Vassar, Manitoba

Vassar is a community located in south eastern Manitoba. It is located approximately 5 km north of the Canada-United States border. As of 2007 it has a population of approximately 80 residents.

History

Early History

Vassar's first inhabitants settled in 1896 with the railroad's arrival. It is commonly believed that Vassar got its name after the first-born son of one of the first inhabitants, the Carpenters.The first store, post office, and school were all built in the early 1900s. A hotel was built in the late 1920s and parts of that building are incorporated into a current motel. Just before the Great Depression, while logging was at its peak Vassar's population rose to over 1000.

Today

The main industry in Vassar is still the Pulp and Paper Industry. A favorite pastime continues to be Baseball.

References

cite web
url = http://www.rmofpiney.mb.ca/community/vassar.htm
title = Communities of the Rural Municipality of Piney Vassar, Manitoba
accessdate = 2007-01-21

Vassar is named after Miss Ida Marie Vassar, originally from Kirkfield, Ontario. Miss Vassar worked for the railroad on the telegraph side. She was honoured when they agreed to name the community after her. (Miss Vassar also happens to be my Gramma) She married John Robinson Benson and raised a family, (Edward, Bruce, Rod, Mary and my dad Patrick) all deceased, in Winnipeg.

My great uncle Jack (Brother to Ida Marie) Vassar worked on the construction of the western lines too….

Source: Geographical Names of Manitoba… published by Conservation Manitoba 2008