Murray's Garage opened in 1932 by Melvin Earl Murray. The business was later renamed Murray's of Neepawa in 1964.
Custodial History
See Fonds level description for custodial history
Scope and Content
Murray's Garage opened in 1932 by Melvin Earl Murray. Before it's opening in 1932 the building was used as a truck and storage facility, the business opened for automotive sales after Earl Murray had recieved a contract by General Motors in 1932. The first sale of a vehicle occurred in 1933 when a customer from Winnipeg bought a Pontiac vehicle. During the first few years of operation Earl Murray served as the Office Manager, Parts Manager, and Salesman. In 1934 an additional contract with the International Harvester Co. giving license to the additional sale of farm equipment. This new expansion resulted in the hiring of other staff to handle Parts and Service while the sales of the farm machinery remained Earl's responsibility.
The business aquired many contracts over the course of its existence as such new propoerties were aquired to allow for this expansions and new additions were added to the original building. When the new addition was near completion an explosion occured which resulted in 100% loss of the original building as well as all the contents it enclosed. Luckily, the fire department was able to save most of the new addition. A sizable loan was required for the buisness to rebuild after this disaster. Once the business was open again, car sales, need for parts, and service volume increased resulting in the complete recovery of the buisness.
In 1940 due to the war the purchase of new vehicles was limited to emergency service, it was at this time that General Motors added the Cheverolet-Oldsmobile to their contracts. Shortly after this a tornado hit the building causing substantial damage however it was soon repaired and business resumed.
Earl's son, Gerald, had worked in the business since his return from the war in 1945. He schooled in in Flint Michigan at a General Motors Business Institute to assist his father with the business. In 1960 Gerald took a course in Detroit Michigan in a Post Graduate School of Modern Merchandising and Management. After his completion of this course Gerald moved back to Neepawa and took of the position of Sales Manager at his fathers garage. The business was later renamed Murray's of Neepawa in 1964 when Earl handed the keys to the business over to his son Gerald.
Notes
Description by Jillian Combs. Information from Manitoba Hisotrical Society,
Murray's Garage opened in 1932 by Melvin Earl Murray. Before it's opening in 1932 the building was used as a truck and storage facility, the business opened for automotive sales after Earl Murray had recieved a contract by General Motors in 1932. The first sale of a vehicle occurred in 1933 when a customer from Winnipeg bought a Pontiac vehicle. During the first few years of operation Earl Murray served as the Office Manager, Parts Manager, and Salesman but in 1934 an additional contract with the International Harvester Co. giving license to the additional sale of farm equipment. This new expansion resulted in the hiring of other staff to handle Parts and Service while the sales of the farm machinery remained Earl's responsibility.
The business aquired many contracts over the course of its existence as such new propoerties were aquired to allow for this expansions and new additions were added to the original building. When the new addition was near completion an explosion occured which resulted in 100% loss of the original building as well as all the contents it enclosed. Luckily, the fire department was able to save most of the new addition. A sizable loan was required for the buisness to rebuild after this disaster. Once the business was open again, car sales, need for parts, and service volume increased resulting in the complete recovery of the buisness.
In 1940 due to the war the purchase of new vehicles was limited to emergency service. It was at this time that General Motors added the Cheverolet-Oldsmobile to their contracts. Shortly after this a tornado hit the building causing substantial damage however it was soon repaired and business resumed.
Earl's son, Gerald, had worked in the business since his return from the war in 1945. He schooled in in Flint Michigan at a General Motors Business Institute to assist his father with the business. In 1960 Gerald took a course in Detroit Michigan in a Post Graduate School of Modern Merchandising and Management. After his completion of this course Gerald moved back to Neepawa and took of the position of Sales Manager at his fathers garage. The business was later renamed Murray's of Neepawa in 1964 when Earl handed the keys to the business over to his son Gerald.
Custodial History
See Fonds level description for custodial history
Scope and Content
Image is of Murray's Garage exterior view. The photo was taken from across the street. There are a series of signs on the building "Firestone" on the peak of the building, "Murray's used cars" on the roof, and "Murrays Pontiac, Buick, GMC, Trucks" down the front of the building above the main entrance. Murray's Garage appears to be next to a Texaco station.
Notes
Description by Jillian Combs. Information from Manitoba Hisotrical Society
This record group was artifically created in January 2007 by Tom Mitchell and Christy Henry of the McKee Archives.
Scope and Content
The record group consists of various fonds and collections concerned with the political, cultural, social, and educational life of western Manitoba. See the Subject Access field for a list of titles.
