PDA

View Full Version : Old Pics Of Hamilton


Pages : 1 [2] 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

stuckinexeter
Apr 13, 2012, 8:26 PM
well.... you can tell how old you feel when someone asks, where was the Brant Inn .... gets me closer to Old Age Pension come July :)
anyhow here are some more from the photo archives of the spec and library....

yes folks, we did pay a toll to use the Skyway when it was built..... i don't know how many times I watched my dad throw that coin into the white bucket...
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/skyway-4.jpg

A shot of James from Main looking north with the Federal Life Bldg (yes Federal Life, not Sun Life) as the pic shows.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/pcr-757.jpg

The old City Hall on James South
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/pcr-722.jpg

No caption needed for this one.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/OutsideViewofDairyBar.jpg

The first Miles For Millions Walk in '67
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/miles-1.jpg

Locke St South.... looking south.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/lockeblackwhite1.jpg

Two photos of the Library on Main west (NORTH side) between
Sun Life and Centenary United Church.... the library would get a grant and
rebuild directly across the street. Second pic is demolition of it.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/lib-2.jpg
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/lib-4.jpg

A shot overlooking the Jolley Cut towards downtown.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/jolley-7.jpg

a market along Hwy 8 in Fruitland...
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/hiltsgas.jpg

The Hamilton Forum on Barton St.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/forum-2.jpg

In the early days of CHCH TV....
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/chch-4.jpg

The Desjardins Canal ..... long ago.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/abbbbbb1.jpg

New Years Eve 1902 in Gore Park.... yeah..... we have electricity....

http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/aa-new2.jpg
View Looking West Over Reservoir to City - (189?)Scene Along the Proposed Beckett Mountain Drive
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/aaa-4.jpg

Nora Frances-Henderson opening a bazaar at Trinity Baptist Church.
The church still stands, but closed about 5 years ago.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/aa-32.jpg

You have to really go back..... find where the cross intersection seems to be... it would be King & Kenilworth.... this was Bartonville.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/aa-9.jpg

Now go back to 1956... too bad this wasn't in color.... the noteworthy observance of this Gore Park Christmas pic is the Piggot Bldg. Look closely and you will see the crown is illuminated. In this pic it would be red and green and for the rest of the year white.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/a-210.jpg

Citizens piling sandbags at Van Wagner's Beach to protect against a freak 1950 storm surge off the lake.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/a-61.jpg

Go back to 1932... the opening day of the public library on Kenilworth Ave.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/a-18.jpg

Current City Hall under construction...... in this pic the thing to note is the ESSO sign atop the Y.W.C.A. bldg at Main & McNab (where a current 22 story bldg now stands) How many can remember that ESSO sign once being
a RED FEATHER sign, visible from atop the Dundas Hill.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/a-7.jpg

The unforgettable Central Collegiate Fire (it was arson).
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/a-3b1.jpg

Bartonville Public School at King & Kenilworth.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/316.jpg

Finally the Wentworth County Courthouse on the site of the current one..
Main St. E. (south side between John & Hughson)
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/11---Courthouse.jpg

Well that's it for today.... if any one of you can discover a picture of the Neilson Sign, please post it..... in color would be even better.
(The sign stood where Plains Rd meets Hwy 6 north, and York Bvd.)

Dr Awesomesauce
Apr 14, 2012, 3:55 AM
Thanks for posting those pics.

I particularly like the Bartonville photo. It's amazing how pastoral it once was...not so much now.

mattgrande
Apr 14, 2012, 11:40 AM
That photo of the resovoir near Kenilworth... Any idea of a date on that?

And are those wooden slats on the side of Locke, with rail in the middle? Is that how they used to build roads?

stuckinexeter
Apr 14, 2012, 1:17 PM
Thanks for asking, because what i thought.... wasn't.... the photo below should have been captioned..... View Looking West Over Reservoir to City - (189?)Scene Along the Proposed Beckett Mountain Drive.... sorry for that slip up.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/aaa-4.jpg
as per the locke st photo, maybe someone can help me out.... i think i am seeing the bridge over the th&b tracks in the photo. The th&b tunnel I don't think would have been built yet.http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/lockeblackwhite1.jpg
Go to the Hamilton Library image base at:
http://preview.hpl.ca:8080/Sites/index.jspx
This will be of interest to you i am sure.

Dr Awesomesauce
Apr 14, 2012, 2:44 PM
Yeah, you're right. That photo's taken from the bridge looking South. The buildings to the left still stand on that spot. The one on the corner is a pizzeria, I believe.

The horse-drawn carriages are a nice touch.

I'm trying to imagine the approximate date of this photo. 1880s? 1890s? I don't think Locke was that built-up prior to that time.

hamtransithistory
Apr 14, 2012, 9:27 PM
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/lockeblackwhite1.jpg

The TH&B Hunter St tunnel was built in 1895. The streetcar tracks on top of the bridge are also from around that time.

Go to the Hamilton Library image base at:
http://preview.hpl.ca:8080/Sites/index.jspx
This will be of interest to you i am sure.

I really wish the Library would allow photo commenting to their image archive. If no date or location was recorded with the photo, then expecting the archivists to assign either is unfair. There are people online (several on this forum) who have the historical and urban knowledge who could do it much more accurately.

IronWarrior
Apr 14, 2012, 11:07 PM
Yeah, you're right. That photo's taken from the bridge looking South. The buildings to the left still stand on that spot. The one on the corner is a pizzeria, I believe.

The horse-drawn carriages are a nice touch.

I'm trying to imagine the approximate date of this photo. 1880s? 1890s? I don't think Locke was that built-up prior to that time.

Yes, the building on the left is still there...I live just up the street, but It's no longer Paradise Pizzeria the owners sadly retired after 35 plus years...Its been sold and gutted/renovated... If you look up at the buildings on Locke street south you will see dates in the late 1890's. My house around the corner was built in 1907.

stuckinexeter
Apr 15, 2012, 4:36 PM
All shots Hamilton Public Library unless otherwise noted.

