A Look At June 1926

As it is the second column of the month, I like to take a look at what was going on in the community a century ago. What may seem like minor events all helped to build the community as it is today.

On June 4, Vermilion held a very successful sports day. Communities from around the area took part. Minburn emerged as the champions of the basketball tournament when they defeated Mannville 26- 17 in the final. The baseball tournament saw Vegreville win the final against Vermilion 6-2. As for the football tournament, that was won by Lloydminster over Vermilion by a score of 4-1. The day also included a big street parade that was three blocks in length and included the Clan Donald Pipers.

On June 10, Liberal Leader Capt. Joseph Shaw spoke to Vermilion residents at the Columbia Theatre to help the local candidate Arthur Ebbett. The meeting was well attended but it didn’t help Arthur Ebbett, who had served as the MLA for Vermilion from 1917 to 1921. He finished in third place, 1,500 votes behind future premier Richard Reid with the United Farmers of Alberta.

On June 11, Harry Rock of Mannville was charged with theft and held awaiting sentencing. He had embezzled $242 from the Bank of Montreal.

The next day, Vermilion was on the minds of everyone due to Premier John Brownlee coming to the area and going missing for a few hours. The roads were quite bad as he made his way to the community and telephones were kept busy from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. looking for the premier. In the end, he arrived and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

On June 18, the Vermilion Amateur Athletic Association announced the donation of a new basketball trophy to be competed for by teams with players aged 14 to 20.

On June 26, a plowing match was held in the community. Hosted by the Vermilion Agricultural Society, it was attended by over 200 people. In the walking plow contest, J.N. Walden won. In the sulky plow contest, Jim Stone won. All things considered, it was a great event for the community.

The month closed out with Mannville and Vermilion taking part in a baseball game on June 28. It was a close fought game but a homerun by local man Dornfield put Vermilion over the top by a score of 5-4.

Contact Craig at craig@canadaehx.com

Support Craig by donating at www.canadaehx.com (Click Donate)

Listen to his podcast Canadian History Ehx on all podcast platforms.