Manitoba Day 2020 - Archival Films and Videos

Online Event – Manitoba Day 2020

Manitoba Day 2020 - Archival Films and Videos

In celebration of Manitoba Day, the Archives of Manitoba is launching a new feature online - digitized films and videos from our holdings. To start we are featuring 6 films that illustrate a range of activities and iconic sites throughout Manitoba.



“Opening Day of the Bay's Portage and Memorial Store” (1926)


This exterior footage captures the opening of the Bay’s Portage and Memorial store in November 1926.

Film captures street scenes in front of the store, trolley cars, police and crowds of people. It is an excerpt is from a film entitled "From the Fur North". It was created by British Pictorial Production Ltd in 1931 and given to HBC.

Hudson's Bay Company Archives, Archives of Manitoba, "From the Fur North," 1926, F2
Keystone Item Description: From the Fur North


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“Vacation Attractions in the Whiteshell Forest Reserve of Eastern Manitoba” (1934)


This silent film promotes the Trans-Canada Highway No. 1 between Winnipeg and the Ontario border as a route to access the Whiteshell Forest Reserve by car.

The film follows the route from the Legislative Building, through downtown Winnipeg to the Whiteshell. The journey shows the dam at St. Andrews, Beausejour and Rennie. Farmers are seen harvesting grain along the way. The film shows various lakes, campgrounds and beaches in the Whiteshell, and ends at the border between Manitoba and Ontario. It was produced by Percy F. Brown for the Manitoba Department of Public Works.

Archives of Manitoba, A 0237 Films promoting tourism and industry, GR8398, "Vacation Attractions in the Whiteshell Forest Reserve of Eastern Manitoba," [1934], V220
Keystone Item Description: Vacation Attractions in the Whiteshell Forest Reserve of Eastern Manitoba


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“Commercial Fishing in Manitoba” (ca. 1945-1946)


This silent film shows how the commercial fishing industry operated in Manitoba in the 1940s.

Includes footage of Gimli harbour on Lake Winnipeg, men making preparations to head out in fishing boats, and later letting out nets and hauling them in, and returning to the harbour with their catch. Also includes footage of fish being packed into crates, shipped to Winnipeg via the Red River by the boats J. R. Spear and Goldfield, and unloaded at the Alexander Dock. The film ends with a woman buying fish and then cooking and serving it to her family. It was presented by the Manitoba Department of Mines and Natural Resources.

Archives of Manitoba, A 0237 Films promoting tourism and industry, GR8398, "Commercial Fishing in Manitoba," [ca. 1945-1946], V218
Keystone Item Description: Commercial Fishing in Manitoba


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“The Road to Recovery” (ca. 1950)


This film was created to show testing and treatment for tuberculosis in Manitoba.

Film includes members of the Sanatorium Board, people undergoing x-rays, the Mobile X-Ray Unit, and blood being analyzed in a lab. Also include footage of actor portraying "John MacDonald" arriving at Ninette Sanatorium and undergoing treatment. Includes footage of various medical facilities and footage from vocational classes in Winnipeg. produced by Francis J. S. Holmes for the Sanatorium Board of Manitoba.

Archives of Manitoba, Sanatorium Board of Manitoba fonds, "The Road to Recovery," [ca. 1950], V93.
Keystone Item Description: The Road to Recovery


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“The Mark of Distinction” (ca. 1959)


This film was created to educate the public on the need for tuberculin testing to prevent the spread of tuberculosis.

It was produced by Francis J. S. Holmes for the Sanatorium Board of Manitoba.

Archives of Manitoba, Sanatorium Board of Manitoba fonds, "The Mark of Distinction," [ca. 1959], V415
Keystone Item Description: The Mark of Distinction


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“Manitoba in the Wintertime” (1968)


“Manitoba in the Wintertime,” Produced by Western Films, Ltd. for the Manitoba Department of Tourism and Recreation in 1968.

This film shows a variety of indoor and outdoor activities that can be enjoyed in Manitoba during winter.

Archives of Manitoba, CH 0204A Tourism marketing and promotional films GR8382, 'Manitoba in the Wintertime,' 1968, V269


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