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Dr. Charles Vanstone did not like charging patients when he couldn't cure them. After serving as the local physician in Wawanesa for 18 years they moved to North Battleford where he imported and showed heavy draught horses.

Vanstone was the board's choice to replace A.F. Kempton. It was in Vanstone's drug store that the company got its start and he was no doubt an enthusiastic supporter of the new venture. Between the downturn of the '20s and Vanstone's lack of experience, the company suffered considerable losses. Once back on track, The Mutual was able to absorb ten other weakened companies without financial loss to members or agents.

In 1926 the company began writing coverage on private buildings and offered auto insurance. In 1929 they were granted Dominion Charter. This meant that The Mutual could offer coverage in every province. This coverage was guaranteed by the Dominion Dept of Insurance. W.M.I.C. could now insure Canadians from coast to coast.

A new two story office was built across the street from the original building in 1930.

By wage cut backs and keeping a tight rein on finances, the company survived the "Great Depression".

Due to ill health Dr. Vanstone retired in 1943. He had worked tirelessly for 21 years, building on the foundation laid down by Kempton. The company was now one of the largest in Canada.

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Dr. Charles Vanstone
Circa 1922
Wawanesa, Manitoba, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company

3

Dr. Vanstone (on left) and staff at company picnic
Circa 1925
Wawanesa, Manitoba, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Sipiweske Museum

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Balance Sheet - December 31, 1933
31 December 1933
Wawanesa, Manitoba, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Sipiweske Museum

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Wawanesa Advertisement
Circa 1955
Wawanesa, Manitoba, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Sipiweske Museum

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The Miniota Farmers Mutual
Circa 1995
Wawanesa, Manitoba, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Sipiweske Museum

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The Occidental - Another insurance company absorbed by The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company
1911
Wawanesa, Manitoba, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Sipiweske Museum

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Information pamphlet on the standard automobile insurance policy
1928
Wawanesa, Manitoba, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Sipiweske Museum

9

The Wapiti Share Certificate
1929
Wawanesa, Manitoba, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Sipiweske Museum

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Dominion Charter
1 May 1929
Wawanesa, Manitoba, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company

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Wawanesa's Montreal, Quebec office building
Circa 1980
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Sipiweske Museum

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Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Head Office
1955
Wawanesa, Manitoba, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Sipiweske Museum

13

Toronto Office
Circa 1935
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
AUDIO ATTACHMENT


Credits:
The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company

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The Wapiti - another company absorbed by The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company
Circa 1995
Wawanesa, Manitoba, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Sipiweske Museum