Vermilion In November 1926

It is a new month once again, and at the start of each month I like to showcase what was going on in the community one century ago.

These events in November 1926 helped build the community that exists today.

The month began with Bishop Gray conducting formal services to consecrate St. Saviour’s Anglican Church. The church was built 20 years earlier, but was relieved of its debt only a few weeks previous.

On Nov. 4, the Ladies’ Aid of the First United Church held a sample sale. Along with the sale, there was an afternoon tea and pancake lunch. The proceeds from the event were $140, which helped the Ladies’ Aid continue its efforts to support the community.

That same day, the CPR pushed its new line west of Marwayne, with steel going over the Vermilion River. Three elevators were built at the community in anticipation of the arrival of steel.

On Nov. 10, Nick Hawryliuk, who lived north of Vermilion with his mother, was sentenced to two months at the Fort Saskatchewan Penitentiary for stealing money from his mother Mary. He said he stole the money because of wages his mother owed him, but the court decided to rule against him.

On Nov. 18, the Scottish Aid Immigration Society confirmed the arrangement for the establishment of 300 more Scottish immigrants to come to the area. Several thousand acres of land were under option for purchase for this new colony. Father McDonnell was leaving for Scotland to make the arrangements.

On Nov. 25, the British boys who were attended the School of Agriculture in Vermilion were officially transferred to the Claresholm Agricultural School since there were fewer students there than in Vermilion.

On Nov. 30, everyone in Vermilion was excited for the upcoming curling season in the community. In anticipation, a meeting of the Vermilion Curling Association was held. E. Corley transitioned from president to honorary president, while J.A. Morrison became the new president. It was expected there would be 12 rinks competing through the winter.

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