THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2021
THE CHATHAM VOICE - THEN & NOW
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Chatham-Kent
presents . . .
Then & Now August 19, 2021
Original photo courtesy of Chatham-Kent Museum 1990.77.7951 and composite by Michelle Owchar/The Chatham Voice. Harrison Hall, which served as city hall, was located between Fifth Street and the old Sixth Street along Wellington Street where the Downtown Chatham Centre is currently situated. Built by T.J. Rutley in the 1890s in the same Richard Romanesque style as the First Presbyterian Church and Central School, Harrison Hall was eventually pulled down to much contention in 1981.
Special thanks to The Chatham-Kent Museum, Jim & Lisa Gilbert and Dorothy Wright-Wallace for their assistance and contributions to this special section.
Providing ProvidingChatham-Kent Chatham-Kentwith withan anaffordable affordableenergy energychoice choicefor forover overaacentury centuryand andleading leadingthe thetransition transition totoaalower-carbon lower-carbonfuture futurethrough throughgreen greenfuels, fuels,low-carbon low-carbontechnologies technologiesand andconservation. conservation. Learn Learnmore moreatatenbridgegas.com/environment enbridgegas.com/environment
THE CHATHAM VOICE - THEN & NOW
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2021
We offer custom cabinets, doors & drawer fronts in virtually any size & varying wood species & styles.
Original photo courtesy of Chatham-Kent Museum X1995.76.1 and composite by Sarah Schofield/The Chatham Voice
Tents and barracks are seen in Tecumseh Park as part of the 24th Battalion encampment. In the background is the home of William Northwood who served as Mayor from 1879-1880. His home was built in 1879 and was later bought and transformed from a sanitarium into the grand Hotel Sanita. The home sat on the same site as today’s Chatham Cultural Centre.
With a variety of styles, profiles & wood species to choose from, we are certain that we can help you achieve the style & design that is perfect for you.
Founded in 1988 with a simple principle: Building Our Reputation on your Dreams.
Original photo courtesy of Chatham-Kent Museum 1985.27.1.3 and composite by Sarah Schofield/The Chatham Voice
Crowds gather along the banks of Chatham’s Tecumseh Park as boats dock along the Thames River waterfront in this undated photo from likely the early 1900s. The waterways at the time bustled with activity and spectators would congregate to watch special events.
33 Park Street Chatham, Ontario N7M 3R2 • www.mylen.ca Phone 519-351-9119 Fax (519) 351-9818
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2021
THE CHATHAM VOICE - THEN & NOW
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CKMuseum CKMuseum
RidgeHouseMuseum RidgeHouseMuseum
Explore Explore CK CK Municipal Municipal Museums Digital Museums Digital Collection Collection vitacollections.ca/ckmuseums vitacollections.ca/ckmuseums
Original photo courtesy of Jim and Lisa Gilbert and composite by Sarah Schofield/The Chatham Voice
This photo looking west shows the high volume of traffic driving and parking along King Street in the 1930s with the wellknown William Pitt Hotel on the left. The Downtown Chatham Centre’s commons are situated here now.
Providing nutritious meals to families in crisis.
Outreach has been serving the community for 33 years with the generous support of volunteers and donors. Supported through donations from our community, please consider making a monetary or food donation. 10 Wellington St., W. Chatham 519-351-8381 • outreachforhunger.com
®
Go Green. Go Paperless. Make the switch in My Account, today. Original photo courtesy of Jim and Lisa Gilbert and composite by Sarah Schofield/The Chatham Voice
This view of Main Street in Dresden was taken in 1907. While the Westcott Hotel and its towers are no longer in existence, the building beside it, which is the current day Sidestreets Youth Centre, is easily identifiable.
www.entegrus.com
Titan brand Forklifts - Helping to LIFT our Chatham-Kent community from the present into the FUTURE . . DEALERS WANTED
670 Irwin St., Chatham, ON. Tel: 1.519.351.9501 Toll free: 1.844.93TITAN (1.844.938.4826) info@titanlifttrucks.com www.titanlifttrucks.com
THE CHATHAM VOICE - THEN & NOW
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2021
A celebration of life is as unique as the person it honours.
From our historic Kendrick Funeral Home to yours, our team is proud to continue to serve our Chatham-Kent community during your loss with compassion and support you along each step of the way.
