Delta Marsh Field Station Archive Delta Marsh History Initiative

What is DMHI? | Newsletters | Documents | Minutes

What is the DMHI?

The dance hall, hotel and breakwater near the Delta railway station on the shore of Lake Manitoba, circa 1920.

In its heyday, Delta Marsh attracted people from all over the world and from all walks of life. Generations of farmers, fishermen, hunters and trappers who lived close to the marsh found themselves in the company of the British royal family, and later, movie stars, television personalities and even astronauts. Today the marsh is just as famous but it has seriously deteriorated since the 1960s due to the effects of unfavourable water levels, a destructive fish species, overgrowth by cattails, and contamination from sewage, agricultural fertilizers and pesticides. Delta Marsh is designated officially as a Wetland of International Significance, a Heritage Marsh, and an Important Bird Area. As such, many people and organizations are keenly interested in restoring the marsh to its former magnificence. By making people aware of the rich history and cultural importance of the area, we believe that support for conservation of Delta Marsh, and other similarly degraded wetlands throughout the province, will grow. The Delta Marsh story, as part of the heritage of all Manitobans, must be preserved for the benefit of future generations. A group of people who share an interest in the area, the Delta Marsh History Initiative, is preparing to write a book. This book will include histories of the prominent people and organizations of the marsh, encompassing a full range of views from cottage and lodge owners, hunters, fishers, trappers, birdwatchers, beach-goers, scientists, tourists, and others. Following an enthusiastic initial meeting at Mallard Lodge, a steering committee was formed in May 2001 to oversee the collection of historical information, the publication of a book, and the deposition of collected materials in an appropriate historical archive for use by future generations. Work of the DMHI is supported by Manitoba Conservation and the Delta Marsh Field Station (University of Manitoba). Return to top of page

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Delta History News

Women boating in Delta Channel, circa 1920.

The DMHI newsletter Delta History News contains stories and photographs about Delta history found in the course of our research. It provides a taste of what will come in our book. Vol. 1, No. 1 (January 2002) (Adobe Acrobat file, 29 kb) Contents: What is the Delta Marsh History Initiative? Steamboats in Delta Marsh World War II troop carrier excavated from Delta Beach A day at Delta - 1901 Delta History Fish Fry - March 2002 Vol. 1, No. 2 (April 2002) (Adobe Acrobat file, 243 kb) Contents: The Murder Oak The Great Delta Dog Derby - 1927 Delta history on the Internet Delta History Fish Fry - March and July 2002 Vol. 1, No. 3 (June 2002) (Adobe Acrobat file, 18 kb) Contents: The Fourth Station Canada Day Fish Fry - 1 July 2002 Delta in the News - 1952 to 1955 Vol. 1, No. 4 (October 2002) (Adobe Acrobat file, 23 kb) Contents: Flood ! Delta History Fish Fry & Silent Auction Oakland History Thanks Vol. 2, No. 1 (January 2003) (Adobe Acrobat file, 46 kb) Contents: Fairford Channel Gambling at Delta - 1901 Vol. 2, No. 2 (May 2003) (Adobe Acrobat file, 18 kb) Contents: Where have all the ducks gone? Delta Vice - 1901 Oakland History Book Delta History Fish Fry Vol. 2, No. 3 (September 2003) (Adobe Acrobat file, 69 kb) Contents: Royal Duck Hunt 1901 Lawbreakers 1925 Delta Reed Harvest William Martin, Manitoba Gypsum Company Vol. 2, No. 4 (February 2004) (Adobe Acrobat file, 66 kb) Contents: A "Home Child" at Delta Delta History Fish Fry Delta History Open Houses "Darkness on the Delta" Hugh Armstrong (1858-1926) Return to top of page

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Documents

A tax roll book for the Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie (1937-38), containing detailed information on land use in and around Delta Marsh

Geological origin of Delta Marsh Delta Marsh has existed for at least 2,500 years. It was formed when a peninsula was eroded by counter-clockwise currents in Lake Manitoba, causing deposition of a "barrier beach" along the southern lake shore. A portion of the lake was thereby isolated, creating the marsh. History of the Delta Marsh Field Station: Donald H. Bain (1874-1962) (Adobe Acrobat file, 75kb) Gordon Goldsborough, 1996 Many of the buildings comprising the field station were originally owned by prominent Winnipeg businessman and athlete Donald Bain. This is a short biography of Mr. Bain. A much longer, more detailed one is in preparation. History of the Delta Marsh Field Station: The transitional years (1962-1966) (Adobe Acrobat file, 197kb) Jennifer M. Shay, 1997 This report, by the first Director of the field station, describes the events following Donald Bain's death in 1962, the purchase of his property by the Manitoba government, and the eventual establishment of the field station in 1966. Return to top of page

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Minutes of steering committee meetings

The Duke of York visits the shooting box of Senator John Nesbitt Kirchhoffer in Delta Marsh, 1901.

The steering committee meets frequently to discuss progress and to plan future events and activities. Its minutes are available here. 2001 27 May 12 June 15 July 20 August 25 September 30 October 27 November 2002 15 January 26 February 26 March 6 May 10 June 16 September 21 October 25 November 2003 20 January 25 February 24 March 22 April 26 May 23 June 16 September 20 October 17 November 2004 19 January 16 February 15 March 19 April 25 May 28 June 20 September 18 October 22 November 2005 17 January 21 February 21 March 25 April 31 May 27 June 3 October 21 November 2006 23 January 20 February 22 March 18 April 23 May 18 September 30 October 27 November 2007 22 January 5 March 23 April 29 May 17 October Return to top of page

Page revised: 3 December 2013