; Bill Mooney, Giroux; H. Borkowsky, Jac. U. Klassen and C.U. Klassen.

Lay that shovel down!

Brandt and Friesen Form New Enterprise

“Modern Contractors” is the name of the newest business enterprise to be formed in Steinbach.

Its business will be excavation work, ditch digging, road building and gravel hauling. A brand-new drudge of good capacity and four heavy duty trucks form the major equipment of the company. John H. Brandt and Paul Friesen, both of Steinbach, are partners in this new undertaking. Both men have ample experience to their credit.

Ste. Anne

—Omar Tougas—

Mr. and Mrs. U. Trudeau are back from a two months trip. They went to Vancouver visiting their uncle and other relatives and friends. From Vancouver they crossed to Victoria and Seattle, then following the coast to San Francisco. From there they went to Los Angeles where they spent the Christmas holidays with relatives. They also went to Mexico, visiting Mexico City, from there straight north to Winnipeg making it a trip of 9,700 miles. Needless to say, Mr. and Mrs. Trudeau greatly enjoyed their trip.

Mr. Harry Vestrau’s house was completely destroyed by fire on January 24th. He is a farmer from Rosewood, residing three miles north of Ste. Anne.

Otterburne

—Zeph Audet—

Father Blais, French inspector from St Boniface, was visiting the Otterburne’s schools and St Malo’s district. Also amongst us, was the publicity director of the Catholic Action, Miss Berthe Valcourt, also of St Boniface.

Toussaint Vermette of St Pierre is a patient in the St Boniface Hospital wishing him a speedy recovery.

Mr. G. G. McVicar a nephew of Mr. A. L. Grant, accidentally killed in Winnipeg, was buried in Otterburne West Cemetery on February 9th. The burial service was read by Rev. Barber.

Steve and Paul Laroche, Ernest and Paul Carriere and a few others are busy cutting hardwood under contract of the newly built handle factory in St. Pierre which will start operating some time in early spring.

Our junior hockey team suffered a defeat with Grunthal 1-0 last week on Otterburne ice.

For the past week Gerry Vermette has been at St. Boniface Hospital. We wish him a prompt recovery.

A baby girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. Adelme Proux.

On January 27th Mr. and Mrs. Leo. Carriere celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary at their home, among friends and relatives.

Two of our Otterburne boys, Gerry and Eugene Genest, were over at Crookston and Thief River Falls, playing hockey for the former St. Boniface College students club.

A whist drive was held in the Otterburne Catholic Parish Hall on the 10th of February.

Otterburne leading in Prefontaine Cup series

Playing brilliant hockey throughout the entire 60 minutes, Otterburne soundly trounced and very much outclassed the Steinbach team 8-1 Saturday night to forge ahead 2 games to one—in the Prefontaine Cup Series.

After beating Niverville in the semi-final series two out of three games, Steinbach earned the right to meet Otterburne in the final series.

The first game was won by Otterburne by a 2-1 score. The second played on Steinbach ice saw Steinbach play the type of hockey they are capable of, beating Otterburne by a 4-3 score. However, on Saturday Otterburne, showing plenty of speed, a good passing attack, outscored Steinbach 8 goals to 1.

So it’s do or die for Steinbach on Thursday night. A win for them would send the series into the full five games while if Otterburne wins they are the champions of the Carillon Hockey League.

Ken Moore and Vic Lindquist, both members of the 1932 Olympic team which won the world championship in England have been refereeing the series to date.

Trentham News

—Local Reporter—

This being the first copy of the Carillon News, every district should give it a hearty support by subscriptions and news. Most of us have long been waiting for such a beginning. It will be of utmost interest to all and will help to bring us closer together.

Of great importance to ratepayers will be to read the report of the Council Meetings each month. It is important that all activities be recorded from time to time.

Owing to the efforts of the Council of Hanover, the road to Trentham District was kept open. The people of this district appreciate the good work. Congratulations to whom it may concern. It is a necessity that such outlaying districts have roads open in order to have communications with the town.

Some mothers are still anxiously waiting for their boys to come home from overseas. Paul Trelinski, who served overseas for several years, has recently returned. He spent a few weeks at home. He is now in Winnipeg waiting for his brother, Joe Trelinski, who is expected to return from overseas.

A great deal of discussion has been going on about the proposed Highway from Steinbach south to the border. Of course, most of us know nothing definite about it, whether it will be a reality or just another dream. Wish someone who has more definite facts about the proposed Highway will enlighten us. Maybe the Council can tell us. How about it?

Veterans at work

Of interest to many is how veterans will take to ordinary life? Will they fit into civilian life? Will they work now were the questions around which discussion centered.

Now we know the answers. If we can supply the jobs, the men are only too glad to work. We see it every day here in Steinbach. – Ben Sobering was driving the milk truck before he was out of uniform, Frank Martens went back to his job at Canada Packers; Albert Dueck, to operate a “cat” for the Municipality. Geo. Nickel went into business. One particularly ambitious lad is holding down two jobs: caring for the skating rink and night watchman. Another modest chap will try his hand at salesmanship, and so on. It is almost impossible to mention them all here, but we are under the impression that there isn’t a single one who is not eager to take a job – and make good at it.

‘Welcome Home’ Dinner Planned

Board of Trade, Women’s Institute and Town Board members have completed details of arrangements for a “Welcome Home” dinner to be given in honor of the local lads of the armed forces. The big problem was to get the addresses of all the boys now working out of town, but the invitation committee has looked into the matter thoroughly and it is hoped that nearly everyone concerned will receive an invitation. The big blowoff is scheduled for Saturday, March 2nd.