Burlington St. 1925
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/burlingtonst1925.jpg

Power Station by Desjardins Canal in Dundas
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/32022191126917.jpg

Rollover at the Stoney Creek Traffic Circle.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/32022191098710.jpg

Winds blowing off the Lake at Van Wagner's
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/32022191081781.jpg

Overhead view of old City Hall, with Eatons, the market, and Lister Block.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/32022191078597.jpg

Looking south from over Inch Park. Street behind the water tank is Fennel Ave.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/32022191078407.jpg

View of the old Ottawa St. access, Kenilworth one under construction.
You can see the brick yard on Lawrence Rd. At top of pic is Mountain Brow Blvd (Concession St).... Flock Rd. is along the mountain side. The
part of the "U" shape road on left connects with Ottawa St.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/32022191078381.jpg

Construction of Royal Connaught.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/32022189098227.jpg

....and construction of the Royal Connaught addition....
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/32022189098219.jpg

Aftermath of 1949 New Westminister Church fire. (King & Melrose)
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/32022189084011.jpg

Aftermath of the Wentworth Arms fire.
(The building that this pic was taken from would be later set fire by an arsonsist.
Before he could get out, the building blew up).... he survived.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/32022189083773.jpg

An early industry in Hamilton .... not sure of location.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/32022189080654.jpg

Demolition of old City Hall on James.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/32022189077700.jpg

Carnival in town.... taken while Jackson Square complex going up.
The carnival used this empty area (soon to become home of Standard Life Bldg)
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/32022189067511.jpg

The Belt Line car at Kenilworth & Barton.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/32022189066505.jpg

Construction of the McKittrick Bridge (King W. at the Basilica).
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/32022189065788.jpg

Different angle looking down the track at the canal. View looking north.
New Lift Bridge under construction. Note also the old railway swing bridge
was still in place.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/32022189065671.jpg

View from bridge tenders office on the north bascule, looking south towards the south leaf of bridge.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/32022189065564.jpg

Topping off Century 21.....
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/32022189063833.jpg

View of downtown back then..... late 40's or early 50's.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/32022189058171.jpg

Downtown from the roof of the Court House.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/32022189058106.jpg

Overhead the Connaught.... 40's.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/32022189056407.jpg

Overhead from Civic Stadium (that's what is was back then) .... looking
east. Jockey Club on Barton between Ottawa & Kenilworth at top.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/32022189056332.jpg

Rykman's Corner (Upper James & Rymal)
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/32022189050103.jpg

Found this on Ebay.... and from the Chicago Tribune... a different shot of
the 1952 collision at the canal. Witnesses say the sound was not that loud, just hearing ripping metal. Took the bridge 15 seconds to settle after
being hit.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/KGrHqRhQE9tDjC792BPcn9wkS60_57.jpg

Dr Awesomesauce
Apr 16, 2012, 2:23 AM
Again, great photos.

I've never understood why the Connaught addition is different from the original. Perhaps they felt they couldn't match it well enough, so they went with something completely different.

How about that quagmire down on Burlington street! I didn't know there was a streetcar line down there but it makes sense.

I can't figure out that early industry picture. I think that's the Dundas Peak in the background but the angle's weird. I'm sure someone else will know.

Dr Awesomesauce
Apr 16, 2012, 7:03 AM
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/downtowntheatres1940s.jpg

Four theatres in this photo; none of which exist today.

Purple: The Lyric / Century
Yellow: Bennet's Theatre
Red: The Capitol
Blue: The Palace

And that's just in this photo! Just outside the picture is The Tivoli, the Hyland Cinema, The Odeon and on and on and on...all gone. :(

stuckinexeter
Apr 16, 2012, 7:13 AM
All pics courtesy Ontario Archives & Toronto Public Library.

Firstly, some "Theater" photos......

http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/I0011966.jpg
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/I0011963.jpg
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/I0011958.jpg
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/I0011956.jpg
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/I0011955.jpg

The following airplane views dated 1919.

Memorial School (Ottawa & Main)
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/I0010193.jpg

Victoria Park (King W runs left to right ... Strathcona Ave parallels the park)
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/I0010192.jpg

Downtown (wing is over the old Hunter St. Station..... "L" shaped building at top is Royal Connaught.
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/I0010184.jpg

Now some 50's pics..

King looking west to James
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/I0005705.jpg

Simpsons-Sears at the Centre Mall...
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/I0005655.jpg

The Skyway
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/I0005624.jpg

finally way back to some 1893 photos.
Captions are on the photos....
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/1893souv_pic-r-834.jpg
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/1893souv_pic-r-865.jpg
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/1893souv_pic-r-921.jpg
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/1910view.jpg
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/1910pcr-764.jpg
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/1910pcr-768.jpg
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/1910pcr-751.jpg
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/1910pcr-760.jpg

Dr Awesomesauce
Apr 16, 2012, 7:25 AM
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/Hamiltonalley.jpg

Possibly my favourite Hamilton pic ever. Less quaint and more Dickensian I'd say. I can just imagine the cries of 'Boy for sale! Boy for sale!'

I love old pics of the beach strip...it's a mere shadow of its former self.

Dr Awesomesauce
Apr 16, 2012, 7:51 AM
I've spent a lot of time looking at that alleyway photo [yes, I'm a TOTAL loser, I know]. Anyway, judging by the location of the City Hall tower, that alley is likely to be located in the [former] James-Market-MacNab-King block.

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/dtalleyway.jpg

This photo was taken from the tower looking down at the approximate location of the alleyway.

Just another example of what we've lost trying to 'revitalise' our city.

stuckinexeter
Apr 16, 2012, 9:29 AM
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/Yorkatjames.jpg
(HPL)

CaptainKirk
Apr 16, 2012, 1:43 PM
Front?

Looks to me that's looking south and slightly west form the corner of King William (see street sign at very left of pic).

I'm assuming that the old city hall is just out of the picture to the right of the people at the very right of the photo, and we're looking at James and York with the CIBC bldg in the background

What's also interesting is the "Expropriation Sale'' sign. Guessing that's the expropriation for Jackson Square judging by the car seen passing the bus.

stuckinexeter
Apr 16, 2012, 3:27 PM
I was rather referencing the wider bottom portion of the oval as to what buildings would be facing city hall.....and I guess Duncan's Book store was not too happy about that block to become history. If memory serves me correct I believed they moved to James/York corner from their old digs on the King W side of the same block..... that's progress eh...

matt602
Apr 16, 2012, 7:18 PM
I hate looking at pictures of that block. It's so heart breaking.

coalminecanary
Apr 26, 2012, 10:59 PM
created from images in this thread... my guess is the aerial is 1950s, the bottom left photo is 1970s and the bottom right is early 1900s

http://bikehounds.ca/images/rememberwhendowntownwascool.jpg

CaptainKirk
Apr 27, 2012, 12:07 AM
^^^ That's an awesome job. Looks bang on to me! (Except it's Sirloin Cellar http://www.thesirloincellar.ca/)

coalminecanary
Apr 27, 2012, 12:29 AM
haha... mental block... i knew steak cellar sounded funny!

can you imagine how amazing that u-shaped alley would have been? how did anyone EVER support this demolition???

