The town was named by Dr. R.J. Blanchard after his brother Sedley, a Winnipeg lawyer.
In 1902 Mr. R.W.Stayner set up the first business, his office sold real estate, insurance, he was the post master and loans officer. The first train came through in l904. That same year, Mr. F. W. Ferguson opened the first furniture store, and partnered with Oscar Edwards in the first implement agency. By l905 Lake of the Woods Milling Co. opened an elevator, liveries, blacksmiths and a hotel were open for business. The Post office opened on July 1, 1904.