Take a peek at the collection of the Historical Museum of St. James-Assiniboia as our staff highlights artifacts from our collection.

Learn about local St. James business, Rudolph’s Beauty Parlour, and some items that may have been used in Beauty Parlours in the early 1900s including a permanent wave machine and lemon squeezer.

Rudolph’s Beauty Parlour

W. Rudolph Barber Shop and Beauty Salon was established by Austrian/German immigrants William and Meta Rudolph in 1924. Originally located at Ferry Road and Ness, the business relocated in 1927 to the corner of Inglewood ad Ness.

The Rudolph’s daughter, Elsie (Hossack), began helping in the shop in 1931, at the age of 11 years. By 1935 she was a full-time employee.

From 1939 the barber portion of the shop was rented out. Elsie continued to work at the beauty parlour, the first in St. James, until its closing in 1966.