Hamilton Historical Photos

Wishing everyone a Happy & Healthy 2021!

From the book Vanished Hamilton III - Clarence Crane, of Cleveland, had hired a pill maker to design a new shape for a candy in 1912. This was the same year the Titanic sank and the candy that emerged looked like a ship's life preserver. Edward J. Noble bought the rights to it in 1913 for $2,900 and this was the beginning of the Mints Products Company which was to become Lifesavers. Lifesavers acquired the Beech-Nut Company, including their plant in Hamilton in 1931. The plan...t flourished for decades and by 1969 they were producing over a billion candies a year. Shown here, the fleet of vehicles outside the company plant in Hamilton helped to promote the Lifesaver candy. -------------------------------------------------- This book is part of the 3-book Vanished Hamilton package available for only $40 https://www.northshorepublishing.ca/boxing-week-2020.html See more

From the book Prints Over Hamilton - This aerial photo shows the area around King and John streets about 1960 with the bus terminal at the top right and the Chi...cken Roost bottom left. Also visible, the Heintzman company can be seen on the west side of John and the Pagoda Chop Suey House on the corner. ------------------------------------------------- This book is part of a 3-Hamilton book bundle for only $40 https://www.northshorepublishing.ca/boxing-week-2020.html

From the book The Prints of Time - Cars can be seen driving east-ward along King Street in September, 1955, one year before the city’s main thoroughfare, and several other streets, were changed to one-way only. The Chicken Roost, long a favourite eating spot, is visible on the north side of the street, while in the centre, Sir John A. MacDonald stands guard over the downtown core. Shot from the corner of John Street, the photograph illustrates the changing scenery, from the o...ld Canadian Bank of Commerce tower, to Northway’s ladies store to the Right House. ------------------------------------------------ www.northshorepublishing.ca See more

Merry Christmas!

From the book The Prints of King - This photograph of the Delta, shows both entrances to the old Delta Theatre from King and Main as well as some of the other businesses around this location. The photograph is probably from the early 1960s.... ------------------------------------------------------- This book is available in a 3-Hamilton book combo for only $40 https://www.northshorepublishing.ca/special-event-only-hami See more

Photo from our research files - A look inside Hamilton's Palace Theatre, 1944. The architect was Thomas W. Lamb of New York City, who was also responsible for the design of New York's famous Radio City Music Hall.... ---------------------------------------- www.northshorepublishing.ca See more

From the book The Prints of Hamilton - The Eaton Company had yet to expand, there was two-way traffic on James St. North, and the old city hall was still standing when this photograph - looking north from King William Street - was taken in the early 1950s. --------------------------------------------------------- This book is part of a new Black Friday Package - get 3 Hamilton books for only $40.... See all deals here: https://www.northshorepublishing.ca/blackfriday2020.html See more

From the book Prints Across the Mountain - When Hill Park Secondary School opened in 1955, it meant a major transition for high school students living on Hamilton Mountain. Up until that time, students had to go down to the lower city for their high school education. In this aerial photo from April, 1955, construction work continues on the school. That's South Bend Road running off the bottom of the photograph with streets like East 16th, Callie and Vickers in the early stage...s. --------------------------------------------- Any last minute shoppers? We still have our 3-Hamilton or 3-Burlington book bundles on sale for only $40 (several packages to choose from) PICK UP orders MUST be placed by Wed. Dec. 23 see more deals here: https://www.northshorepublishing.ca/christmas-bonus-offers.

From the book Vanished Hamilton - The Capitol Theatre was built as the Loew's Theatre and opened on New Year's Eve, 1917. At a cost of $500,000 it was one of the most luxurious, up to date theatres in all of Canada. It was renamed the Capitol Theatre in 1922 when the owner's of the Pantages Theatre acquired the building.... In early 1973 the Capitol was torn down leaving only the front which was used as a storefront. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- All 3 books in the Vanished Hamilton series are now available for only $40 on our website: https://www.northshorepublishing.ca/special-event-only-vani

We've posted a black & white photo like this of the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club from our books, but here is a colour version from our postcard collection. Dated J...uly 16, 1914, the postcard is addressed to the senders parents and little brothers. She talks about rowing and swimming in the lake. A nice look back to life in 1914..... --------------------------------------------------------- www.northshorepublishing.ca

