Big Point lies on the west side of Lake Manitoba, townships 16-17, range 8-9. As the name implies, Big Point extends far out into the lake. The settlers wishedto name their first post office by that name, but there was another post office in Manitoba called that, so they then decided to name their school and community hall "Big Point". On account of the beautiful stand of oak trees that grew on Jon Tornason's farm, the first post-master of the district, they decided on the name "WiId Oak" for their post office (1897). Mail was delivered once a week, from Westbourne, by Jon Loftson.

Between the years 1898 and 1903, a flood covered parts of Big Point, dividing the district in two. The post office and hall were on the Wild Oak side, while the school was on Big Point, a huge s!ough dividing them. That slough, for several years, was almost like a river, being ten feet or more in depth. In those years, the only way to get to Wild Oak was by boat, and later on, by a so-called Corduroy Road, which was most of the time impassable. There was little hay for the cattle on Big Point, as much of the land was under water. So, the farmers had to take their machinery across the slough on barges made of planks in order to put up hay on Wild Oak.

Wild Oak extended from Addingham on the south, to Sandy Bay on the north, a long narrow strip divided by the slough with a dense bush extending ten miles or more westward. This bush was ruined for many years by a fire in 1898. About five miles west, a sandy ridge, 50 to 60 miles long, was being used as a trail by the Indians, but until the turn of the century it was unknown to the settlers.

The earliest known setti ers of the district came in 1880. They were Ed Field, Charles Hay, and Mr. and Mrs. Alex Bias. In 1886, John Wild, and Mr. and Mrs. James Wild came with their boys Malcolm and Rodcrick. Other children born to them were Albert, killed in World War I, Myrtle, Ethel, and Frederick.

In 1887, William and Fred Rhind, Issac Lewis, and his brother settled in this district. Shortly after, the McMillans - Archibald, Alexander and Malcolm came with their wives and another brother, Colin. They brought in a large herd of cattle, but did not stay long and sent Guy Fallows to manage their ranch. Mr. Fallows brought with him two relatives, Mr. Fairservice and Mr. McCrumb. These ranches were near the lake front and their nearest neighbours were the Henderson Bros. and Joseph Metcalfe, who ranched several miles south in the district known as Addingham.

In 1894 came a caravan of four covered wagons and some open ones, and several men on horseback driving a herd of cattle. These men with their wives and families made their homes here. Among them were: David and Gudbjorg Valdimarson and their three children - Jon, Kristiaug and Elin. They settled in this district. Later another son, Valdimar, was born in their home.

Asmunder and Kristjana Guttonnsori and their two girls Svafa and Kristin stayed a few years. Bjarni and Sigridur Davidson came from Argyle with their three girls - Jodis, Gyda and Sigridur. They lived in Big Point for a number of years and then moved to Saskatchewan. A brother of Bjarni, Erikur Davidson, made his home with them. Another brother, Julius, came from Winnipeg and had a store for a few years in Wild Oak.

Tryggvi Asgeir and Margaret Jonason and their two children - Stefan and Holmfridur, were early pioneers of this district. Another family came with them but moved farther north. They were Jacob and Palina Jonason. Their children were Gisli, Thorsteinn, Hernit, Maria, Gudrun, Helga, Jonas and Thidrik. After a few years, the family came to make their home here.

Later the same year several more Icelandic f~milies moved in but settled in the district now known as Hollywood district. They lived here for two years and then moved to Big Point. These included Tomas and Gudrun Ingimundarson.

Olafur and Gudbjorg Thorleifson and their children ~ Homfridur, Gudni and Anna. Their daughter, Sessljá Maria, came from Iceland later with Halldor and Marin Danielson and Helga Gudmundson. Olafur had a store in Big Point for several years and served as a blacksmith and repair man. Krist jan and Johanna Johnson with their son, Krist jan, and a brother, Magnus Johnson, came to the district from Leifur, P.O. They stayed here for one year and moved to MarshIand.

Bodvar and Ingibjorg Laxdal were early pioneers; they came from Winnipeg.

Jon and Stefania Magnuson Iived here for a time with their children ~ Helga, Sveinn, Steinunn, and Haraldur.

Bodvar and Gudrun Johnson came to Wild Oak in 1894. Mr. Johnson still lives in the original homestead, now owned by his son Archibald. Their children are•• Jonas, Ingibjorg, Kristin, Thomas, Jonina, and Archibald. A son, Haraldur, died a few years ago in an accident.

Jon and Gudfinna Thordarson lived in the district until they died. Their son Gordon Iived on the homestead. Albert, Victoria and Freeman reside in the district. Bjarni lives in Brandon, Gudjon died in an accident, Tomas was killed overseas in World War I and Gustaf died some years ago.