Original photo courtesy of Jim and Lisa Gilbert and composite by Sarah Schofield/The Chatham Voice
Built in 1872, the Cadillac Hotel was a Blenheim landmark for many which was demolished in 2011. Today, there is little to no sign of the building in the empty lot that now occupies the spot where the hotel once stood.
Serving Chatham-Kent and Essex County
4 Victoria Ave, Chatham (519) 352-2390
kendrickfuneralhome.com
Original photo courtesy of Jim and Lisa Gilbert and composite by Sarah Schofield/The Chatham Voice
A view from Brown Street to Main Street in Dresden from 1906 shows how the downtown has evolved in the past 115 years. This photo shows The Dresden Times was located next to J.W. Harris & Co. Undertakers and Furniture Dealers. The Times was ‘The People’s Paper,’ and served the townships of Camden, Chatham and Dawn.
“Home Comfort Done Differently” CALL US TODAY! 226-605-5050
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2021
THE CHATHAM VOICE - THEN & NOW
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iversary n n A t 1s LEBR ATIO N CE AUGUST 22 ALL WEEK LONG
Accessories on Sale Mystery g Ba Pre-order Specialty Items Bundles AT COST! Our Gift to You! In Store Games & Contests
OPEN LATE ‘til 11pm www.thewestore.com
427 St. Clair St, Unit 5A, Chatham Open Mon - Sat 9AM-11PM Sundays 10AM - 10PM Original photo courtesy of Chatham-Kent Museum 1990.77.7433 and composite by Sarah Schofield /The Chatham Voice
Three bathers are photographed at Rondeau Park in 1950 during a picnic as part of the Chatham Camera Club. The local longstanding photography club is still in existence to this day.
Original photo courtesy of Chatham-Kent Museum 1985.27.3.70 and composite by Sarah Schofield/The Chatham Voice
A grease fire ripped through downtown Chatham’s Hotel Garner’s kitchen on Dec. 8, 1929, destroying the entire 80-hotel-room building located on the southwest corner of King and Sixth streets. The William Pitt Hotel replaced the Garner, and today the Downtown Chatham Centre sits on the site.
We have been exceeding expectations in home comfort in Chatham-Kent and surrounding areas
for over 62 years! Join your neighbour and see how Handy Bros. just does things different!
VISIT US ONLINE! HANDYBROS.COM
*must be 19 years old
THE CHATHAM VOICE - THEN & NOW
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2021
Shop our
Downtown Businesses on
August 27, 2021 10am - 7pm AUG. then head over 27, to the 2021 Armoury 4pm- -7PM 10pm 10AM
SUMMER NIGHT then head over toMARKET the Armoury
Participating Businesses 10am-7pm: Art and Heirloom Shoppe Maple City Grower’s 137 King St. W.
210 King St. W.
ARTSPACE
Mamma Maria Ristorante
Barrypatch Collectibles
Pour Decision Wine Co.
Collins Clothier
prem. & Tansia Sunless
Devos Furniture
Rachel’s Room
Fx Decorating Warehouse
Radius Health Clinic
Family Skateboard Company
Sweet C’s Cookie Creations
Goldcoast Fashions
The Chilled Cork & Retro Suites
Herbologi
The Garden on King
JM Fry Furniture Design & RAD Studio & Eco Store
The Loft Fashion & Mastectomy Boutique
Kings Pawn
The Purple Pansy Flower Boutique
Loaded 2 Go
Willy’s 420 Supplies
Lorrie’s Country Nook
Wooly Doodle
165 1/2 King St. W. 201 King St. W. 175 King St. W. 14 King St. W.
144 King St. W.
179 King St. W.
168 King St. W.
138 King St. W.
264 King St. W. 185 King St. W.
203 King St. W. 151 King St. W.
216 King St. W.
101 King St. W.
103 King St. W. 44 Fourth St.
71 King St. W.
260 King St. W.
Original photo courtesy of Chatham-Kent Museum 1985.27.2.56 and composite by Sarah Schofield/The Chatham Voice
Scullers, including W.B. Wells, Capt. Harry Pennefather, Eddie Van Allen and Harry Ball, pass under the Fifth Street Bridge in Chatham c1880, which, before the steel structure we know today, was made out of wood. The new Boardwalk apartment building can be seen from behind the bridge.
