Feb. 5: Arlington Bridge opened; Riverview Hotel fire; Dr. Bird beaten.

February 5, 1873 - Dr. Curtis James Bird is appointed speaker of the legislature. After the initial act to incorporate the city of Winnipeg failed, due in part to a ruling he made, he was lured from his bed, beaten unconscious and covered in warm tar. The culprits were never caught.

February 5, 1909 - The Salvation Army's "Neglected Kids House” at 226 Simcoe Street became home to Canada's first Juvenile Court. Justice Thomas M Daly, who was also Brandon’s first Mayor, presided. For more.

February 5, 1912 - The Arlington Bridge opened with little fanfare. It was to have been the city's second streetcar link to the North End but due to its steep grade, streetcar workers refused to use it.

February 5, 1918 - The Riverview Hotel on Nairn Avenue, Elmwood burned to the ground killing four people. The strong winds spread the flames to neighbouring buildings and at one point firefighters had six separate fires to fight.

February 5, 2010 - Bud Korchak died. In 1950, he was the kicker for the Blue Bombers and became part of Grey Cup lore as the first player to come to the rescue of Bud Tinsley, who ended up dazed and face down in a pool of mud in the "mud bowl".

© 2012, 2020 Christian Cassidy