A Look At Vermilion 100 Years Ago

With it being the beginning of a new month, it is time to take a trip back in the past. We are venturing to 100 years ago to see what was going on in Vermilion in February 1926.

On Feb. 2, the Town of Vermilion announced that there would be a reduction in the business tax since the cash on hand for the community was $12,000. It was expected that the business tax in Vermilion would decrease by 20 percent to encourage more development as the town grew.

On Feb. 4, Vermilion Agricultural Society president A.W. Ebbett announced that the community was competing to host the 17th annual seed fair and poultry show. The event was going to be held in two-weeks time at the Ford garage of W.E. Sutton. The show was one of the most important poultry exhibitions in Alberta at that time. Over 300 coops were being prepared for the exhibition.

Two days later, Manville lodged a protest over the victory of the Vermilion team during a Little Three Hockey League game. The game was protested on the grounds that a goal by Nelson Cundal was disallowed. Mannville argued that if that goal was allowed, it would have meant a win for the team. With playoffs approaching, every game counted more.

On Feb. 8, Helmer Stubs from The Pas, Manitoba was arrested in Viking due to charges of breaking and entering a home in Vermilion. He had entered an upstairs window at the home of Charles Henry. He stole food, utensils and a specially-made Texas saddle worth over $250. He had made his way south by dog sled before he was arrested.

On Feb. 10, the Vermilion Curling Club completed its 17th annual bonspiel. The number of rinks was not as large as in previous years with 10 visiting rinks but it was still considered to be a very good event overall. That same day, Vermilion defeated Lloydminster 5-2 in a Western Saskatchewan Hockey league game. It was described as the best effort the local team had made on the ice so far that season.

Finally, on Feb. 23, it was announced that one million feet of lumber was going to be used in the community and surrounding area over the coming year. With so many new settlers in the area, that lumber would go to the construction of houses and barns on the homesteads of at least 100 families.

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