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.
File consists of a request for approval in principle for financial assistance for special capital project to the Universities Grants Commission, correspondence, and a cost estimate.
Storage Location
RG 6 Brandon University fonds
Series 2: Board of Governors
2.6 Board Projects
Box 1
The bottom right hand corner has been torn off. Both portions of the photograph are stored together.
Scope and Content
View is northwest from approximately 17th Street and Victoria Avenue. Photograph shows: the Brandon College campus and the Kinsmen Park and baseball diamond. Taken during construction of Flora Cowan Hall but before the Gymnasium was built.
Stuckey's notes: These units were donated to City of Brandon by CPR as a Centennial Gift. Installed in park July 27, 1982. (And came under relentless attacks by vandals.)
Scope and Content
Photograph shows the engine and caboose in Dinsdale Park.
Notes
Corresponds with negative 1-2002.3.9.P29.
Repro Restriction
The McKee Archives is the copyright holder for the Stuckey materials.
Photograph is looking north from in front of Darrach Hall and shows the parking lots in the foreground and the QEII Music Building in the background during winter.
Photograph shows two aboriginal women standing before a tipi in the brush.
Notes
Writing beneath the photograph in the album reads: At the Indian Settlement. Based on provenience of images in the album, the aboringals in question may be from the Michipicoten band.