Dr Awesomesauce
Apr 27, 2012, 2:58 PM
^From what I've read there was widespread opposition to the project, especially as the plans changed from 'Civic Square' to the indoor mall we have today [I'm sure somebody here has the blueprints for Civic Square and can upload them]. It would have been much better than what we have today, though still a far cry from the bustling market neighbourhood that once stood on that site.

woreg75
Apr 28, 2012, 1:19 PM
That is certainly the "lost Hamilton"... that quaint little corner was such a cool image to see, and I'm sure there were many more unique places that fell to the wrecking ball.. Thanks for that post, was thoughtfully put together.. Really makes you think..

schmadrian
May 2, 2012, 2:40 PM
It's always a dangerous thing to look back and 'judge' what previous generations did, having the luxury of hindsight and a more modern understanding of 'cause and effect'. Most comments I've read online that pillory those-who-wrought-such-devastation fall into this trap...and seem unwilling to make the effort to delve into the context of the times, which in this instance indeed, wasn't just a Hamilton-thing, but a mindset that had taken over North America and the entire world at this point, a mere two decades after our second world war in just over thirty years. People were clamouring for change more than they were for retaining (and respecting) the past.

Here's a good place to start, in terms of background information:
http://id.erudit.org/revue/uhr/2009/v37/n2/029577ar.pdf

urban_planner
May 2, 2012, 5:43 PM
In post 108 does anyone know the rought date that shot with the watertower just south of fennell was taken? My house is in that shot and I am hoping to used it to get a rough Idea of the age of my house.

Thanks

woreg75
May 2, 2012, 6:38 PM
It's always a dangerous thing to look back and 'judge' what previous generations did, having the luxury of hindsight and a more modern understanding of 'cause and effect'. Most comments I've read online that pillory those-who-wrought-such-devastation fall into this trap...and seem unwilling to make the effort to delve into the context of the times, which in this instance indeed, wasn't just a Hamilton-thing, but a mindset that had taken over North America and the entire world at this point, a mere two decades after our second world war in just over thirty years. People were clamouring for change more than they were for retaining (and respecting) the past.

Here's a good place to start, in terms of background information:
http://id.erudit.org/revue/uhr/2009/v37/n2/029577ar.pdf

I understand that.. I also am very excited seeing the BOE building come down and the Mac Medical Campus go up.. Was just a thought, when I cut through so many parking lots where infill stood, now gone as my walking commute is so much quicker.. Absolutely every generation needs to leave their mark, and I wouldn't dare argue with that!

stuckinexeter
May 4, 2012, 2:09 PM
Hi there.... the aerial photo of Fenell & Upper Wentworth is dated 1952. It is
in the digital online collection at the Hamilton Public Library.

bigguy1231
May 4, 2012, 10:11 PM
In post 108 does anyone know the rought date that shot with the watertower just south of fennell was taken? My house is in that shot and I am hoping to used it to get a rough Idea of the age of my house.

Thanks

The photo is misoriented. It's actually looking North. If you notice in the forefront the empty field is where Hillpark HS and Sackville park are now located. So that water tower photo predates the school. Most of those houses, North of Fennell were built in the late 40's and early 50's with the ones North of Inch Park being built even earlier.

I remember the water tower. It was torn down in the early 70's.

coalminecanary
May 4, 2012, 10:25 PM
It's always a dangerous thing to look back and 'judge' what previous generations did, having the luxury of hindsight and a more modern understanding of 'cause and effect'.

It's also dangerous to learn no lessons from past mistakes. When it comes to our vanished history, we SHOULD wonder "what were we thinking" or else we risk repeating the travesties. In the last 50-60 years, we have had a consistent track record of replacing good with bad, and have rarely replaced bad with better. We should not take any future demolition decisions lightly.

Dr Awesomesauce
May 11, 2012, 2:11 PM
I was on Locke the other day and tried to take a picture from the exact same location as this turn-of-the-century photo:
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/LOSO.jpg

Mine:
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/DSCN3609.jpg

schmadrian
May 25, 2012, 11:25 AM
It's also dangerous to learn no lessons from past mistakes. When it comes to our vanished history, we SHOULD wonder "what were we thinking" or else we risk repeating the travesties. In the last 50-60 years, we have had a consistent track record of replacing good with bad, and have rarely replaced bad with better. We should not take any future demolition decisions lightly.

...context and perspective.

1945-1960
1960-1990
1990-2012

Three entirely different eras, with entirely different influences and impacts, and to a great extent, three entirely different Hamiltons. (I'm thinking specifically of the downtown core.)

One town hall I'd love to produce would be a sortakinda 'workshop' where we would take Hamilton at 1955 and press 'Pause'. The participants -panel and audience- would then have a 'Mulligan'. With all the sincere tears cried over 'what was done', I'd love to hear and see how those-who-are-interested-enough-to-bother would redesign everything. From York Boulevard to 'Civic Square' to the loss of our Thomas Lamb gems, everything from Dundurn to Wellington, Burlington Street to the Escarpment. (Yes, I know I'm venturing out past the core, but it's my fantasy. LOL)

Naturally, we'd be looking at the knock-on effects of disparate decisions, and maybe even more than the different options, these might be the most difficult to grasp. You know, 'the butterfly effect'.

I think it would make for a 'fascinating' evening. Would you attend...?

Dr Awesomesauce
May 25, 2012, 1:30 PM
^God knows we've all done the 'revisionist thing' often enough. I can't help but think it would be a terribly depressing occasion.

What pisses me off most about past decsions is that there were people - both citizens and those in the employ of the City - who knew it was the wrong call. Whether we're talking Jackson Square, City Hall, York Blvd, one-way streets or what have you, bs always seems to win out over evidence and reason.

schmadrian
May 25, 2012, 5:20 PM
^God knows we've all done the 'revisionist thing' often enough. I can't help but think it would be a terribly depressing occasion.

