Uncovering our Rich History
Discovery of time capsule at 825 Sherbrook Street provides a glimpse into the past and a reminder of Manitoba Possible’s long-standing commitment to breaking down barriers.
Picture this: it’s the fall of 1963, and a group of advocates for Manitobans with disabilities are celebrating the opening of their long-awaited offices. The modern red brick building touts architectural features like electric doors and automatic elevators.
Fast forward to today, and contractors working on renovations at that same building make a discovery that takes them back in time. Hidden behind the wall, they find a metal box sealed shut with beads of lead, packed with mementos commemorating the completion of our new building at 825 Sherbrook Street.
The time capsule gives a glimpse into Manitoba Possible’s past and long-standing dedication to creating an accessible and inclusive society. Among the box’s treasures are black and white photographs of staff and clients, annual reports, currency from the 1960s, and newspaper clippings from the Winnipeg Free Press as well as the Winnipeg Tribune.
“For efficiency’s sake, society officials would like to see all the society’s activities, except the Industrial Workshop at 592 Notre Dame Avenue, brought under one roof,” states a 1962 Winnipeg Free Press article. “At present, they are spread across the city, with services at the Deer Lodge Hospital and Winnipeg General Hospital and administrative offices at 442 William Avenue.”
A speech pathologist works with a child in the new testing rooms at 825 Sherbrook Street in 1963.
Children play on 825 Sherbrook’s outdoor playground at the South end of the building in 1963.
825 Sherbrook Street housed Western Canada’s first pre-school for Deaf children, which included “special rooms for individual speech therapy” and a “generously sized” outdoor playground. The building also opened with expanded physiotherapy space, an educational library, and administrative offices.
A handful of “The Society Page” newsletters were also tucked inside the time capsule box. The January 1962 issue highlights the work of our organization’s vocational rehabilitation, public education and the wheelchair workshop programs.
”An average of 30 wheelchairs are checked and repaired each month at the Workshop. Repairs range from a complete overhauling to mending upholstery, designing special cushions or making a special arm,” the newsletter explains. “The thing we want to make certain about is that each chair is right for each person, and will serve his needs efficiently and comfortably.”
Workshop supervisor Leonard Wattis (right) and Alex Genaille inspect a wheelchair for repairs in January 1962.
Today, Manitoba Possible continues to offer these services and programs, now providing more than 2,200 new and refurbished wheelchairs annually and repairing about 250 wheelchairs a month. 825 Sherbrook Street has also grown to welcome innovative programs like Newcomer Navigation and Support, Financial Empowerment, and the Self-Help Clearinghouse to name just a few.
The time capsule discovery serves as a reminder of our rich history and the large community who have worked towards our mission for more than 70 years. While we continue to grow, diversify, and evolve, we remain committed to our mission—an inclusive and accessible society for all.