June 17: Manitoba's last hanging; Ben Moss dies; Duff Roblin born.

June 17, 1917 - Dufferin Roblin was born in Winnipeg. In a twenty-year political career, Roblin was best remembered for championing the construction of the Red River Floodway, Bird's Hill Park, and numerous schools and hospitals. In 2008, he was voted "The Greatest Manitoban" in a Winnipeg Free Press contest. He died on May 30, 2011 at the age of 92.

June 17, 1919 - Winnipeg Police arrested 21 General Strike leaders for Seditious Conspiracy. They are sent to Stony Mountain to await trial or deportation.

June 17, 1952 - Henry Malanik was the last person to be hanged in Manitoba. The 48 year-old plumber shot and killed Detective James (Ted) Sims in July 1950.

June 17, 1962 - Ben Moss, the jeweller, dies. A Romanian immigrant, Ross set up a diamond importing business in 1910. In 1932 his first retail store appeared at 422 Main Street. For more on the history of Ben Moss Jewellers.)

June 17, 1974 - The Medical Arts Building opened on Kennedy Street. It replaced a ca. 1923 building by the same name.

© 2014, Christian Cassidy