This post has been updated and moved to West End Dumplings !
Welcome history lovers !!
Welcome to my ever-increasing collection of Manitoba history information !
This project began in a couple of on-line forums about 4 years ago. What prompted me to start was that so many Canadian media outlets, including local ones, would trot out "this day in history" using some U.S. news wire feed. Day after day it was as if Canada, much less Manitoba or Winnipeg, existed. We have an interesting history. As interesting - I'd argue even a bit more colourful - as any other jurisdiction. We should be knowledgeable and proud of it.
While on the forums I amassed a lot of entries as well as a decent "Rolodex" of resource links and heritage news sources. This Was Winnipeg was created in July 2008 so that I could share this information with a wider audience.
Year one was set up so that each day brought a new post, the assumption being that at the end of a year the site would need little maintenance other than adding the odd new entry. Looking back at the original posts, though, there are formatting issues, broken links etc. that needed to be cleaned up so I decided to start new daily postings again in August 2009. As a result, if you have a blogspot account you can sign up as a 'follower' and have the day's history delivered to you !
Due to the volume of small entries I do not source each one but don't post it unless I can find an additional source or feel that the original source is reliable enough to stand on it's own. If you notice what might be an error please let me know and I will do further investigation.
I credit photos wherever possible, most often by hyperlinking the image to the source site. Over time, though, I have amassed a large inventory of scans, images, logos etc., some of which I simply can't remember where they came from.
Should you use this blog as a resource or use the information for a wider audience, I ask that you please credit it as it has taken a long time to produce. For reproductions of large portions of the material, I would ask that you contact me first.
I'll gladly offer advice if you are looking for something local-history related - just drop me an email. I have a lot of things happening on-line, not to mention this pesky day job !, so should a request fall through the cracks please feel free to send me a reminder email !
Any comments are greatly appreciated.
Enjoy your history !
Christian
cassidy at mts.net
Updated August 9, '09
James S. Ingram Winnipeg and Calgary’s First Police Chief
Originally posted April 2008
James S. Ingram was born in St. Thomas, Ontario on April 3, 1853, one of ten siblings, (nine brothers and one sister !) He came from a line of military men. His grandfather was a soldier and his father attended military college in Dublin and worked as a bailiff and county constable.
Like many of the characters he would encounter on the streets of frontier Winnipeg, Ingram was rough and tumble. Early in his tenure… "His reputation was cemented the day he arrested Ambroise Lepine, a particularly bad fellow who was wanted on murder charges. The arrest was made through the simple expediency of Ingram walking up to Lepine, putting him off guard by greeting him as he would an old friend, then knocking him out with a well placed left hook to the head." (Source: Cockeyed).
His love for wine, women and brawling soon wore thin with city officials. There was infighting among his constables and he had very public verbal battles with city aldermen. At one point he filed a libel suit against Alderman Villiers for accusing him of essentially running a protection racket in the city's tolerated red light district.
After just a few months on the job Ingram’s 'hobbies' caught up with him. On June 7, 1874, constables raided a Sherbrook Street brothel. In the room of Miss Ella Lewis they found a customer in a state of undress. It was none other than Chief Ingram.On June 9 those arrested in the raid appeared before a newly elected magistrate and mayor Capt. William Kennedy. Ella Lewis and Fannie Ellesworth were charged with ‘keeping a house of ill fame' and fined $20 each. Ingram and another john named William McEwan were fined $8.00 each. (Free Press June 9, 1875)
As expected, Ingram tendered his resignation and on June 14, 1875 it was accepted by council.
Initially, Ingram went home to Ontario 'to visit his people' (Free Press June 19, 1875). He soon returned to Winnipeg and took gigs as a boxer and frequented the rough saloons of Winnipeg. He got arrested at least once, on September 10, 1875 for 'being drunk and pugilistic'.
Calgary from the Elbow River on the Canadian Pacific Railway ca 1885 Credit: Notman & Son / Library and Archives Canada / C-017804 Copyright: Expired
Ingram eventually moved West to Calgary, population 500 at the time, and on February 7, 1885 became their first chief of police.