What pisses me off most about past decsions is that there were people - both citizens and those in the employ of the City - who knew it was the wrong call. Whether we're talking Jackson Square, City Hall, York Blvd, one-way streets or what have you, bs always seems to win out over evidence and reason.

Pete, with all due respect, I'd love to see some examples ('proof') of 'who knew it was the wrong call'. This might also be accompanied by WHY they supported it while knowing it was 'the wrong call'.

I am very suspicious of such statements. However, I'd love to see an honest exploration of 'The Downtown, 1955-85: How It All Happened, And Why There Weren't Any Real 'Demons' at Play'. : )

Dr Awesomesauce
May 26, 2012, 2:30 AM
Evidence? Do you really expect me to scan through hundreds of microfilms from mid-century Hamilton papers / periodicals and footnote my responses? This is not a PhD dissertation...

From the accounts I've read over the years, there was opposition to all of the mega projects that so characterize our downtown today. The concepts of slow-moving / two-way traffic, walkability, public space etc., are not new in any way shape or form. Jane Jacobs wrote 'The Death and Life of Great American Cities' in 1961. While she was at the vanguard of this movement, she was not just a voice in the wilderness; Hamiltonians recognised the pitfalls of modern planning policies, too.

When the roof top plaza was proposed for Jackson Square to appease opponents to the project, people knew it wouldn't work. With no eyes from the street it would be unsafe and unfriendly and big shock, it is.

When Hamilton Place was proposed, people opposed it because they knew it would eventually result in the loss of existing theatres downtown. Again, that's exactly how things turned out.

How about York Boulevard? Do you think there was widespread support for the expropriation of all those businesses and homes? Not a chance.

All of these things happened because the City refused to listen to reason. They had an idea and they were going to push their agenda come hell or high water.

Personally, I feel the onus is on you to discover this 'proof' that you so avidly seek. Happy reading.

schmadrian
Jun 5, 2012, 8:54 PM
Fascinating. Except that all you've done is note that some people felt that way about those things. This is what you originally said: "What pisses me off most about past decsions is that there were people - both citizens and those in the employ of the City - who knew it was the wrong call. Whether we're talking Jackson Square, City Hall, York Blvd, one-way streets or what have you, bs always seems to win out over evidence and reason."

A bit over-the-top. (As was your crankiness.)

"They refused to listen." Strikes me as rather melodramatic. You make it sound like some bureaucratic behemoth ran roughshod over the city, leaving the bewildered and the beleaguered in its wake. And that these 'voices of reason' though loud, were tragically drowned out. I know the truth to be just a little different than that. This is the danger of looking back and imposing current views on something that unfolded in an entirely different time.

"Personally, I feel the onus is on you to discover this 'proof' that you so avidly seek. Happy reading." I've already done my research, but thanks. What I was looking for was a little dialogue, but clearly, you're waaaaaay too attached to how you need things to be framed retroactively. Happy kvetching and kibbitzing.

Dr Awesomesauce
Jun 7, 2012, 2:29 AM
Awwww sorry Schmadrian. It's true. I'm more than a little cranky, though far less so away from Skyscraperpage.

I've simply recounted what I've read over the years about Hamilton's wonderful attempts at urban renewal. I know you're not impressed with my anecdotes. ;)

Anyway, here's some fascinating reading for you and anybody else who's interested. This file also has some great images of the planned Civic Square.

http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=hamilton%20ontario%20urban%20renewal&source=web&cd=7&ved=0CF0QFjAG&url=http%3A%2F%2Fid.erudit.org%2Frevue%2Fuhr%2F2009%2Fv37%2Fn2%2F029577ar.pdf&ei=pRTQT8n8JOiViAeInZydDA&usg=AFQjCNHpVr2inlhNllYURegqPXEwEhNifw

NortheastWind
Aug 23, 2012, 3:56 AM
Facebook Page - Vintage Hamilton

Great place for people to post old, unseen photos of Hamilton.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vintage-Hamilton/357013597650273

Pearlstreet
Nov 15, 2012, 4:17 AM
Like many of you renovating in this town, I wonder how many have found treasure from the past like this I found during a fireplace renew.

It tells the true story of when the house was constructed (1914!). It's older than I had thought! As far as I can make out, it says "J.W. Midgley 4/ 4/ 14".
Before
http://i47.tinypic.com/345cwu9.jpg
Buried treasure
http://i46.tinypic.com/16jq1rc.jpg
After
http://i47.tinypic.com/wasp4y.jpg

A relative of any of yours?

Pearlstreet
Nov 21, 2012, 11:38 AM
A very well produced 'Best of Hamilton' YouTube series of Hamilton sights. Worth a look! :tup::thankyouthankyou:

'Subscribe' worthy as they keep adding new ones!
:previous:

Dr. Disk (HD)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubdsUnAI0GE&feature=share&list=UU0_wHwzHSAgq52Zr6tm7-dQ

Super Crawl 2012 (HD)
http://youtu.be/8dYjeQOV0AQ?hd=1

Albion Falls in (HD)
http://youtu.be/DdJGm12LF1w?hd=1&t=3s


Also check their news feed on the book of faces: http://www.facebook.com/cdspark#!/BestOfHamilton?fref=ts

palace1
Nov 23, 2012, 2:15 AM
That signature on the fireplace looks like it says G. Midgley.

In the 1911 census there is a George Wm. Midgley living at 1 Regent St in Hamilton. He was a Tile Setter for Kent-Garvin and worked 52 weeks, 44 hours per week for an annual pay of $730.

http://automatedgenealogy.com/census11/SplitView.jsp?id=31139
(from what I can tell a portion of Garfield Ave S. was named Regent and this address would be at approx. the corner of Dunsmure).

The 1922 city directory listing for Kent-Garvin:
KENT, GARVIN & CO, LTD, Ernest
E Kent, mgr, builders hardware,
mantles, tiles, etc, 10-20 Catharine
St North

thistleclub
Nov 23, 2012, 1:25 PM
That signature on the fireplace looks like it says G. Midgley.

In the 1911 census there is a George Wm. Midgley living at 1 Regent St in Hamilton. He was a Tile Setter for Kent-Garvin and worked 52 weeks, 44 hours per week for an annual pay of $730.


Neat. If true, that existing tilework might have been almost a century old. Treasure from the past, right out there in the open.

movingtohamilton
Nov 23, 2012, 3:21 PM
Neat. If true, that existing tilework might have been almost a century old. Treasure from the past, right out there in the open.

