History

Ted Matheson Men’s Wear opened its doors in 1929.  Not a great year to open.  The beginning of the “Dirty Thirties” Grandpa Ted had a tailor and usually someone else to help him during the hours that he was open.  His original store was just south of where we are now, about where the Royal Bank is now.

In 1950 my Uncle joined Grandpa.  The following year, my father Jack started.  In 1954 they began a major renovation. By 1962 more renovations began to enlarge the store. 1970 and 1977 were the last of the major renovations and the store is basically what we are operating within now.

Our building was originally two buildings rather than the one that we are in today. Building 1111 was first occupied in 1914 by Central Meat Market. Building 1113 wasn’t occupied until the 1920s when it became Prince Albert Bread Co. Ted Matheson Men’s Wear started in 1929 occupying building 1131 and then 1117 in the later 30s. In the 30s 1111 held Cash & Carry Meats, while 1113 held CPR Telegraphs and also Lockwood’s Grocery. By the end of the 30s Cash & Carry Meats had left, and Matheson Men’s Wear moved to this location in the early 1940s. Then in 1969 CPR Telegraphs left their building, and Ted Matheson Men’s Wear expanded their business to include their building area as well.

My father and my uncle Fred were partners for over 35 years.  My father and I bought out Uncle Fred in 1989. In January of 2002, my Father passed away.

I continue the tradition operating the store as my grandfather did over 80 years ago.

Fred Matheson