Never on Sunday —- Billings Bridge Vs. Store Hours 1955

Lost Ottawa· 

How the Billings Bridge mall looked in Ottawa South in 1954.

Shared by Victoria Edwards, who found it on a site that features pictures of shopping plazas across Canada.

According to the site, Steinberg’s arrived in 1962.

(Picture seems to have come originally from the City of Ottawa Archives)

November 1955

An interim injunction, restraining merchants in the Billings Bridge shopping center from remaining open after the regular 6 p.m. closing hour, -was denied yesterday by Senior County Judge A. G. McDougall. As a result the six shops in question remained open until 9 o’clock last night, and will remain open again until that hour tonight. Assistant City Solicitor Donald D. Diplock told The Citizen today that the city’s next legal move will be made in Toronto before a justice of the Ontario Supreme Court.

In the meantime Ottawa’s downtown department stores are considering a plan to remain open in the evening from Dec. 20 to Dec. 30, something that has not been done in the past 15 years. On Wednesday night Eastview Council amended a bylaw which will in future permit shops in that municipality to stay open until 10 o’clock every Friday night the year round. v Mr. Diplock, referring to the city’s next move, said that an interim injunction against the Billings Bridge merchants will be applied for at Osgoode Hall (Toronto) “sometime before next Thursday”. If it is granted it will have the effect of keeping the stores from staying open after fi p.m., pending hearing of an application for a permanent restraining order which would come before the January Assizes here. In hearing yesterday’s application Judge McDougall was sitting in the capacity of local Judge of the Ontario Supreme Court. In that capacity he has the power to grant an interim injunction where an emergency is proven by the applicant.Hp ruled, however, that in this case the city had failed to prove the existence of an emergency as interpreted by law.

CLIPPED FROMThe Ottawa JournalOttawa, Ontario, Canada26 Nov 1955, Sat  •  Page 14

Good old Charlotte Whitton

WON’T HELP AT OPENING OF LOBLAWS City Hall sources revealed today that Mayor Whitton has “found it impossible” to accept an invitation to officiate at the opening of the new Loblaws store at the Simpsons-Sears shopping center. The Mayor participated al Loblaws openings at Billings Bridge and oti the Montreal Road. The assumption now, however, is that she is “strongly displeased” with Loblaws because of the fact that the firm is among those who have Insisted on remaining open after hours on Thursdays and Fridays at the Billings Bridge shopping center. November 1955

Sharon Stewart

There was a little restaurant in there to the left of Loblaws at one time. I was taken there (without my siblings) for a treat (e.g., a sundae) after singing in a concert or playing in a piano recital

Donna Claire Ager

Sheila – Mom wheeled Rick and me to the opening!

Claude J. Leduc 

Steinberg’s Opening ad 1962 (in French from Le Droit)

Photo-Claude J. Leduc  Flikr

Elizabeth Elton

My mum walked back and firth across Billings Bridge to get her groceries at Steinbergs three times a week in the 1960’s. Twice she was part of a promotion where they took her cart of groceries and bought the same things at Loblaws and compared prices.then put the numbers and her photo in the paper. The second time they told her in advance!

Wendy Wickware Conway

I remember the mall too. We used to walk there from Heron Park, down Clementine to Ohio(formerly Creek Street) then when we got to Bank we had a very narrow path along Bank just past the old church above the creek. We had to hold on to the roadside cable connected to the white and black highway posts to get by as there was a steep drop to the creek. The trampolines were such fun. I remember the stores mentioned as well as Fairweathers and The Davis Agency. We could listen to 45’s in a little booth there. They would play a 45 once for you to see if you liked it. Oh and there was a Fishers Men’s wear store too.

Kathy Wesley

yes it was never all enclosed the way it is today. As you say, in and out of each store and having to keep taking your coat off and on again going into and out of each store. I used to walk there from where we lived near Bank St and Heron Rd and it was about a 20 minute walk. and Bank St was one lane going each way.

Glenn Clark

I remember this format very well when I was a child. Notice the row of trees below the parking lot. This was Sawmill Creek before it was relocated east of Bank Street. At the bottom of the picture is a rectangular building. This was the Orange Lodge that is now a clothing store. Just above that building is another clump of trees. It would be interesting to really blow that part up. This was the location of a fairly large monument remembering Wesley Hull who died in the Boer War. When Riverside Drive was twinned around 1960, the monument was put into storage for almost 40 years. It can now be seen in Hawthorne Cemetery on Russell Road.

