The Dominion Store Robberies

Old Dominion store..Cecil McCann/s billiard hall and the list goes on– found in the files of the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage files toda (Carleton Place Canadian) Memories and Thoughts of the Grocery Store–

May 27 1951

Burglars made off with more than $3,000 in cheques in a daring break-in at the Carleton Place branch of Dominion stores early Monday morning. The thieves did their work from the front of the store at one of the town’s main intersections, Bridge and Franklin Streets, subject to discovery by any passer-by or beat policeman. Police believe the job was done by experts who planned it carefully. The beat patrolman tried the door at midnight. Sometime between then and eight a.m., when manager Jack Campbell arrived to open the store, the burglars did a fast, neat job of breaking in and rifling the safe. The front door had been pried open with a crowbar, and the door of the small wall safe under the front counter had been cleanly removed from its hinges. The entire operation would have to be conducted in full view of the main street. Mr. Campbell said that all of the more than $3,000 missing was in cheques save for a few dollars in coin. , Police Chief p . E. Cornell, who is conducting the investigation, said he had no leads whatsoever as yet. The only other recent break-in here also was in a store, but that case had been solved and could not be connected with this one.

Photo= Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum

Dominion store heist click to read
Clipped from The Ottawa Citizen, 06 Aug 1960, Sat, Page 34

Dale Costello

Shopped at both the Dominion and Argue’s grocery store. Vividly remember the produce in Argue’s, probably local in the summertime. Shot many a game of pool at Uncle Cecils pool room. My pool idol was Bill Poulin. Remember Asseltines, Allan shoes, May Mulvey, the shoe repair shop, Jock Mailey, Bellamys for sodas and chips,the tiny bicycle repair shop, only 10 feet wide, watching TV from outside on a Saturday night at Bob Flints, Canadian Tire next to the old post office. On and on, but still vividly remembered.

Donna Mcfarlane

I used to get Kreamy Bread for 19 cents. 2can red salmon 50 cents,back in 63/64.

Evelyn Louise

My mother worked for the head office of Dominion stores in Sudbury. I remember being on holidays when she got the call from her boss telling her to enjoy her time off as there was no need to rush back as they were closing the office. I’m almost 50 and still remember the look on her face getting that call. Heartbreaking.

Carl Moulton

That picture taken before the post office went up across the street. I recall being with my mom when she shopped there.

Marlene Springer
Former Dominion store –This Dominion store had two sides divided and in 1976 they opened Universal Travel where i worked for a few months before I went to government.

Marching Saints Carleton Place–courtesy of Bev Hurdis- Dominion Store on the right–Marlene Springer— I remember going there with mom for groceries every Thursday, pay day and dad would pick them up on his way home from work.

Mike Kean

Mike was actually head hunted and moved down Bridge Street to the Dominion Store at the corner of Bridge and Franklin because of his experience. I asked him who the head hunter was and he said, *“Terry Vincent was the man!” *A lot of people in Carleton Place know him well as he was a real genuine person.

The manager of the store was from Smiths Falls and his name was Mickey Pickup (no joke). One of Mike’s fellow employees was Noreen O’ Brien from Appleton. Mike stayed with Dominion Stores and ended up working in every Dominion store in Eastern Ontario through the growing years. He became the youngest manager in Canada when he took over the store in Perth at 25.

In the 1970s, inflation and discounting wars with rivals ravaged Dominion’s bottom line. Dominion stores was Canada’s No. 1 grocery chain from the 1950s through the early ’80s. Then, in 1985, it came to a quiet, wrenching, end. But, thankfully thanks to the internet Mike Kean’s memories don’t- and I for one am grateful for his memories for this series.

In the early years of the Taylor Block ( Blossom Shop etc) some of the businesses included The Crown Grocery operated by Lowe and Richardson,Ferguson and Smythe’s harness shop, Andy Neilson Jeweller, I.O.O.F. had a hall upstairs, H. Abdallah’s, and Bennett and Code Grocery.
Marj Whyte recalled that the Dominion Store was first located in the Taylor Block and that the first Bell Telephone Exchange office was on the second floor. The manager was Walter Termarch and his clerk was Mary Scott. When Marvin was transferred to Renfrew, Mary left with him and became Mrs. Termarch. Badminton was also played on the second floor.

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal, 12 Feb 1937, Fri, Page 17

In Memory of Mickey Pickup– Carleton Place Dominion Store

Glory Days of Carleton Place–Mike Kean

Carleton Place News July 30, 1952 – Drowning and Robbery

Dog Day Afternoon — The Only Bank Robbery EVER in Carleton Place

Robbery at Sinclairs 1886

The Bat Signal of Carleton Place

More Stories about Mary Coules of Carleton Place

Robberies in Carleton Place — Mr. Ed Campbell of High Street

· 
Debbie Roy and Joan Baker

In Memory of Mickey Pickup– Carleton Place Dominion Store

Last week Mike Kean wrote his memories of Carleton Place and he mentioned the following:

“Mike was actually head hunted and moved down Bridge Street to the Dominion Store at the corner of Bridge and Franklin because of  his experience. I asked him who the head hunter was and he said, “Terry Vincent was the man!” A lot of people in Carleton Place know him well as he was a real genuine person. The manager of the store was from Smiths Falls and his name was Mickey Pickup (no joke)”.

Last night Mike emailed me and said:

Linda, It is so strange. I just read the obituaries in the EMC. The manager of the Dominion Store that I was talking about, Mickey Pickup is in there. He passed away April 4th. I have never read the EMC online. Curious as to why now.

Well Mike, I always believe we get signs. Perhaps he was happy you mentioned him, so now we are going to pay homage to the man that once ran the Dominion Store on Bridge Street in Carleton Place. Now that we learned about Mickey Pickup last week is now thanks to Mike Kean- we will all remember his passing now.

Tip of the hat or glass to Mickey Pickup!

 

We might have never have met him, but here are some of the comments on his Obituary page:

“To Mickey’s family, my condolences for your loss. Mickey was a unique character, always smiling and laughing, always a story to tell. A generous man with a heart of gold, he was always giving something to someone in need. He was a friend to all and I am truly sorry to hear of his passing. I hope he found a great fish and chip place in heaven”.

 

“I worked with Mickey 35 years ago at Dominion Store. Mickey was the “Produce Manager”. He never looked like he aged and still moved like the energizer bunny last time I saw him”.

 

“We will miss seeing Mickey scurrying about in his backyard. We loved his, “How are ya?” greetings. He was a fantastic neighbour who had the gift of giving. We found magazines, tape cassettes and other items at our front door. He loved to help a friend and had enough resources packed away. He was a great dancer who knew how to have fun. We’ll see you in heaven. Love your neighbours”.

Obituary for “Mickey” Harold James Pickup

Peacefully at the Smiths Falls Hospital on Monday, April 4, 2016 in his 85th year. Beloved husband of the late Jacqui Pickup (nee Adams). Loving father of Judy Ligetfalvy and husband Les, Steve Pickup and wife Licia, Ric Pickup and wife Cathy, Kelly Pickup and wife Maureen and Randy Pickup and wife Teresa. Cherished grandfather of Leslie, Steven, Brenon, Juleya, Kyle, Tabetha, Krystal, Nicholas, Jennifer, Britney, Shawna, Stefanie and Mic. Dear brother of Nick Pickup and wife Ola and Robert Pickup and wife Diane. Fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

As per Mickey’s wishes, bio-cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, donations to a Charity of Your Choice would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Lannin Funeral Home, Smiths Falls. Online condolences available at http://www.lannin.ca

 

 

 

Related reading:

Glory Days of Carleton Place–Mike Kean