FACT TO FICTION
In 1914, WWI veterinary officer Harry Colebourn took a black
bear cub to England as his regiment's mascot.
When Colebourn shipped out for France he donated the bear,
named Winnie after his hometown, to the London Zoo. A. A.
Milne and his son Christopher Robin loved "Winnie the Bear,"
and Milne crafted the much-adored stories about his boy and
the bear that we still enjoy today, known as Winnie-the-Pooh.
The Harlequin Romance publishing empire was founded
in Winnipeg in 1949 by Richard and Mary Bonnycastle.
Today, this empire spans more than 94 international markets
and its books are printed in more than 25 languages.
Homer Simpson is an honorary citizen of Winnipeg. The
Simpson's creator Matt Groening's father is named Homer
Groening, and was a "native of Winnipeg," according to the
wildly successful animator. There are still many Groenings in
the city today who just may be distant relations of the family,
including actor Amy Groening who has recently appeared in
numerous Hallmark films, which are regularly shot here.