Ingram and his two constables worked from an office located at the back of a hotel saloon. He brought his rough and tumble ways with him and issues such as infighting among his staff, running battles with his political masters and rumours that he was part of a protection racket soon re-emerged. In February 1888 he resigned his post.
Ingram did not stay in Calgary for long. He and his wife of six months, a British-born widow named Edith M. Oake, and her son went to Montana. Not a lot is known of his time there but it is thought that he spent some of it as a lawman. Periodic visits to Alberta must have been made as his three children were all born on Alberta soil, (Beatrice in 1890, John in 1893 and Leslie (m) in 1895).
In 1896 Ingram and his family returned to Canada when the town of Rossland B.C. asked him to be their chief of police. He held that post until 1903 when, seemingly bored by keeping law and order in an increasingly civilized West, he resigned.
Rossland Fire Department from Rossland Museum
Looking for excitement, he got on as a “dynamite man” with The Silver Star Mining Ltd. in B.C.. On December 17, 1905, working with his stepson, Ingram entered a powder room to thaw explosives:
“Shortly after that, the thawing room exploded, sending black smoke 600 feet in the air and breaking most of the glass in town (it took them months to bring enough glass into town to replace it all). They found Jack buried head first up to his ankles in a bank, the only fatality. No one knows what happened.” (The Lawmen of Rossland)
The headline the next day read: “Center Star’s magazine explodes; powderman John Ingram dead, considerable damage to City.”
Three days later, Ingram, or what was left of him, was put aboard a train for St. Thomas where he was buried. Ingram was 55 year old.
Sources for some great reading:
- Ingram and the Centre Star Explosion The Lawmen of Rossland
- John S. Ingram Tamer of Tough Towns 'Cockeyed'
- Ingram's Family Tree
- The Brothels of Winnipeg
- The New Frontier Winnipeg Police Museum
Genser's Furniture of Winnipeg
originally posted Feb 13 2008
This post came about after seeing an old "Genser's Furniture" sign on the back of a building in the Exchange. I thought I would dig around to find out more....
Genser Comes to Winnipeg
Morris “Moe” Genser was born in Austria in 1880 and came to Canada in the 1890's with his family. Initially, they settled in Montréal where Moe continued his study of the violin and clarinet. Soon the family would move toWinnipeg
In the days before the Winnipeg Auditorium and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra the city's theatres were the mainstay of orchestras. The Walker, crown jewel of C. P. Walker's ' theatre empire, was Winnipeg’s premiére performing centre. Genser worked his way up to the prestigious job of house conductor at the Walker, a position he held for 30 years. During his tenure he would play with the likes of Jack Benny and Eddie Cantor.
With his music career in full swing, Morris opened a sheet music store at Portage at Fort in 1926 (where the RBC tower is today). Within two years he added radio sales and two years after that expanded into home appliances.
The leap into the furniture business came 1931 when he amalgamated the furniture, appliance and radio business into “Genser and Son's” at a 28,000 sq ft building at 291 Portage Avenue.
The Winnipeg Free Press called him “…the man credited with the creation of the Winnipeg symphony Orchestra”.
In his early days Winnipeg's music scene was made up of dozens of small orchestras including: The Men’s Musical Club; Women’s Musical Club; two different Winnipeg Symphony Orchestras; Winnipeg Choral and Orchestral Society; the Winnipeg Orchestra; Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir; the Summer Symphony Orchestra. On February 13, 1947, with Morris Genser as the driving force, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra was incorporated.
A New Era
The Gensers were very active in the community.
Percy Genser appears in the newspapers regularly for his community work. A few of his roles: the 1962 chairman of MTC’s fundraising campaign; treasurer of the Bombers in the mid 1950’s; board member and president of the Downtown Business Association; Manitoba Chair for the Canada Centennial committee in the late 60’s. Percy was a board member of the Winnipeg Auditorium for six years but resigned in anger after the province made a successful offer to purchase the Auditorium for $1m to turn it into office space (today it's the Manitoba Archives). Percy felt that the Province 'stole' the building at that price.