Born on February 10, 1924, in Elgin, Manitoba, Audrey Ellen Silvius (nee Honeyman) was raised in Fairfax, Manitoba on the Honeyman homestead. In 1964, she received her Indian name, Blue Star. Silvius completed her high school education in Fairfax before moving to Winnipeg in 1943, to earn her Nursing degree from Grace Hospital. She later completed her post-graduate degree in Psychiatric Nursing at the Brandon Mental Health Centre. Married to Merritt W. Silvius, Audrey Silvius raised four children, David, Kay, Lorna (Downie) and Gail (Campos) while working in her chosen field. In addition to her family and her career, she was also involved with the Brandon Council of Women and the United Church in Brandon. Silvius was the first executive director of the Brandon Indian-Metis Friendship Centre, a founding member of the local branches of the Marquis Project and Amnesty International and initiated a project called Tools for Peace. She was also involved in various other peace and human rights organizations. In 1987, she received the Order of the Buffalo Hunt from the Province of Manitoba in recognition of her work relating to women’s issues. In 1992, she was awarded a Confederation medal for community service.
Custodial History
The records found within the collection were collected by Audrey Silvius from a number of people, including Jean Halliday, Grace Godmaire and Norma Walmsley, involved in various projects with her throughout the years. Prior to their donation to the McKee Archives at Brandon University in October and November 2000, the records were stored at Mrs. Silvius’ home.
Scope and Content
Collection consists of meeting minutes, agendas, speeches, correspondence, newsletters, brochures, written publications and newspaper clippings. Four photographs and one pencil drawing are also included within the collection.
The records deal with the creation, activities, and history of the Brandon Indian-Metis Friendship Centre, as well as the activities of its Board of Directors. In addition, materials located within the collection can be divided into two areas: (1) those that relate to various organizations associated with the Friendship Centre itself, such as the Council of Christians and Jews and the Brandon Council of Women; (2) materials related to projects of important individuals involved with the Friendship Centre, such as the South Western Manitoba Recreation Council and the 4F Club of Minnedosa. Other records deal with general aboriginal issues in Canada during the time frame of the Audrey Silvius collection.
Notes
CAIN No. 202607. Description by Christy Henry (2000).
The collection is divided into ten (10) series:
1. The Brandon Indian-Metis Friendship Centre
2. The Scout – Friendship Centre newsletter
3. The Brandon Council of Women
4. Council of Christians and Jews
5. Aboriginal Glee Club/Dancers
6. The South Western Manitoba Recreation Council
7. 4F Club of Minnedosa
8. Miscellaneous Publications related to Aboriginal Issues
9. Miscellaneous Newspaper Clippings related to Aboriginal Issues
10. Photographs and pencil drawing
Photograph shows Ted Heming Jewellers on the east side of 10th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, with the Strand Theatre to the south of the building complex. Other visible businesses in the Strand Block include: Hughes & Co. Ltd., Smart's Stationery, Waddell's, and Metropolitan Life.
Notes
Photograph dated from "Gidget," the movie playing at the Strand Theatre
Photograph shows the Strand Block on the east side of 10th Street, Brandon, Manitoba. Visible businesses in the Strand Block include: Hughes & Co. Ltd., Smart's Stationery, Waddell's, the Strand Theatre, and Metropolitan Life.
Notes
Back of the photograph is stamped: Clark Smith Studio, per July 27/59
Photograph of east side of 10th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, between Rosser and Princess Avenues. Visible businesses include: The Bank of Montreal, Barclay's Shoe Store, Carlton Cafe (in the former Cigar Factory), and Ted Heming Jewellers. The McKenzie Seed building is visible in the background.
Photograph shows the east side of 10th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, between Rosser and Princess Avenues. Businesses visible in the Brown Block include (from north to south): Singer, Pittsburgh Paint & Glass, O. Stark & Son, Elna Sewing Centre, and Canadian Pacific Telegraphs. The Prince Edward Hotel is visible in the background.
Photograph shows the southeast corner of 10th Street and Rosser Avenue, Brandon, Manitoba. The Bank of Montreal is situated on the corner. Visible businesses along the east side of 10th Street include: Barclay's Shoe Store, Carlton Cafe, and Ted Heming Jewellers.
Doig's, originally located on Rosser Avenue, moved to the 10th Street location in 1921.
Scope and Content
Photograph of west side of 10th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, facing northwest. Visible businesses in the Alexander Block include Doig's, Box Brothers Hardware and Allied Hardware Stores, followed by Simpsons-Sears and Barry Neill Men's Wear in the Strathcona Block. The Johnny Smith Block is visible in the background.
Photograph shows the intersection of 10th Street and Princess Avenue, Brandon, Manitoba. View is facing northwest along west side of the 100-block of 10th Street. A stationary policeman/divider is at the centre of the intersection. Visible businesses include: Doig's, Plaza Shoe Shop, and Cambridge Clothes Shop. A horse-drawn sled is parked in front of Doig's store. The Olympia Block, Cecil Hotel, and CPR Station are visible in the background.
Photograph shows the intersection, facing northwest, at 10th Street and Princess Avenue, Brandon, Manitoba. Fitwell Tailors can be seen on the south side of Princess Avenue. Doig's Home Furnishings and The Manufactuerers Life can be seen on the northwest corner. Traffic appears to be travelling both ways on Princess Avenue.
