A community built almost entirely of Ukrainian and Ukrainian/Polish settlers in the late 1800s, Poplarfield has experienced its share of downturns. But King Buck, majestic and proud, stands at the head of this tiny hamlet, bragging about its natural wonder.
As the name suggests, Poplarfield used to boast vast stands of poplar trees, used as cordwood, rail ties and construction materials until the 1960s. Throughout the area, deer, geese, waterfowl, upland game birds, bear, wolves, foxes, coyotes and even moose abound.
One family, the Ledohowskis, contributed much to the community. A very detailed book written by Ed Ledohowski offers one of the most thorough accounts of a Manitoba community from origins to the early 2000s. …
https://mhs.mb.ca/docs/archives/ledohowski/PoplarfieldDistrictAlbum2001.pdf
Unique Home Construction
An interesting note about this area is that it offers still-standing samples of homes built entirely of poplar and stuccoed over, not just poplar timbers, but slab walls. Many of these were built by the Ledohowski family. It is a unique building style, adapted to the geography and flora of the region. Just south of the town, near Chatfield, bedrock pokes through thin soil, a reminder of the power of the Agassiz glacier.
That same family started the CanadInns chain of hotels in Winnipeg, North Dakota and Brandon, beginning with the original Coronation Hotel in Poplarfield.
Poplarfield also is home to several prominent provincial politicians, including Bill Uruski, Cliff Evans and Tom Nevakshonoff.
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Visit https://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/oldpoplarfield.shtml
King Buck Statue, King Buck Store, Guard the Crossroads.
A small hamlet 100 km north of Winnipeg, on a lower-traffic highway would seem to be a recipe for boredom and stagnation, but that is not the case with Poplarfield. At one end of Highway 68, Eriksdale, near Lake Manitoba, guards the entrance. Near the other, Arborg and Riverton, adjacent to Lake Winnipeg, hold the fort along this route. To the north and south on Highway 17 are Teulon and three First Nations Reserves. The largest is Peguis(Oshki-ishkonigan) First Nation.
While it is not growing in population, it still has an interesting history and historical sites that are well-worth visiting. Of course, the well-known statue of King Buck, a white-tailed deer, is a good reason to visit, so is King Buck Store, a convenience store, service station/restaurant and post office in one.
Points of Interest, Things to Do
Take a picture with King Buck. Drive a few kilometers south to the Chatfield Museum and Souvenir Shop. Stop by the old Catholic Church. And, of course, stop into the restaurant on the corner of Hwy 17 and 68 fo a great meal.