Down on Main Street– 1911-Photos- For the Discriminating and the Particular — Simpson Books

Thanks to Ed and Shirley Simpson I am slowly going though boxes of books from the late Ed Simpson to document and after will be donated to a proper spot-Ed and Shirley’s Simpson –Historic Books — the List

Brantwood Place Sibbitt produced the now-famous brochure.Approximately 10 by 7 inches with 4 colours, the elaborate document contained numerous graphics, photographs and marketing text that bordered on hyperbole. The actual date of publication is not clear. The brochure has several references to 1911 as well as the proposed “high level” bridge over the canal at Bank St. There is also a mention of the proposed bridge from Mutchmor (Fifth Ave.) to Clegg St. – an active topic in 1912. There is no mention of Pretoria Bridge that was to be approved in 1914. So with a wee bit of inductive thinking, a good guess for the date of publication is circa 1912-13-Facts from history of Ottawa East

Annexation of many suburbs in 1907 rekindled an interest in the residential development of Ottawa East. As part of Mayor Ellis’ vision of a “Greater Ottawa”, the agricultural land between Main, Clegg and the Rideau River was now viewed by developers as having future potential.

The success of the concept was based entirely on the idea that “upscale” homebuyers would be attracted to the lots by aggressive marketing and the promise of future amenities such as a streetcar line. That was a tall order given the near isolation of Ottawa East at the time. While the swing bridge across the canal (just north of present-day Pretoria Bridge) did provide a connection to the city, it could not support the electric trolley from Elgin St. As well, questions about adequate water, sewer and electrical services had to be answered. One can only speculate how the problem of the annual spring flood was addressed.

In March of 1911, Robert A. Sibbitt and Nepean Realty Ltd. purchased the majority of the land in Concession D, Lot I (Rideau Front) for $94,000. Sibbitt’s plan was to create a huge residential subdivision and market the lots as “a residential section for the discriminating and a boulevard homesite for the particular”. He named the neighbourhood “Brantwood Place”.–Facts from history of Ottawa East

What began as a marketing ploy to establish the exclusivity of a neighbourhood later became a revered Ottawa East landmark. The Brantwood Place Stone Gates, built about 1912, became a focal point of community spirit and then ultimately, a war memorial. CLICK here for more info

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