Asmundur and Ragnheidur Thorsteinnson settled for a short while and then moved to MarshIand.

In 1895, Einar and Jonina Isfeld settled near the lake. They had a large family, several of whom reside in the district. They are ~ Sigridur, Erikur, Fridfinnur, Ingibjorg, Thuridur, Gudjon, Haraldur, and Anna who are all of Langruth, Ada1steinn, Ethel, and Luter of Winnipeg. Their son, Victor, was killed in action overseas in World War II.

Hallgrimur and Thorbjorg Sigrudson and their two girls settled near the lake. They later moved to Langruth. Their two daughters are: Gudrun and Lara.

In 1896, Jacob and Helga Crawford came with their children. Their children are ~ Sigrun, Oscar, Julius, Petra, Ingolfur, Stanley, Jacobina, Hrolfur, and Leifur. They made their home here and in Westbourne. Bjorn Crawford, a brother of Jacob, came with them.

Fridfinnur and Thuridur Thorkelson and their four children moved here from north of Leifur. Their children are ~ Gudni, Jonina, Sigridur, and Sigrun.

Thorgeir and Anna Simonarson also came at this time with Anna's two daughters ~ Sigridur and Elizabeth Baker and a son who resides in the Yukon district.

Bjarni and Gudrun Ingimundarson came from Churchbridge, Saskatchewan in 1897. Th'ey brought their two daughters ~ Dirgitta and Gudlaug. Later three sons were born. Thorsteinn and Sigurdur and the third son died while an infant. Bjarni still resides in this district.

Bjorn and Sigridur Benson came from Argyle.

Pjetur and Anna Jacobson with their son Paul lived in the Lakeland district and later moved to Marshiand.

Einar and Gudbjorg Saudfjord brought their daugthers with them in 1897. They are ~ Elizabeth, Kristin, Monica, and Sigridur. Monica was married to Magnus Thorlakson. Their two boys are ~ Stefan and Edward. Both of these boys served in World War I. Sigridur was married to Olafur Hanneson and they adopted a boy, Edwin Joenson.

Thidrik and Gudrun Eyvindson settled on the farm now owned by David Egilson. Their II children are ~ Einar, Eyvindur, Ingibjorg, Halla, Thidrik, Margaret, Pjctur, Olafur, Kjartan, Christopher, and Hrefna.

In 1896, Johann and Sigridur Johannson, with their six children, came from Churchbridge, Saskatchewan and settled in the district later named Hollywood. Their children are ~ Johann, Oluf, Helga, Arni, Gudmundina, and Gudrun.

Sigfus and Gudfinna Bjarnarson moved to the district from north of Leifur. Their 13 children are ----- Bjarni, Bjorn, Gudrun, Thorbjorg, Karl, Gudmann, Valdimar, Helga, and Gudlaug. The other four died in infancy.

Bjarni and Gudridur Eastman came from the Narrows. Mr. Eastman was post-master at Wild Oak for several years. Their six children are ~Oluf, Gestur, Thorsteinn. Karl, Anna and Wilfred.

Vigfus and Gudridur Thorsteinnson settled for a while and then moved to Marsbland.

Gisli and Thora Johnson came from Argyle and had the Post Office for several years. Hís first wife was Gudny. Their five children are ~ Sigridur, Thorun, Magnus, Aurora, and Thruda.

Joseph and Gudrun Helgason had four children. They are ~ Soffanias, Holmfridur , Margaret, and Freeman. Joseph was a widower and had two sons living in Winnipeg. They are ~ Helgi and Johann.

Gudmundur and Johanna Sveinson. with only one son, stayed only a short time and moved to the MarshIand district.

Erlendur and Margret Erlendson came from Winnipeg in 1897 and re sided at leifur until 1899.

Then they moved to Big Point. Their nine children are Finnbogi, Erlendur, Sigridur, Helga, Valdimar, Victoria, Halldora, Leifur, and Lilja.

Jon and Svafa Tomason and theirfour children came to the district in 1899. The eldest child was Sigurlina.

Johann and Viola Josephson settled on the lake-shere with their son Eddie.

Magnus and Gudny Kaprasiusson had two girls - Karolina and Kristbjorg. Gudny had five boys from a previous marriage. Theyare - Bjarni, Jon, Helgi, Einar, and Gudmundur Nordal.

Gudmundur and Elin Gudbrandson came from Leifur with three children - Gordon, Emily, and Asta. After a year or so they moved to Marshíand.