In honour of Remembrance Day, some of our posts this week will be of a military theme. Please feel free to post any of your own photos that you think may be of ...interest to others in the community.... From the book Prints of the Steel City - The photographer was able to get this unusual angle high above King Street to capture the annual Remembrance Day service in Gore Park about 1963. A large number of veterans were on hand for the ceremony at the cenotaph, while a huge crowd watches the service from both sides of King Street. ------------------------------------------------------- www.northshorepublishing.ca

From our research files: From Jan. 3, 1964 - The first of the Hamilton-built Studebakers are off to Dallas and Chicago... --------------------------------------------------------- www.northshorepublishing.ca

Customer Appreciation Weekend Sale is on until Monday Oct. 12! Gore Park Print (also featured in the book The Prints of King) Old scene of a winch truck and crew of men raising the flagpole in Gore Park at the intersection of King & Hughson streets. ... Note the covered entrances to the underground washrooms as well as all the awnings along the store fronts. ---------------------------------------------------------- This weekend ONLY - get a FREE book with purchase of this print! See more offers on event page: https://www.northshorepublishing.ca

From the book The Prints of Time - For many years Hamilton's premier indoor track and field event was held in the cosy confines of the Hamilton Armouries on Jam...es Street North. With its combination of tightly banked turns and narrow track, fans got a real close-up view of all the action. Sponsored by the 91st Highlanders, the meet attracted some of the world's top athletes, with many of them having recently struck Olympic gold. Here, spectators are entertained by the regimental band in the huge drill hall during a break in the action. -------------------------------------------------------------- https://www.northshorepublishing.ca/the-prints-of-time.html

From the book The Prints of Time - When this photograph was taken from Hamiltons City Hall in 1975, one could see clear across to Burlington. The photo was taken to illustrate the early construction of the Art Gallery of Hamilton and the large parking garage in the lot across from Hamilton Place.... The first phase of Jackson Square can be seen behind Hamilton Place, and cars are parked where the future expansion of the shopping complex would take place, and Copps Coliseum would be built. ------------------------------------------------------- https://www.northshorepublishing.ca/the-prints-of-time.html

From the book Footsteps in Time Vol. 2: Exploring Hamilton's Heritage Neighbourhoods - A class of pupils is shown here participating in a new arithmetic program at Bennetto School in 1960. ------------------------------------------------------------ https://www.northshorepublishing.ca/footsteps-vol-2x.html

From the book Vanished Hamilton - Built in 1929 at 24 King St. W, the theatre known as the Majestic and then the Roxy, screened its last film, The Ten Commandments in March 1961, after more than 30 years delighting audiences. The Majestic Theatre entertained the Dundas community with feature films from the decade of the Depression in the 1930s through the Second World War years in the 1940s. Kids were always checked at the door for pea shooters, and cap guns were collected, e...specially before a Tom Mix western film. Shown here, children line up at the Majestic Theatre for a showing of Cinderella. -------------------------------------------------- See more of whats vanished in Hamilton is this book: https://www.northshorepublishing.ca/vanished-hamilton-x.html

From the book Vanished Hamilton III - Hamilton has always been a place for boat builders, boat races, clubs, regattas and many other water activities. In 1887, the Hamilton yacht club was organized and held its first race on May 24, 1888. It was decided they needed a prestigious clubhouse. By 1890, construction began south of the Burlington Ship Canal on the bay side of the Beach Strip.... The building housed a bowling alley, locker rooms, plunge bath, fine banquet hall and much more. The magnificent clubhouse was destroyed by fire in 1915. ----------------------------------------------------- https://www.northshorepublishing.ca/vanished-hamilton-iii-x

From the book More of First Here - What Happened When in Hamilton The Hamilton and Barton Incline Railway opened on June 11, 1892. It soon became known as the ...James Street Incline and operated for the next 30+ years. This incline was unique compared to most of that time as the cars were powered by a 125-horsepower steam engine located in the depot at the base of the escapement instead of the alternative of having two cars interconnected by cable to provide a counterbalance. The Railway is shown here in 1930, shortly before it closed down. ----------------------------------------------------------- LIMITED TIME SPECIAL - get all 3 volumes of the First Here series for ONLY $15. https://www.northshorepublishing.ca/special-event-only---fi

From our research files - Hamilton Spectator Oct. 14, 1976 Photo during the construction phase of the Spectator building on Frid St. Shown here, caisson liners are being installed for the 120 ft deep pilings necessary to support the enormous weight of the presses.... ---------------------------------------------------- www.northshorepublishing.ca See more

