Aiming for Accuracy, Celebrating when Close...

There's no more mystery about it - the Winnipeg Press Club was organized in its earliest form in 1887. Once lost in the mists of time (or perhaps in an empty bottle of scotch), this revelation resurfaced in 1955 thanks mainly to diligent digging by WPC archivist Eric Wells, "back in the day" when you generally had to scour dusty stacks of old newspapers - or perhaps microfiche if you were lucky. And so The Story of the Beginning - Chapter One - appeared in the 1955 Beer and Skits Program. In the ensuing years, Eric would uncover several more pieces to the puzzle surrounding the Winnipeg Press Club's formative months.

In more recent times, we have "adopted" February 12, 1887 as the date that our club made its grand debut. On that particular evening long ago, journalists assembled at City Hall and the WPC's first board of directors was elected. Without the benefit of Eric's guidance, we sailed through our 125th anniversary last year just a tad off the mark. Somehow, we had overlooked these century old Manitoba Free Press news items shared in the October 1988 anniversary edition of the WPC Mossback - proof that the Winnipeg Press Club was established on February 5, 1887:

 

 

Prior to the mid-1950's, many 20th century local journalists considered 1922 as the birth of the club - a time when a new constitution and roster of charter members were established. Press club activities had been curtailed during the war years and a broad restructuring was in order. The early 20's had become an era that eagerly welcomed "new beginnings." But not surprisingly, in 1955 the prestige surrounding an unexpected 35 year boost in seniority was embraced with equal enthusiasm. 

By 1958, it was time to celebrate. A wildly successful WPC reunion dinner and Beer and Skits show marked the year. Guests and former members arrived from across Canada and the U. S.:

It was billed as the 70th Reunion Dinner and the 25th Anniversary Beer and Skits show. Ah, those crafty men of the media. While it's true that it was indeed the 70th reunion dinner, 1958 was in fact the club's 71st anniversary. 1888 had been the year of the well documented 1st annual reunion dinner, akin to a  super-sized 1st birthday bash. As for Beer and Skits, friendly controversy among its surviving founding cast members was settled for good in 1977. The inaugural year was clearly established as being 1934, not 1933. You can listen to some discussion on that in the 1977 Eric Wells interview with B & S original cast members George Waight, Bill Metcalfe and Neil LeRoy.  So here's the point - 1958 was the 71st anniversary of the WPC and the 49th anniversary of Beer and Skits. Hmm.

Years pass. So do members. And memories. Club letterhead and matchbooks proudly proclaim "est. 1888." And so, the 100th anniversary (a.k.a. reunion) dinner is held in 1988:

Eric has straightened everyone out by then of course (see "How the Winnipeg Press Club Was Formed" above). Years pass again, and so does Eric. By 1997, the press club leaves the Marlborough mezzanine and returns to its former haunt in the basement. An official reopening is held (see video below) - and FINALLY - the timing cooperates and the event coincides with the club's 110th anniversary. The logo on the cake proclaims "est. 1887." Aha! 

Fast forward, and we get the year and month EXACTLY right by celebrating our 125th anniversary in February, 2012, with a memorable reception at Government House hosted by Lieutenant Governor Phil Lee and Mrs. Anita Lee. 



Now, for all future years, we just need to remember. It's February 5th - not 12th. Thank you, Eric Wells!

wendy

Nellie McClung charmed the Canadian Women's Press Club in 1910

It's Nellie McClung's 140th birthday today - born October 20, 1873. She was, of course, never a member of the Winnipeg Press Club - "men only" in Nellie's day. However, the early minute book of the Winnipeg Chapter of the Canadian Women's Press Club records the occasion of her first visit with Winnipeg's women of the press.

That local chapter was formed in 1907. Its first two elected officers - E. Cora Hind (president) and Lillian Beynon (secretary) eventually teamed up with Nellie in 1912 in the Political Equity League. But back in February 1910, the minutes of Winnipeg's CWPC had this to say:

"Mrs. Nellie McClung of Manitou was guest of honour at a tea given by Mrs. R. L. Osborne. The members enjoyed meeting the bright little authoress of "Sowing Seeds in Danny".  

The complete archives of the Canadian Women's Press Club Winnipeg Chapter are readily accessible at the Manitoba Archives, and it's easy to spend several days lost in a time warp with these extraordinary women. 

Another member of the CWPC was prominent Winnipegger Harriet Walker. Naturally, the Walker Theater was offered as the venue for the Political Equity League's famous Mock Parliament, written by journalist/playwright Lillian Beynon (now Thomas) with Nellie in the starring role as Premier Rodmond Roblin.

In a curious twist - tying this tale in to our Winnipeg Press Club - Lillian Beynon had married newspaperman Alfred Vernon Thomas, also a member of the Political Equity League. In 1934, while A. V. Thomas was serving as president of the Winnipeg Press Club, the club hosted its very first Beer and Skits political satire show. You can't help but speculate whether Thomas called upon his wife's expertise to secretly offer advice to the Beer and Skits writers - and whether the women of the CWPC basked in the knowledge that they were 20 years ahead of the all-male club with its all-male production.