Click here…

Did Charlotte Whitton Live in Carleton Place?

Floating Bridges, Toll Gates and Typhoons– Clippings of Billings Bridge

Larry Clark Memories : Billings Bridge, Willow Trees and the Orange Lodge

Flashbacks of Little Miss Flash Cadilac– Chapter 2 –Was it Because I Have AB Positive Blood? Element #1

Was it Because I Have AB Positive Blood? Element #1

 I was told by my doctor once that 10% of the world’s population has AB Positive blood and it’s where I get my “oddness” from. Funny, I never thought I was odd! All I knew was I didn’t want to end up in the military like my Father had daily visions of. It had come to his attention many times that I was different, and I stuck out like a sore thumb in my rural hometown in Quebec. When your father is a prominent municipal fixture, and the only electrician in town, word travels around like a bush fire that your daughter is weird or a character as they called me. Honestly, there are lots of people like myself, and then there are those that pretend not to be.

Catherine Landry ( Pennies from Heaven, Ladies Who Lunch) Me, Diane Woodward (Diane Woodward Art) and Wanita Bates ( Citizen Journalist, CBC, award winning author) at the store when it was on the ground floor where Le Chateau used to be on Rideau

My friend Wanita Bates said something once that made complete sense to me after all these years.

‘Linda, some of us have gifts to feel what is going to be in style, and you and I are one of them.” When I had my store I was way ahead of fashion trends, but when major retailers grabbed on to it and money making was involved–I was long out of it. 

So after heated arguments with my father, I left home and headed to Montreal, Quebec. I attended fashion design school on Bleury Street where I became instantly bored. Instead of great 60’s fashion and styles that I was expecting my teacher made me make pattern after pattern of 1950’s styles. After classes, I would venture into store after store, just absorbing the culture and the fashion.

After almost completing my course, I decided I needed to find a job. Well Twiggy, Mary Quant, and all the Carnaby Street styles were afloat and guess who was wearing them? My Dad was getting remarried and gave me $75 dollars to buy something for his wedding. Being the drama queen I purchased a black velvet Twiggy mini dress and a black floor length Dr. Zhivago style coat. It was a real floor duster with black faux fur trim, and Omar Sharif would have been proud.

Militmore Road, Bromont, Quebec. There I was in that Dr. Zhivago Midi coat circa 1968?? that was supposed to be the end all to me getting a job. Like the manager of Bill Blass in Montreal said to me that year,
“Kid get yourself another coat if you want a job!”
My how things have changed

So when I went for job interviews I insisted on wearing the same “ultimate”outfit I wore to the wedding. Most clothing manufactures were not into the “Carnaby look” yet and I was told time after time, “Kid, get yourself another coat”. In layman’s terms I was scaring all these fashion people with my wardrobe. Defiant, I kept wearing it. A few weeks later I got my dream job. It was working for trendy Le Chateau on Ste. Catherine Street hemming pants. It was their first store, and their clothing styles were worn by anyone who wanted to be someone. I was right up their alley– or so I thought.Sadly, I only got to work there for about 6 months, as I was basically hired for the Christmas rush. In those few months I got to meet the Montreal trendsetters, wore “Gabardine Mod” pants, and so began my lifetime eating disorder. But, it was a time I will never forget, and believe fashion has never been so exciting. Just being able to sneak into the Boiler Room on Crescent Street and watch fashion happen was mind blowing.For some reason only known to God, I was just not ‘cool” enough to work as a salesperson in their store, and rent had to be paid. In the middle of the coldest winters ever I hauled my derriere all over the Island of Montreal looking for a job.

I finally found a job at The Fine Togs Clothing Co. It was a childrens manufacture run by Blossom and her husband Hy Hyman. Actually Blossom ran the company and Hy smiled a lot and played golf. They thought I was a spunky kid and if I had stayed there, I would have probably be retiring from the company about now. They were good people.

If my grandmother Mary was my foundation for my hard working ethics, then Saul Cohen was the drywall. He expected me to arrive at 7:30 every morning and I had to ask to leave around 7:45 pm at the end of the day. The man worked me to the bone, and I just chalked it up to experience. I worked in the cutting department, sewing, swept floors, did book work, and worked in the show room. There was not one stone that he did not make me turn over, and turn over again.’Sauly” was relentless, and when he found out that my Mother had been born to a Jewish Mother  he made sure I knew about my heritage. Anytime I asked to leave early he would turn around and say to me,”Do you know how our people suffered?”.Enough said.

