Located on one of the busiest intersection in Ottawa, the Transportation building almost remained unchanged; only its ground floor was modified and became one of the main entrance to the Rideau Centre. Photo- Ottawa Archives- from PastOttawa
Ottawa’s “Transportation Building” at Rideau and Colonel By, seen from the from the southwest. In the bottom, the old Elephant and Castle.
The building opened in 1916 by JR Booth’s son, CJ Booth, and has many federal civil servants over the years — I think the NCC was in there at one time. Still good looking.
The building served as Ottawa’s City Hall between 1931 (when the City Hall on Elgin burned down) and 1958, when the new — now old — city hall was built at Rideau Falls.
Ottawa – 1966 – the Transportation Building at Rideau and Sussex. It was the site of the Ottawa city hall, after the former city hall at Elgin and Queen burned in 1931. It served as such until the new city hall building was built on Green Island. (1958) City of Ottawa Archives CA 000155
August 27, 2016 · Here’s a major Ottawa corner in January of 1910. This is Rideau and Little Sussex, which is now the southeast corner of Rideau and Colonel By. Sinkhole to the left.This building once housed jeweler James Tracy, the drug store of William Roger, and the Dairy Lunch. Kind of a mini Rideau Mall.The corner would be transformed in 1916 with the construction of the Transportation Building (once the home of the NCC, and once also the home of City Hall).(LAC PA-042564)
The Fest Family
In 1887 on the site of the Transportation building southeast corner of Rideau and Little Sussex streets, there stood a 2and one half storey tin-roofed, solid stone building. That old building, a relic from the 1850s, was occupied by Mrs. William Fest. Her shop was the candy and pastry centre of Ottawa in the 1880s.
Everybody in the 1870s- 1880s in Ottawa knew the Fests. Fest’s confectionery store, at the southeast corner of Rideau and Little Sussex streets, was known to everybody in Ottawa, It occupied the same position in the public eye that Scott’s confectionery on Sparks street did in the 1860s and 1870s. The Fests came to Ottawa from the county Donegal in the late 1860s and opened a confectionery store in the 2 1-2 storey stone building where the Transportation building now stands.
Mrs William ( Pender) Fest in the early 1880s was an indefatigable worker. The Fests attended St. John’s Anglican church on Sussex street. In church work Mrs. Fest was always just as busy as she was in her store. Mrs. Fest was noted for her equable and calm disposition. She always had a cheery word for her customers and was a good judge of human nature. Whenever a new girl came to the store to serve, Mrs Fest would say, “Now, my dear, eat all the candy you feel like eating, but do not take any home. If I find you taking any home I will have to discharge you. It will not be necessary for you to wait till I am out to eat. You may do it when I am present.”
The result of such talks was that Mrs. Fest’s girls, or parcel boys, used invariably to start in to gorge themselves on candy (mostly when Mrs. Fest was not around). The further result was that they always got sick, their stomachs turned upside down and candy became repulslve to them. Thereafter the Fest candy became as safe from attack as though it had not been there. Mr. Fest was seldom seen by the public. He was always too busy at the back making cakes and candies.
Transportation Building — It was incorporated into the Rideau Centre and is heritage designated.
Joy Eastop WatsonNCC was definitely in there, My mom worked for the NCC for 26 years & I remember looking out those big 1st floor windows when the Santa parade went by in the 70’s… Those were also the days when you could open the window and smoke in the office.
Andrew DeBeaupréWasn’t it also known as the Dominion Bridge building before WWII? NCC was there in mid-70s
David TwolanI miss the Elephant and Castle. Great pub.
Ottawa – 1966 – the Transportation Building at Rideau and Sussex. It was the site of the Ottawa city hall, after the former city hall at Elgin and Queen burned in 1931. It served as such until the new city hall building was built on Green Island. (1958) City of Ottawa Archives CA 000155From Ottawa City Directory 1870-1871 Simpson Book CollectionFrom Ottawa City Directory 1887-1888 Simpson Book Collection
This was a booklet that was put out in January- June 1912 by the Publicity and Industrial Bureau advertising for new business. 48 pages with giant fold out map. 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
Herbert Barker was in charge , a commisioner for the City Hall
On Saturday of this week the firm of Johnson and McCreary opens, its new men’s furnishings store on Mill Street. This is the most modernly appointed establishment of its kind in the town and people are invited to visit it on opening day or whenever convenient thereafter. Mr. A. C. Johnson started business here four years ago as a haberdasher in a store located in the Illingworth Block on Bridge Street.
He was successful, but his quarters were cramped and he decided to expand. After forming a partnership with his brother-inlaw, Mr. H. H. McCreary, the two partners purchased a larger frame building on Mill Street owned by the late P. J. Rooney. Previous to renovating this property it had housed two stores on the ground floor and an apartment on the second flat.