That's so cool.

I don't have an old photo to contribute, but I am doing a little research on the house we bought. We were told it was built in 1929/30. But then I found the 1922 City of Hamilton Directory, 49th edition, published by Henry Vernon & Son.

This Directory is a great resource. Here's a link: http://archive.org/stream/vernonhamilton00vernuoft#page/n3/mode/2up

The streets are listed alphabetically.

Our street address shows up, with the name of the occupant. So it was built perhaps a few years earlier than 1922.

I started looking into the 1911 Census, but there is no specific Ward 3 enumeration, as far as I can tell.

Now I'm determined to do more digging!

Pearlstreet
Nov 24, 2012, 1:28 AM
http://archive.org/stream/vernonhamilton00vernuoft#page/n3/mode/2up

That link is a great find! I have to show my neighbour this...

stuckinexeter
Dec 7, 2012, 1:12 PM
All posts this time courtesy Hamilton Public Library......
Will give you brief description on each.

.... to start off

Where York Blvd, Plains Rd & Hwy 6 meet.... note the Neilson Sign a neon wonder way back when...
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/sexexeter/1-1anorthwest2.jpg

E.D.Smith in Winona .... anyone out there still like HP Sauce?
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/sexexeter/1-1a27.jpg

Desjardins Canal before the High Level Bridge was there...
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/sexexeter/1-1a9.jpg

The old Hamilton Forum on Barton St.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/sexexeter/1-1-2t.jpg

View looking east on King from Catherine...
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/sexexeter/1-1o4.jpg

Corner of King and John
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/sexexeter/1-1o3.jpg

Building the Skyway
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/sexexeter/1-1-1a10-1.jpg

Looking north on Beach Blvd. towards the canal.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/sexexeter/1899-2.jpg

Aerial of Dofasco ... "X" intersection at bottom is Ottawa St & Beach Rd.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/sexexeter/1947-1b.jpg

After one of Hamiltons more famous blizzards..
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/sexexeter/1898-3.jpg

Crowning the fountain in Gore Park...
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/sexexeter/a-1a9.jpg

Hunter Street Central Collegiate before the big fire...
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/sexexeter/a-3f.jpg

Paddy Green's on Main West at Longwood Rd.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/sexexeter/1-1-1a31.jpg

stuckinexeter
Dec 7, 2012, 2:23 PM
Anyone enjoying this thread.... please search mom and dads old photos or even grandma & grandpas..... I am hoping someone will have any of the following

1. Queenston Rd. Traffic circle.... 1950-1960
2. Strathearne Ave hydro field .... anytime up to 1960.
3. Brickyard.... Lawrence Rd & Ottawa St. up to 1960.
4. Color photos of Piggot Bldg floodlit crown during Christmas & East/West view of bldg NOT from street view but from approx. same height as top.
5. Strathcona St. School fire....
6. Inside or outside views of:
Hal Wagoners Melody Lane at the Center.
Rileys Hobby Shop on King St. east.
The Conservatory of Music on James St. S. (before 1960)
The old YWCA bldg on Main West between Main & McNab.
7. Color photos of the following signs...
...atop the old Hoover Bldg, Barton & Gage.
...the old Simpson-Sears roof sign...
...the red Dofasco sign atop the bldg facing south
...the Stelco sign overlooking the bay.
...the Red Feather sign atop the old YWCA bldg.

If you can post, great..... or contact me on this forum and i would post for you. Please provide your normal email addy to make it easier if you wish.

stuckinexeter
Dec 7, 2012, 2:40 PM
Ok.... here's one that floored me.... from the HPL online archive
I am in this pic taken in '56.... won't say which one... only i am a senior now;)
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/sexexeter/32022191087937.jpg

stuckinexeter
Dec 7, 2012, 3:55 PM
Thanks to Scott Forsyth for direction to online photos submissions by Ross Taylor


The Neilson Sign
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/sexexeter/BHS064043f.jpg

Hydro Field at Elgin St.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/sexexeter/BHS064663f.jpg

Burlington Country Club.... 1915 .... before the Brant Inn was there...
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/sexexeter/BHS064652f.jpg

coalminecanary
Dec 7, 2012, 11:52 PM
Amazing, thanks! I'm looking for any photos of John Street - the older the better. Anything between Hunter and Wilson. They seem to be elusive as all downtown commercial district photos tend to be king or james

stuckinexeter
Dec 8, 2012, 11:11 AM
here's one Scott Forsyth emailed me last night....http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/westend.jpg

Shekky
Dec 20, 2012, 6:07 PM
Wonderful pictures - thank you for putting this all together.

My grandparents arrived in Hamilton in 1910 and are recorded in the 1911 census as living at 65 Cannon (East near Catharine). In 1915, he opened a shop at Park and Cannon, pictured here, and later the Shekter Building which still stands at 189-191 James North.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/organize/?start_tab=one_set72157632297171330

Pearlstreet
Feb 5, 2013, 4:15 PM
I stumbled upon this website when curious of what the old school looked like that once stood on what is now Beemer Park. Many old, now demolished buildings that people took pictures of and walked through before they were gone. Pictures of the Century Theater's interior too...

Click me for link to pics (http://www.uer.ca/locations/newlist.asp?country=Canada&province=Ontario&city=Hamilton)

Pearlstreet
Apr 23, 2013, 3:56 PM
new images and information can be found on "Vintage Hamilton's" Facebook page. Hundreds of people rehashing their experiences, pictures and stories everyday!

Katrillion
Jun 24, 2013, 3:42 AM
Sometimes I go to the forum when I want to cry :)

Dr Awesomesauce
Jun 25, 2013, 11:02 AM
here's one Scott Forsyth emailed me last night....http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u495/exetarian/westend.jpg

I remember being quite confused when I first saw this photo. What threw me off is the road running off to the west which is, I later found out, Longwood road. Must have been a beautiful drive in spite of the little shanty town down at the water's edge.

LikeHamilton
Aug 22, 2013, 3:36 PM
Found this web site of old Hamilton pictures.

http://jimbos.bravepages.com/

Dr Awesomesauce
Aug 23, 2013, 1:38 PM
Some great pictures! And not the usual ones we see recycled over and over again. Good find!

