This is the first permanent location of Oddfellows’ Hall, having opened in 1883. We have no hard evidence that this location was a queer meeting place, but the organisation was known to be a safe place for gay men. “Odd Fellows” refers to the members who were labourers and artisans that were commonly excluded from established craft guilds. Meetings took place on the third floor of the building, which still retains much of the character and architecture that it did in the 19th century.
Sources:
* https://www.winnipeg.ca/ppd/Documents/Heritage/ListHistoricalResources/Princess-72-long.pdf
* https://www.winnipeg.ca/ppd/Documents/Heritage/ListHistoricalResources/The-Promenade-0-long.pdf
* https://www.cbc.ca/listen/cbc-podcasts/203-the-secret-life-of-canada/episode/15681810-s2-the-golden-boy
