User:Miniota

Adapted from "Bridging The Years" local history book of Miniota and district

Until 1881, a settlement near Beulah, Manitoba was part of the Shoal Lake county which was still known as the Northwest Territories. That year, the territory was incorporated into the province of Manitoba including the current municipalities of Shoal Lake, Ellice, Birtle, Archie, Miniota and Hamiota which was part the Shoal Lake county. The area was divided once again into the south half of Shoal Lake County that included Archie, Miniota and Hamiota.

W.A. Doyle of Beulah, Reeve of Beulah of the Shoal Lake County and a surveyor named "Bulger" discussed the naming of the area. Mr. Bulger indicated that he had the best drink of water in his life from a spring creek when surveying in the area so they combined the two Sioux words "Minnie" (meaning water) and "ota" meaning plenty to arrive at the name of "Miniota".

In 1884 three municipalities were formed from the south half of Shoal Lake County with the eastern part named Hamiota, the western piece named Archie, while Miniota retained its name.

The village of Miniota was founded in 1899 upon completion of the Hamiota extension. It is located above the valley surrounding the winding Assiniboine valley, north of Virden on the 83 Highway. The breathtaking view of the valley is unexpected and deserves a few minutes to take it all in. No wonder the settlers chose the site.

In 1890 a small store was started by John Steuart on his farmstead. A grocery delivery route was established by Mr. Steuart to serve the Two Creeks area. A second store was built by John Steuart in 1895 and was situated on the SE quarter of 1-14-27, close to the cemetery.

The CPR roadbed arrived in 1899 with the station completed by 1900.

The first house was erected by A.E. Aspinwall (piano tuner) and Tom Miner (carpenter). The Aspinwalls were the proud parents of Miniota's first baby who was named "Miniota".

Soon, Mr George Biggs built a house on Assiniboine Avenue where English immigrants congregated. The home was dubbed "No. 10 Downing" and continued to be called No. 10 even when it was later sold for use as a milk house.

The village grew rapidly in the early 1900's with the establishment of many businesses and new homes. In 1900, John Steuart's store was hauled into town, by horses, using cable, capstain, and rollers. Although the store spent the winter on the site of the current rink, it was moved in Spring to Railway Avenue.

Medical care also arrived in 1900 by way of Dr. Robert Kennedy Chalmers, who operated a drug store with the medical office behind the store and living quarters above. After one of the walls gave way in 1949, Dr. Chalmers relocated his practice to the store on Main Street known to most current residents as Barrett's store. Dr. Chalmers was a beloved citizen of Miniota. He passed away in July 1949.

Dr. Sveinn Eriksson Bjornson arrived in Miniota in 1951 after practising at Gimli, Arborg, Ashern and Oak River, Manitoba. He served as doctor, health officer and coroner for Miniota and area as well as medical officer for the Birdtail Sioux Indian Reserve.

Miniota currently offers several agriculture related businesses with the Twin Valley Co-Operative operating as the largest service provider. Other businesses include a motel, grocery stores, convenience store, credit union, post office, garages, two churches, a multipurpose community centre (skating/hockey rink, curling ice, kitchen and large community hall), museum, school (grades K-8), as well as other home based businesses.

Miniota has always maintained a deep sense of community. As small communities struggle to survive the Municipality strives to build on its agriculture, history and other economic development opportunities.

The municipality celebrates 125 years in mid-July 2008 with the annual summer bonspiel,golf tournament, as well as a parade and other activities.

There is so much more to learn about this thriving community by visiting some of their websites and by reading the written history which dates back to 1879.