Dr Awesomesauce
Aug 23, 2013, 1:58 PM
Totally unrecognisable photo here. Looks like it was taken, perhaps, in the 1950s. $100 to anybody who can guess this location.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/MainandCaroline_zpsa4c45c28.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/the_dude1974/media/MainandCaroline_zpsa4c45c28.jpg.html)
source (http://jimbos.bravepages.com/el-mar.html)

Dr Awesomesauce
Aug 23, 2013, 2:05 PM
Chop Suey House. Part of Hamilton's previous Chinatown centred around John N.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/moodys_zpsa3c9a582.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/the_dude1974/media/moodys_zpsa3c9a582.jpg.html)
source (http://jimbos.bravepages.com/moodys.html)

Pigeon
Aug 23, 2013, 5:16 PM
.

LikeHamilton
Aug 23, 2013, 7:02 PM
Totally unrecognisable photo here. Looks like it was taken, perhaps, in the 1950s. $100 to anybody who can guess this location.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/MainandCaroline_zpsa4c45c28.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/the_dude1974/media/MainandCaroline_zpsa4c45c28.jpg.html)
source (http://jimbos.bravepages.com/el-mar.html)

Not so fast!

Main Street West, looking west from Caroline Street. The building with the round front is the Elmar House. They tore it down and the new building became the Elmar tavern. Used to drink there when they served 20 cent drafts. It is now an East Indian Restaurant I think called Modern. Kitty corner to it is the federal building. The next street is Hess. The building on the corner is still there minus the porch. Across is the city run high rise at 181 Main Street West. The next street with the Texaco station is Queen with the jog that is still there today.

Katrillion
Aug 23, 2013, 7:15 PM
A quick way to find out where it is, is to save the image. Sometimes the name of the intersection is the image files name. If not, you can do a reverse google image search and you can find websites where this image was posted and it will most likely tell you where it was taken...

I saved the Main and Caroline image and the file name was "MainandCaroline_zpsa4c45c28.jpg". Voila!

ScreamingViking
Aug 23, 2013, 7:44 PM
Or in this case, if you don't know where it was taken but really want to know, simply look at the link to the source. ;)

Dr Awesomesauce
Aug 24, 2013, 1:15 AM
A quick way to find out where it is, is to save the image. Sometimes the name of the intersection is the image files name. If not, you can do a reverse google image search and you can find websites where this image was posted and it will most likely tell you where it was taken...

I saved the Main and Caroline image and the file name was "MainandCaroline_zpsa4c45c28.jpg". Voila!

^I know the location! I was asking whether anybody else might have a go at it. ;)

And, yes, LikeHamilton got it.

Just look at the damage we did the south side of Main. Terrible...

Dr Awesomesauce
Aug 24, 2013, 1:26 AM
Now, here's a case where I don't know the location. I've never seen this shot before or the buildings, so I can't place it. The caption says 11 James S but that doesn't make a lot of sense to me. That address would put these buildings on the east side of James between King and Main, roughly between the Birk's building and Landed Banking and Loan building. I don't think that's right. Perhaps somebody can confirm or deny that label.

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/jetrest_zpsd0e406ce.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/the_dude1974/media/jetrest_zpsd0e406ce.jpg.html)
source (http://jimbos.bravepages.com/jetrest.html)

ScreamingViking
Aug 25, 2013, 6:12 PM
Now, here's a case where I don't know the location. I've never seen this shot before or the buildings, so I can't place it. The caption says 11 James S but that doesn't make a lot of sense to me. That address would put these buildings on the east side of James between King and Main, roughly between the Birk's building and Landed Banking and Loan building. I don't think that's right. Perhaps somebody can confirm or deny that label.

On the Vintage Hamilton Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/VintageHamilton) (this post (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=641818389169791&set=a.559725780712386.1628433.357013597650273&type=1&theater)) they correct it to 11 James N, though that's a 13 above the Robert Ward shop entrance so if that refers to the address how could the Jet Restaurant be 11?

But if you look at the streeview (https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=11+James+St.+N+hamilton&ll=43.257032,-79.868913&spn=0.001584,0.004128&hnear=11+James+St+N,+Hamilton,+Ontario+L8P+1A2&gl=ca&t=m&z=19&layer=c&cbll=43.257128,-79.868873&panoid=Q83RIw-PHXgrN6zNE4PctQ&cbp=12,111.56,,0,-14.04) it's hard to pick out matching buildings -- was there a facade in the late-60s that got removed? Is it even the same address on the same street?

CaptainKirk
Aug 25, 2013, 11:01 PM
On the Vintage Hamilton Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/VintageHamilton) (this post (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=641818389169791&set=a.559725780712386.1628433.357013597650273&type=1&theater)) they correct it to 11 James N, though that's a 13 above the Robert Ward shop entrance so if that refers to the address how could the Jet Restaurant be 11?

But if you look at the streeview (https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=11+James+St.+N+hamilton&ll=43.257032,-79.868913&spn=0.001584,0.004128&hnear=11+James+St+N,+Hamilton,+Ontario+L8P+1A2&gl=ca&t=m&z=19&layer=c&cbll=43.257128,-79.868873&panoid=Q83RIw-PHXgrN6zNE4PctQ&cbp=12,111.56,,0,-14.04) it's hard to pick out matching buildings -- was there a facade in the late-60s that got removed? Is it even the same address on the same street?

James N makes sense even with the Jet Restaurant being #11. That would place it where Jackson Square is now, west side of James N.

LikeHamilton
Aug 25, 2013, 11:04 PM
On the Vintage Hamilton Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/VintageHamilton) (this post (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=641818389169791&set=a.559725780712386.1628433.357013597650273&type=1&theater)) they correct it to 11 James N, though that's a 13 above the Robert Ward shop entrance so if that refers to the address how could the Jet Restaurant be 11?

But if you look at the streeview (https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=11+James+St.+N+hamilton&ll=43.257032,-79.868913&spn=0.001584,0.004128&hnear=11+James+St+N,+Hamilton,+Ontario+L8P+1A2&gl=ca&t=m&z=19&layer=c&cbll=43.257128,-79.868873&panoid=Q83RIw-PHXgrN6zNE4PctQ&cbp=12,111.56,,0,-14.04) it's hard to pick out matching buildings -- was there a facade in the late-60s that got removed? Is it even the same address on the same street?

Even numbers are on the east side of James and odd on the west side below King. These building had to be where Jackson Square is now.

