MHS Centennial Organization:
Winnipeg Press Club

When a group of newspaper reporters gathered at Clougher’s English Chop House on Main Street in March 1888, they could not know that the club they had formed the previous year, the Winnipeg Press Club would, in the 21^st century, reign as Canada’s oldest media club, the second oldest in North America, and the third oldest in the world. Among its members have been some of Winnipeg’s most colorful early citizens, including George Ham and John W. Dafoe. Originally a private club for members of the newspaper fraternity, it has grown to become a non-profit organization with members across many media. Broadcasters joined its ranks in 1947. The club works with a number of charities, and it perhaps best known for its annual satire show “Beer and Skits,” Canada’s longest running revue show, started in 1934. It has shown us the fun-loving side of the public media whose role in informing the people of Manitoba on issues of the day is unquestionable. For its 118 years of community service, the Manitoba Historical Society recognizes the Winnipeg Press Club with a Centennial Organization Award.

Award presented by Lieutenant-Governor John Harvard, Jacqueline Friesen, and Gordon Goldsborough on 3 April 2005.

MHS Centennial Organizations