One Great History

The small mining town of Flin Flon, Manitoba has produced a lot of hockey players and exactly one Academy Award winner - Roger Avary. Learn all about the ups and downs of the man who co-wrote Pulp Fiction and became the poster boy for an Apple product in this exciting Nick's Pick episode! 

From the 1950s to the 1990s, Haynes Chicken Shack was one of the happening-est places in Winnipeg. Today we talk about the restaurant and the family behind it - their charisma, their cooking, and their musical talents! 

Alfred Elton Van Vogt was a science fiction writer with an unusual background: he was born in Gretna, and began writing while living in Winnipeg. His eclectic collection of short stories and novels would go on to inspire writers like Philip K Dyck, Harlen Ellison, and directly or indirectly influence the plot of the film Alien. 

How many people does it take to topple a streetcar? Where can a man hide from a mud-hurling mob? And just who is “the Big Swede,” anyway?

Answers (sort of) to all these questions and more in this episode about the time Winnipeg went absolutely nuts over a labour dispute.

Visit onegreathistory.com to see images from this episode and more!

Hé-ho! Strap on your snowshoes and tie on your sash, we're delving into the history of Festival du Voyageur. 

It's January, which means we are busy working on new episodes for you! So until we're ready to get on mic again, here are two classic Patreon bonus episodes for your ears! If you don't subscribe to our Patreon, this is a taste of what we do over there. If you do, then you maybe heard these back in 2022!

https://www.onegreathistory.com/

https://www.patreon.com/OneGreatHistory

Once upon a time, Deer Lodge Hotel had a resident pet black bear that loved drinking soda. He was called, at various times, Joe Chamberlain, Whiterock Pete, and Chad's Bear and in 1905 became a regular character in the Winnipeg Tribune. In the fiction of the Tribune, the bear had an ambitious life - he ran for office, was once a witness in a trial, was the subject of a lengthy biography and was a friend to many local politicians. 

It’s 1924, and Winnipeg is 50 years old! Local businesses and community groups from Winnipeg Hydro to Calhoun Hats make elaborate floats to celebrate Winnipeg’s progress as a thriving, modern city - but who’s been left out?

In 1974, a new phenomenon was happening in Winnipeg: Phantom-Mania. Released on Boxing Day, 1974, Phantom of the Paradise became an instant hit in Winnipeg. And only in Winnipeg. In this episode, Sabrina unpacks the initial lengthy run of Phantom of the Paradise in Winnipeg and it's enduring legacy here and beyond. A warm thank you to those who shared their experiences with the movie! It is beyond appreciated.

Thomas Spence saw a problem: Portage la Prairie, isolated, lawless. He offered a solution: himself, as President. Thus was born the Republic of Manitoba, a short-lived and ill-advised attempt at creating a regional government. Join us as we fill in the details of this colourful episode in Manitoba history with surprise appearances from Louis Riel, John Christian Schultz, and "Dutch George" Emmerling. Thank you to the NFB for allowing us to use the audio of their classic vignette!