June 20th marked the first day of summer! You might be looking for some fun outdoor things to do to enjoy the beautiful weather.
We have compiled a list of the Top 5 things to do with Nellie McClung this summer (which maintaining social distancing):
1. VISIT THE FAMOUS 5 MONUMENT (MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE GROUNDS)
The Nellie McClung Foundation monument featuring Nellie McClung and the ‘Famous Five’ sits on the grounds of the Manitoba Legislature, having been sculpted by Winnipeg artist Helen Granger Young.
Before the unveiling of the Winnipeg monument, there had never been a monument recognizing Nellie McClung in the province where she lived and worked for more than 30 years. There are few monuments
recognizing women generally.
2. VISIT THE FORMER WALKER THEATRE (NOW THE BURTON CUMMINGS THEATRE)
Opening in December 1906, the Walker Theatre (subsequently renamed the Odeon Theatre, now called the Burton Cummings Theatre for the Performing Arts), was modelled on the famous
Auditorium Theatre in Chicago.
The theatre played host to everything from Shakespearean and other serious plays performed by prominent actors to ballets, operas, orchestral works and Broadway-type musicals.
However, it is its non-theatre events where it earned its distinguished history, including the mock parliament in which Nellie McClung participated.
On January 28th, 1914, the Manitoba Political Equality League, with the support of a number
of other organizations, staged their
infamous A Women’s Parliament starring
Nellie McClung in the role of Premier
Rodmond Roblin. The play satirized
the dangers of allowing men the right to vote; it was both entertaining and effective. In 1916, Manitoba became the first province to grant
women the right to vote.
3. NELLIE MCCLUNG'S FORMER HOME (97 CHESTNUT STREET)
The plaque at the southeast corner of Wolseley Avenue and Lenore Street recognizes social and moral reformist Nellie McClung’s instrumental role in making Manitoba women the first in Canada to receive the right to vote.
Her nearby home from 1911 to 1914, at 97 Chestnut Street, is a Heritage Winnipeg site. By the
time Manitoba finally granted women the vote on January 28th, 1916, she had moved with her pharmacist husband to Edmonton, Alberta, where she continued her career as an author, activist, suffragist, politician, and mother of five children.
4. A Women's Parliament Starring Nellie McClung MURAL (560 SARGENT AVE)
During the battle for women’s right to vote, Nellie McClung and her band of activists held mock parliaments, that satirized the dangers of allowing men the right to vote. This mural depicts Nellie in the midst of a speech imitating Premier Roblin at the mock parliament. The papers that are flying to the right highlight dates and locations of the Manitoba women’s suffrage movement.
5. CITIZENS HALL OF FAME - NELLIE MCCLUNG (ASSINIBOINE PARK)
The Citizens Hall of Fame is a WinnipegREALTORS® initiative recognizing citizens who have contributed to Winnipeg’s quality of life with exceptional achievements in leadership and community service. The inductee’s achievements may be local, national or international in scope.
Located within Assiniboine Park, this unique award program proudly displays the likenesses of Winnipeg luminaries such as Carol Shields, Terry Fox and Leo Mol; a testament to local heroes who helped establish and evolve our city as one of diversity, humanity and accomplishment.
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