Messrs. Johnson and McCreary converted the ground floor space into one large store with modern furnishings and large plate glass^windows running along the entire front, bordered with vitrolite. The outside was covered with white asbestos siding. In a short time they changed what had been a rather ordinary looking structure on the town’s main street into a most cerditable place of business.
The firm of Johnson & . McCreary have a modern and extensive stock of men’s furnishings which the public is invited to look over, as well as the new store, in advertisements which appear on pages two and seven today. The apartment upstairs was also thoroughly renovated and will be occupied by the partners.
JOHNSON, Andrew Carson (Former owner Johnson Clothing Founding Member Almonte Fish & Game Club Past President Almonte Lions Club Member Mississippi Lodge AF/AM #147) In hospital at Ottawa with his beloved and devoted daughter Bonnie at his side on Monday, March 14, 2005. A. Carson Johnson of Almonte, age 81 years Beloved husband of the late Ottie M. McCreary and dearly loved father of Heather Morphy (Ken) of Brockville and Bonnie Johnson-Rourke (Peter) of Ottawa. Predeceased by his brothers Eldon, Willis and Howard. Very special and loved grandpa of Kimberly Ann Friends may call at the C. R. GAMBLE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 127 Church Street, Almonte for visiting on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Friday from 1 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and where a complete Service including committal will be held in the Chapel on Saturday at 11 a.m., Rev. Jim Ferrier officiating. Spring interment Auld Kirk Cemetery, Almonte. Donations in memory of Carson may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada and would be appreciated by his family. Masonic members will assemble in the Chapel of the funeral home for Service Thursday evening at 6:45 p.m. Published on March 16, 2005
On Monday morning, about 2 o’clock, Mr. F. Hollingsworth waa disturbed by some unusual noise, and on getting up and lookout of his window observed a man standing in the passage way between his place and the tailor shop of Mr. Colin Sinclair. The stranger hearing the rustle moved off, and Mr. Hollingsworth retired again, thinking nothing more of it at the time, but on the store of Mr. Sinclair being opened in the morning it was soon evident that strangers had been there.
They effected an entrance through a back staircase into a room where Mr. Sinclair keeps a heater for his irons in the summer season. Here they cut hole beside the lock in the door leading to the workshop, and opened it from the inside, the key being in the lock. From the workshop they descended to the front store and repeated the same operation again, for the door at the foot of the staira was also bolted from the other side.
The burglars here appropriated a suit of clothes, two pieces of cloth, all the silk handkerchiefs they could find, some ties, and nearly all the cuff buttons and shirt studs, also a hat, and possibly more articles not yet missed. They retired by the same way they entered. There is no clue or suspicion as to the daring thieves. This now is the third burglary within as many weeks within our quiet town, and it is about time some action was being taken in the matter. The brace used in this instance was identified by Mr. Graham as his. It.was stolen from his shop, an entrance being effected by a back window.
1886-07-23-01
Sinclair store is now Sinclair Park where the Roy Brown statue is.
From the Carleton Place Herald– January 15 1910—The King Edward Roller Rink has closed for the balance of the winter. Yes we had a roller rink in Carleton Place
Staff- Both photos Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum
In December of 1918 Thomas J. Reid, who had a men’s clothing and furnishings store on mill Street in Almonte said:
“Understand,” said Mr. Reid, “there is not so very-much credit asked for nowadays, but when it is asked for by men who used to spend their money on liquor, we feel safe, in giving it to them.”
Top (Left-Right) (Robert) John Neely, Samuel Neely, Tom Reid, Job Neely Front (Left-Right) Sarah Reid (nee Neely), Robert George Neely, Sarah Neely (nee Parsons), McCullough, Minnie (Hannah Jemina) Neely
( this photo was in the same family group for Thomas J. Reid)
Name: 1911 Census Thomas J Reid Gender: Male Marital status: Married Race or Tribe: Scotch (Scotish) Nationality: Canadian Age: 41 Birth Date: Dec 1869 Birth Place: Scotland Census Year: 1911 Relation to Head of House: Head Immigration Year: 1882 Dwelling No.: 101 Province: Ontario District: Lanark North District Number: 89 Sub-District: 18 – Almonte Sub-District Number: 18 Place of Habitation: Union Religion: Presbyterian Occupation: Retal Employer: Yes Employee: No Works at: Clothing Store Earnings: 500 Life Insurance: 2000 Insurance Cost: 22.00 Can Read: Yes Can Write: Yes Language: E Family Number: 102 Neighbors: View others on page Household Members: Name Age Thomas J Reid 41 Angnes J Reid 34 Maggie Reid 15 Maud Reed 17 John Reed 39
Sometimes you wanna go Where everybody knows your name And they’re always glad you came You wanna be where you can see (ah-ah) Our troubles are all the same (ah-ah) You wanna be where everybody knows your name
Sharon FordI think it is the first owner of Giant Tiger in CP. His name was Bert.
