The Brady Klusen Martin ? Block

If you were directing someone to your apartment in Reston and said it was in the “Martin Block”, Restonites today would know where you lived even without a sign on the building or an address. In days past the same spot was known as the Klusen Block and the Brady Building for previous owners . The historic brick building is home to many over the years and been holding its place on Fourth Street for over 100 years.  The Trails Along the Pipestone (1981) history book helped to follow its occupants over the years for today's post. 

I am in the dark on the significance of these men or when it was taken but the Brady Hardware can be seen over the shoulders of these men on the left side of the picture. Any ideas, blog readers?

This building was built by William Albert Brady in 1916,to replace his business lost in the May 7,1915 fire.  In 1919 when his son Frank returned from WW1, the business Brady and Son was born. They stocked and sold hardware, kitchenware, grease, harness, watches, lawn mowers, buggies and wagon parts along with gas for automobiles.  The father W.A.(Bert) died in 1930 and Frank Brady carried on  until he died in 1950. Frank's wife Ida and their son Bert kept Brady's Hardware going until 1955. 

W.A. Brady Hardware  - far left on this postcard of Reston in 1920's from Prairie Towns website

Another vital service for every citizen in town was under this roof for almost 50 years. The 24 X 40 foot room on the south side of the building was the post office for many years until the present one was built and opened in 1964. It would have been a great location to have customers browse and buy when they were picking up their mail.

Brady Hardware under the red arrow.  Neighbouring businesses were  McMurchy Garage to the south(left) and the barbershop and bakery to the north 

Receipts from 1948, 1956 and 1965 showing the three names and low prices of the times

Champion family picture from
Reflections of Time history book page 262

In 1956, Grandson Bert Brady sold the hardware to W.J. (Bill) Champion and it became a Marshall Wells store, a general hardware chain of the 50's and 60's. Bill was the son of Percy and Margaret (Kilkenny) Champion of the Broomhill district.  He married Merle Winch in 1942 and they had 2 children. Mr. Champion was active on the Golf Club and Chamber of Commerce.  In August of 1964, he led the committee to look into building a swimming pool in the Reston Memorial Park.  Bill was active in the Masonic Lodge and Lion’s Club and Merle was an active 4H leader . 
He continued at the store until 1966 when Verne McConnell took over and operated it until 1970. Verne and his wife Jean and their children David, Chris and Marla were active in the community and youth sports.  They moved to Thompson in July of 1970. 

Photo from 1964 found at McKee Archives at Brandon University

The building was empty a few years until it was used as a Teen Center. In 1974, it opened as a clothing store - Klusens Family Center.  Every member of the family could purchase clothes from Ed Klusen and his daughter Gail at this location. Before opening, Klusen converted the former post office on the north side to a suite and added two more apartments on the second floor.  There are currently six apartments - 5 of them with 2 bedrooms with a coin operated laundry in the back. 

Buck Martin is the current owner and another suite and a laundromat was added at the west side. Thus it is known today as the Martin Block. The building is currently for sale however so your name could be associated with the building next, if you choose to buy it!