With the 70’s coming cracks began to appear in the Genser empire. In 1969 Polo Park was ready to start a major redevelopment and Genser’s announced that they would not renew their lease on the 8,000 sq ft main floor and 20,000 sq ft basement space. Percy explained that there was simply not enough new business generated from the Polo Park outlet and that their downtown store could handle the volume created by both.
By 1971 there was a new generation involved in the business. David Genser, grandchild of Morris, was now the general manager. By this time, however, the Genser furniture empire was in poor shape. In September 1971 David announced that Genser’s would be closing their downtown store. He cited the retail trend toward larger, 'showroom style' furniture stores requiring a change in focus. In its place, Genser’s would set up four showroom stores in the suburbs.
The family retained ownership of the Portage Avenue property and in short time it was home to Le Chateau’s first Winnipeg store, a restaurant and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
David did not get a chance to bring about the new era of a 'suburban-showroom' Genser's. On February 14, 1972, after 46 years in business, Genser’s was ordered into receivership. The only furniture location at the time was the Ross Avenue warehouse.
This post came about after seeing an old "Genser's Furniture" sign on the back of a building in the Exchange. I thought I would dig around to find out more....
Genser Comes to Winnipeg
Morris “Moe” Genser was born in Austria in 1880 and came to Canada in the 1890's with his family. Initially, they settled in Montréal where Moe continued his study of the violin and clarinet. Soon the family would move to
Moe Genser
Manitoba Free Press, Sept. 4 1920
Manitoba Free Press, Sept. 4 1920
Interior of the Walker Theatre, c 1907
Archives of Manitoba N132721907
Archives of Manitoba N132721907
In the days before the Winnipeg Auditorium and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra the city's theatres were the mainstay of orchestras. The Walker, crown jewel of C. P. Walker's ' theatre empire, was Winnipeg’s premiére performing centre. Genser worked his way up to the prestigious job of house conductor at the Walker, a position he held for 30 years. During his tenure he would play with the likes of Jack Benny and Eddie Cantor.
Genser’s position atop Winnipeg’s music scene is further evidenced by the fact that he was chosen to organize and conduct the 60 piece orchestra that played at the opening of the Manitoba Legislature in 1921.
Winnipeg Philharmonic Orchestra and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
(a forerunner to today’s WSO)
February 1933 Library and Archives Canada e006608777
February 1933 Library and Archives Canada e006608777
Genser's Retail Store
With his music career in full swing, Morris opened a sheet music store at Portage at Fort in 1926 (where the RBC tower is today). Within two years he added radio sales and two years after that expanded into home appliances.
The leap into the furniture business came 1931 when he amalgamated the furniture, appliance and radio business into “Genser and Son's” at a 28,000 sq ft building at 291 Portage Avenue.
Genser's Furniture in the middle with the Eastman Kodak block to the right and the Capitol's Portage Avenue entrance to the left
Western Canada Pictorial Index
Photo taken from the City of Winnipeg Historical Building Committee's “1991 The Year Past”
Western Canada Pictorial Index
Photo taken from the City of Winnipeg Historical Building Committee's “1991 The Year Past”
The “sons” in referred to Percy, Lawrence and Harold who all joined in the family business at the new location.
Manitoba Free Press Aug 14, 1931
The boys shared in their father’s musical abilities as 'The Genser Trio' was a popular group on
Manitoba Free Press Oct 1931
In the final year of World War II Genser’s opened a number of 'satellite stores' around the city to serve the new waves of immigrants in their own community and their own language.
Genser's Selkirk and Powers location.
University of Manitoba Archives
Winnipeg Tribune Collection PC 18/3246/18-2499-001
University of Manitoba Archives
Winnipeg Tribune Collection PC 18/3246/18-2499-001
In 1956 the store took over the Kodak Eastman block to the east. In 1959 they opened a 28,000 sq ft store at the new
Genser's Warehouse on Ross Street (Cassidy)
On December 23, 1961 Morris Genser of 270 Montrose passed away at the Misericordia Hospital at the age of 81. Aside from his musical and business success he was also remembered for his work in the community. He was a lifelong member of Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, serving as its president for a decade.
