Dr. Louisa Loeb Permit Teachers Of Manitoba 10th Annual Reunion

Edith Alexiuk; Photos by Ed Arndt

On July 10, 2014, our 10th annual reunion was held at the Viscount Gort Hotel in Winnipeg, MB. The theme for this occasion was “Create a Legacy, While Filling a Gap.”

The guest of honour was Dr. Louisa Loeb, a renowned educator in Manitoba. During World War II and after, many young people just out of high school became permit teachers. Some had a six-week training course, some had no training at all.

Louisa felt that these teachers received little recognition. She then proceeded to organize a few of them ten years ago for a reunion. Unfortunately, her health declined shortly after and she was forced to have others carry on as a committee, which is still in existence today. She also compiled a book of individual teacher’s experiences.

A banner was made to commemorate the event. A picture of the present committee was taken in front of it, including our guest speaker Deanne Crothers, MLA for St. James, representing the Minister of Education, James Allum.

A sit down meal was served. A boisterous sing-song of old familiar favourites took place, led by Marie and Henri Enns, with accompaniment on an autoharp. Many intriguing stories of permit teaching were revealed on the open mic. There were several prize draws. The winner for coming the farthest was Ed Arndt from Virden, MB. This is in contrast to past years when many people came from out of province, but age and illness seem to be a factor now.

It was a heartwarming day. Louisa was happy to be with us and participated. Sadly, one of our long time members, the Rev. Keith Boughton, passed away two weeks after the reunion.