Some great details there. Cheers.
Post-demolition: Southam Park
And yes, the road climbing the Mountain was known as Strongman's Road or in some cases The Strongman Road. I'm not entirely sure where it ran from, though I think it was an extension of John Street. In fact, I've read that it's still there under the Claremont Access; some of us have likely hiked along this road/ trail and not even known it (Perhaps it's a spur of the Bruce Trail). I've also seen pictures where it intersects with the Jolley Cut but I don't know where that intersection was. I think this was its course:
I'm not sure whether it led directly from John or perhaps from Arkledun via Kingsway Drive.
I think this is Strongman Road disappearing into the forest.
Here's a view of the 'Hair Pin Turn' where Strongman Road branched off from the Jolley Cut. Strongman leads away from the shot and the Jolley Cut continues up behind where the photo was taken.
This confuses the hell outta me. I think this must be a later incarnation of the road completed after the Jolley Cut was built and farther up towards where 'the Cut' now passes over the Claremont. The red-roofed building is probably 'the castle' (Colour was added to make the postcard more attractive, I suppose).
Anyway, Strongman Road looks like it was a very steep and treacherous way to get up and down the Mountain. I think it's time to head back up there and have a look around - it's been a few years.
source i
source ii