Moe Genser
Winnipeg Free Press, December 31, 1961
Winnipeg Free Press, December 31, 1961
The Winnipeg Free Press called him “…the man credited with the creation of the Winnipeg symphony Orchestra”.
In his early days Winnipeg's music scene was made up of dozens of small orchestras including: The Men’s Musical Club; Women’s Musical Club; two different Winnipeg Symphony Orchestras; Winnipeg Choral and Orchestral Society; the Winnipeg Orchestra; Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir; the Summer Symphony Orchestra. On February 13, 1947, with Morris Genser as the driving force, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra was incorporated.
A New Era
Winnipeg Free Press August 1955
Genser’s carried on with son Lawrence as President, Percy as VP and Harold on the board.
The Gensers were very active in the community.
Percy Genser appears in the newspapers regularly for his community work. A few of his roles: the 1962 chairman of MTC’s fundraising campaign; treasurer of the Bombers in the mid 1950’s; board member and president of the Downtown Business Association; Manitoba Chair for the Canada Centennial committee in the late 60’s. Percy was a board member of the Winnipeg Auditorium for six years but resigned in anger after the province made a successful offer to purchase the Auditorium for $1m to turn it into office space (today it's the Manitoba Archives). Percy felt that the Province 'stole' the building at that price.
Bonnie and Harold Genser
Winnipeg Free Press April 16 1965
With the 70’s coming cracks began to appear in the Genser empire. In 1969 Polo Park was ready to start a major redevelopment and Genser’s announced that they would not renew their lease on the 8,000 sq ft main floor and 20,000 sq ft basement space. Percy explained that there was simply not enough new business generated from the Polo Park outlet and that their downtown store could handle the volume created by both.By 1971 there was a new generation involved in the business. David Genser, grandchild of Morris, was now the general manager. By this time, however, the Genser furniture empire was in poor shape. In September 1971 David announced that Genser’s would be closing their downtown store. He cited the retail trend toward larger, 'showroom style' furniture stores requiring a change in focus. In its place, Genser’s would set up four showroom stores in the suburbs.
City of Winnipeg photo from the City of Winnipeg Historical Building Committee's
“1991 The Year Past”
“1991 The Year Past”
The Cauchon Block / Empire Hotel
Joseph Edouard Cauchon (also) was a Québec-born journalist, provincial and federal politician. Toward the tail end of his career he was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Manitoba (1877 - 1882).
Shortly after leaving office, on October 19, 1884, he opened:
“The new Cauchon Block, one of the handsomest and most substantial in the city... contains eight stores, 6 on Main Street and two on York Street. Each store is 25 by 80 with plate glass fronts. There are some fifty offices in the upper flats.The building is to be heated with steam. There is an elevator ... and altogether the edifice is a decided acquisition to the city. The shops are adapted to either a wholesale or retail business”
Manitoba Free Press, February 7, 1883
Dec 12 1884, MB Free Press
It was intended to be a commercial building but it opened during a slowdown in Winnipeg’s economy and there was trouble filling both the retail and office space. After spending $150k or so to build it, the empty space took its toll and a couple of years later Cauchon was forced to sell.Manitoba Free Press, February 7, 1883
Dec 12 1884, MB Free Press
The new owner reduced rates and began renting the offices out as apartments. This strategy proved more successful and in 1896 extensive renovations were done and the building was re-opened as The Assiniboine Block, Winnipeg’s first apartment building.
In 1904, hotelier brothers the McLaren's bought the building with the intention of turning it into Winnipeg's premiere hotel. In February 1905 it reopened as the upscale Empire Hotel.