Bjarni and Steinnun T omason came from Argyle and settled on Big Point. Their six children are - Stefan, Tomas, Ingibjorg, Kristin, Anna, and Jon. Steinnun with the help of Mrs. David Valdimarson started the first Sunday School in the district.

Gudmundur and Ingibjorg Thorsteinnson made their home here for some time then moved to Clan William with their girls - Jonina, Gudny, and Kristin.

Ingimundur and Katrin Olafson dwelt on Big Point, later Mr. Olafson moved to Langruth. They had six children - Thomas, Gudmundur, Olafur, Sigridur, Gudfinna, and Inga.

Bjarni and Anna Thompson settled near the lake. Their son, Arnor, resides on their old homestead. Other children are -- Helgi, Jonina, Tomas, Sigmundur, Eyjolfur, Johanna, and Fredrik.

Jon and Gunnlaug Amundson lived at Big Point for a few years and then moved to Marshiand. They had seven children - Karl, Gyda, Henrik, Rannveig, Sesselja. Helga and Hannsina.

Johannes and Kristin Joenson had five children. They were - Sigurjon, Edwin, Sigurlina, Susanna, and Lilja.

Thorhallur and Ragnheidur Goodmanson moved to this district from Iceland at the turn of the century. Their children are - Gunnlauqer, Ragnar, Olafur, Bjarni, Gudbjorg, Calvin, and Jon Valdimar.

Hannes and Johanna Erlendson came from Iceland with one child, Halldora, and settled near the lake. Other children born to them are Magnus, Bentina, Gudmundur, Jennie, Jon, Maria, Johann, and Helga. When they came to Canada, they were accompanied by Magnus and Kristin Vigfuson and their two daughters - Gudny and Sigurlina.

Ivar and Anna Bjornson made their home on the Point. Later they moved to Langruth where they had a boarding house for several years. One son, Valdimar, made the supreme sacrifice in France during World War I. The other children are ----- Bjorn, Sigurdur, Addie, and Halldora.

Vilhjalmur and Magnus Peterson came from Churchbridge in 1893 with their parents- Petur and Halla Einarson. The family settled on the farm now owned by Ernie Richards. Later they moved north-east of Amaranth. For several years Magnus stayed in the Yukon. The brothers came to Wild Oak in 1911. Vilhjalmur and his wife Helga have nine children. Four boys enlisted in World War II. They were - Pjetur, William, Jonas, and Ralph. Other children are - Halla, Theordore, Franklín, Margaret, and Thura.

Magnus and Ingibjorg Peterson had three children. They were - Douglas, Lorna, and Ruth.

Gudmundur Sturlaugson was a bachelor who came to do carpentry work for several years.

Jonas and Marene Johnson and their children - Jon, Ragnheider, Hjalmar. Thorsteinn, Gudrun and Jonas only stayed for a few years.

Another couple who did not stay long was Bergur and Anna Myrdal.

Einar and Gudny Tomasson moved to Big Point in 1900. Their children were - Thomas, Steinun, Kristin, Sigridur, and one child died.

Johannes and Sesselja Baldwinson also came in 1900. They had three children. Two died and one son, Baldwin, came with them. Later the family moved to Leifur.

Gudmundur and Gudrun Arnason settled on the farm vacated by Bjarni Davidson in 1903. Their children live in the district. They are - Erlaugur, Bjorg and Sigrun.

Jon and Thordis Finnson moved to Wild Oak in 1901 and then moved to Lakeside. Their son Evielfur is the only one of four alive.

Halldor and Arnbjorg Halldorson and their child came 1902 and lived here for a few years. Their children were - Bjarni, Sigridur, Bjorg, Bjorn, Halldor and Jon. T wo sons stayed in the district when the family moved to Lundar, Jon and Gudlaug Halldor, Gudmundur, Sigurjon, Oskar, Sigridur, Olafia, Emily, and Grace.

Bjorn and Jonina Halldorson farmed for a few years and then moved to Langruth. Their children are - Theodore, Harold, Bjorg, Pearl, Kristin, Ernest, Percy, Margaret, June, and Bjarni who made the supreme sacrifice in World War II.

Agust and Gudrun Eyjolfson settled in the Lakeland district and then moved to Langruth. Their eight children are - Gudmundur, Emil, Verma, Gunnar, Laufey, and three died in infancy. A brother of Agust, Bjarni, came with him and worked in Langruth until he bought a farm at Lakeland. His wife, Gudny, came from Winnipeg. They had three children --- Thelma, Hilmar and Raymond.

