Sourisford is the location of one of the earliest regularly used settler recreation sites in rural Manitoba. On July 1, 1882, the first Pioneer Picnic was not a large affair, but a tradition was established and each year the crowds grew. Since then, picnics have been held in the grove every summer.
For a time the event attracted thousands of locals and visitors alike, many from the United States. Uncle Sam and Miss Canada paid a visit at least once, in 1915. Bannock with syrup would be served up, along with a dinner laid out on blankets in true picnic style. Short addresses were sometimes given before a band played to liven things up.
Across our region we see that picnics were a big thing. That makes sense. The great outdoors was the best option for any sort of large gathering. They hadn’t built many community halls yet.
Our local histories are full of interesting little comments about picnics.
We learn about some favourite locations…
In 1883, the first picnic was held at Fleming’s Crossing, sometimes called Fleming’s Grove, on the south bank of the Souris River, near where Riverside is today. Musical entertainment might be provided. Mrs. Duncan McMillan had one of the first organs, which was used at all the affairs, being taken to Riverside School for a concert, also to a picnic at Fleming’s Crossing.
Mrs. Tom Coulter, known for her community leadership, was largely responsible for the success of the Wakopa Picnic for a period of thirty years. Races were held on the trail and lunch was served where the Missouri and the Commission trails join.
Many, many country schools held an annual picnic as well. Bidford School’s picnic was held at Potter’s Grove or in the school’s yard. Deloraine Sunday Schools held a joint picnic annually at Lake Flossie.
Hundreds also attended the annual Mountainside (Mountain Side at the time) Picnic. Coulter Picnic featured a parade, bingo, ball games, a confectionery and cold plate meals.
Folks in the Boissevain area held a picnic in Musgrove’s Grove, on Cherry Creek in the summer of 1887 to mark Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.
We learn some details…
People would come from miles around in buggies, buckboards and wagons. Baseball, football and races would provide a full afternoon’s entertainment, and in the evening supper would be served at a long table where all sat down as one large family. There would often be a refreshment booth, cold lemonade being an important item in the days before soft drinks became widely available.
The Cantelon farm, southwest of Boissevain, known throughout the district as the “Dingle,” was the site of many a good picnic by church and civic bodies alike.
My favourite location for a picnic has to be Bleak House, near Waubeesh, just west of Boissevain. It was the home of Charles Hurt, one of many English settlers in the region, who by naming his residence “Bleak House” seemed to be exhibiting both a sense of humour and an appreciation for the Charles Dickens novel of that name.
*Uncle Sam, Henry Warner of Westhope, ND and Miss Canada, Myrtle Elliot, Sourisford, 1915.
Picnics often recognized milestones and commemorated events.
Sourisford Picnic 1907
Sources: Boissevain History Book Committee. Beckoning Hills Revisited. Altona. Friesen Printers, 1981 Photos: Archives of Manitoba, Jim Coleman Mountainside ribbon - Deloraine-Winchester Historical Society. Photo: Jan McClelland*