As the decades passed, the fortunes of the Cauchon Block / Assiniboine Block / Empire Hotel declined along with other Main Street hotels. This is illustrated by looking at the different styles of dance on offer in 1947 versus 1975 !Wpg Free Press Jan. 1947
Wpg Free Press Oct. 1975
Great West Life purchased the Empire in 1974 with the intent to demolish it. It was part of a collection of land needed for an eventual $500m CN East Yards Redevelopment project (now known as The Forks).
The hotel was in rough shape but did possess a unique, cast-iron and pressed-zinc façade. Even in the days when heritage preservation was almost unheard of, it attracted attention. GWL allowed Parks Canada to come and do a study of the building but after it was estimated that it would cost between $4m and $6m to convert it into modern office space, the Empire's fate was sealed.
On February 18, 1976 the province declared the façade a provincial heritage object. GWL paid half of the $100k cost to remove about 20% of the façade for future use in the CN East Yards project.
In 1982 the Empire faced the wrecking ball.
As for the façade, w
Some sections have seen the light of day. One piece is incorporated into the interior of the
For more images of the Empire:
- U of M Building Index
- Heritage Winnipeg (enter Empire in search box)
- Cauchon Block - MHS Essay (Rostecki)
The Rex, The Starland and the 600 Block of Main
Originally posted April 2008
With the announcement this week that a large section of a block starting at Higgins and Main will be coming down to make way for the new WRHA building, I wanted to go check out the area one last time.
West side Higgins and Main from south to north
West side Higgins and Main from south to north
West side Higgins and Main from north to south
THE STARLAND THEATRE
Built in 1912 as the Rex, (it became the Regent in 1923 and the Epic in 1978). In the 80s it served as an adult theatre. A false front was added in 1938, the original one was said to be one of the 'most splendid in the city'.
A history of the Rex can be read in the city's historic buildings report.
UPDATE: I think there IS at least some of the original facade under the false front of the Rex ! Check out the facade photo above and the windows at the top:
The top portion is definitely still there as you can see the old windows in the shots below. The newer facade is just built over the windows like a box (I doubt the pigeon is original):
When you compare the original and current facades there are a number of small boards screwed into the current one. I wonder if they might have been those original porticoes covered up ? It seems the larger boards correspond with the the old large windows.
I hope I am there when they start taking the front off.
UPDATE 2 !!! Since I posted those someone has posted the following. These are NOT my shots, they are taken by a local urban explorer. They're in the archway area between the false front and original facade.
The top of the archway:
Window detail:
Jack's
For more images see my flickr albums on The Rex, Starland, Jack's, Main Meats, and their demolition.
With the announcement this week that a large section of a block starting at Higgins and Main will be coming down to make way for the new WRHA building, I wanted to go check out the area one last time.
West side Higgins and Main from south to north
West side Higgins and Main from south to north
West side Higgins and Main from north to south
THE STARLAND THEATRE
The Starland began life as the Royal Theatre in 1911. A major addition in 1923 brought it to the size it is now.
THE REX CINEMA
Built in 1912 as the Rex, (it became the Regent in 1923 and the Epic in 1978). In the 80s it served as an adult theatre. A false front was added in 1938, the original one was said to be one of the 'most splendid in the city'.
A history of the Rex can be read in the city's historic buildings report.
UPDATE: I think there IS at least some of the original facade under the false front of the Rex ! Check out the facade photo above and the windows at the top:
The top portion is definitely still there as you can see the old windows in the shots below. The newer facade is just built over the windows like a box (I doubt the pigeon is original):
When you compare the original and current facades there are a number of small boards screwed into the current one. I wonder if they might have been those original porticoes covered up ? It seems the larger boards correspond with the the old large windows.
I hope I am there when they start taking the front off.
UPDATE 2 !!! Since I posted those someone has posted the following. These are NOT my shots, they are taken by a local urban explorer. They're in the archway area between the false front and original facade.
The top of the archway:
OTHER BUILDINGS ON THE BLOCK
Remaining detail from torn down building south of Jack's
Jack's
For more images see my flickr albums on The Rex, Starland, Jack's, Main Meats, and their demolition.
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