One day he decided that I was ready to represent the company selling their clothing line at the Place Bonaventure clothing mart. He told me I had to have, no, must wear, something conservative.So I did what every other girl my age did. I went to Sears and bought “The Suit”. It was navy blue, a box jacket complete with a knee length pleated skirt. I had red shoes and red earrings to match. That was the last time I wore something so conservative. It just wasn’t me.

I applaud Saul for everything he taught me and how someone actually got me into something that wasn’t black. Word got around the clothing market about me and I was soon hired by a competitive children’s wear company run by Palestinians. Yup, I was no peace maker between the people of Israel and Palestine, but this was a time I will never ever forget.

Patricia McCoy



Hey Linda, what a blast from the past! I still have my unique, favourite top from your store.

Flashbacks of Little Miss Flash Cadilac Chapter 1

Mini Memories of Retail Stores, Au Bon Marche, Liberty Stores, Orientique, and Flash Cadilac 1976

Glitter Shine and Satin – Ottawa Fashion 1978 – Flash Cadilac

The Best Adult Brownie Recipe with a side of the Vice Squad — A Flash Cadilac Story

Flashbacks of Little Miss Flash Cadilac — A Hello and Goodbye Hawaiian Short Story

Flash Cadilac -Sex Lies and Video Tape?

Stayin’ Alive — Reconnecting With the Friends of Flash Cadilac

Flashy Memories of Pandora’s Box ETC — Oh Ottawa Behave!

Remembering Nash the Slash at The Black Swan Pub

Flashbacks of Little Miss Flash Cadilac Chapter 1

Saturday I posted this picture of Wanda Jane–originally from Ottawa, originally from Disco Viva, and now of California. She used to shop in my store in the 70s and Saturday was the first time we had seen each other in 47 years. So I decided Im going to put my book about my store online. Im getting older and I want none of you to forget that its okay to be yourselves.. and sending big hugs. Keep the message going..#beyourself

click here..

Chapter 1- ‘Flashbacks of Little Miss Flash Cadilac.

To Dan Webb who got me to write these stories.

Self Employed? Even though I’m a Jedi, I’m Not Invincible!

Friday, Jan 16th, 2015.

“Hi, my name is Dan. I just saw your post on the Facebook Lost Ottawa group. You spoke to my Small Business Management Class at Algonquin College back in 1996. A speech we all never forgot. Just wanted to say Hello!!”

As I read the Facebook message again I was amazed people remembered me. After all, I had opened my business before the internet surge, and most of my customers were on the verge of forgetting everything, like myself. Two weeks previous I had actually found the speaking engagement itinerary from Algonquin College along with the complimentary pen they gave me. As my eldest son said,

“Keep the pen Mum, it could be a collectors item one day.”

I remembered the hour-long speech and cringed. Speaker number 5 was my position between the Second Cup Business Franchise and the students ‘nutrition break’. It was a tough slot to be in. I wanted to be different, so I remember walking in lip-synching to Aretha Franklin’s “Respect”. Knowing that Maureen Donnelly would not have done anything similar in her discussion previously about car dealerships; I figured I walked alone. The 50 odd business students sat before me with their mouths open after that entrance, and I immediately told them that if they wanted to hear how glorious owning a small business was that they should have invited Corel’s Michael Copeland. I patted a front row student on the shoulder and told him,

“Honey, don’t think you are going to get rich, as there ain’t no Love Boat dockin’ at the retail port anymore.”

Relentless, I continued to tell them a small business was like a giant Mousetrap game, and to make sure all your balls run smoothly so you don’t get trapped financially. My entrance to life in the business sector began inside the very first Le Chateau store on Ste. Catherine Street in 1967. Again, I asked the bewildered student how old he was that particular year. I told the crowd if I had to do it all over again I would have stayed in school– but most teachers in High School thought I was a taco short of a Mexican Combination Plate. There was no choice for me but self-employment, as who in their right mind was going to hire me. The trail of life had to be forged on my own like Reece Witherspoon in the film “Wild”.