From the book Vanished Hamilton IV: In 1954, it was proposed to city council that something needed to be done about the old quarry at the top of the Jolley Cut. Shown here is the construction of the man-made waterfall on the escarpment. ... ------------------------------------------------------------ https://www.northshorepublishing.ca/vanished-hamilton-iv-x. See more

From the book 1961 Hamilton: Hamiltons old city hall, a fixture on James Street North since the late 1800s, is but a pile of rubble as seen here as the photographer gains a high up vantage point to shoot over Market Square and down King William Street. The Lister Building can be seen on the far left of the photograph.... ------------------------------------------------ www.northshorepublishing.ca See more

From the book More of First Here - What Happened When in Hamilton: The Labour Day parade is a long-held tradition in Hamilton, with the city's first celebration dating back to 1895. This photograph shows then Hamilton Mayor Vic Copps marching in the Labour Day parade in the early 1960s.... ----------------------------------------------------- https://www.northshorepublishing.ca/more-of-first-here-x.ht See more

From the book The Prints of Time - When this photograph was taken from Hamilton's City Hall in 1975, one could see clear across to Burlington. The photo was taken to illustrate the early construction of the Art Gallery of Hamilton and the large parking garage in the lot across from Hamilton Place.... The first phase of Jackson Square can be seen behind Hamilton Place, and cars are parked where the future expansion of the shopping complex would take place, and Copps Coliseum would be built. ------------------------------------------------------- https://www.northshorepublishing.ca/the-prints-of-time.html

From the book Prints Along the Beach - The Canal Bowl was one of the popular attractions on the Beach Strip for many years. Offering both five and ten-pin bowling, the bowling alley, shown here in about 1960, was an integral part of the amusement strip for many years before being torn down in 1981. In the distance down by the amusement park, is the old pedestrian bridge which provided visitors a safe way to cross the busy road before the Skyway was built.... ------------------------------------------------------- www.northshorepublishing.ca See more

From the book 1961 Hamilton: Hamilton's old city hall, a fixture on James Street North since the late 1800s, is but a pile of rubble as seen here as the photographer gains a high up vantage point to shoot over Market Square and down King William Street. The Lister Building can be seen on the far left of the photograph.... ------------------------------------------------ www.northshorepublishing.ca See more

From the book Prints Across the Mountain - When Fennell Shopping Centre opened in November, 1959, it was only the third shopping centre in Hamilton at that time.... Located at Fennell and Upper Gage, the first phase of the complex had 12 stores. This photo was taken just days before the official opening. --------------------------------------------------- www.northshorepublishing.ca

From the book Prints Across the Mountain - The Mountain was in the midst of a heat wave on this July day in 1958, and what better way to cool off than going for a swim at the Inch Park Pool. Officials were concerned about overcrowding and imposed one hour shifts. (note the line-up along the fence!)... ------------------------------------------------------ www.northshorepublishing.ca See more

From the book The Prints of Time - The last of the frame street canopies which sheltered sidewalks of Hamiltons shopping districts for a great many years was r...azed in 1947. The canopy was located at the corner of John and Augusta streets on a building constructed in the 1840s, and which housed the Balantine Grocery and Liquor Store. In this old photo, the building was being renovated as the new home of the Delta Cleaners. ----------------------------------------------------- www.northshorepublishing.ca

From the book Prints Along the Beach - Weekend traffic became a jam-packed procession along the QEW in this July, 1954, photograph as countless Americans chose... to celebrate Independence Day in Canada and joined the motoring masses as shown in this photograph taken four years before the opening of the Burlington Skyway Bridge. Traffic came to a stop, not only because the two-lanes northbound merged into one lane, but also because the bascule bridge was up allowing a ship to pass through the canal. -------------------------------------------------- www.northshorepublishing.ca

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

From the book Memories of Wentworth - It was quite the growing concern at one time, but the community of Mineral Springs is but a memory today. However, in the years before this photo of the old Mineral Springs railway station was taken by Col. E. W. Clifford back in 1902, numerous trains stopped here, providing freight and passenger service.... Old records show that the community was a busy milling centre, with a flour and grist milll, a woollen mill, distillery as well as a cheese factory. ---------------------------------------------------- www.northshorepublishing.ca

From our research files - Canadian Illustrated News, June 10, 1876 Illustration of a baseball game being played on the grounds of the Crystal Palace in Hamilton (now known as Victoria Park). --------------------------------------------------- www.northshorepublishing.ca

