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Henry Meredith (1841 – 1917)  
 
Born of Rathrippon House Collooney Sligo, Ireland.  
 
He died March, 4th 1917. Age 76 years.  
 
He was educated in Ireland, and came to Canada in the early 1870’s.  
 
He found employment in the wholesale warehouse of A.R. MacMaster & Bros, Toronto (dry goods) and was employed there for 10 yrs.  
 
In 1883 he moved to Brandon. Here he worked in a General Store, General Agency & Brokerage Business & farming. He was a Stockholder in the Great-West Life Assurance Co, and the Canada Life Assurance Co.  
 
He was a Director of the Brandon Hospital, and was President for two years 1903-1904. He supported the Independent Conservatives.  
 
He is buried in the Brandon Cemetery, Section 10, Block E - Plot 26.  
 
Upon his death, a bequeath of $10,000 was made to the existing YWCA which enabled them to obtain funding for a new  
Transitional house. Construction began in 1917 and the house stands at 148-11th. Street and was named “Meredith Place” after a contest held in 2002.  
 
The house is a three-storied building resting on a foundation of stone and pored concrete. The walls are constructed of a brick exterior with a brick framework. The exterior of the building is unique with various details including a decorative brick belt, pilasters, columns, and carvings. The windows are high lighted with decorative sills, surrounds, and voussoirs to give this building a personality all its own.  
 
The YWCA of Brandon began in 1907 on Fourteenth Street. It was established as a Residence for young women. In 1919 the YWCA moved to its present location. This Residence has continued to house people throughout the years. Responding to the changing needs in society, the Residence has been co-ed since the mid nineteen eighties.  
 
The YWCA considered Mr. Meredith to be their 'hero' and they hold him in the highest regard.  
This building has always served as a residence and the offices of the YWCA of Brandon. In the past the YWCA has run the following activities out of this building, Travelers Aid: meeting trains and assisting travelers, Educational and Citizenship work with new Canadians, Programs for “Business Girls” and young married women, language classes for new Canadians, War Time Services such as a Hostess House and a Leave Centre.  
 
In 1962 they opened the first Thrift Shop in Brandon called “Y’s Choice. It operated for 40 years and was closed in 2002. In 1978 the YWCA opened Brandon’s first and only Woman’s Shelter. It was originally on the third floor of this building but was later moved.  
 
They presently provide a safe, supportive, affordable, transitional housing to a diverse clientèle who are generally referred by other agencies in the community. Many of the residents live there temporarily, while they receive job training, or recover from illness, or look for work. The house is staffed 24 hours a day and is financed by room and board fees, and grants from agencies like the United Way.  
 
Mr. Meredith lived at 119-21st Street: the original house is no longer there. The very first Certificate of Title is dated September 15, 1891 and bears his name.  
 
A mortgage was from the Scallioh Ontario and Manitoba Land Company (Limited) in the amount of $5380.00, dated May 1, 1885 and was registered with the City of Brandon on June 12, 1885.  
 
In 1903 he owned Lots 1-2-3 on 9th, Street.  
Source: Y.M.C.A Pamphlet. Daly House Museum Archives.