I offered those gullible students some really great business advice like: if your store becomes successful, don’t let your 83 year-old senile Grandfather become the floorwalker, as he is libel to make people nervous. Or, never rent the former premise of Marvel Beauty School, as it’s going to take awhile to get the perm smell out of the place. Remember if a Chinese restaurant next door has a fire, you are most certainly going to deal with a lingering smell, and a wall full of water pockets. Some how I related to them that a burgeoning store owner uninterested in their customers was like a sad mime, and then went off on a tantrum on how I hated mimes. Anyway, the rent was right, and so began Flash Cadilac in 1974 on a budget of $1500.

Who else would instruct these young impressionable business students that making a big sale was like stages of phone sex I asked myself? I believed I described it as, “getting in there quietly, and building the momentum until you get that big orgasmic sale.” Explaining to them that my initial customers were from the gay community, the Rocky Horror crowd, and strippers from Pandora’s Box made their mouths drop. Never become a statistic I said.

I advised one young man that his dreams of opening a chain of stores should be dashed unless he had a relative in each town. The staff in my Toronto Yonge Street store were dealing drugs out of the store at 3 am and even my alarm system wasnt catching them. I lamented how business gets tough, and the only way I could sell things after the Rideau Centre opened, was if people could smell I was losing my shirt on Betsey Johnson apparel.

The most important message I repeated three times: even if you rent from family get a lease, and ads saying “find me behind the yellow line” really means I am truly behind a yellow duct tape line.

No matter what I went through, I stressed my customers throughout the years were my family, and we became a community. I always encouraged my fellow local business people, and never trashed local musicians that made it big like Alanis Morisette. Insisting, after a local backlash, complete with stickers, that said we had to “give the bitch a break”.

I never gave up, never became mainstream, and never looked back. If you can’t be true to yourself and like what you sell—well, what’s the use? Never ever regret what you do! Before they opened a business I said in closing, do research, make sure your finances are in check, study hard and graduate, and always believe in yourself. In my best Yoda voice I smiled at them and said:

“Adventure, excitement-a Jedi seeks not these things.”

Because of Dan and the public response on the Facebook group “Lost Ottawa” I decided to reminisce about Flash Cadilac in words. In years past I would not go near any mention of the store as it hurt too much to go down memory lane. It’s amazing how you get into a mindset that what you did for decades had nothing to do with you, but in reality, it will always be part of Ottawa’s fashion history.

Mini Memories of Retail Stores, Au Bon Marche, Liberty Stores, Orientique, and Flash Cadilac 1976

David Ellis–Downtown Sherbrooke’s Au Bon Marche at the corners of King & Grandes-Fourches Streets in the 1960’s





Liberty stores in Ottawa came to Ottawa from the Eastern Townships in Quebec.

Another person I owe who I am today is the late Morty Vineberg from Au Bon Marche in Sherbrooke, Quebec. I learned the retail trade from the bottom up from him, and to this day, if there is a spot for just 50 items, and I have 300; I can whip that into shape as fast as you can say “bargain designer clothes”. In those days you took pride in your work, listened and worked hard, and you learned from those that knew.

How do you explain to kids today that’s how life was? You don’t– you had to be there.

 


Memories of Au Bon Marche in Sherbrooke. 1969? –This was an ad for the Sherbrooke Daily Record for Au Bon Marche..Me on the left and the other model on the right– my fellow friend and Au Bon Marche employee Pauline. Worked at Le Chateau and manager of The Knack in the store. Where do those years go? Miss my Sherbrooke years and Au Bon Marche. Cherish what you have today because they disappear..

1982 flood in Sherbrooke Quebec . Le Chateau was part of Au Bon Marche as you can see the Le Chateau sign on the building.

It was 1972, and I was being transferred from Au Bon Marche in Sherbrooke, Quebec to their new Liberty Stores in the old Bingo Palace just after the Cummings Bridge in Ottawa — which connected Rideau Street to Montreal Road in Vanier. The Vinebergs, who were the owners, were taking a big chance on opening that store as gossip said Ottawa people did not cross the bridge into Vanier.

1896 Cummings Bridge

The first wooden bridge over the Rideau River was constructed in 1836 by Charles Cummings, rebuilt in 1845, and replaced in 1890 – draws settlement to the area that will become Vanier. Many merchants and civil servants take advantage of the opportunity to move out of Ottawa’s Lowertown, already densely populated. Janeville is founded in 1873, followed by Clarkstown some 20 years later. In 1909, the Ontario government merges the two settlements with Clandeboye to form the village of Eastview.

