Neepawa Keeps History Present:
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition anchored recently in Winnipeg, the only passenger of the world’s most famous ship to be buried in Manitoba, resides in Neepawa’s Riverside Cemetery, which is nestled on the escarpment of the Whitemud River. Come summer, Neepawa’s most alive attraction is its resting place for the dead.
“It is hands down the most beautiful cemetery in North America and full of interesting history,” says Darren Graham, who is the sales manager for the Neepawa Press and literally has the town’s history at his finger tips.
Overlooking Neepawa Golf and Country Club, Riverside Cemetery is located on land that was once owned by Peter Graham, who first homesteaded there in 1885. The first burial there was that of Peter’s 99-year-old father, James in 1877.
“In 1911, Leonard Hickman worked just north of Neepawa at the Honeyman Farm, his love for Canada had him return quickly to England to bring back two of his brothers. The three of them were passengers on the Titanic,” says Graham. “Once his body was recovered, it turned out to be a case of mistaken identity. It wasn’t until the day of the service that family discovered Leonard was actually his brother Lewis. But the burial carried out as planned.”
Neepawa has “plenty” of history in its land. The ashes of author Margaret Laurence were brought to Riverside from England in June, 1987. To the right of the cemetery’s entrance is the Davidson monument, a marvellous attraction which has become known as the “Stone Angel” because it was depicted in Laurence’s novels.
Upon entering the cemetery, I was galvanized by the towering spruce trees and smaller shrubs groomed to perfection. In the summer months, there are over 2,500 graves covered with flowers when Neepawa blooms with its annual Lily Festival. Neepawa prides itself as the world lily capital and celebrates its 15th festival this July (www.lilyfestival.com/).
Neepawa is two hours west of Winnipeg up Yellowhead Hwy. Its name is derived from the Cree word for “Plenty”. Neepawa has plenty to offer those who appreciate history and heritage and like to take the time to stop and smell the lilies. Beautiful turn of the century heritage buildings such as the Roxy Theatre line Mountain and Hamilton Street. The Roxy built in 1906, served as the opera house, and was the social hub of the community.
Marilyn Dietrich serves on the volunteer committee to keep the single screen running. According to her, most of the town’s people feel connected to the theatre, and would feel a major void if it were to shut down.
“There are three top ranked things you must see in Neepawa,” says Dietrich. The Roxy Theatre is the third, the Margaret Laurence Home is second, and number one is Riverside Cemetery.”
There is nothing arrogant about Neepawa naming itself “Manitoba’s Most Beautiful Town.” It makes a wonderful rest stop, nesting or resting place.
For more information on this charming, historical town, visit www.neepawa.ca.
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