22 William St. S. 197 King St. W.
137 King St. W.
46 William St. S. 163 King St. W. 5 Llewellyn St.
FIELD OF HONOUR The Chatham Coloured All-Stars Charity Baseball Game Saturday, October 2nd First pitch is at 11:00am so be there early Fergie Jenkins Field at Rotary Park 30 Tweedsmuir Ave., Chatham, Ontario
Entrance to the game is by donation. All proceeds raised support The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum.
Original photo courtesy of Jim and Lisa Gilbert and composite by Michelle Owchar/The Chatham Voice
The Flood of 1937 in April of that year set records across towns in Southwestern Ontario including in Thamesville. This building, which stands at the corner of Victoria and London Road, shows how high the Thames River rose.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2021
THE CHATHAM VOICE - THEN & NOW
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Rick NICHOLLS, mpp
chatham-kent-leamington
"Accessible and Accountable" Rick was born and raised in Chatham-Kent. He was first elected to the Ontario Legislative Assembly in October of 2011, and is proud to serve as the MPP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington in his third term and the 42nd Parliament of Ontario. Rick strongly believes in building solid working relationships not only with those at Queen’s Park but also within his constituency. Today, Rick continues to work hard to represent his riding and to seek opportunities for economic development, jobs, long-term care, housing and safety for children. CHATHAM OFFICE 111 Heritage Rd, Suite 100 Tel: (519) 351-0510
Original photo courtesy of Jim and Lisa Gilbert and composite by Sarah Schofield/The Chatham Voice
Erieau was a bustling retreat for many, having its own ferry and railway service. In this photo from 1906, passengers can be seen at the busy pier as well as a docked ferry.
LEAMINGTON OFFICE 115 Erie St. N., Unit B Tel: (519) 326-3367
CONSTRUCTION LIMITED
Formed in 1981, Westhoek Construction Limited has been providing clients with the highest workmanship and reliability throughout Southwestern Ontario.
• General Contractors • Pre-engineered Structures • Construction Management • Design-Build Original photo courtesy of Jim and Lisa Gilbert and composite by Sarah Schofield/The Chatham Voice
Taken in 1884, the Noted Right House business located on Main Street in Dresden was owned by Alfred Grover, seen here on the far right and was originally owned by W.A. McKim.
519-351-4221 / westhoek.on.ca 10 Adelaide St. North, Chatham
Our vehicles and logos may have changed over the years, but you can always expect the same great quality and service.
CHATHAM NISSAN
We are open for SALES AND SERVICE Mon.-Thurs. 7:30am-7:00pm Fri. 7:30am-6:00pm Sat. 9:00am-3:00pm Sun. Closed
735 Richmond St., Chatham
519-352-9000
www.chathamnissan.com
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THE CHATHAM VOICE - THEN & NOW
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2021
Original photo courtesy of Jim and Lisa Gilbert and composite by Sarah Schofield/The Chatham Voice
The town hall in Bothwell was built by 1916 and still houses many of the oil town’s amenities, including the library, theatre and municipal centre.
Original photo courtesy of Chatham-Kent Museum 1985.1.24.7 and composite by Sarah Schofield/The Chatham Voice
This pool, located off of Scane and Park streets in Chatham, was a popular way to cool off during the warm summer months. In this photo, taken in the 1920s, Stirling Park was home to a baseball diamond and ice rink in the winter months. The park was named after Archie Stirling whose son, also named Archie, became Chatham’s mayor in the mid-50s. Today, there is little to no trace of the pool, but the diamond remains.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2021
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Helping You Research Your Family History Visit our Family History Library on the 2nd floor of the Chatham-Kent Public Library. Our library catalogue has 2100+ resources including over 700 family histories. Search the catalogue online to find resources that are available.
Original photo courtesy of Chatham-Kent Museum 1983.3.3 and composite by Sarah Schofield/The Chatham Voice
The two-track line of the Canadian Pacific Railway station stood along the corner of William Street and King Street in Chatham. Today, the area where the station stood is currently a municipal parking lot, and the Judy LaMarsh Building can be seen to the far left of the tracks.
kent@ogs.on.ca https://kent.ogs.on.ca 855.697.6687 Ext: 314
26662 Bearline Rd. • 519-355-1201 www.doverduds.com
Specialized Pest Management for the Agri Food sector!
Original photo courtesy of Chatham-Kent Museum 1985.27.1.83 and composite by Sarah Schofield/The Chatham Voice
Torn down in 1967, the original Chatham-Kent Public Library on Queen Street seen here c1904, was built starting in 1902 with the help of a grant from the Carnegie Foundation. The founder, Andrew Carnegie, was a champion of education and with his funds helped construct close to 1,700 libraries across North America, including more than 100 in Ontario alone.
