Manitoba Historical Society
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Historic Sites of Manitoba: Wright Block / Union Bank Building / Royal Bank Building (202 Main Street, Russell, Municipality of Russell-Binscarth)

The first building at this site in downtown Russell, in what is now the Municipality of Russell-Binscarth, was known as the Wright Block, constructed in 1906. Its long-time occupant, the Union Bank of Canada (the Royal Bank of Canada after 1925), moved into it in 1907. A new structure replaced it after a fire in April 1916. An addition was made at the back in 1964 and the entire interior was renovated. In 1978, the bank built a new building across the street.

Postcard view of the former Wright Block, built in 1906, before it was destroyed by fire in 1916

Postcard view of the former Wright Block, built in 1906, before it was destroyed by fire in 1916 (no date)
Source: Gordon Goldsborough, 2023-0044

Wright Block

Wright Block (August 2013)
Source: Gordon Goldsborough

Wright Block

Wright Block (February 2020)
Source: George Penner

Site Coordinates (lat/long): N50.78049, W101.28773
denoted by symbol on the map above

See also:

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Wright Building (46 Main Street, Carberry)

Manitoba Business: Royal Bank of Canada

Manitoba Business: Union Bank of Canada

Sources:

Russell Historical Walking Tour, Asessippi Parkland Tourism.

We thank George Penner for providing additional information used here.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 20 May 2023

Historic Sites of Manitoba

This is a collection of historic sites in Manitoba compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. The information is offered for historical interest only.

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