Erected in 1889, at 806 Rosser Avenue (the southeast corner of Rosser Avenue and 7th Street), the building was designed by Brandon architect W.H. Shillinglaw. At the time of its construction the structure housed the Nation Department Store, which became Nation & Shewan Department Store in 1894. One of Brandon’s largest and most successful drygoods businesses, the venture was owned and operated by Fred Nation and Alexander Shewan.
Built adjacent to an existing three storey brick building known as the A.D. Rankin Block (built sometime between 1885 and 1888), this smaller building was eventually absorbed by the Nation and Shewan Block after 1897, when Rankin Drygoods moved into the newly constructed Syndicate Block located farther east down Rosser Ave. Later, the Rankin Block became known as Nation Chambers. These two structures comprised what was known as the Nation and Shewan Block.
Major improvements were made to the store and an annex was added in 1910. Some of the renovation additions included, but were not limited to: an updated frontage with new copper sash windows and prismatic glass tops, plate glass windows, new fixtures and carpet. With the renovations the floor space of the business was almost doubled. The stock of the business also increased, with the Brandon Weekly Sun reporting that when finished, Nation & Shewan would be a “store of which the citizens of Brandon will be justly proud.”
The drygoods firm operated until Nation’s death 1926, when it became known as A. Shewan Limited. From 1933 to 1944, the business was known as Shewan and Son. Shortly thereafter, the Metropolitan Stores Ltd began operating out of the Nation & Shewan Block.
In 2000, the Town Centre prepared to knock down what was then known as the Red Apple Building, the former Nation & Shewan Block. The demolition was to make way for the new atrium and entrance for the mall, and begin a new period of redevelopment at the downtown shopping centre.
Custodial History
See fonds level description of the Alf Fowler collection for custodial history.
Scope and Content
Photo shows the front of the Nation & Shewan Block, which was located in the 800 block of Rosser Avenue on the southside.
Storage Range
RG 5 Western Manitoba Manuscript collection - photograph storage drawer
The Brandon Club, designed in 1904 by local architect and builder W.R. Marshall, was Brandon's oldest chartered club. It was located at 158 11th Street. In the early years as an exclusive institution, the club boased such notable members as Sir Clifford Sifton, Senator J.N. Kirchoffer, and Sir R.P. Roblin. The Brandon Club closed its doors c. 2005. At present (June 2007), it is the future home of Lennon Trilogy, professional land surveyors.
Custodial History
See fonds level description of the Alf Fowler collection for custodial history.
Scope and Content
Photo shows the exterior of the Brandon Club. Photograph is looking west.
Notes
History/Bio information taken from the Assiniboine Historical Society's Brandon: An Architectural Walking Tour pamphlet (1982).
Storage Range
RG 5 Western Manitoba Manuscript collection - photograph storage drawer
Photograph is looking northwest probably from the northwest corner of 18th Street and Louise Avenue. The photographer was laying down when s/he took the shot. Photograph shows the field to the south of the Citizens' Science Building, as well as the Citizens' Science Building, part of the Brandon College Building and Clark Hall, and two H-Huts. The photo was taken in summer as the field is full of dandelions.
View is southwest from approximately 18th Street and Lorne Avenue. Photograph shows the Brandon University campus in winter, including: the Brandon University sign, the John R. Brodie Science Centre, the Citizens' Science Building and McMaster Hall.
View is southwest from the north side of Princess Avenue. Photograph shows the original Music Building, the north driveway entrance and parts of Clark Hall and the Brandon College building.
View is southwest from the sidewalk on the west side of 18th Street. Photograph shows the Brandon University sign, the front lawn, the Citizens' Science Building, McMaster Hall and the John R. Brodie Science Centre.
View is south from the north side of Princess Avenue. Photograph shows the walkway leading south across campus, the original Music Building, the A.E. McKenzie Building, the J.R.C. Evans Lecture Theatre, Flora Cowan Hall and Darrach Hall.
View is southwest from Princess Avenue. Photograph shows the original Music Building, the A.E. McKenzie Building, the J.R.C. Evans Lecture Theatre and Darrach Hall. Also visible are the field where the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium now stands, as well as a number of houses on 20th Street.