July 15: Manitoba joins Confederation; Legislature opens; Eaton's sneak peek; first airplane flight; Hydro rates jump.

July 15, 1870 - The Manitoba Act receives Royal ascent making Manitoba the fifth province of the Dominion as Canada's fifth province. The original boundaries were 1/18th of what they are today earning us the nickname "the postage stamp province."

July 15th, 1920 - After years of scandal the Manitoba Legislative Building finally opens.

July 15, 1905 - Eaton's hosts a VIP sneak peak of their Portage Avenue store a week in advance of the grand opening.

July 15, 1970 - The Guess Who play a four-set show at the Hollow Mug Restaurant. It was part of a youth celebration dinner attended by Price Charles and Princess Ann. Two days later, the band again played for the Royals, this time at the White House.

July 15, 1942 - The Winnipeg Tribune reports on the three most recent Manitoba deaths of World War II.

July 15, 1910 - Eugene Ely finally gets his biplane off the ground to make the first flight in Western Canada. Due to strong winds, however, the flight was a quick one and not seen by many. For more on the first flight. 

July 15, 1968 - Manitoba Hydro's first rate increase in 57 years takes effect. The 6% increase went toward building corporate reserves.