• Thamesville • 519-692-4232
Rodent Management
sgspestmanagement.ca
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Photograph of Harrison Hall – “Chatham-Kent Museum 1985.27.6.27
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2021
Photograph of Kent County Court House – “Chatham-Kent Museum 1990.77.7959
SERVING YOU THEN, SERVING YOU NOW, SERVING YOU IN THE FUTURE.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2021
THE CHATHAM VOICE - THEN & NOW
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SHOPPING LOCAL MADE EASY. KNOWLEDGEABLE EXPERTS. FRIENDLY ADVICE.
Come in and see our line of Fulgar-Milano professional gas ranges Introducing... Introducing... THE THE HEART HEART OF OF THE THE MATTRESS MATTRESS
Advanced Pocketed Coil®® Technology is Advanced Pocketed Coil Technology is the heart of the Beautyrest Black mattress the heart of the Beautyrest Black mattress and exclusive to the Beautyrest Black and exclusive to the Beautyrest Black line. These triple stranded coils provide line. These triple stranded coils provide greater durability than traditional wrapped greater durability than traditional wrapped coils while delivering pressure relief, motion coils while delivering pressure relief, motion separation for undisturbed sleep, and back separation for undisturbed sleep, and back support. Original photo courtesy of Jim and Lisa Gilbert and composite by Sarah Schofield/The Chatham Voice . support
Across from the Chatham branch of the Chatham-Kent Public Library, Adams’ Confectionery was located on the corner of Queen and School streets in this undated photo. The most recent iteration of the building is the bookstore Life Full of Books.
Delivering Hometown Service To Our Valued Customers! Delivering Hometown Service To Our Valued Customers!
705 St. 705 St. Clair Clair St., St., Chatham Chatham •• 519-355-1616 519-355-1616 Open: Mon.- Thurs. 9:30 - 5:30 ; Fri. 9:00 - 6:00 ; Sat. 10:00 - 4:00 ; Sun. 12 - 4:00 Open: Mon.- Thurs. 9:30 - 5:30 ; Fri. 9:00 - 6:00 ; Sat. 10:00 - 4:00 ; Sun. 12 - 4:00
www.caldwellbrandsource.ca
www.caldwellbrandsource.ca Check out our website at
caldwellbrandsource.ca
The historic pillar clad entrance of Gentry Manor sets the tone for the grand selection of designer clothing, gift-ware and home décor that you have come to love, or let our professional stylists treat you to a new look in our state of the art hair salon.
SPA, SALON, FASHIONS AND MORE! Enjoy “small plates” featuring cocktails and unique offerings at Chatham’s newest outdoor patio! Tuesday, Wednesday 12-2pm Thurs., Fri., Sat., 12-7pm Reservations Recommended Check out our Facebook page for more information.
Original photo courtesy of Jim and Lisa Gilbert and composite by Sarah Schofield/The Chatham Voice
Completed in the early 1900s, the Canadian Bank of Commerce in Dresden looks almost identical today as it did then. Some of the obvious changes include different window dressings and the signage.
2021 Free Business Seminars
Brought to you by the Chatham-Kent Small Business Centre Date August 24 August 31 September 16 October 5
Event Business Financials: What You Need to Know to Make Profit Social Media Content: Strategy and Planning Grow Your Brand on Instagram How to Create a Business Model & Plan to Grow Your Business
Visit www.investck.ca and register today!
GENTRY MANOR 9 Park St. Chatham • 519-352-9420 www.gentrymanor.com
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2021
“Home Comfort Done Differently”
Handy Bros.
Would Like To Thank
Chatham-Kent For Voting Us
“BEST OF CK”
Winner - Plumbing Contractor
Runners Up - Heating/ AC & Woodstove/Fireplace Serving CK Since 1959
CALL US TODAY! 226-605-5050 WWW.HANDYBROS.COM
August 19, 2021
presents . . .
Chatham-Kent
Then & Now In our August 19th edition we showcased Chatham-Kent Then & Now in photos.
Order a copy of the section printed on white paper for better quality pictures. ONLY $5 Want just 1 page of the section $1 - cash only.
Call or email today to order your copy! 519-397-2020
michelle@chathamvoice.com