guided the company for the
first twenty-six years.
Sadly, his problem with
alcohol destined him to spend
his final days in poverty,
despite a generous pension.
Successive leaders were
astute and progressive, and
able to adjust quickly to
changing times. Adjusters

recall that during the
Depression of the 1930s they
were not only expected to use
the cheapest hotels, but
sleep two in a bed! In the
1940s, new company cars came
with white wall tires which
were turned inward in order
not to appear flashy and
extravagant.

   This Community Memories
exhibit shares the ongoing
story of a little village,
whose history is intertwined
with a fledgling company that
grew to be a giant in the
Canadian insurance industry.
In the 21st century, the
company remains true to its
small town roots. Each May,

directors from all across
Canada arrive for the annual
meeting of this billion
dollar company in the little
village where it all began.
The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance
Company not only remembers,
but honours its history.