These pictures came to us by way of our friend Matt Jelly, who received them from them another friend. Originally, these photos came directly from the owner of Hamilton Jewellers, a store that was on James Street North when these pictures were taken, and is still standing there today. I believe the current owner took these himself, back in the good ol' days.
When I saw them, the first thing I did was gasp at how pretty our little shop looks. I love how bright and vivid the purple tiles are, and that the original Susie's Cafe sign still hangs. Those tiles are the first thing Hollie and I ever noticed about our building, and for years we dreamed of one day operating White Elephant in it because of them. It's amazing to us that we are now in our dream building.
The more I looked around the picture, the more I am nostalgic for this forgotten time. Just look at Leon Furs in all it's glory. That sign is different than the one standing there today, but it is as beautiful as ever! And the House of Kay building is blowing my mind. What I wouldn't give to have something other than a vacant warehouse operating there today! It's also amazing to see that the picture and street scape extends past the Leon Furs building, and isn't just a gravel parking lot. Sigh.
Despite what we may have lost, isn't it amazing to look at this picture and realize James Street is now just as vibrant as ever? Leon Furs is in the process of being renovated as we speak, Susie's Cafe has been transformed into White Elephant, and the rest of the street is constantly undergoing some form of transformation. In the last five months we've seen Relish Vintage, Humble Pie, and Home all open their doors, and Mulberry Street Coffee House just celebrated their first anniversary as well. Good things are happening.
7 comments:
Jane:
I love your enthusiasm.
You are right. It's is not productive to dwell on what is, or is not, there now.
It is vastly more important to reflect and remember what was there and use that to imagine and realize the what the future possibilities are. It's coming.
Thank you for sharing.
All the best!
Jay
@JayTurner901
@HPSActionTeam4
I'm a sucker for old photographs of familiar places and you're so lucky to have these! It's like a time machine. Truly a shame about that beautiful building on the corner. I wonder why it was torn down.
Thanks for posting these!
Reminds me of the book I just borrowed from the library called Prints of the Steel City. http://www.alibris.com/booksearch.detail?invid=10524166048&browse=1&qwork=-189689931&qsort=&page=1
What exactly is happening with Leon Furs? Does anybody really know?
Kate, our neighbour is renovating it slowly but surely. I believe he plans to open his own book shop eventually, but I can't be certain. It's been slow moving so far, but I'm choosing to remain optimistic that something is going to come of it!
jane's the ying to my yang.
Hamilton!!
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