A Few of My Favourite Photos In The Transcona Museum’s Collection

This summer, I have had the privilege of working as the Museum Educator at the Transcona Museum. In my work, whether it be creating videos, writing blog posts, or planning summer programming, I have come across many amazing photographs and negatives in the Museum’s collection. I thought I would share a few of my favourites with you all today. 

TH2000.72.2. Courtesy of the Transcona Museum.

What history student doesn’t love books and trinkets? Especially books and trinkets in organized chaos! The man in this photo is M.J.G. McMullen (a.k.a. Len Vintus) in his personal library at 604 Bond Street. But, this photo does not even begin to represent how eccentric Len really was. He was the editor of the Linking Ring Magic Magazine, which he is holding a copy of. He was also the founder of the International Brotherhood of Magicians! Although, these magical facts about Len do not surprise me, as his library looks like something straight out of Harry Potter. It is probably why I love this photograph so much. 

TH91.58.29. Courtesy of the Transcona Museum.

This photo depicts the Soda Bar at Robert’s Drug Store. Robert’s was located on Regent Avenue West from 1925 to 1995. After taking HIST 3080: History of American Consumer Culture with Professor Sarah Elvins (take this course, you will not regret it) I have become more and more interested in the history of soda fountains. By taking this course, I learned that soda fountains were most often located in drug store’s because the soda and patent medicine industries began hand-in-hand. For example, Coca-Cola was initially promoted as a brain and nerve tonic. According to the eye-catching signage in the photo, a Coca-Cola would have only been 10 cents at Roberts; what a steal! 

TH73.483. Courtesy of the Transcona Museum.

This is a children’s wedding float from the official opening of Regent Avenue in 1931. During the Great Depression, the government created Relief Projects to employ men on social assistance. The paving of Regent Avenue was, in fact, a Relief Project. I am not sure why they chose to include a children’s wedding float in the Regent Avenue Opening Parade, but their costumes and toy car look as if a lot of work was put into them. I appreciate that people found reasons to smile during such a difficult time for every person in the photograph. 

TH99.50.1.7. Courtesy of the Transcona Museum.

On a more light-hearted note, this photograph shows the interior of a pickle factory that was once located inside the Catelli Pasta Plant on Regent Avenue. Pickles are often a contested topic. People either love or hate pickles. Personally, I am obsessed with them. So, this photograph has a special place in my heart. Those cucumbers could not have been made into pickles and subsequently jarred without these wonderful women and men. 

TH99.38157.12. Courtesy of the Transcona Museum.

Everyone, please let me introduce you to Chi Chi the monkey. Chi Chi was the store pet of Master Painter Supply, located at 113 Regent Avenue West from 1961 to 1970. The monkey was not only the store pet, but also an advertising technique to attract customers. This picture was featured in a Transcona News advertisement on April 7th, 1966. Although, this photograph raises so many questions in my mind and that is why I included it in this post. Why did they choose to use a monkey for a paint supply store mascot? Where did they get Chi Chi? Was it even legal to have exotic pets at the time? I hope I will find some answers eventually. 

TH99.38.87.14. Courtesy of the Transcona Museum.

Last, but most definitely not least, a box of German Shepherd puppies. I think this one is pretty self-explanatory. Just look at their little faces… how could someone not love this photo?

I hope you all enjoyed looking at and learning about these photographs. I would like to give a special thanks to Alanna and Jennifer, the Transcona Museum Curators, for allowing me to share these photographs and Canada Summer Jobs for providing the funding for my position as Museum Educator. Visit the Transcona Museum today (if you are fully vaccinated) to see more of the collection! 

- Hannah