From our research files - Burlington Gazette, 1909 Heres a look at what was happening in Waterdown in Sept. 1909... ------------------------------------------------ www.northshorepublishing.ca

From the book Vanished Hamilton IV - Building of the church took two years. Designed in the Italian Renaissance style, constructed using buff tapestry brick and faux stone, the massive structure had a pitched roof of purple slate and tile. Most impressive was an 18.3 m (60 ft) dome clad in red Spanish tile. The church survived and flourished through two world wars, the Great Depression and debt. By 1949, the congregation was more than 2,500.... Sadly, in the early hours of Sept. 13, 1969, First United Church fell victim to fire. Shown here in 1913 when this magnificent church was known as First Methodist. ------------------------------------------------------- FATHERS DAY IDEA! This book is available for only $17.45 on our website. Pick Up available. https://www.northshorepublishing.ca/vanished-hamilton-iv-x.

From the book Memories of the Beach Strip - In 1960 a section of land at the end of Hamilton Beach called Lakeland Beach was leased for the purpose of building ...an Olympic-sized swimming pool and other attractions. The pool was 75 metres long and 25 metres wide and was the largest pool in the city and the second largest outdoor pool in the country. One of its unique features was an overhead tramway where you could ride a gondola high in the air over the beach and swimming pool. A Spectator article from 1961 had stated that "muscle-types have turned to Lakeland Beach as the ideal spot to practice their bicep-building. One of the restaurateurs has found them so appealing that he intends to set up a stand on which they can display their talent. We may not be up to par with Muscle Beach in California, but we are becoming the Canadian equivalent of it". Shown here, the tramway passes over Lakeland Beach while swimmers enjoy the warm water of the pool. -------------------------------------------------- FATHERS DAY IDEA! This book is available for only $17.47 on our website: https://www.northshorepublishing.ca/memories-of-the-beach-s Pick Up available.

From the book The Prints of Hamilton - When the Burlington Bay Skyway Bridge was completed in 1958, Queens Park decided that tolls - at 15 cents per trip for c...ars - would be charged to help defray the cost of Ontarios longest and most expensive bridge, a $17 million structure over the ship canal. The toll booths at the southern end of the bridge can be seen here, with east Hamilton off in the distance. The tolls stayed in place until 1973. --------------------------------------------------- FATHERS DAY IDEA! This book is only $16.95 on our website: https://www.northshorepublishing.ca/prints-of-hamiltonx.html

From our research files - Hamilton Spectator, March, 1973 Ad for the newest Robinsons store opening in the area at Eastgate Square back in 1973. At the time, ...there were already two other stores in Hamilton and one in Burlington. --------------------------------------------------- www.northshorepublishing.ca See more

From the book The Prints of Hamilton - It may be tame by todays standards, but in the roaring 20s, thrill seekers flocked to this old wooden roller coaster at LaSalle Park. This photo, taken shortly before the parks name was changed to LaSalle from Wabasso in 1923, shows the roller coaster located just to the east of the original pavilion.... --------------------------------------------------- FATHERS DAY IDEA! This book is available for only $16.95 on our website: https://www.northshorepublishing.ca/prints-of-hamiltonx.html See more

From the book 1961 Hamilton - With the temperature reaching record highs for early August, the pool at Huntington Park was a popular place for youngsters, with ...many of them sliding down the various shutes into the shallow pool area. ---------------------------------------------------- FATHERS DAY IDEA! This book is available for only $12.97 on our website: https://www.northshorepublishing.ca/1961-hamilton-x.html See more

From the book Prints Along the Beach - They are now long removed from the lakefront, but back in the 1950s, lifeguards kept an eye on the swimmers as seen in this photograph taken just below the Brant Inn. --------------------------------------------------- www.northshorepublishing.ca

From the book Vanished Hamilton II - On the evening of Monday, Jan. 29, 1872, 19 prominent business and professional men met in the Hamilton office of Donald McInnes to plan the establishment of a bank. Its name, they agreed, would be the Bank of Hamilton. They were confident that it would promote the growth and prosperity of the city.... Shown here, the Bank of Hamilton moved its headquarters into this three-storey building in the heart of the city in 1892, occupying a key location at King and James. ------------------------------------------------ www.northshorepublishing.ca

