The Day the Comba Building Sold-Taylor Block

 

 

Photo and text from Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum

 

Stewart Comba Furniture later opened in 1962 at 43 Bridge Street, also known as the Leslie Building. Built in 1895, it was home to Jacob Leslie’s furniture and undertaking business. This was taken over by W.H. Matthews in 1915 and later operated by Alan Barker.-Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum

Blaine Cornell-I remember Comba’s being located in the building where The Blossom Shop is at the corner of Mill and Bridge. This was in the 1950’s.

Linda Gallipeau-Johnston— I have 78 records from over 60 years ago purchased at Stewart Comba’s furniture store. There was a place at the back with a wall of records with manilla covers. My Mom used to take us there and we could listen to the record in the store before buying. 

 

Years ago in the early 60s Gemmil Comba sold the “Comba” building on Bridge Street in a real estate deal and Comba had no idea what the future would hold for the three-storey block. Mr. Comba and his son Stewart had operated the furniture business since 1936 when the former had purchased the Taylor Block as the property was once known. The Taylor block was once considered once of the largest blocks of property in the Carleton Place section.

The Taylor block then consisted of a furniture business, ladies ready to wear and a hardware store on the ground floor. The second and third floors were apartments and at that time a  large area of the upper floors were unoccupied. Years ago a large area on the north side on the third floor was turned into a bowling alley. This was later discontinued when the owner William Irwin built a new alley on the main street which was once owned by Laurie Melrose.

About 1936 Comba made his first business venture starting up a second-hand shop in the former Legion building or McRostie block. Later he had the opportunity of purchasing the rambling Taylor block which once stretched through to Beckwith Street. Once in possession he made full use of the large floor area and proceeded to build up a strong furniture business. After WWII he was joined by his son after he returned from overseas.

Did you know that the Taylor Block was once  home to Eaton’s and the original Eaton’s safe is still in the basement?

 

Norma Ford— We rented a 2 bedroom apartment on the 3rd floor in 1964 and 65 for $35.00 a month from Mr. Comba, no lease back then. He was a super landlord and looked after his apartments. All those stairs were wicked though.

Linda Gallipeau-Johnston-– Stu Comba was so accommodating esp. when buying furniture – always throwing something in for free and not only were the stairs wicked but THAT ELEVATOR!!!!!!

 

RELATED READING

COMBA

Comba’s -The Scariest Building in Carleton Place?

Walking With Ghosts — The Accidental Addiction

Do You Know What I Found?

Win a House in Carleton Place!

Smooth Criminals in Carleton Place –The Robberies on Bridge Street

The Emporium of Life — Joyce Murray

 

TAYLOR

You Didn’t Go to Taylor’s Hardware Store for Milk

There were Spies Among us in Carleton Place