One Great History

The Life and Times of Chad's Bear

Once upon a time, Deer Lodge Hotel had a resident pet black bear that loved drinking soda. He was called, at various times, Joe Chamberlain, Whiterock Pete, and Chad's Bear and in 1905 became a regular character in the Winnipeg Tribune. In the fiction of the Tribune, the bear had an ambitious life - he ran for office, was once a witness in a trial, was the subject of a lengthy biography and was a friend to many local politicians. 

Winnipeg Jubilee

It’s 1924, and Winnipeg is 50 years old! Local businesses and community groups from Winnipeg Hydro to Calhoun Hats make elaborate floats to celebrate Winnipeg’s progress as a thriving, modern city - but who’s been left out?

Phantom of the Paradise

In 1974, a new phenomenon was happening in Winnipeg: Phantom-Mania. Released on Boxing Day, 1974, Phantom of the Paradise became an instant hit in Winnipeg. And only in Winnipeg. In this episode, Sabrina unpacks the initial lengthy run of Phantom of the Paradise in Winnipeg and it's enduring legacy here and beyond. A warm thank you to those who shared their experiences with the movie! It is beyond appreciated.

President Spence

Thomas Spence saw a problem: Portage la Prairie, isolated, lawless. He offered a solution: himself, as President. Thus was born the Republic of Manitoba, a short-lived and ill-advised attempt at creating a regional government. Join us as we fill in the details of this colourful episode in Manitoba history with surprise appearances from Louis Riel, John Christian Schultz, and "Dutch George" Emmerling. Thank you to the NFB for allowing us to use the audio of their classic vignette!

 

What If Spider-man Came to Winnipeg?

In this episode, a rare "Nick's Pick", Producer Nick dives into Winnipeg's comic book history! Did you know Canada's first superhero was invented by a Winnipeg cartoonist? Or that the Winnipeg Morality Police arrested people for selling Dick Tracy comics? Or that digital comic colouring as we know it today originated in Winnipeg? Oh, and also Spider-man went to the "Winnipeg Mall" one time... Come for the Captain Canuck critique, stay for Sabrina and Alex reading through the rules of the Comics Code Authority!

Closing Portage and Main

For over 40 years, the intersection of Portage and Main has been closed to pedestrians. The story of how this happened is one of desperation, bad planning, and even worse ideas on how our cities should be designed.

Rooster Town

Rooster Town aka Pakan Town aka Grant Park Mall and High School. Find out the history of this area in this month's episode!

The Hudson's Bay Department Store

Is it Bay Days? Coincidentally! But, also, this episode is all about the past, present and future of the historic Portage Avenue Hudson's Bay department store.

The Great Land Swindle

In 1870, Louis Riel and those who fought alongside him insisted that the rights of their descendants be protected. Specifically, the Manitoba Act promised 1.4 million acres of land to the Métis. Decades later, less than 10% of that land had made its way into the hands of Métis families. What happened to the rest of it?

In this episode we'll be talking about Métis scrip: perplexing government policies, deliberate fraud, and the men who got rich from the whole fiasco.

Valentine's Day 2024

We're back! Did you miss us? We've compiled a collection of advice letters from the early 1940s about the pressing issues of the day: how do girls learn more about 'necking', are cigarettes a gateway drug to divorce, and should a woman leave traps for her husband to see if he's cheating?