We are all familiar with the economic engine of a small town: the ruler-straight main street lined with a wide range of businesses and a wealth of façade designs. But many of us are not aware of another common economic driver in many small Manitoba communities: industrial sites.
The following entries explore six early Manitoba industrial operations – a windmill, water mill, gas house, sash and door factory, brickyard and cement factory. These intensive studies, highly illustrated with many photographs and detailed drawings, reveal the often-complex workings of each distinct and impressive operation.
Two additional projects focus on industrial themes, rather than individual operations. The first is the definitive history of the brick-manufacturing industry in Manitoba. This 138-page survey (with three carefully-researched appendices) details the activities of all 194 brick operations (many short-lived, but several of decades-long duration) that burned the billions of bricks used to build many of Manitoba’s buildings. The second shorter study introduces the earliest examples of the production of cement and the use of concrete in Manitoba.
Each of these fascinating projects promises to assist readers appreciate the kind of incredible ingenuity and sophistication that Manitoba’s industrial pioneers brought to scores of other Manitoba towns.
Reports
Gunn’s Water Mill
A graphic recreation of a Red River-era water mill (from 1854, at Lockport), the kind of early industrial operation that helped make the fledgling colony sustainable.
Manitou Gas House
An exploration of the fascinating technology that provided acetylene gas to light streets and buildings in Manitou, and in many other Manitoba communities in the early 1900s, before widespread electrification.
The Poured Process
An examination of the early production of cement and the creation of Manitoba’s first concrete buildings.
Studies
St. Peter’s Windmill
A graphic recreation of a Red River-era windmill (1835, in what is now the R.M. of St. Clements), the type of technology that ensured farmers could grind their grain for flour. This example is especially important, built and operated by Anishinaabe people. The original study has been divided into two parts for easier downloading on slower connections.
St. Peter’s Windmill Full Study
James White Sash and Door Factory
An analysis of an early sash and door-manufacturing operation (from 1902, in Carberry), which provided doors and windows to rural customers in western Manitoba. The original study has been divided into two parts for easier downloading on slower connections.
James White Sash and Door Factory, Part 1
James White Sash and Door Factory Part 2
James White Sash and Door Factory Full Study
Major Studies
Leary’s Brick Works
A comprehensive and detailed exploration of the last remaining brick-making factory in Manitoba (inaugurated in 1900, in the Roseisle area). The original study has been divided into seven parts for easier downloading on slower connections.
4 Business, Processes and Plant
7 Kiln, Chimney and Conclusion
Commercial Cement Works
A major inquiry of an early Manitoba site (1907, in the Roseisle area) devoted to the production of cement, the key ingredient in concrete. The original study has been divided into four parts for easier downloading on slower connections.
2 Historical Context for Quicklime and Cement
3 Manitoba Quicklime and Cement Production
4 Factory of the Commercial Cement Company
Manitoba Brick
The definitive study of Manitoba’s important and fascinating history of brick manufacturing. The original study has been divided into 15 parts for easier downloading on slower connections. The original complete study and appendices are also included.
9 Appendix 1 Winnipeg and St Boniface Part 1
9 Appendix 1 Winnipeg and St. Boniface Part 2
9 Appendix 1 Winnipeg and St. Boniface Part 3
10 Appendix 2 Small Urban and Rural Part 1 (A-D)
10 Appendix 2 Small Urban and Rural Part 2 (E-M)
10 Appendix 2 Small Urban and Rural Part 3 (N-S)
10 Appendix 2 Small Urban and Rural Part 4 (T-W)
11 Appendix 3 Statistics and Charts
Appendix 1 Winnipeg and St. Boniface