Selkirk Museum

Name: Selkirk Museum
Address: Selkirk, MB, R1A0W6, CA
Telephone: 2047854900
Price range: Not applicable

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Selkirk Museum

Our museum brings to life Selkirk’s history in a way that educates, entertains and inspires local citizens and visitors alike.

05/29/2026

Alex Pauley, a Selkirk barber shaped by hardship and hard work, grew up helping in his father’s modest shop before serving in the Second World War and returning to rebuild his life. After a family dispute jeopardized his livelihood, community support helped him open a new barbershop that became a local gathering place. His story reflects resilience, strong family ties, and a lasting impact on Selkirk’s business and social life.

Read more at: https://selkirkmuseum.ca/uncategorized/pauleys-barbershop/

Photo source: Selkirk Enterprise, 1982

05/28/2026

Ruth passed away in 1957 at age 57 due to her battle with type 1 diabetes. The Ho**er plot is placed right outside the doors of St. Clement's Church.

To learn more about Ruth's life, check out Interview with Joen Hadfield Excerpt 4: Ruth’s Battle with Diabetes. https://youtu.be/siJ0yzovfvA?si=cfLDfy_OJPjd9T97

Source: Joen Hadfield, Date Unknown

05/26/2026

Mr. Matt Bennett was the Selkirk librarian from 1948-1957. At this time library usage had declined with only 600-700 out of 6000 of its books being checked out each month. Bennett attributed this decline to the growing popularity of radio and television. How many books have you read so far this year?

Read more at: https://selkirkmuseum.ca/people/organizations/selkirk-library/

Photo source: Selkirk Enterprise, 1957

05/22/2026

In 1975, the Gaynors purchased Jenkinson’s Tom Boy store from the retiring owner, Cec Jenkinson. After purchasing, Mr. Gaynor retained the existing staff and was so warmly received by the community that the store doubled its business by the 4th week. Before the year end, the neighbouring tenant moved to a larger location and Mr. Gaynor was able to expand the store.

This was just the beginning of the Gaynor's impact on the community. Read more at https://selkirkmuseum.ca/people/jim-and-betty-anne-gaynor/

Photo source: Selkirk Enterprise, 1975

05/21/2026

When her children’s old school, Victoria School, was being torn down and replaced, she felt that more property was needed to build a playground. She decided to donate some land to provide local children with a place to play.

To learn more about the naming of Ruth Ho**er School check out our YouTube channel video, Interview with Joen Hadfield Excerpt 3: Naming Ruth Ho**er School.
https://youtu.be/IVt1D7XNj_4?si=4i2iSlpR0X--iSev

Source: Joen Hadfield, Date Unknown

05/19/2026

The Selkirk Kinsmen were a visible, involved community service group which organized many well-remembered fundraisers and events. Along with community support and other groups, they contributed to building many of the facilities we enjoy in Selkirk today. Who remembers the Kinmen BBQ’s?

Read more at: https://selkirkmuseum.ca/people/organizations/kinsmen-club-of-selkirk/

Photo source: Kinsmen Scrapbooks, Selkirk Museum Collection, 1962

05/18/2026

Happy Victoria Day Everyone!

Did you know Queen Avenue in Selkirk is named after Queen Victoria? Read more about the history of this street at: https://selkirkmuseum.ca/places/streets/queen-avenue/

Photo Source: "Portrait of Queen Victoria in Her Coronation Robes", 1843, Henry Pierce Bone

05/15/2026

Chuck the Catfish — officially Chuck the Channel Cat — is one of Selkirk’s most recognizable and beloved icons, representing the city with pride.

Named one of Canada’s best and biggest roadside attractions in 2025 by The Globe and Mail, Chuck has become a landmark that generations have grown to know and love.

Standing 30 feet tall, the fiberglass statue is located along Main Street beside Smitty’s Family Restaurant. Chuck was officially unveiled on May 23, 1986 — making 2026 his 40th anniversary.

Read more at: https://selkirkmuseum.ca/news/cherishing-chuck-the-catfish-selkirks-beloved-icon-celebrates-40-years/

Photo source: Selkirk Museum, 2024

05/14/2026

Ruth fostered 37 children around the world to try to make their lives better. One Christmas, the Winnipeg Tribune wrote a full-page article on Ruth and the children she supported.

If you are interested in learning more about Ruth's contribution to fostering children, check out our YouTube Video Interview with Joen Hadfield Excerpt 2: Ruth’s Foster children. https://youtu.be/Lz6LDjd6Eok?si=z65zJXPoxK1xed2v18

Source: Winnipeg Tribune, 1956

05/12/2026

Selkirk celebrated its Centennial in 1982, marking 100 years since incorporation in 1882. The whole community participated in the festivities, throwing parties and celebrations of civic pride. The Selkirk Fire Department held a ‘Firefighter’s Frolic’ at the Selkirk Arena. Who remembers the Centennial?

Read more about the Centennial at: https://selkirkmuseum.ca/events/selkirk-centennial/

Photo source: Ted Wozny, 1982

Address

Selkirk, MB
R1A0W6

Telephone

2047854900

Website

http://selkirkmuseum.ca/

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