And so I was transferred to the other side of the bridge and I lived at Pestalozzi College. read-I Lived in Pestalozzi College – Life in Ottawa 1972

1974

Liberty Stores Montreal Road Vanier

Liberty Stores 1974 – I think the gal’s name on the right was Brenda.I managed Le Knack

Liberty Stores 1974 – I think the gal’s name was Brenda.I managed Le Knack

CLIPPED FROM
The Ottawa Citizen
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada02 Apr 1980, Wed  •  Page 79

CLIPPED FROM
The Ottawa Journal
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada29 Apr 1978, Sat  •  Page 9

I only worked there a few years. If remember correctly I left because there was just a lot going on at that store in Vanier and actually developed a bad case of retail anxiety.

Orientique

Six months later I was working for the Orientique Company as a merchandiser and was thrilled to be working with a great couple, Irwin and Wendy Kruger that had all these neat stores in Ottawa, Toronto and Windsor. As my friend Connie said: Crinkle cotton skirts, batik printed bohemian wrap around skirts and Jesus sandals! (soaking them in water to mold them to your feet and of course) and Tie Dye Shirts. The scent of Patchouli forever in my memory.

After that it was off to open Flash Cadilac on the second floor at Rideau and Dalhousie

Ready-Steady-Go! Dear Sheila- 1976

Dear Sheila,

I am about to open within the next two weeks, hopefully. I have had a lot of issues getting a Vendor Permit because the landlord was doing renovations in another part of the building without a building permit. So Ange got mad, and that is all it took, and we are about to open. We also had to file for a Health Permit because I am selling recycled clothes. Yes, they have to check the cleanliness of your washroom to be able to sell anything that is not new. I am so excited, we have a 9:30 am appointment with the Mary Quant cosmetic rep tomorrow.

You remember how I used to wear her makeup all the time in Montreal when I worked in Le Chateau years ago. I still remember the day she was at the Oglivy store on Ste. Catherine Street and I shook her hand. I think it was even better than when I grabbed Paul McCartney’s hand in Seattle!I was telling Ange that we have set it up just like Biba was like in London, but I will never be a Biba!

I have just added a huge Japanese-style round table with seating pillows in front of the change room. This is what have so far:

Ray Straight-Leg Jeans

Old Fur Coats

Recycled Dresses

Cozy Sweaters

Scarves

Jewelery

Russian Flowered Shawls with Fringe

Gauze Embroidered Tops

Stockings

Hanes Hosiery

Make-Up

Recycled Suede Purses and Vests

Ballet Shoes

Mary Jane Chinese Shoes

Ballet Leotards and Tights

Japanese Fans

Paper Wallets

Feather Boas

Fur Boas I make out of Fox Tails

Cigarette Holders

Ladies Pipes

I would love to carry Laura Ashley too, but, wonder if it would go with the things I have. My dream is to go to San Francisco and touch Gunne Sax clothes designed by Jessica McClintock! I am going to put a dancing girl (with clothes on of course) in the window Thursday and Friday night to draw attention. Randy, the hairdresser has offered, but I think I will pass.

If you didn’t know Randy the hairdresser acrossthe hall that was another story LOLOL

Driving into Rideau Street

The early 1970s was a cruel time for Ottawa’s locally-owned department stores. Familiar companies, which had serviced Ottawa residents for generations, seemed to fall like nine pins, replaced by national chain stores. Freiman’s on Rideau Street was bought out by The Hudson Bay Company. Murphy-Gamble’s, the grand old lady of Sparks Street, became a Simpsons. Meanwhile Eaton’s moved into the Ottawa market, launching an anchor store in the new Bayshore Shopping Centre in Nepean. But perhaps no loss was felt as badly as the closure of Larocque’s, the Lowertown emporium that catered primarily to Ottawa’s francophone community. On 11 September 1971, the Ottawa Journal revealed that the venerable store, a fixture at the corner of Rideau and Dalhousie Streets for more than fifty years, would be closing its doors for good at the end of the year. Staff had already been given their notices. It was the end of an era. Read more here click

Hidden Creeks, the Bywash and Sinkholes

Documenting Mr.and Mrs. William Fest Transportation Building or—I Want Candy

Advertising —The Victorian Banner Girls

In the days before the internet – and even moving pictures – companies had to be creative when advertising their products to the public. 

These are the fascinating photos of the late 19th century ‘banner lady’ phenomenon – where U.S. businesses would drape young women from head to toe in the items they sold.

