Vassar, Manitoba

Vassar is a community located in southeastern Manitoba. It is located in the Rural Municipality of Piney, approximately 5 km (3.1 mi) north of the Canada–United States border with Minnesota.

History

Vassar's first inhabitants settled in 1896 with the railroad's arrival. Vassar was named after Sir William Mackenzie's (a key figure in Canada’s railway expansion) sister-in-law, Rosanna (Rose) Vassar, who had married Sir William's brother, Alexander.

The first store, post office, and school were all built in the early 1900s. A hotel was built in the late 1920s and parts of that building are incorporated into a current motel.

Notable people

• Marjorie Beaucage (born 1947), Métis filmmaker

References

• "Communities of the Rural Municipality of Piney Vassar, Manitoba". Retrieved January 21, 2007.

• Geographical Names of Manitoba - Vassar (pg. 281) :published by Conservation Manitoba 2008