ScreamingViking
Aug 26, 2013, 12:34 AM
Ah - forgot about the flip in odd/even numbering between south and north. Thanks CaptainKirk and LikeHamilton. :cheers:
(if I'd been more observant in street view, one of those businesses has #10 on its sign)

Dr Awesomesauce
Aug 26, 2013, 1:19 PM
Thanks for the clarification. That location makes a lot of sense, though I still don't recognise any of the buildings in that shot.

That website (http://jimbos.bravepages.com/) has several photos of the old market area, particularly of York St. A lot of character, though definitely a tad run-down in its dying days.

That neighbourhood was also the centre for the old Jewish community in this city. Architecture aside, a great deal of culture was lost in that urban renewal project. About the only evidence that remains in the area is an old synagogue at the corner of Hess and Peter.

Dr Awesomesauce
Aug 26, 2013, 1:42 PM
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/the_dude1974/JamesSouth_zps6ad496e7.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/the_dude1974/media/JamesSouth_zps6ad496e7.jpg.html)
source (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153144505805553&set=o.357013597650273&type=1&theater)

This is the first time I've ever seen a photo of this section of James South. So peculiar: a million pictures of the Birk's building; a million pictures of the Landed Banking and Loan building, and so few of those beauties in between. Again, such a shame they're gone. That's a big city photo right there.

coalminecanary
Aug 26, 2013, 6:07 PM
gentlemen start your engines!

CaptainKirk
Oct 30, 2013, 12:32 PM
Found this on a Toronto website

http://losttoronto2.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/li-sixty-620.jpg

CaptainKirk
Oct 30, 2013, 12:38 PM
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/sexexeter/zellershpl.jpg

This is probably the most disconcerting shot...

Think of what's there now if you were to stand on that spot on the roof of Jackson Square. Hardly any shops left along James and King William to generate that kind of foot traffic, Zellers is now a dead parking lot, York Street doesn't even exist anymore, the Lister's been left to rot and the property next to it to fall down. Two-way traffic on King William (cars parked the opposite way). City Hall has been replaced with City Mall.

Grafton's looks gorgeous in this pic.

The pic below this one with "expropriation sale" in the windows is even more :(

Here's a very similar pic, also found at a Toronto website

http://losttoronto2.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/april-2012-single-page-81.jpg

Dr Awesomesauce
Oct 30, 2013, 1:29 PM
Somebody's gonna come along and treat the old Kresge's building properly soon. I feel it.

Beedok
Oct 30, 2013, 1:54 PM
I do hope whatever gets put up where the Zellers was takes advantage of being a corner lot. That's one thing modern buildings don't seem to typically be as good at.

SteelTown
Oct 30, 2013, 2:01 PM
I think I see the word "EATON'S" (second floor) beside Zellers, never knew they were in that building. Perhaps their catalogue department? Or maybe it's a reflection from the Eaton's building across the street.

coalminecanary
Oct 30, 2013, 2:10 PM
It's graftons

SteelTown
Oct 30, 2013, 2:14 PM
^ Yea I see that on the 4th floor. But the second floor looks like Eaton's sign.

markbarbera
Oct 30, 2013, 2:44 PM
That is a Grafton's sign on the second floor too. The first few letters are a bit distorted because of the window frame

ScreamingViking
Oct 30, 2013, 8:10 PM
I think it's Grafton's too. It has too many letters to be "Eaton's" (which would also appear reversed if it was a reflection)

Nice find Captain. That's quite a clear photo. The old city hall is one of our greatest losses downtown.

Like Beedok, I too hope that whatever gets built across from the Lister makes good use of the corner. But imagine what could have been done with that Zeller's as a base - I love that second floor facing.

ScreamingViking
Oct 30, 2013, 8:12 PM
Somebody's gonna come along and treat the old Kresge's building properly soon. I feel it.

It deserves something way better than bingo.

CaptainKirk
Oct 31, 2013, 1:31 AM
Finally found a pic of The Cinema theatre

http://transit.toronto.on.ca/images/streetcar-4751-02.jpg

Grafton's fire February 12, 1917

http://henleyshamilton1.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/1-1agraftons2.jpghttp://henleyshamilton1.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/1-1agraftons6.jpg?w=450&h=561

CaptainKirk
Oct 31, 2013, 5:44 AM
Check out this film about Hamilton in 1965.

Sights and Sounds of a City https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151742289326305

Dr Awesomesauce
Oct 31, 2013, 2:50 PM
Awesome!!!

CaptainKirk
Oct 31, 2013, 8:25 PM
Awesome!!!

It plays funnily got me in both IE and CHROME.

The player goes to only 14 seconds, even though it plays for about 10 minutes after that,and them it ends abruptly as I see the Tiger-Cats running out on the field.

ScreamingViking
Nov 1, 2013, 5:14 AM
"There are 80,000 people living on Hamilton mountain... including... boys" :haha:

That was so cool to see the city on the cusp of all that apartment building development. Love all the neon along King St. too. There is so much that's interesting from this film.

There always seems to be so much enthusiasm from this era. I wasn't alive yet back then. Was that really the case, or is this a rather idyllic depiction of Hamilton in the mid-60s?

CaptainKirk
Nov 11, 2013, 3:14 PM
It's graftonshttp://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/c5/eb/5f/c5eb5f36e4f9918c12a224dca74fc5e5.jpg

SteelTown
Nov 11, 2013, 3:43 PM
That was an awesome video in 1965. Definitely during Hamilton's prime.

Ahatmose
Nov 13, 2013, 7:23 AM
Hi all. This is my first post and I found this site while searching for ... well you know what I have spent so much time today looking at old images of Hamilton I have forgotten where I started from. I think I started with the video Portrait of a City and went from there but I honestly can't be certain. Meanwhile allow me to add my two cents with this post. Here's something my daughters and I rediscovered about 13 years ago. It was badly run down and overgrown with grass but the shape could still be seen. They called it their secret garden never once realizing that is exactly what it used to be. It is situated on the Cootes side of York Blvd and Hamilton side of the High level Bridge. Also there is a grave of some unknown soldiers from the war of 1812 on the same side with a very large strangely shaped boulder as the grave marker. Pretty neat actually. Good day of exploring if you are so inclined. We also got the tour of the old cemetery on York street as well as the old house which was once a church we were told and you can still see some of the battlements that were built in 1812.

Here is what it used to look like.