Just like in modern times, businesses-owners used young women to advertise completely unrelated wares, and ‘banner ladies’ would have everything from pretzels  to light bulbs pinned to their skirts.

Tell me the Story About this Plane.. The Answer is….

What Happened to the Towels in the Soap Box?

What Did You Use MIR Dish Soap For?

Desperately Seeking Effie Elsie McCallum — Part 2 — Jaan Kolk

Jane McCallum — The First Lady of No-Rub Laundry Flakes

Peter McCallum — From Brown and Wylie Mill Employee to The King of Mack’s No Rub Laundry Soap

In Memory of Peter McCallum –Almonte’s Grand Old Lady

More on Jane McCallum/Jane Moore McNeely — The First Lady Of Soap

The Carleton Place Bathroom Appliance Cars

Spittle Spatter and Dirty Faces of Yore

Gym? I Thought You said Gin!

I will Wash Your Mouth Out with Soap!

Remember Halo Shampoo?

What the Heck was Electric Soap? Chatterton House Hotel Registrar

August 1949 Introducing Johnson and McCreary –Almonte

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

related reading

McAdams Store Almonte

Almonte in the Twenties

Remembering John Kerry from Almonte—By Karen Hirst

N. S. Lee & Son Hardware Comments and History

Mary Delaney Caught Stealing at The People’s Store

Almonte Business May 15 1875 Block Sale James Forgie

Old Almonte Photo Collection — In Back of the D. W. Snedden Drugstore 1953

Needham’s Shoe Store in Almonte- Memories

New Buildings in Almonte Summer of 1866

T. J. Reid Almonte Catalogue 1911-1912 — Adin Daigle

Cochran’s Shell Service– Gail Barr

Photos of Almonte- Gail Barr

O’Kilman Becomes Okilman in Carleton Place and Almonte

Santa Claus Parade Almonte 1974 Business Names

Movin’ on Mill Street– Supertest Building

A 1978 Walking Tour of Mill Street Almonte

Dupont’s Mill Street Restaurant Renovated 1899

What Was the David Harum Ice Cream Sundae Sold in Lanark County?

Clippings and History of Mill and Bridge Street Almonte

What Did You Eat at the Superior? Comments Comments Comments and a 1979 Review

So What Happened to Smolkins?

T. J. Reid Almonte Catalogue 1911-1912 — Adin Daigle

All photos- Adin Daigle

All photos- Adin Daigle –read-A Name on a Sign –Thomas J. Reid Almonte

All photos- Adin Daigle

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.”

read-A Name on a Sign –Thomas J. Reid Almonte

almonte gazette september 1911

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

read-A Name on a Sign –Thomas J. Reid Almonte

all photos- adin daigle

Miss Clement’s Hat Studio Almonte

Ladies who entered Miss Clement’s millinery parlors on opening days last week were ushered into a veritable bower of beauty and elegance, and if any were there who had formed the resolution to “ make last year’s hat do” for another season it must have been a strong will that did not succumb to the; temptation presented by the beautiful array which was to be seen.

Among all the creations shown The Merry Widow sailor in nile green Milan- shade, with tan and pink cabbage roses, feathers of green and tan, is one of the popular hats for this season, and |was greatly admired.

The Merry Widow hat is characterized by its wide-brimmed style. The width varied, but often hitting around 18 inches. The top of the hat was decorated, often with feathers (often Ostrich), flowers and sometimes even stuffed birds. Black or other dark colors were most commonly used for the hat, but bright shades of beige and purple were also used.  With the hair being curled up towards the top of the head and the hat placed on top of that, the two in combination created quite a voluminous look.

Another fashionable hat is in mohair braid, with water lilies and lily of the valley. But they can’t all be described. The only way is to drop in and see them. April 1908– Almonte, Ontario

Related reading

Hats, Ogilvy’s and Gaudy Teenage Years — Noreen Tyers

Local Women Wearing Hats– Photos Chica Boom Chica Boom

Mad For Hats!! Doris Blackburn’s Hat

Wearing Vintage Hats – Blowing the Lid off Katherine Newton

Bertha Schwerdtfeger — Mother of the Carleton Place Schwerdtfeger Sisters

Mad as a Hatter — Wearing Vintage Hats

Electrical Plugs — Hats– and Impressive Men – Putting on the Ritz in Almonte

Pour some Feathers on Me

Weird Wendell’s Paperback Writers

Gypsies Tramps and Thieves

What Would You do for a Hat Trick?

