21) Whitemouth Brickyard

Whitemouth Brickyard

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The Whitemouth brick yard was started by John (Jack) Wardrop in 1914. Although unconfirmed, It most likely did not operate during World War I. Albert N. McCutcheon started the brickyard again in 1917, with limited success. In 1920, John restarted it under the name “John Wardrop Brick and Tile Company”. That year 75,000 bricks were produced. In June, 1922 John’s brother Walter bought the business, running it as a family operation. By 1923 it was producing 26,000 bricks per day, which was increased to 40,000 soon after. In 1925 Dave bought it outright, operating it during the depression years providing employment for many men, producing “DMW” (David M. Wardrop) bricks. He owned it until 1945, at which time it was sold to Alsip Brick & Tile. It ceased operation in 1959. In one summer the usual output was 1 1⁄4 to 1 1⁄2 million bricks, all accomplished with hand labor! The finished bricks were loaded onto flat cars on a railroad siding, and hauled to market by the CP Railway. Many of these bricks were used in buildings along Portage Avenue and Main Street in Winnipeg.

Additional Details

Civic Number: 64 077 Brickyard Road  l    Amenities on Site: N/A   l    Building on Site: Yes; Private Residence