Photograph shows the northeast corner of 10th Street and Princess Avenue. OK Used Cars - Western Motors Ltds - used car lot and a building containing The Specialty Shop and another business are pictured. The exposed wall of the Brown Block has been painted over.
Photograph shows the west side of the 100-block of 10th Street facing northwest. Visible businesses include: Bottomley's Furniture, Recreation Bowling & Billiards, Fashion Fabrics, Brandon News & Record Shop, Bass' Storkland, Beneficial Finance Co., and the Kresge Store. The Johnny Smith Block is visible in the background.
Photograph shows the intersection of 10th Street and Princess Avenue looking northeast. A stationary policeman/divider is situated in the centre of the intersection. The lot on the corner appears to be for sale and a solid wooden fence has several advertisements, including for: Majestic Radio and a production by the Brandon Operatic Society at City Hall for "A Runaway Girl."
The Brown Block has a third storey lined with dormer windows. Advertisements for Heintzamn & Co. Pianos Piano Tuning, J.J.H. McLean & Co. Ltd, and The Strand Optical Co. are painted on the south side of the Brown Block. Also present is an advertising board for the Capitol Theatre. Signs for the Strand Theatre, Hollywood Cafe, and Campbell's Furniture are also visible.
Notes
Photograph date obtained from the presence of the Hollywood Cafe in the 1929 Henderson's Brandon City Directory and the performance by the Brandon Operatic Society.
Photograph of the northeast corner of 10th Street and Princess Avenue facing northeast. An Imperial Esso Dealer is situated on the southeast corner. On the northeast side the following businesses are visible: Thunderbird Bowl, Canadian Pacific Telegraphs, Pittsburgh Paint & Glass, The Strand Theatre, Trans Canada Credit Loans, Ted Heming Jewellers, Carlton Cafe, Barclay Shoe Store, Chamber of Commerce, United Cafe, and Chop Suey. An billboard for 2 Way drink is mounted on the former Campbell's Furniture Building. A sign for the Manitoba CAA Motor League hangs from a business on the southwest corner of 10th Street and Princess Avenue. Traffic on Princess Avenue, on the east side of 10th Street, is travelling one-way.
Photograph of the northeast corner of 10th Street and Princess Avenue facing northeast. An Imperial Esso Dealer is situated on the southeast corner. On the northeast side the following businesses are visible: Thunderbird Bowl, Canadian Pacific Telegraphs, Pittsburgh Paint & Glass, The Strand Theatre, Trans Canada Credit Loans, Ted Heming Jewellers, Carlton Cafe, Barclay Shoe Store, Chamber of Commerce, United Cafe, and Chop Suey. An billboard for 2 Way drink is mounted on the former Campbell's Furniture Building. A sign for the Manitoba CAA Motor League hangs from a business on the southwest corner of 10th Street and Princess Avenue. Traffic on Princess Avenue, on the east side of 10th Street, is travelling one-way.
Photograph shows the intersection of 10th Street and Princess Avenue facing northeast. A stationary policeman/divider is situated in the centre of the intersection. A street car is travelling south on 10th Street. Angled parking is on both sides of the street.
The lot on the northeast corner appears to be for sale and a solid wooden fence has several advertisements, including for: Majestic Radio, Imperial Gasoline (premier and ethyl), and a production a City Hall for "A Runaway Girl."
The Brown Block has a third storey lined with dormer windows. Advertisements for Heintzamn & Co. Pianos Piano Tuning, J.J.H. McLean & Co. Ltd, and The Strand Optical Co. are painted on the south side of the Brown Block. Also present is an advertising board for the Capitol Theatre on which is a poster for "Cohens and Kellys in Atlantic City." Signs for the Strand Theatre, Hollywood Cafe, and Campbell's Furniture are also visible.
A sign for Plaza Shoes can be seen on the west side of 10th Street. The train station can be seen at the base of the hill.
Notes
Photograph date based on the Capitol's film "Cohens and Kellys in Atlantic City" that was advertised in the Brandon Daily Sun 03 December 1929
Photograph of west side of 10th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, facing northwest. Visible businesses in the Alexandra Block include Doig's, Box Brothers Hardware and Allied Hardware Stores, followed by Simpsons-Sears and Barry Neill Men's Wear in the Strathcona Block. The Johnny Smith Block is visible in the background.
Photograph of 10th Street facing north from Princess Avenue. Vehicles are parallel parked on both sides of the street. The Welcome Brandon sign can be seen at the Rosser Avenue intersection.
Visible businesses on the west side of 10th Street include: Doig's, Box Brothers Hardware and Allied Hardware Stores in the Alexandra Block; followed by Simpsons-Sears in the Strathcona Block. Barry Neill Men's Wear, Kresge's and the Cecil Hotel are also visible. The Johnny Smith Block is visible in the background.
Visible businesses on the east side of 10th Street include: Ollies Steaks and Chops, Elna Sewing Centre, Carlton Cafe, Chop Suey. At the base of the hill the Canadian Pacific train station is visible at the base of the hill.
Notes
Writing on the front of the postcard reads: Tenth St. Brandon, Man.