One of the Winnipeg’s earliest theaters was built in 1883 between Notre Dame Avenue and Adelaide Street. Two days before the Christmas, it was engulfed in flames.
The fire took the lives of four firemen, who were fighting it: Arthur Smith, Donald Melville, Robert Stuart and S. Shearer. Each was a WWI veteran and had family. The theatre wall collapsed, burying the brave firefighters under its ruins.
The Heritage Winnipeg states that now two parts from inside the building are for sale now. They were found during the archaeological excavations in the last year. The bigger one is 2.5 feet in length, and 250-300 pounds weight. The second part is 3 feet long, 2 feet in width and 2.5 feet in height. Its weight is about 100 pounds.
It seems like they both were part of the sign over the entrance. However, this is a supposal only. But there is no doubt that the found parts belonged to the Victoria Hall.
Now everyone who wants to have a piece (or two) of Winnipeg history, can buy both parts for $1000. A single bigger one will cost $800, for the smaller part one should give $300.
Christian Cassidy, a Winnipeg historian, says that ideally, the future owner of the theatre parts will make them available to see for the people.
Links to the auction website: