CROFTHEAD FARMS – 1881

This sign is one of the coolest things I’ve seen given that it actually states when the homestead came to be. I have removed some of the information from this sign which gives away its location. I love that this sign confirms when this homestead came to be.

John & Mary, both born in Scotland in 1847 and 1845 immigrated to Ayr, Ontario in 1868 where they lived for 9 years. In 1877 they made their way to Manitoba by Red River cart and arrived in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba where they remained for 4 years.

In 1880 Mr. filed for this homestead and was one of the homesteaders in this district. That summer he built a soddy and the following year he moved his family here. Mr. & Mrs. raised 9 children on this land. For several years that soddy was a stop-over or half-way house for other farmers moving grained from Deloraine to Brandon. It was here that they would replenish their supplies and rest.

This house was built in 1885 and was last recorded to be owned by Mr. & Mrs. grandson, W. Jack.

Mr. & Mrs. retired to Victoria, B.C. in 1912.

All 9 of their children attended Millerway School which was built in 1884.

The couple had a happy life together and celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1919 (50 years) and their diamond wedding anniversary in 1929 (60 years).

Mr. passed away in March of 1931.

Mrs. passed away in August, 1935.

The best thing about a bando house hunt is when I find old cars there.