May 3: First ship through Lockport Lock; Doug Henning; Manitoba named; "Kris Kringle" dies.

May 3, 1910 - The Alberta is the first commercial ship to navigate through the St. Andrews Locks and Dam at Lockport. It would be officially opened by Wilfred Laurier in July.

The structure is a National Historic Site and Canadian Society for Civil Engineering National Heritage Site.

May 3, 1964 - Ron Hextall is born in Brandon

May 3, 1947 - Doug Henning is born in Winnipeg. As a teenager living in Oakville, Ontario he began performing magic tricks and pursued that profession over medical school.

May 3, 1870 - Speaking to his Manitoba Act on the floor of the House of Commons, George Etienne Cartier tells the members: "The name of the new province will be Manitoba, a very euphonious word meaning The God That Speaks." For more on Manitoba's name.

May 3, 1960 - Christopher "Kris Kringle" Kendall dies. He sold newspapers at the corner of Portage and Main for 25 years. His friendly demeanor and resemblance to Santa Claus made him a local institution.