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more of Hamilton....
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/...n/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/...an/pcr-757.jpg The old City Hall on James South http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...an/pcr-722.jpg No caption needed for this one. http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...ofDairyBar.jpg The first Miles For Millions Walk in '67 http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...an/miles-1.jpg Locke St South.... looking south. http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...lackwhite1.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/...rian/lib-2.jpg http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...rian/lib-4.jpg A shot overlooking the Jolley Cut towards downtown. http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...n/jolley-7.jpg a market along Hwy 8 in Fruitland... http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...n/hiltsgas.jpg The Hamilton Forum on Barton St. http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...an/forum-2.jpg In the early days of CHCH TV.... http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...ian/chch-4.jpg The Desjardins Canal ..... long ago. http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...n/abbbbbb1.jpg New Years Eve 1902 in Gore Park.... yeah..... we have electricity.... http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...an/aa-new2.jpg View Looking West Over Reservoir to City - (189?)Scene Along the Proposed Beckett Mountain Drive http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...rian/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/...rian/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/...arian/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/...rian/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/...arian/a-61.jpg Go back to 1932... the opening day of the public library on Kenilworth Ave. http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...arian/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/...tarian/a-7.jpg The unforgettable Central Collegiate Fire (it was arson). http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...rian/a-3b1.jpg Bartonville Public School at King & Kenilworth. http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...tarian/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/...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.) |
Thanks for posting those pics.
I particularly like the Bartonville photo. It's amazing how pastoral it once was...not so much now. |
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? |
Update
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/...rian/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/...lackwhite1.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. |
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. |
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Today's old photos
All shots Hamilton Public Library unless otherwise noted.
Burlington St. 1925 http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...gtonst1925.jpg Power Station by Desjardins Canal in Dundas http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...2191126917.jpg Rollover at the Stoney Creek Traffic Circle. http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...2191098710.jpg Winds blowing off the Lake at Van Wagner's http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...2191081781.jpg Overhead view of old City Hall, with Eatons, the market, and Lister Block. http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...2191078597.jpg Looking south from over Inch Park. Street behind the water tank is Fennel Ave. http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...2191078407.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/...2191078381.jpg Construction of Royal Connaught. http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...2189098227.jpg ....and construction of the Royal Connaught addition.... http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...2189098219.jpg Aftermath of 1949 New Westminister Church fire. (King & Melrose) http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...2189084011.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/...2189083773.jpg An early industry in Hamilton .... not sure of location. http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...2189080654.jpg Demolition of old City Hall on James. http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...2189077700.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/...2189067511.jpg The Belt Line car at Kenilworth & Barton. http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...2189066505.jpg Construction of the McKittrick Bridge (King W. at the Basilica). http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...2189065788.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/...2189065671.jpg View from bridge tenders office on the north bascule, looking south towards the south leaf of bridge. http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...2189065564.jpg Topping off Century 21..... http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...2189063833.jpg View of downtown back then..... late 40's or early 50's. http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...2189058171.jpg Downtown from the roof of the Court House. http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...2189058106.jpg Overhead the Connaught.... 40's. http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...2189056407.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/...2189056332.jpg Rykman's Corner (Upper James & Rymal) http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...2189050103.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/...n9wkS60_57.jpg |
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. |
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/a...atres1940s.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. :( |
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/a...iltonalley.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. |
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/a...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. |
a look at the front of block circled above....
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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. |
Good point
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...
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I hate looking at pictures of that block. It's so heart breaking.
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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/remember...ownwascool.jpg |
^^^ That's an awesome job. Looks bang on to me! (Except it's Sirloin Cellar http://www.thesirloincellar.ca/)
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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??? |
^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.
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Wow..
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..
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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 |
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 |
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Answer for the post above re: post 108
Hi there.... the aerial photo of Fenell & Upper Wentworth is dated 1952. It is
in the digital online collection at the Hamilton Public Library. |
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I remember the water tower. It was torn down in the early 70's. |
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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/a...e1974/LOSO.jpg Mine: http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/a...4/DSCN3609.jpg |
To me, the problem is always going to be...
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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...? |
^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. |
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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'. : ) |
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. |
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. |
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&...RegqPXEwEhNifw |
Facebook Page - Vintage Hamilton
Great place for people to post old, unseen photos of Hamilton. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vintag...57013597650273 |
Treasures from the past
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? |
Best of Hamilton Video Series
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=ubdsU...Agq52Zr6tm7-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#!/Be...milton?fref=ts |
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/census...w.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 |
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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/vernonhami...ge/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! |
http://archive.org/stream/vernonhami...ge/n3/mode/2up
That link is a great find! I have to show my neighbour this... |
Thought it was time I posted more old pics......
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/f4...northwest2.jpg E.D.Smith in Winona .... anyone out there still like HP Sauce? http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...ter/1-1a27.jpg Desjardins Canal before the High Level Bridge was there... http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...eter/1-1a9.jpg The old Hamilton Forum on Barton St. http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...ter/1-1-2t.jpg View looking east on King from Catherine... http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...eter/1-1o4.jpg Corner of King and John http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...eter/1-1o3.jpg Building the Skyway http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...1-1-1a10-1.jpg Looking north on Beach Blvd. towards the canal. http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...ter/1899-2.jpg Aerial of Dofasco ... "X" intersection at bottom is Ottawa St & Beach Rd. http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...er/1947-1b.jpg After one of Hamiltons more famous blizzards.. http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...ter/1898-3.jpg Crowning the fountain in Gore Park... http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...eter/a-1a9.jpg Hunter Street Central Collegiate before the big fire... http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...xeter/a-3f.jpg Paddy Green's on Main West at Longwood Rd. http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...r/1-1-1a31.jpg |
Forgot to add to above.... requests.....
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. |
Never doubt what you can find online....
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/f4...2191087937.jpg |
3 Rare Photos
Thanks to Scott Forsyth for direction to online photos submissions by Ross Taylor
The Neilson Sign http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...BHS064043f.jpg Hydro Field at Elgin St. http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...BHS064663f.jpg Burlington Country Club.... 1915 .... before the Brant Inn was there... http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f4...BHS064652f.jpg |
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
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Postcard View
here's one Scott Forsyth emailed me last night....http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/...an/westend.jpg
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History of Old James Street Area
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/organiz...57632297171330 |
Interesting pictures!
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 |
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