A plaque that accompanied the photograph and has since been discarded read: John R. Brodie, 1879-1962. Athlete, industrialist, and philanthropist. Resided in Brandon 1902-1920. Founded Great West Coal Company 1912. Contributed $250,000 to Brandon College, 1961, and left the college ¼ interest in his estate. Negative is located with the photograph.
A typed label has been taped to the back of the photograph. No other degredation observed. ST/2016
Custodial History
Photograph sent to Fred McGuinness from the Winnipeg Free Press Photo Department
Scope and Content
Photograph shows an elderly man hammering on an anvil in a Blacksmith's shop. A wooden sign on the chimney above the fire reads: The Blacksmith JP Friesen.
Notes
Photograph was collected during the research phase of the monograph "Manitoba: The Province & The People" (1987) written by Fred McGuinness and Ken Coates.
Writing on the back of the photograph reads: Blacksmith John Peter Friesen of Grunthal flattens a piece of iron fresh out of the forge at the Thresherman's [sic.] Reunion in Austin Thursday. July 24/86 dirk.