Crystal Palace built 1904 ((Nor'West Farmer 20/08/1904); "Finishing touches" applied 1913 (Barker, p. 154); Demolished, but material saved, in 1939
[Display Building II, the last surviving building of those constructed for the Dominion Fair held in Brandon in 1913, has been named one of the 10 most endangered historic buildings in the country by the Heritage Canada Foundation. P.E. 09/07/09.]
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Dominion Exhibition Display Building II and Crystal Palace at Brandon fairgrounds
Erected in 1889, on the southeast corner of Rosser Avenue and 7th Street at 806 Rosser Avenue, this block was designed by Brandon architect W.H. Shillinglaw. At the time of its construction the structure housed the Nation & Shewan Department Store, one of Brandon’s largest and most successful drygoods businesses, owned and operated by Fred Nation and Alexander Shewan.
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 to be 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 Metroplitan Stores Ltd began operating out of the Nation & Shewan Block.
In 2000, the Town Centre prepared to knock down the Red Apple Building, formerly the 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.
[History/Bio written by Christy Henry (SJ McKee Archives) and Eileen Trott (Daly House Museum), researched by Morganna Maylon, for 2015 photographic exhibition "Gowen's Brandon: Then and Now".]
Custodial History
Photograph was given to Fred McGuinness by Linda Bilkoski (nee Lepard) of Lac du Bonnet, MB.
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a display of women's clothing and accessories in the window at Nation & Shewan. A sign reads: 1914 Spring Opening commences on Wednesday March 25th.
Notes
Writing on the back of the photograph reads: Mrs. E. Harden, 33-10th St., City. According to the Henderson's Brandon City Directories, Catharine "Kate" Harden (nee Chalmers) worked as a cashier at Nation & Shewan from 1913 to 1914.
Photograph was taken at the dedication of the George T. Richardson Centre. The ceremony was held in the link between the John E. Robbins Library and the A.E. McKenzie Building. Front Row (L to R): George T. Richardson, Nina Coldwell, Tannis Richardson.
Photograph was taken in front of the George T. Richardson Centre sign at the dedication of the building. L to R: Ron Helwer (BU Foundation President); Dr. Anges (Richardson) Benidickson; George T. Richardson; Tannis Ricahrdson; Kathleen Richardson; Dr. Dennis Anderson (BU President).
Notes
Photograph appeared in the June 1995 issue of Alumni News.
Taken at the opening and dedication of the George T. Richardson Centre. Photograph shows (L to R): Ronald Bell, George Richardson, Tannis Richardson, and President Dennis Anderson standing outside of the Centre on the wheelchair ramp.
