This 1½-storey red brick building at the southeast corner Mountain Avenue and Arlington Street in Winnipeg, measuring 43 feet by 120 feet, was built in 1936 by contractor Samuel Langtree Thompson at a cost of aboaut $15,000. It was a hall for the Polish Fraternal Aid Society of St. John’s Cantius, associated with St. John Cantius Roman Catholic Church.
The main floor contained an auditorium with a seating capacity for about 800 people while the basement contained offices, a library, and a dining hall. Its cornerstone was laid officially on 7 September 1936 and the building was opened and dedicated on 13 December 1936.
Polish Fraternal Aid Society of St. John's Cantius Hall (September 2022)
Source: Jordan Makichuk
Rear of the Polish Fraternal Aid Society of St. John's Cantius Hall (August 2025)
Source: Jordan MakichukSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.92632, W97.15087
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Memorable Manitobans: Samuel Langtree Thompson (1902-1974)
Historic Sites of Manitoba: St. John Cantius Roman Catholic Church (852 Burrows Avenue, Winnipeg)
City of Winnipeg Building Permit 1764/1936, City of Winnipeg Archives.
“Large number of building permits issued this week,” Winnipeg Free Press, 15 August 1936, page 12.
“Cornerstone laying is memorable occasion for North Winnipeg Poles,” Winnipeg Free Press, 7 September 1936, page 3.
“Colourful ceremony opens new Polish Hall,” Winnipeg Tribune, 14 December 1936, page 6.
“Polish Citizens praised for community effort dedicated of new hall,” Winnipeg Tribune, 14 December 1936, page 6.
Winnipeg fire insurance map, #332 January 1957, City of Winnipeg Archives.
This page was prepared by Jordan Makichuk and Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 13 September 2025
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