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.
The West End Millinery & Dry Goods shop appears in the 1914 Henderson's Brandon City Directory. The store was located in the Avenue Block at 1124 Rosser Avenue. Mrs. A. Barker was listed as the proprietor and milliner. By 1917, Mr. A.F. [Arthur Fred] Barker became the proprietor and Mrs. Barker remained the milliner. By 1919, the shop moved to 130-10th Street, across from the Strand Threatre, where it remained until c.1933.
Custodial History
Donated to Fred McGuinness by G. Baldock in 1971
Scope and Content
Photograph shows the store interior of West End Millinery & Dry Goods located on 130-10th Street. Coats are hanging from a rack, clothing is displayed on dress forms as well as on wooden tables that are lined up in the centre of the shop. The store's tin ceiling, light fixtures, and hardwood floors are visible.
Notes
Writing on the back of the photograph reads: Part of West End Millinery & Dry Goods 10th St across from Strand Theatre, 1922
The West End Millinery & Dry Goods shop appears in the 1914 Henderson's Brandon City Directory. The store was located in the Avenue Block at 1124 Rosser Avenue. Mrs. A. Barker was listed as the proprietor and milliner. By 1917, Mr. A.F. [Arthur Fred] Barker became the proprietor and Mrs. Barker remained the milliner. By 1919, the shop moved to 130-10th Street, across from the Strand Threatre, where it remained until c.1933.
Custodial History
Donated to Fred McGuinness by G. Baldock in 1971
Scope and Content
Photograph shows the store interior of West End Millinery & Dry Goods located on 130-10th Street. A shelving unit lines the wall and is filled with boxes, bolts of cloth, and yarns. Displays can be seen on the top of the shelves as well as on wooden tables that are lined up in the centre of the shop. The store's tin ceiling, light fixtures, panelling, radiators, and hardwood floors are visible.
Notes
Writing on the back of the photograph reads: 1/2 of West End Millinery & Dry Goods, 10th St across from Strand Theatre, 1922
Photograph shows seven men posing in front of a wood-framed shack on 10th Street. The men are wearing three-piece suits or vests and long-sleeved shirts. One man can be seen holding an axe another a saw. A double ox-team wagon is in front of the structure.
Notes
Writing on the back of the photograph reads: 10th St. May 1882, Brandon. Photograph is stamped Public Archives Canada.
Photograph shows the Prince Edward Hotel and Canadian National Railways Station along Princess Avenue facing southwest.
Notes
Writing on the back of the postcard reads: Novelty Manufacturing & Art Co. Ltd., Montreal. A cancelled George VI brown Canada 2 cent stamp has been postmarked: Regina, Sask, Terminal A., Jul 22 12:30 PM 1940, Save Time, Use Air Mail.
The Hanbury Manufacturing Company was located at 600-698 Assiniboine Avenue.
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a group of men standing in front of a pile of lumber in the yard of Hanbury Manufacturing. A horse is hitched to a buggy in the background and a dog stands in the foreground.
Photograph shows the recently constructed Strathcona Block. H. Lamontagne & Co. Ltd., Wholesale, occupies the ground floor. Scaffolding is suspended from the north side of the building. Buildings have yet to be erected to the north and south sides of the Strathcona Block.
Notes
Back of photograph is stamped: Hughes & Co. Ltd., 1009 Princess Ave., Brandon, Man.
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Alexandra Block businesses include Doig's Stores Ltd. and Box Brothers Hardware
Strathcona Block businesses include Simpsons-Sears Ltd. and Barry Neil Men's Wear
Notes
Located on the west side of the 100 block of 10th Street.
[Mr. Stuckey put 2 negatives and two prints in the same envelope. We separated them and numbered the negatives EA6(1) and EA6(2), and the prints EA6(1a) and EA6(2a).]
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Alexandra Block businesses include Doig's Stores Ltd. and Box Brothers Hardware
Strathcona Block businesses include Simpsons-Sears Ltd. and Barry Neil Men's Wear
Notes
Located on the west side of the 100 block of 10th Street.
[Mr. Stuckey put 2 negatives and two prints in the same envelope. We separated them and numbered the negatives EA6(1) and EA6(2), and the prints EA6(1a) and EA6(2a).]
