Back in the 1920's, the town of Vita, Manitoba was experiencing huge growth - with the construction of a three storey hospital building amongst the town’s biggest amenities. Just yards away from the hospital, a beautiful two and a quarter storey farmhouse was constructed to be used as a residence for the health care professionals who would practice at the Vita Hospital.

The old hospital building was torn down decades ago to make way for the current facility. And after nearly a century spent on the hospital grounds, the old farmhouse has been moved off of its foundation to start a new life just a few miles up the road.

Although there have been many tenants since it was first constructed in the early 20's, people in the community of Vita still affectionately refer to the grand old house as "Waldon House". Its namesake, Dr. Harold Vincent Waldon, arrived in the community in the mid 1920's and would gain notoriety throughout southeastern Manitoba for his unending generosity and kindness.

Ann Podolsky resides in the personal care home in Vita and recalls time spent with Marianne, one of Dr. Waldon’s four children. She was often a visitor at Waldon house as a youngster.

“It was the best house in town,” she recalls. “It had running water and an indoor bathroom. It was great.” She adds with a smile, “You didn’t have to go outside in the winter.”

Nick Poshtar grew up just south of Gardenton and recalls meeting Dr. Waldon for the first time when he was only eight years old after his appendix had ruptured.

“Dad rushed me to the hospital in the horse and sleigh. Within half an hour, Dr. Waldon was performing surgery.” He adds wistfully, “He gave me a fifty fifty chance of making it. He saved my life.”

Dr. Waldon was the life’s breath of the Vita community during the depression. He was keenly aware that many of his patients were unable to make payment. And as such, bills were never sent out. Those who were able to pay did so when they could and many who simply did not have the money would repay what they owed with produce grown on their farms.

Ownership of Waldon House was transferred to Southern Health-Sante Sud several years ago. Due to the high cost of maintenance coupled with the estimated cost of necessary repairs, the decision was made to find the house a new owner.

Danny Shepit purchased the home for the bargain basement price of one dollar and had the house moved onto a section of land just a few miles from town. Danny grew up in Vita and plans to renovate the old house with the intention of moving in upon completion. He’s hoping to have renovations completed within the next three years.

And while he’s not particularly sentimental about the history of the house and its connection to the community, the memories of Dr. Waldon’s kindness and generosity will live on for those whose lives were personally touched by the doctor’s contributions to the people of the south east.

Waldon House