Branch snapshot: Neepawa, Manitoba
BMO has been helping the town of Neepawa, Manitoba, make progress since 1898 with the opening of a branch of the Merchants Bank (which merged with BMO in 1922). During the branch’s early years, the population of Neepawa was approximately 1,000. Branch operations took place on rented premises until 1904, when the bank moved into a newly constructed building on Mountain Avenue. It was erected by Fusee-McFeetors Company Limited, a local contractor responsible for the construction of many of the contemporary business buildings in the community. This photograph depicts the façade of the building, with its elaborately corniced roof, Tuscan columns, and prominent arched doorway.
The employees of the branch were known for their holiday parties, which were documented in Staff Magazines. The parties were of particular note because they regularly entailed square dances hosted in the branch.
As business grew, so too did the branch and, in 1956, the Neepawa branch underwent extensive renovations. In addition to updating the fixtures and building a larger vault, a streamlined counter line was installed, allowing the branch to welcome more customers by opening the floorspace. The renovations aimed at meeting modern banking needs, although the expanded space and newly tiled floors were no doubt also ideal for the occasional swing and do-si-do!