King Street, looking west from Market Square - ca.1869

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[This photograph can be viewed full size in a separate window by double clicking on the picture on this page until you reach the enlarged version further into the system]

This is one of the most important and informative photographs of King Street that has been found. It is a real encapsulated moment on a quiet sunny summer day when Brockville was unaffected by modern technology.

Some of the signs that are visible here, help to date the scene. On the left is Campbell’s Hotel (the former Willson’s Hotel) while operated by John L. Campbell. He owned it from 1867-1873. On the right is the International Studio of Photography, purchased from A.C. McIntyre in 1869 by George B. Murray, who moved here from Montreal. This photograph is probably one of his first advertising efforts The smooth stone-faced building was known as the City Block.

It is possible to see how King Street takes a bend as it goes westerly. In the middle background is the round-cornered Castle Block at Kincaid St., and next to it, the open grounds of the David Jones homestead. At the far end we can see the pointed tower over the Town Hall (now the Arts Centre).

In the first block on the south is George Landon’s Saloon, and beyond that is he big black boot outside William Hope’s Shoe & Boot Store. Further on we can see the golden key above Field’s Hardware in the Round Corner Block.

On the north side beyond the City Block are Edward Lawless’ Grocery, and John McMullen & Co’s. Bookstore. Just beyond the billboard is George Houston’s new grocery and liquor store. At the far end of the block is the jewellery store of Thomas B. Steacy (under the big watch).

Then beyond Court House Ave. is the drug store of William M. Fulford. This business was later taken over by his younger brother, George T. Fulford. The sign says “Exchange Broker and Tickets” Just west of Fulford is Robert Lipsett, selling shoes and boots at the sign of the ‘fancy boot’.

The road surface is dirt, smooth and dry, being groomed and cleaned regularly by labourers working for the Street Surveyor. The wooden sidewalks are about 10 feet wide, and the intersections are lighted by gas lamps, lit every evening at dusk by the town lamplighter.

Source: The original of this great photograph is in the collection of the Brockville Museum, having been given to the Brockville & District Historical Society about 31 years ago, by the family of Col. F.C.“Ted” Curry.

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Tags: "King Street", Hotel, Murray