Manitoba First World War monument built out of father’s grief

DARLINGFORD, Man. – Ferris Bolton sent three sons to fight in the First World War. None of them came home.

Over a brutal six-month period in 1917, Bert, Harry and Elmer Bolton were killed in battle. In October of that same year, Bolton’s only daughter, Mary, died from the flu.

The only freestanding building in Manitoba dedicated entirely to First World War veterans was born out of the tragedy.

“It was Mr. Bolton’s dream that schoolchildren would always remember, would always be reminded … that freedom is not a given,” said Ruth Nichol.

View image in full screen

She and her sister, Helen Johnston, were born and raised in Darlingford, where the building stands about 120 kilometres southwest of Winnipeg. They have always revered the monument.

“Everyone knows someone, a family member or neighbour, who fought,” said Johnston.

The tiny structure, surrounded by trees and a well-kept garden, contains several artifacts: old hemets, guns and photos, along with a list of those who fought and died in the First World War and Second World War.

Nichol’s husband, William, was among those wounded during the Second World War.

To learn more, watch Focus Manitoba on Global Winnipeg at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.