Found- Maley’s Medical Knife — Jackknife– So What’s the Story Morning Glory? Jaan Kolk

property of adin wesley daigle

So Adin found this neat jack knife this week and I was so enthralled with it I had to find where it came from. There is a heck of a lot of Maley’s in the Smiths Falls area, and at first I thought their first store was in Oxford Mills, then Kemptville because this is what I found in local directories. There name through genealogy searches is also spelled Maley or Mealey

Oxford Mills
1861 T. Maley Shoes

Maley, T. F.; 3 Russell St. W. Smiths Falls

Any clippings I found I put it in the ‘ historical area”—but I gave up and called in the ‘big guns’ — which is Ottawa historian Jaan Kolk. I sent my “request for a quest” last night and this morning I got up to this. Thanks Jaan!!!

The first thing Jaan said to me was: “Perhaps it’s a medical knife, Linda. It looks like it has… “heeling power”. D’OH—-

Adin Wesley Daigle photo

Jaan Kolk Figuring Out What is What—

1-The 1857 Canada Directory has Thomas Maley General Store, Kemptville. The 1869 Province of Ontario Gazetteer has, in Kemptville, Thomas Maley Boots and Shoes. and Maley Bro. & Co., General Merchants. The 1904 Union Publishing Co. Farmers and Business Directory has W.L. Maley Boots & Shoes in both Kemptville and Smith’s Falls, so it appears that T.J. may have taken charge of brother William’s second store in Smith’s Falls while William remained in Kemptville.

2-It looks like the Maleys may not have been in the shoe business in Kemptville continuously through the late 19th century. The 1884 Ontario Gazetteer has W.L Maley Boots & Shoes in Brockville. In Kemptville, it has Thomas Maley as a loan agent, and George T. Maley with a general store. The 1888 edition had the same, with Wm. L. Maley, shoemaker, corner of King and Apple, Brockville. The 1898 Eastern Ontario Gazetteer still has W.L. Maley boots & shoes in Brockville, and the only other Maley business listed was G.T. Maley, banker, in Kemptville.

Mrs. Thomas Maley, mother of T.F. Maley, died in Smiths Falls July 25, 1912, at age 81. She was survived by her husband, son T.F. Maley, and a one daughter. It was written in her obituary that she (and her husband, I presume) had moved to join her son in Smith’s Falls about six years earlier. A social note for Kemptville in the Ottawa Citizen March 15, 1906 said “Mr. Thomas Maley was in Smith’s Falls Monday”, and another Kemptville note July 23, 1907 said “Mr. Thomas Maley of Smith’s Falls spent last week here with his son W.L. Maley.” That would be consistent with Thomas and his wife having from Kemptville to Smith’s Falls 1906-1907. From the Citizen, July 30, 1912:

The Ottawa Citizen
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
12 Jan 1907, Sat  •  Page 3

3-OK, now I’ve got it. William L. Malley, who established the Smiths Falls store, was the son of shoemaker Thomas Maley, born ca. 1833. Thomas was two years younger than his wife Mary, who was born in Ireland. The 1881 census shows shoemaker Thomas and Mary in Brockville, with son William L., age 20, listed as a clerk. Also listed is daughter Martha, 18, and a son, 12, “Freddie T.” who must be “T.F. Maley.” I believe Brockville shoemaker Thomas Maley was the son of wealthy Kemptville merchant Thomas Maley, born about 1809 in Quebec (although I don’t have confirmation of that.) In the 1861 census he was listed (with wife Mary) as a shoemaker in Oxford Township, Grenville, and it looks like in 1851, young Thomas Maley was with the household of Oxford shoemaker William Dougal, listed as an apprentice. From the 1881 census, Brockville:

In other things Jaan found-In 1863, The Ottawa and Prescott Railway obtained an injunction against the Township of Oxford and several named shareholders to bar them from voting in shareholder meetings. Among them were four Maley, including a Thomas Maley.

