Born at Meigle, Scotland, Arthur Norman Blackie (c1882-1969) moved to Winnipeg in 1905 and began working in the automobile repair business. By 1923, he partnered with John William Price in establishing the Blackie & Price garage at 189 Bannatyne Avenue. The partnership lasted into the early 1930s when Blackie then partnered with John Douglas, continuing operations under the banner of Blackie & Douglas. The present single-storey building was erected in 1948 and later expanded. Blackie retired in 1958 and the gargage was acquired by Roland J. “Rolly” Handfield (c1917-1984). He operated for a few years as Handfield Motors then sold the business to John W. McDonald in the early 1960s. It has operated since then as J. W. McDonald Auto Service.
Blackie and Douglas Service Station (May 2017)
Source: George PennerSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.89824, W97.13824
denoted by symbol on the map above
“Millions use Wakefield Castrol Motor Oil [advertisement],” Winnipeg Tribune, 24 May 1928, page 3.
“Unless you have your car [advertisement],” Winnipeg Tribune, 8 May 1931, page 20.
“Garage auto accessories and repair [Blackie & Douglas],” Winnipeg Free Press, 17 December 1936, page 23.
“Let us revitalize that “tired car” of yours,” Winnipeg Tribune, 8 August 1940, page 15.
“Don't be sorry - be safe,” Winnipeg Free Press, 21 May 1960, page 53.
“Licensing of mechanics wanted,” Winnipeg Free Press, 12 January 1965, page 3.
“The City of Winnipeg - Notice of Public Meetings [Centennial Community - File No. DAV 343-74C],” Winnipeg Free Press, 27 January 1974, page 12.
Obituary [Elizabeth Blackie], Winnipeg Free Press, 10 November 1967, page 27.
Obituary [Palmey Blackie], Winnipeg Free Press, 13 January 1969, page 24.
Obituary [Arthur Norman Blackie], Winnipeg Free Press, 22 December 1969, page 27.
Obituary [Roland J. Handfield], Winnipeg Free Press, 24 January 1984, page 32.
Henderson’s Winnipeg and Brandon Directories, Henderson Directories Limited, Peel’s Prairie Provinces, University of Alberta Libraries.
This page was prepared by Nathan Kramer, Gordon Goldsborough and George Penner.
Page revised: 23 August 2020
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