Kelvon Smith is a man of much knowledge. His major is university was Canadian History, and he has a Bachler of Education. Smith taught with the Fort La Bosse School Division for 39 years as a teacher. He says it wasn’t really a job because he enjoyed teaching so much.
When called upon, Smith uses his vast knowledge of history to take the public on a tour of Virden, dressed in an 1800’s train conductor uniform. The tour starts at the Train Station, stops by the public aquarium, the RCMP Detachment, the Fire Station, the Anglican Church, Victoria Park, the Aud Theatre, and the old Post Office; describing each location’s history.
The Virden Historical Walking Tour also includes historical information about the tunnels in Virden, Fort La Bosse, and the massacre at Ghost Island. Information is shared about reptiles that lived in the Virden area over 80 million years ago, and about the effects of the ice age on surrounding areas. Smith also shares his knowledge of where the old CNR station, the Ice House, and the armory were.
Over the summer, Smith has taken the judges from the Community In Bloom, and most recently, the Prairie West Recreation Day Camp children on the tour historical tour of Virden.
Smith says, “I enjoy meeting the people on the tours and sharing my knowledge.” The Virden Historical Walking Tour can be booked by contacting Kel Smith at 204-748-3321.
