Historic Sites of Manitoba: Success Business College / Dominion Business College / St. John’s Music Store (1308 Main Street, Winnipeg)

In 1927, this site along the west side of Main Street between Church Avenue and Machray Avenue became occupied by the Success Business College (SBC) to serve the neighbourhoods of the North End, Elmwood, East Kildonan, and West Kildonan. Known initially the SBC’s St John’s branch office, the two-storey brick building had classroom space on the second floor, with the main floor rented out to an array of clients, including the St. John’s Music Store (1927-c1953), and later an assortment of commercial enterprises. Opened to students in mid-October 1927, it was used by the SBC from 1927 to around 1931.

After the SBC occupancy, the space hosted a variety of medical offices then, from around 1933 to around 1940, it was the St. John’s branch of the Dominion Business College. It was later turned into residential suites. After the building was demolished, the site became a surface parking lot.

The St John’s Branch of Success Business College (1927) Source: Winnipeg Tribune, 1 October 1927, page 3. Site Coordinates (lat/long): N49.92287, W97.12708 denoted by symbol on the map above

See also:

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Dominion Business College Building / Mall Plaza Apartments / Abbott Clinic (274 Osborne Street North, Winnipeg)

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Dominion Business College Building / Elmwood Building (189 Henderson Highway, Winnipeg)

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Dominion Business College Building / Chapman Building (1864 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg)

Manitoba Business: Dominion Business College / Cooper Education Institute

Sources:

“This school has made a success of its business[...],” Manitoba Free Press, 20 August 1927, page 3.

“Your choice of ”Success” schools,” Winnipeg Tribune, 1 October 1927, page 3.

“This will make your toes tingle,” Manitoba Free Press, 29 October 1927, page 28.

“Patronized by the majority [Success Business College],” Manitoba Free Press, 4 August 1928, page 32.

“Distinguished citizens,” Winnipeg Tribune, 26 August 1933, page 2.

“Dominion Business College,” Winnipeg Tribune, 29 December 1934, page 4.

“St. Johns Music Store,” Winnipeg Tribune, 5 November 1947, page 19.

Henderson’s Winnipeg and Brandon Directories, Peel’s Prairie Provinces, University of Alberta Libraries.

This page was prepared by Nathan Kramer.

Page revised: 27 April 2021

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