Gordon Irwin (1878 - 1968) was a long-time barber in Brandon, Manitoba. Irwin was born in Allenbank, Ontario. He married Elizabeth Jane Rollings (b. 04 Dec 1880, Napanee, ON; d. 24 Jul 1976, Brandon, MB) in Malton, Ontario, on January 11, 1905, and the couple moved to Brandon shortly thereafter. According to Henderson's Brandon City Directories, Gordon Irwin worked as a barber, for more than 49 years, in various establishments throughout the city. Notable shops include: the Imperial Hotel (1906), the CPR Barbers (1913-1923), Heise's (1929-1935), Kidds (1930-1941), and Robert Fowles (1949-1955). The Irwins celebrated their diamond anniversary in 1965, which was photographed and profiled in the Brandon Sun (14 Jan 1965, 8). According to his Brandon Sun obituary (19 April 1968, 12), Gordon Irwin passed away in Brandon on April 17, 1968, and was interned in the Rosewood Cemetery.
The decorative ceiling and border are consistent with another photograph of a tobacconist's shop in the McGuinness collection (see 20-2009.1). According to Henderson's 1909 Brandon City Directory, Gordon Irwin - a barber - and tobacconist J.S. Rosby shared at storefront at 919 Rosser Avenue. This address is situated on the north side of Rosser Avenue, adjacent to a laneway. It is possible that the back of the shop overlooks the Grand Union Hotel on the corner of Pacific Avenue and 10th Street.
Scope and Content
Photograph shows the interior of a barber shop. Three barbers are posing by their chairs and two customers are receiving a shave. The barber in the centre has been identified as Gordon Irwin. A display for Rudolf's Patent Pipes is in the foreground. An ornate tin ceiling and elaborate border are visible in the photograph. Framed pictures hang above the mirror, including an advertisement for undertakers Vincent & Macpherson (1901-1906).
Notes
Writing on the back of the photograph reads: Dave Dick says centre barber is Gordon IRWIN, location may have been about 813 Rosser. May have been Kidd's Barber Shop. Harold Tackaberry confirms IRWIN. McGUINNESS.
Photograph shows two women at a tractor. One is cranking the engine, the other is seated at the wheel.
Notes
Writing on back of photograph reads: "Threshing. Blights Farm Willow Creek at Chater. My mother at crank. Now over 90 living at 403-12th Street. G. Baldock 1971. 1925."
Located on the east side of the 100 block 6th Street, Trotter & Trotter Livery Stable is not listed in the 1894 edition of the Henderson's Directory. It is noted in the 1897 edition.
Custodial History
For custodial history see the collection level description of the Lawrence Stuckey collection.
Photograph shows a harvest scene in the Assiniboine Valley. Stacks of wheat are in the process of being loaded into horse-drawn wagon carts. A threashing machine is set-up in the field next to an empty wagon. A woman in 1920s-era clothing is walking in the field.
Notes
Writing on back of photograph reads: 3 prints [20-2009.153 to 20-2009.155]. Threshing at Blight's farm Willow Creek at Chater. Lance Blight of front his father on the rack. 1925.