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/8303/58dd.jpg

It had an eerie feel about it almost as if we weren't supposed to be there. Anyway if anyone has some better images of it I would be most pleased as it really was even in it's totally run down state quite remarkable.

EDIT: Just read the rules. This image came from this site. It is from a postcard that is or was for sale from 1941 Here is the link: http://www.playle.com/listing.php?i=HOMERBOB9375.


Cheers

movingtohamilton
Nov 13, 2013, 3:39 PM
Has the sunken garden site been restored?

Ahatmose
Nov 13, 2013, 5:39 PM
Has the sunken garden site been restored?

Hi ...

Not that I am aware of.

cheers

Ahatmose
Nov 13, 2013, 6:12 PM
Hi all and now for my second post.

During the same time period I was "driven" to visit LaSalle park where as a child I had taken the boat over from the James St North docks for the annual Dominion Glass Picnic which was held on Labour Day at LaSalle Park. I still remember being strangely frightened by this place and walking on that ridge overlooking The Bay still gives me the creeps. Anyway my daughters and I decided to do some exploring and it was then that I chanced upon this large boulder which I have named "The Burlington Stone". It was the strangest boulder placed upon three small piles of stones almost like a dolmen. On it was a plague dedicated to LaSalle and his arrival back I think in 1669 or something like that. I will check the exact date later. Strangely when I did a search of LaSalle on the internet it was strangely silent about his discovery of Burlington Bay and Hamilton but did mention that he had visited Paris, Ontario. Hardly a memorable event as I see it. I tried to find out who and what had laid this unusual boulder (you will see why in a very short while) and was unable to do so however I am certain it had to do with Thomas McQuestern who was basically into everything in this area and from what I have learned was probably a Mason. I believe the stone is dated 1923, I think but this date sticks in my mind. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_McQuesten

I don't want to prejudice you when you watch my video so I will not tell you what I see in the boulder. However my guess, failing any definite data on where this boulder came from, seems to me to maybe have been a sacred stone of the local Indians and may have been incorporated into the park by those early masons who knew of the real history of this area. To put it in historical perspective Louis XIVth, The Sun King, was on the throne at the time (1669). So here is a website I did on the subject. To the best of my knowledge no one else has ever commented on this boulder and how and when it was laid and most importantly why and where it came form.

Here is my website: http://donbarone.selfip.net/The_Burlington_Stone.HTM

The plague:

http://donbarone.selfip.net/Stone/pague.jpg

and just another boulder ?

http://donbarone.selfip.net/Stone/cross3.jpg

And my video of that day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upPJiXZgPyE

CaptainKirk
Nov 13, 2013, 11:06 PM
Has the sunken garden site been restored?

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5054/5524118021_d5d206c273_z.jpghttp://farm6.staticflickr.com/5059/5524115219_aacacaa563_z.jpghttp://farm6.staticflickr.com/5094/5524112111_541acf2687_z.jpg



Is that it, just above and to the right of the circle?
http://www.thekingshighway.ca/PHOTOS-3/hwy2-193_lg.jpg

Dr Awesomesauce
Nov 13, 2013, 11:34 PM
^That's it. It's a shame they've allowed it to fall into disrepair. I guess it wasn't getting much traffic - or not the kind they wanted, at least.

Ahatmose
Nov 14, 2013, 1:32 AM
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5054/5524118021_d5d206c273_z.jpghttp://farm6.staticflickr.com/5059/5524115219_aacacaa563_z.jpghttp://farm6.staticflickr.com/5094/5524112111_541acf2687_z.jpg



Is that it, just above and to the right of the circle?
http://www.thekingshighway.ca/PHOTOS-3/hwy2-193_lg.jpg

Wow great pictures. I went in April of 2000 so the foliage was a little thicker. Thanks so much ! Did you take a picture of the grave of the unknown soldier ? It was just a little to the left and a little further back in.

The bottom image looks like it is but I thought the garden ran vertical or 90 degrees to the road, not horizontal to it so unless the road has been completely changed ...

Wow this site is quite impressive !

I have always told myself if I win "The Big One" I will spend some of it on restoring this sunken garden.

Cheers

Ahatmose
Nov 14, 2013, 2:18 AM
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/722/3o61.jpgCan't believe how much they had to fill in.
http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/4103/kz3i.png

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/1558/tnbb.png

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/4448/3lkd.png

It still looks like the City is looking after the area as the area appears to be getting the grass cut. Who know with the work they are doing on Gage Park they might just decide to reopen this great feature for the entrance to Hamilton one day.

I am certain that little white dot in the middle of the large green area is the grave of the unknown soldiers of 1812.

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/4164/wr6x.png

cheers

Ahatmose
Nov 14, 2013, 2:38 AM
Hi all I just went to Google again and they are definitely maintaining this area now. In 2000 it was completely hidden from the road and there were a lot more trees around it and The Sunken Gardens. I can only assume with the bi-centennial of The War of 1812 they decided to clean it up. Not nearly as scary and ominous as when we visited it completely hidden within a dense over growth. I will have to dig out my video of the days adventure. It is now easy to see from the road but when I "discovered" it in 2000 it could not be seen at all until you had gone through as I have said a dense bush and overgrowth.

The view from York Blvd.

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/2374/mg4c.png

CaptainKirk
Nov 14, 2013, 3:57 AM
Not my pics. Just pulling them off of the net

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5136/5524106327_ce2b143cee_z.jpg
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5012/5524109017_931dc57b3b_z.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5091/5524089249_b36c1704fb_z.jpghttp://farm6.staticflickr.com/5251/5524684692_1d460d312d_b.jpg

movingtohamilton
Nov 14, 2013, 4:02 AM
The sunken garden is a hidden gem. A restoration would be terrific! Wonder how to stir up interest?

bluevue
Nov 14, 2013, 3:13 PM
were there 2 sunken gardens in Hamilton then? I am a bit confused. I thought the sunken gardens were on the property where McMaster is situated. They were demolished to make way for development of the hospital and further parts of the campus?

CaptainKirk
Nov 14, 2013, 4:17 PM
were there 2 sunken gardens in Hamilton then? I am a bit confused. I thought the sunken gardens were on the property where McMaster is situated. They were demolished to make way for development of the hospital and further parts of the campus?

Yes, you are right. Wish i knew how to cut and paste on my android tablet. I'd post a pic
http:// http://www.hamiltonpostcards.com/pages/parks.html