From the book Vanished Hamilton II - In August of 1938, a full-page advertisement in the Spectator announced the opening of Bud Fischers Hotel at the southwest corner of York and Park streets in Hamilton Fischers Hotel became renowned not only for its food, particularly its smorgasbord, but for the first-class entertainment offered there. Fischers hosted such greats as Cab Calloway, Bob Everly, the Ink Spots, Oscar Peterson and Gary Morton.... Urban renewal plans for York Street spelled the end for the Fischer Hotel in 1971 when it was expropriated by the city. ------------------------------------------------ www.northshorepublishing.ca

From our research files - Hamilton Spectator, 1976 Newspaper ad for The Sirloin Cellar, seafood, steak house and tavern. Apparently they had old photos of Hamilton on their walls...... Who has memories of going to this popular restaurant? ------------------------------------------------------ www.northshorepublishing.ca

From the book More of First Here - What Happened When in Hamilton: Westdale was the first planned community in Hamilton and one of the first in Canada. The l...and that was to be Westdale was not merely divided for maximum house density, it was planned to be a community with lots set aside for a commercial area, apartment buildings, office space and park land. Shown here, early development in Westdale near todays Cootes Paradise Elementary School (formerly George R. Allan) on King Street. ---------------------------------------------------- www.northshorepublishing.ca

From the book Footsteps in Time Vol. 2 - Bay Street near Simcoe has changed dramatically since this 1958 photograph was taken. ------------------------------------------- www.northshorepublishing.ca

From our research files - Burlington Gazette, 1980 Photo shown here was taken in 1944 and shows the operator and maintenance workers standing in front of a stre...et car in Hamilton during that year. The photo was part of a display in the spring of 1980 at the Joseph Brant Museum that showcased other similar Hamilton photos from the years 1890-1960. --------------------------------------------- www.northshorepublishing.ca

From the book Memories of the Beach Strip - The Beach, due to its unique geography, is particularly susceptible to the varies of the weather. It has suffered some drastic damage from storms throughout the years. One of the first noted was the snow storm that hit in February of 1894. After non-stop snow and wind for 24 hours, ice was piled up 20 feet high on the lake side and snowdrifts were 12 feet deep.... The decade of the 1950s, saw some of the most severe weather to hit the Beach. Shown here is damage to a beach cottage from one of those 1950s storms. ----------------------------------------------------- www.northshorepublishing.ca

From the book The Prints of Dundurn Most photographs of Dundurn Castle are taken from the York Boulevard side showing the grand entrance to this building, but t...o get a different angle the photographer took to the air in September, 1961, for this view of the castle and the surrounding grounds. The entrance to the castle was in a different spot than today with traffic skirting around the Coach House to the front parking lot. The building at lower left is now known at the Cockpit and off to the far left is the Dundurn Pavilion. ------------------------------------------------- www.northshorepublishing.ca

From the book Prints Over Hamilton - Hamiltons old city hall dominates this photograph, but the aerial view also provides an interesting view as to the size of Jackson Square, and the number of buildings demolished as part of the urban renewal scheme. ---------------------------------------------- www.northshorepublishing.ca

From our research files - Burlington Gazette 1909 Ad for Mothers Bread by A.M Ewing company in Hamilton. They were located on Ashley Street.... ------------------------------------ www.northshorepublishing.ca See more

From the book The Prints Along the Beach - Cottages along the waterfront had always been vulnerable to the wild storms on Lake Ontario. Shown here, the Burlingt...on side of the canal during April, 1973 storm. The waves pound right up to the doorstep of cottages, with damage already visible on a number of the properties. ------------------------------------------------ www.northshorepublishing.ca

From the book The Prints of Time - There was angle parking - with no parking meters - along King Street, the Capitol Theatre was promoting romance and adventure... movies, and the F. W. Woolworth company had a small store in part of The Spectator building in this undated photograph taken from the Royal Connaught Hotel. ------------------------------------------------- www.northshorepublishing.ca See more

From our research files - Burlington Gazette, June, 1985 Newspaper ad for Stonewalls Dining Lounge, located on Dundas St. East in Waterdown (Hwy 6 and 5 area) ------------------------------------------------ www.northshorepublishing.ca

From the book Prints Along the Beach - When it was completed in 1958, the Burlington Bay Skyway Bridge was the longest bridge in Canada, stretching 8,400 feet ...across the Beach Strip. The photograph here was taken in 1958 as work progressed on the huge structure. ------------------------------------------------- www.northshorepublishing.ca