Wawanesa: A Prairie Heritage - Past Community Groups

For many years all of Wawanesa’s public functions were graced with the music of the local Wawanesa Band. Formed in 1901, the band quickly grew in size and began to practice regularly. The band's regular dates included outdoor concerts, music for skating in the winter, and parades through the streets. After many years the community band ceased to exist but the Wawanesa school developed a band program. The remaining instruments from the Wawanesa band were donated to the school's program.

The Wawanesa Band - 1907

For any years the Wawanesa Scout Troop provided a positive outdoor experience for boys of the community. The Troop was founded in 1934 and was very popular during periods when enthusiastic leaders were present. Activities consisted of week-long camping expeditions, hikes, and camping skills competitions. During the 80’s there was a resurgence of interest in scouting and the Cub Scouts (younger scouts), Girl Guides, and Brownies were formed. Many young people benefited from the experience they gained in these newer groups.

Boy Scouts (1962) with Scout Master Herb Lawrence

The Odd Fellows existed in Wawanesa from 1895 to 1967. They have a long history of community service and did much of their work with the Rebekahs. In 1967 the Wawanesa Lodge merged with Mizpah #12 in Glenboro.

From 1913 until 1973, Wawanesa supported a chapter of the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire. The I.O.D.E is dedicated to the betterment of Canada and fellowship with other commonwealth nations. Notable amongst the activities of the Wawanesa chapter was the sponsorship of a small school in the interlake region; the Order provided books, clothing, and school supplies. The I.O.D.E was also very active in supporting and welcoming immigrants to the area and in honouring those who gave their lives in war.

The history of Freemasonry in Wawanesa dates back to 1897. Early in its history the lodge was burned to the ground and therefore information before 1901 is incomplete. Many teachers, doctors, and clergy and other prominent citizens were part of the lodge. The Lodge has a history of charity that includes donations to the Wawanesa and District hospital, aid to the Safe Drivers programs, and involvement in fund raising for war victims. In 1955, the Wawanesa Lodge spawned the Wheat City Lodge No. 168 in Brandon, and in 1981 the two were merged.

A gathering of the members of the Masonic Lodge in Wawanesa.

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				For many years all of Wawanesa’s public functions were graced with the music of the local Wawanesa Band. Formed in 1901, the band quickly grew in size and began to practice regularly. The band's regular dates included outdoor concerts, music for skating in the winter, and parades through the streets. After many years the community band ceased to exist but the Wawanesa school developed a band program. The remaining instruments from the Wawanesa band were donated to the school's program.




The Wawanesa Band - 1907



For any years the Wawanesa Scout Troop provided a positive outdoor experience for boys of the community. The Troop was founded in 1934 and was very popular during periods when enthusiastic leaders were present. Activities consisted of week-long camping expeditions, hikes, and camping skills competitions. During the 80’s there was a resurgence of interest in scouting and the Cub Scouts (younger scouts), Girl Guides, and Brownies were formed. Many young people benefited from the experience they gained in these newer groups.
			Boy Scouts (1962) with Scout Master Herb Lawrence


			The Odd Fellows existed in Wawanesa from 1895 to 1967. They have a long history of community service and did much of their work with the Rebekahs. In 1967 the Wawanesa Lodge merged with Mizpah #12 in Glenboro.

			From 1913 until 1973, Wawanesa supported a chapter of the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire. The I.O.D.E is dedicated to the betterment of Canada and fellowship with other commonwealth nations. Notable amongst the activities of the Wawanesa chapter was the sponsorship of a small school in the interlake region; the Order provided books, clothing, and school supplies. The I.O.D.E was also very active in supporting and welcoming immigrants to the area and in honouring those who gave their lives in war.


The history of Freemasonry in Wawanesa dates back to 1897. Early in its history the lodge was burned to the ground and therefore information before 1901 is incomplete. Many teachers, doctors, and clergy and other prominent citizens were part of the lodge. The Lodge has a history of charity that includes donations to the Wawanesa and District hospital, aid to the Safe Drivers programs, and involvement in fund raising for war victims. In 1955, the Wawanesa Lodge spawned the Wheat City Lodge No. 168 in Brandon, and in 1981 the two were merged.
		A gathering of the members of the Masonic Lodge in Wawanesa.

	The History \| Picture Gallery \| People \| Mutual Insurance \| The Community Neighbouring Communities \| The Museum \| About Us \| Home