Just like any other tree on the landscape, the Wolseley Elm of Wolseley Avenue was not without its relevant history and significance. Till this day, the story of the Wolseley Elm still leaves some residents of the neighbourhood in deep nostalgia and awe of an incident that happened decades ago. The Wolseley Elm was planted by Mary Ann Good on her family farm in 1860’s. As the city of Winnipeg grew, urban sprawl caught up to Mary Ann’s farmland. With that, the city of Winnipeg toiled away, paving roads and clearing land, ultimately transforming what was once agricultural lands to the Wolseley Avenue that we know today.

Since the 1900s, the Wolseley Elm faced constant threats of removal as it was obstructing vital development in that area. However, it managed to remain untouched as residents persuaded city workers to halt their actions, until the 1950s. In 1957, the City of Winnipeg council finally passed a motion to allow for the elm’s removal. Twelve remarkable woman linked arms and surrounded the elm, forming a bond to protest the challenge at hand. Numerous debates regarding the fate of the Wolseley Elm had occurred during the days following. On September 25, 1957, the city councillors decided to allow the elm to remain where it stood. It was a wonderful moment for the twelve women as well as to the residents who supported the elm.

Although being removed in 1960 the Wolseley Elm legacy will represent the incredible resilience of both the local people and the elm, and how we as humans can and should come together to protect and manage these beautiful, natural giants.

See detailed historical notes:
Battle of the Wolseley Elm — stately tree planted in 1860 was fought over for many decades

See additional images - Winnipeg Tribune Collection, University of Manitoba Wolseley Elm Photos

Just like any other tree on the landscape, the Wolseley Elm of Wolseley Avenue was not without its relevant history and significance. Till this day, the story of the Wolseley Elm still leaves some residents of the neighbourhood in deep nostalgia and awe of an incident that happened decades ago. The Wolseley Elm was planted by Mary Ann Good on her family farm in 1860’s. As the city of Winnipeg grew, urban sprawl caught up to Mary Ann’s farmland. With that, the city of Winnipeg toiled away, paving roads and clearing land, ultimately transforming what was once agricultural lands to the Wolseley Avenue that we know today.

Since the 1900s, the Wolseley Elm faced constant threats of removal as it was obstructing vital development in that area. However, it managed to remain untouched as residents persuaded city workers to halt their actions, until the 1950s. In 1957, the City of Winnipeg council finally passed a motion to allow for the elm’s removal. Twelve remarkable woman linked arms and surrounded the elm, forming a bond to protest the challenge at hand. Numerous debates regarding the fate of the Wolseley Elm had occurred during the days following. On September 25, 1957, the city councillors decided to allow the elm to remain where it stood. It was a wonderful moment for the twelve women as well as to the residents who supported the elm.

Although being removed in 1960 the Wolseley Elm legacy will represent the incredible resilience of both the local people and the elm, and how we as humans can and should come together to protect and manage these beautiful, natural giants.

See detailed historical notes:
Battle of the Wolseley Elm — stately tree planted in 1860 was fought over for many decades

See additional images - Winnipeg Tribune Collection, University of Manitoba Wolseley Elm Photos