Arthur Brittain

Today we are sharing the story of Arthur Brittain, watchmaker and long-time Wyoming businessman.

Arthur Brittain was born in Liverpool, England in 1876 to William Brittain and Martha (Patty) Young. He was 3 years of age upon arrival in Canada. The Brittain family initially settled in Bowmanville. 

In 1894, Arthur graduated from the Canadian Horological Institute, a short-lived watchmaking school that existed in Toronto from 1890 until its closure in 1913. Following graduation, he completed his apprenticeship in London. In March 1895, Arthur made his way to Wyoming where he was employed by a local jeweller, George Fisher.

In due course, Arthur started his own business venture and rented space on the north-west corner of Broadway Street in the store operated by E.C. Rice. By 1898, the business had moved to the south-west corner of Main Street. He resided for a time at the home of his friend, Frank Rice, son of John A. Rice and Hannah (Nichol).

In 1899, he married Barbara Ethel Blanche Anderson with whom he had 3 children, including Edith Dorothy (Nicholson) and William. Tragically, their daughter, Barbara Muriel, passed at the age of 2 in 1909. 

Arthur Brittain worked as a jeweller and watchmaker until the time of his death in January of 1945. 

The site of his store was demolished in 1963 and later became the TD Bank. It is now home to the Plympton-Wyoming Health and Wellness Centre.

For more on the Brittain Family and the history of Wyoming, visit the Lambton County Archives!