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This edifice was built in 1892 and was located on the south side of Rosser Avenue between Seven and Eighth Streets. It housed John T Somerville, clothier, and furrier.  
 
In February of 1894 the newly established enterprise of Wilson and Rankin located in the Syndicate Block was destroyed by fire, but the only casualty was to Fireman Tom Hobson who sustained internal injuries when a ladder broke beneath him.  
 
As there was no accommodation available in the Infirmary he had to be taken home to convalesce.  
 
In 1897 the Block contained the businesses of Wilson Rankin and Co. and also W. Warner and W. Miller.  
 
In 1903 businessmen A. D. Rankin and W. G. Vincent respectively purchased the east and west halves of the eighth street corner Syndicate Block.  
 
The winter of 1916 was bitterly cold and on January 16th Brandon had experienced a raging blizzard that had dumped six feet of snow on the city.  
 
On January 17, 1916, with temperatures still hitting 40 degrees below zero F. At that time the clothing company Doig, Rankin & Robertson, occupied the building, when another fire broke out.  
 
This time the fire hydrants were completely frozen making it impossible to fight the fire.  
 
Four employees, one man and three female dressmakers of Doig, Rankin and Robinson died in the blaze.  
 
Four clerks jumped to safety from a second floor window, one of these survivors landing on the fire chief causing both to fall back into the deep snow, which saved them from serious injury.  
 
The elevator boy and the head dressmaker moments before the elevator fell into the basement rescued five other staff members.  
 
At the official inquiry into this horrific fire witnesses agreed that ‘rumbling sounds’ had processed an explosion near or around the cloakroom.  
 
Witnesses were further questioned concerning the use of cigarettes around the work areas, and safety measures were given close attention.  
 
The report from these proceedings was taken seriously by city council that took heed and ordered the fire escape bylaw be enforced immediately.  
 
This meant the installation of a metal stairway or ladder on every building of more than two stories for every twenty-five persons employed therein.  
 
The Civic Opera House was closed until more exits had been provided.  
 
Note: This location is now part of the Public Library, and some who are apparition inclined believe that there have been Ghosts spotted on the upper floors.  
 
Source: Brandon a City by G. F. Barker. Brandon, a prospect of a city by Mary Hume.  
 
http://www.suite101.com/content/apparitions-intelligent-ghosts-a34136