1930-1939

World — 1930

The Great Depression (1929 until about 1939), set off by the stock market collapse in October 1929, is felt across North America and Europe.

February 17, 1930

Rivers Airfield opened and operation of mail planes began one week later.

Canada — March 31, 1932

Canada’s airmail service ends. Deliveries had been made at Rivers Airfield.

Canada — 1934

The Farmer’s Creditors Arrangement Act aims to reduce farm debt loads.

Manitoba — 1936

The effects of the drought on the prairies are felt most acutely in the southwest corner of the province.

Canada — 1936

The effect of the world-wide economic depression is compounded in Western Canada by an extended drought. In 1936, the Federal Government cancelled debt for feed and wrote off many advances to the drought areas.

1937

Dominion Airways engineers selected a site of 40 acres near Rivers, Manitoba, in connection with a prospective cross-Canada air service. Contract let for grading, surfacing and fencing of Rivers Intermediate Aerodrome.

1939

A train carrying King George VI and Queen Elizabeth stopped very briefly in Rivers, Manitoba, on its way east. The King appeared in his dressing gown to wave a short greeting as the train started moving.

World — September 1, 1939

Germany invades Poland, setting off World War 2.