Olafur and. Gudrun Egilson had one boy, Adalsteinn. Mr Egilson's second wife was Svafa Magnuson and their children are --- David, Sveinn, and Oluf. One infant did not live.

Sigridur Fredricks with her children, Maris, Jonina, and Johannes, came from Churchbridge, Sask. and settled near the lake.

Sigurdur and Katrin T omason came from north of Amaranth with their children Carolina, Hjortur, Oskar, and Gudmundur. They later moved to Langruth.

If any pioneers have been left out, I regret the omission. It is difficult to remember all those who settled in the district when no records are available. So much could be said about our pioneers, especially those who came from Iceland. They did not know the language or customs of this country. They were proud of their ori gin but quickly adapted themselves to the new way of life. Records show how their sons and daughters enlisted and fought for Canada in the two World Wars. Our younger generation is gradually losing the speech and customs of our forefathers. They have become Canadianized in their speech, dress, and customs but have not changed in their pride for their fatherland.

So many of our Icelandic pioneers settled near the lake and took advantage of the abundance of fish, no one can imagine the amount of fish caught. The nets were ruined by the weight, however, prices were low. Whitefish sold at 112 to 2 cents a pound. One of the most popular freighters was Bodvar Johnson. He could be counted on to get top prices for the fish. He was also popular among the settlers as a Veterinarian. Soon fishing was operated on a large scale. Boats of all sizes and shapes freighted fish and gypsum north to the Landing or Cawdor, as it was named later. Many of the boats would travel on the "Big Slough" as it made the journey much shorter.

Doubtless, life was hard and rugged for the older people but full of excitement and thrills for the young ones. It was the usual thing for the children to go by boat to school or to Wild Oak for the mail.

The first schoolhouse was built of logs in 1898 by the settlers. Our first teacher stayed only one year and was succeeded by Daniel Windsor, who definitely did not believe in the slogan "Spare the rod and spoil the child". He usually kept the rod at hand and the child speaking Icelandic got a taste of it. This was very hard on the youngsters who had been brought up to speak only Icelandic. In 1909 a new frame building was erected a short distance east of the old log schoolhouse.

A Community Hall was built of logs by the settlers in 1903. Before that all community gatherings were held in the schoolhouse. In 1910 it was tom down and a frame building was erected. The first Community Hall was officially opened on the lof July, 1903. The first picnic at Big Point was held at the schoolhouse in 1898 on the first day of July. Since then it has been the custom of the community to have a picnic on that day.

Outstanding men and women in church work and social life of the community are too numerous to mention. Gudbjorg and David Valdimarson were actors of note and took the lead in plays and concerts.

Many stories could be told about life in those early days. We often wonder if those of us who grew up in the beginning of the century did not have a fuller, happi er life. We had no telephones or radios, but we read so many books, played games and sports of all kinds. We skated and played hockey on the hard clear ice of the slough which extcnded for miles. We trapped rats, catching as many as a hundred a day. Prices were low, 5 to 10 cents for Al cured pelt.

Having no roads to speak of, all parties and dances had to be started before dark and no one dared to venture home until daybreak. Music for the danees was supplied by two popular violin players, Johnny Sinclair and George Faulster and later Gudni Thorleifson.

Just south of Wild Oak was the dreaded McKeevor's Creek. To cross that successfully was something of a feat and this had to be done every time anyone went to Westbourne for supplies. There were no roads or bridges in the district at this time. In 1903 the first grade was most of the time impassable.

On February 1, 1898 an Icelandic library was organized in the district and is still owned and read by a few.

About 1909 a Good Templars Lodge was started at Big Point. Mr. A.S. Bardal of Winnipeg came out to install officers and establish affiliation with the Independant Order of Good Templars. Grand Lodge of Manitoba. The name given to this chapter was "Vorblorn". This undertaking thrived for a number of years and quite a few of the charter members are still alive around the district.

From 1898 to 1906, a minister, Rev. Oddur Gislason, came to the district several times a year. In 1906 a resident minister was called, Rev. Bjarni Thorarinson, with his wife, Ingiborg and their children - Magnea, Gudrun, Thorarin, and Susanna. They lived here until 1916. Most of the settlers kept up the old custom of their forefathers by having a service in the home every Sunday and on special days. A sermon was read and hymns sung. Another lovely custom was the Twilight SingSong held every evening at our house.

So much has changed since those by gone days. Where the "Big Slough" used to be, flax is grown. There is grain growing where the big "Bush" was. With all the modern farm equipment, radios, cars, etc., it is hard to believe that a few short years ago no one dreamed that these things would seem common and ordinary. We think of our childhood days when we did without all these wonderful time and la bor saving devices.