The Ottawa Citizen
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
23 Jul 1907, Tue  •  Page 11

The Ottawa Journal
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
30 Jul 1912, Tue  •  Page 9

The Gazette
Montreal, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
01 Dec 1930, Mon  •  Page 9

ADIN”S BOTTLES

Mary McNish — Joseph Coombs Druggist Smiths Falls

A. Huckels & Co. -The Story of a Bottle- Thanks to Jaan Kolk

Interesting People –R. E. Irvine — The Story of a Bottle

Blackhawk’s B & B Tonic Carleton Place — The Great Tonic Laxative

When I Say Whoa–I Mean Whoa–The Dairy Horse

Cold Milk Ice Cream and Butter —- Carleton Place

Red Letter Days of the Lanark Fair 1910

More History on the Murphy Morphy McEwen House — Karen Prytula

The World’s Fair- Lombardy Fair

The Marvellous Jaan Kolk

I’ve Got a Hex on You — Jaan Kolk and Linda Seccaspina –Historic Rabbit Hole Series

Was the Butter Tart Really Invented in Barrie, Ontario? Jaan Kolk Files

Particulars About Pure Spring Ginger Ale — Jaan Kolk and Linda Seccaspina Historic Rabbit Hole Series

Talking Through Your Hat? Jaan Kolk

So Where Was Caldwell Mills? Thanks Jaan Kolk

The Thrift Store Couple – More Information-Jaan Kolk

The House on the Hill — Up the 8th Line of Ramsay — Jaan Kolk Files

Britannia Boat House Doomed— April 1907 Ice Jam –Jaan Kolk Files

Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign–Dr. Winters 154-160 Bridge Street Carleton Place –Jaan Kolk Files

Please take the Devil Out of Me? Rev. James Wilson of Lanark

Did You Know we Once Had a Grand Hotel? The Grand Central Hotel

The Cholera Epidemic of 1911

The Ashton Hotel– Questions Questions Flemmings and McFarlanes

Benoit & Richardson Photo– a Mystery

Before there was Baker Bob’s There was The Almonte Bakery

Does Anyone Remember Cohen’s in Lanark Village?

A. Huckels & Co. -The Story of a Bottle- Thanks to Jaan Kolk

A Name on a Sign –Thomas J. Reid Almonte

Thomas J. Reid Clothing store sign on pole on Mill Street in Almonte sign on corner. Photo-Almonte.com

I was looking at a photo and in the corner of my eye I saw the T. J. Reid sign on the pole and decided to find out who he was. This is what I found out:

Photo-Almonte.com

Progress Since Dry Wave Hit Town 1918

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.”

Photo-Almonte.com

Mr. Reid is very much of the opinion that the local option has benefited in Almonte. In fact, he appeared to be one of the most enthusiastic local optionist in the town. He was told of what some of the others had said about local option.

“And I am quite willing to throw in my chip, too.”; he said. “I have been in this town for many years, and I know for certain that the town is a lot better! A lot better off without the licenses”. Mr. Reid observed that since local option was carried, quite a number of the citizens of the town appeared to be better dressed and he ventured to say–better fed.

He remarked that has since local option was carried he does a greater business than he did in the license days. Mr. Reid observed also that temptation in the liquor line is placed out of reach of the boys and young men. “What liquor is being brought here from Carleton Place,” he said, “is being consumed by the men who have such a thirst that they would go three limes the distance.”

almonte legion formerly bank of Montreal-

The Ottawa Journal
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada-29 Sep 1950, Fri

Thomas J. Reid is the first one back row on left-almonte.com

14281-23 (Lanark Co) William Kenneth BOLAND, 31, fireman, Bromley twp Renfrew Co, Pembroke Ontario, s/o Tobias P. BOLAND (b. Belfast Ireland) & Catharine Anne WICK, married Margaret Ann BRYDGES, 27, household duties, Ramsay twp, Almonte Ontario, d/o Charles Edward BRYDGES (b. Kinross Scotland) & Margaret Seth REID, witn: Agnes J. REID & Thomas J. REID both of Almonte, 5 June 1923 at Almonte..

There was Just Something About Gerald Poaps Photo — People of Almonte

Thomas Raines Almonte — US Confederate Soldier Mayor and Dentist– Biological Mystery!!!

George Eccles Almonte Hero!

Miss Eva Denault- Almonte 1911 Fire Heroine

Scrapbook Clippings of George Jones-The One Man Band from Almonte

You Simply Just Can’t Shut Your Eyes

“Little Manchester” Coleman Island, Almonte, Ontario — Memories by John Hudson

Glory Days of Almonte– Michael Doyle

Growing up on the Coleman Island in the 40’s and 50’s Marg McNeely