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Alexandra Block businesses include Doig's Stores Ltd. and Box Brothers Hardware
Strathcona Block businesses include Simpsons-Sears Ltd. and Barry Neil Men's Wear
Also visible are Bottomley's furniture store and Recreation Bowling and Billiards
Notes
Located on the west side of the 100 block of 10th Street.
[Mr. Stuckey put 2 negatives and two prints in the same envelope. We separated them and numbered the negatives EA6(1) and EA6(2), and the prints EA6(1a) and EA6(2a).]
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
Alexandra Block businesses include Doig's Stores Ltd. and Box Brothers Hardware
Strathcona Block businesses include Simpsons-Sears Ltd. and Barry Neil Men's Wear
Also visible are Bottomley's furniture store and Recreation Bowling and Billiards
Notes
Located on the west side of the 100 block of 10th Street.
[Mr. Stuckey put 2 negatives and two prints in the same envelope. We separated them and numbered the negatives EA6(1) and EA6(2), and the prints EA6(1a) and EA6(2a).]
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
10th Street Commercial Block
Notes
The Commercial Block is located on the east side of the 100 block of 10th Street, directly south of the Hughes Block.
[Mr. Stuckey put two negatives and two prints in one envelope. We have separated them and numbered the negatives EA2(1) and EA2(2), and the prints EA2(1a) and EA2(2a).]
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
10th Street Commercial Block
Notes
The Commercial Block is located on the east side of the 100 block of 10th Street, directly south of the Hughes Block.
[Mr. Stuckey put two negatives and two prints in one envelope. We have separated them and numbered the negatives EA2(1) and EA2(2), and the prints EA2(1a) and EA2(2a).]
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
10th Street Commercial Block
Notes
The Commercial Block is located on the east side of the 100 block of 10th Street, directly south of the Hughes Block.
[Mr. Stuckey put two negatives and two prints in one envelope. We have separated them and numbered the negatives EA2(1) and EA2(2), and the prints EA2(1a) and EA2(2a).]
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Scope and Content
10th Street Commercial Block
Notes
The Commercial Block is located on the east side of the 100 block of 10th Street, directly south of the Hughes Block.
[Mr. Stuckey put two negatives and two prints in one envelope. We have separated them and numbered the negatives EA2(1) and EA2(2), and the prints EA2(1a) and EA2(2a).]
Photograph shows the 700-block of Rosser Avenue facing west. Visible businesses on the north side of Rosser Avenue include: Burchill's Music Store, E.W. Woolworth Co. Ltd. 5-10 and 15 Cent Store in the E.E. Evans Block, Empire Hotel, and W.A. Paterson Drugs. Automobiles are parked on both sides of the avenue and at the time the photograph was taken, Rosser Avenue was a two-way street.
Notes
Part of "Souvenir of Brandon, Manitoba, Canada [viewbook], Printed by Photogelatine Engraving Co. Limited, Ottawa." Dates obtained from the Burchill's Music Store Henderson's Brandon City Directory listings (1927-1929). Writing on the front of the photograph reads: Rosser St. [sic.] - Brandon, Man.
The Brandon Daily Sun (26 May 1924, 16) reported the annual church parade of Brandon Lodge 173 Sons of England was held on Sunday, May 25, 1924. The Brandon City Band lead the parade with H.J. Barter, P.P., serving as parade marshal. Over 100 members paraded to St. Mary's Church. Representatives from a variety of lodges participated, including Alexander, Neepawa, Souris, Wawanesa, and Lodge Carpenter Juveniles.
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a parade travelling southwards on 10th Street between Rosser and Princess Avenues. A mounted rider wearing white appears to be leading the parade. A car draped with American and British flags follows. A band follows the vehicle. Individuals wearing white hats walk up the street.
Business visible on the west side (100-block) of 10th Street include: Doig, Rankin, & Robertson, Limited; Bowling Alley, Billiards; Olympia Cafe Candies. The second storey on the Hughes Building has not been erected. The Alexandra Block, Strathcona Block, Olympia Block are visible. A large Union Jack flys from the Canadian Pacific Station. Vehicles are diagonally parked on both sides of 10th Street.
Notes
Back of photograph is stamped: Hughes & Co. Ltd., 1009 Princess Ave., Brandon, Man. Date for photograph obtained from licence plates.