Kim Martin Elder— People have identified this as a Giant Tiger– with Betty Currie on the right.. I know you were just a sweet babe when this was taken but any ideas if this was the Bridge Street store? Anyone? Yes, it was the Bridge Street store
Petya Lowes posted this yesterday…Congratulations!!!! **12 years ago today we opened the Giant Tiger on Coleman. I have been in this store since it opened–**Great pic of Ken and Helen Anderson. Really fantastic people.Kim Martin Elder May 25, 2020 ·
Have you noticed this on the side of Giant Tiger?I was searching for something about a Munroe child being an acrobat in the New York World’s Fair and somehow I came across this video and text from the Carleton Place Library. What happened April 9th 1917?The Battle of Vimy Ridge was fought during the First World War from 9 to 12 April 1917. … The battle took place on the Western Front, in northern France. The four divisions of the Canadian Corps, fighting together for the first time, attacked the ridge from 9 to 12 April 1917 and captured it from the German army.McDiarmid Brothers— from The Carleton Place LibraryWe are so honoured and proud to share with you this local documentary prepared in 2007 to commemorate the 90thanniversary of the Battle at Vimy Ridge produced by our summer student, Emma Kinsman. The video was presented and placed at the Perth Regional Historica Fair in 2007.From the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage MuseumThe video centers on the McDiarmid brothers of Carleton Place. Four of the six McDiarmid brothers enlisted in the First World War with only 1 returning home. Harold and Victor McDiarmid were killed at Vimy Ridge, and Arthur, who returned home to die after being exposed to poisonous gas.Following the war, Mary McDiarmid and her only surviving veteran son, Leo, unveiled the Cenotaph in Carleton Place which was created to honour the town’s fallen sons.his documentary was made in 2007 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Battle at Vimy Ridge. It was produced by Emma Kinsman about the McDiarmid brothers of Carleton Place. Four of the sixMcDiarmid brothers enlisted in the First World War with only one returning home. Harold and Victor McDiarmid were killed at Vimy Ridge, and Arthur returned home to die after being exposed to poisonous gas. Following the war, Mary McDiarmid and her only surviving veteran son, Leo, unveiled the new Cenotaph in Carleton Place which was created to honour the town’s fallen sons.Photo—Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage MuseumThis is the second panel of the Giant Tiger Mural. It’s a full one! From left to right: Mary McDiarmid, local teacher and David Findlay, founder of the Findlay Foundry, with the Gillies McLaren sawmill and workers in the background, at center, an ariel view of Carleton Place showing the Findlay Foundry on the north bank of the river, a wagon load of stoves heading to the train station to be shipped and the CPR train bridge with a train heading north. Various lumber mills, churches and our town hall fill the background. Carleton Place has a full and varied history!–Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum
— with Deb StGermain. and Wendy!!!!!Photo- College Street and Bridge by Mike Jeays
Where everybody knows your name (where everybody knows your name) And they’re always glad you came Where everybody knows your name (where everybody knows your name) And they’re always glad you came Where everybody knows your name (where everybody knows your name) And they’re always glad you came Where everybody knows your name (where everybody knows your name)
It’s been 13 years since we moved into our “new” location and there’s been lots of changes over the years. I look at the photos and have great memories of that day. Our part timers, who seem so young back then, have all gone on to do their own things…jobs, marriages, and families of their own. I feel old now. Then there are the “lifers”. We’re still hanging in there, but we have more grey hair now and move a little slower these days. Lastly, there are the people who are no longer with us…the ones who moved onto other jobs, the lucky ones who retired and the ones we lost…Francine and Kristine, you’ll always be in our hearts.
So who owned this business A & S Leach in Carleton Place and where was it? It was run by Abner and his oldest sister Sophia Leach who was 15 years older than him.. Their father was a widow ( his wife was Alice Salter Leach and died in 1871)and the two siblings ran the store. In 1891 Sophia Leach was 30 and unmarried probably because she looked after the rest of the family as she was the oldest. She died in 1898 at the age of 37 and that is probably why the store closed. The whole family is buried in the Franktown Cemetery.
The Leach siblings took over the Peden Grocery business in January of 1898 which is where Hastie and Tatlock used to be on Bridge Street, which some call the wrong side of the street. ( don’t ask).Peden also made carbonated drinks there.
Seven months later in October Abner Leache filed for bankruptcy ( Sophia died August 1898) and Lang & Company from Ottawa bought their stock. Lang & Co were basically in the pork business and London House was briefly a clearing house where they bought bankrupt stock and resold it. It was located on Wellington Street in Ottawa.