Winnipeg's Millionaires in 1910

Winnipeg's 19 Millionaires in 1910

by George Siamandas

Winnipeg grew because of the dynamism of its businessmen. There were dozens of commanding individuals all western oriented. There was also a zeal for civic and social improvement. This elite was the driving force of a growing city led by men whose fame and fortune, hearths and homes (and hearts) were invested in the city they were building.

Many were self made. Real Estate, grain, farming, transportation, milling, lumbering construction and investment through insurance and banking. Of the 19 millionaires 10 came from Ontario.

They ran the Legislature, city hall, education, medicine, and the Board of Trade. The leaders were in the vanguard of all civic improvements schools hospitals, parks libraries, water supply, transit, electricity, phones, music, and theatre.

With only a third the population, Winnipeg boasted 19 millionaires to Toronto's 21 in 1910. The following profiles on 9 of these early Winnipeg millionaires show how their fortunes were tied to a rapidly growing Winnipeg.

A million then would translate into more than a $20M today. These men included:

A. M. Nanton was a partner in the finacial and real estate firm Osler Hammond and Nanton. The Nanton Bldg was located were the TD Bank now stands.

James A. Aikins was a real estate lawyer and founder of the firm Aikins McAulley. He was involved in the development of the Somersert Building. His residence forms the older portion of Balmoral Hall School for girls.

Banker William Alloway was a partner in Alloway and Champion; which was Winnipeg's first private bank. Mr. Alloway was also a founder of the Winnipeg Foundation donating its initial $100,000.

Originally a tin smith by occupation, James Ashdown founded one of Canada's largest hardware empires in the country. He was a founding member of the Board of Trade and served as Mayor in 1907.

Rev C. W. Gordon was a pastor at Elim Chapel, but was best known for writing a series of adventure novels under the name Ralph Connor. A true literary all star in his time, Gordon's sudden wealth allowed him to build a $50,000 home on Westgate. This home was later bequested to, and is still home, to the University Women's Club.

A.R. McNichol accumulated his wealth as a result of investing in Portage Avenue real estate and through operating several movie theatres. In later life he became a noted philanthropist.

A. M. Nanton was a partner in the financial and real estate firm Osler Hammond and Nanton.

E. L. Drewry was a active in the brewery business.

E. F. Hutchins made his fortune in the saddlery business located in various locations of market Ave. and predating what became Birt Saddlery.