Built in 1912, on land granted to the “McBeath” family around 1817, moving from their original grant to allow the building of the community’s first church (now St. John’s Cathedral). But 30 metres from the original building on the property. The McBeth House was built by descendants of the original Selkirk settlers.
McBeth House was continuously inhabited by members of the family until 1984 (long, long time ownership) before the land and house were donated to the city of Winnipeg. It has been operating as a seniors resource centre ever since and is available to be booked for gatherings and events. A plaque at the front drive was placed on a monument built from the stone used in the original log cabin building and was unveiled in September 1987 to highlight the history of the McBeth House.
When visiting a monument (or town or park) it does not need to be a quick one and done. These are historic places, look around and learn. Read the monument, then take a minute to take it all in. Maybe explore a bit.
Off to the left of McBeth house is a well maintained public gravel path that is well worth the walk. There is a tall grass prairie to enjoy just past McBeth house and mid-late summer is when tall grass prairies have a lot of life in them. The path, eventually, leads to a nice walk along the river with some nice views.
The wife and I tend to stray off the beaten path from time to time, just the way we are, but I don’t recommend wandering too deep behind McBeth House. Unless you like to see what people don’t want (big piles of scrap), in which case go explore. Just respect the property and other people. This is not a slight against McBeth House or the neighborhood, just a reality. One we quite enjoy exploring.
McBeth House was closed when we visited but it was well worth the short stop to end off our evening ride. The house is operated by the City of Winnipeg and can be contacted by telephone at 204-334-0432.
