In 1757, a fur trading post was established in
the Hudson Bay District, beside the Red Deer River. Ruins from the
post have been found near the village of Erwood. In 1790, the North
West Trading Co. set up a trading post at the mouth of the Etomami
River. Speculators think that a South Company's post was set up
on the opposite mouth of the River, where there are remains of a
2nd post unaccounted for.
Over the years a settlement grew and in July 1907, an application
was made to erect ETOMAMI as a village. (Etomami was a native word
that meant a place where 3 rivers join.) But in order to establish
a hamlet, it was necessary to have fifteen occupied dwelling houses.
By August, the list was completed and the village was formed. Mr.
B.F. Noble was the first "overseer" of the village. The post office
was also established at that time. It was located on Churchill Street
approximately where the Bargain Store is now. Then in 1909 the Canadian
Northern Railway Company chose the name, HUDSON BAY JUNCTION, so
the name was changed.
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During the early years many difficulties
were encountered in trying to maintain the Village. It was
even suggested at one time that it be disorganized! But as
time moved on, things improved and the town continued to grow.
The Town was incorporated in 1946 and at the first council
meeting, which was held in 1947, the town's name was shortened
by dropping "Junction". In 1958 - parking meters were introduced
on Churchill Street - although they have long since vanished!
The year 1958 also saw the Town switch to Mountain Standard
Time. But less than two months later, they decided to revert
back to Central Standard Time.
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Painted by Jackie Coleman & Del Brann.
Sponsored
by the Millennium Bureau of Canada, Weyerhaeuser
, and Town of Hudson Bay
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Today Hudson Bay is still a major junction with
the railway running in three directions, and the highway running
in all four directions. Things have changed, and come and gone,
like in any community, but the warmth, friendliness and pioneering
spirit lives on.
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