Hudson Bay Company store’s carousel display at Winnipeg business

The Return of a Piece of Winnipeg History

Department store window displays were a common sight in Winnipeg during the 20th century, with both Eaton’s and the Hudson Bay Company showcasing animatronic displays, especially around the holidays. While the downtown stores have long closed, the memories of these displays live on in the hearts of Winnipeggers.

Recently, a piece of this nostalgia resurfaced when a carousel setup from the Hudson’s Bay Company’s downtown Winnipeg store became available at an auction. Dan Mitchell, owner of Farmer’s Son Co. on Wellington Avenue, jumped at the chance to acquire this piece of history for his shop.

Mitchell initially placed a $1 bid on the carousel just out of curiosity, but as the auction progressed, he knew he had to bring it to his store. Describing his shop as a “clubhouse for our clientele and community,” Mitchell saw the carousel as a perfect addition to create a comfortable and inviting space for all.

Winning the bid, Mitchell retrieved the carousel from the Interlake region where it had been in storage for decades. The carousel, once part of holiday window displays and Santa visitations at the Hudson’s Bay Company store, now stands proudly in Farmer’s Son Co.

According to Mitchell, the carousel still operates almost like it did years ago, evoking nostalgia in those who remember it from their childhood. Seniors recall visiting the downtown store with their families, while younger generations bring their grandparents to see the carousel and reminisce about the past.

The carousel will undergo some minor renovations to ensure it remains operational and can be enjoyed by visitors. You can experience this piece of Winnipeg history at 1079 Wellington Ave. – Unit 115 during store hours.