The 1947 Centennial Celebrations in Dundas included many events, including a major parade. One event which looked like a lot of fun was pictured in this collection.
First, a string band, augmented by a piano, was put in position.
Then the dancers were positioned ready to begin
The caller barked out the instructions ..
And the square dance began…
All photos courtesy PreVIEW, Local History and Archives, Hamilton Public Library
The HMCS Star was particularly busy during the national Navy Week observations of November, 1947. Young men were being instructed on proper navy practises as part of their training for the Navy reserve.
An open house on November 21, 1947, at the Naval training area on the Hamilton Waterfront, beside Eastwood Park, attracted considerable interest as the cadets were put through their paces.
There was training on mock battleship cannons.
Navigational instructions.
Full lessons on the parts of ships using a model.
And wireless communication training as well.
All photos courtesy PreVIEW, Local History and Archives, Hamilton Public Library.
Looking towards the northeast corner of Macnab Street and Merrick street (Now York Boulevard) about 1910. Hotel Stroud (later the Waldorf Hotel) on the corner – to the left the Savoy Theatre.
Looking west along Merrick street, toward the Macnab street corner. Savoy Theatre entrance on right. On far left, the immense stone building still standing on northwest corner of Macnab and York Boulevard).
As the Waldorf Hotel
A side entrance to the Waldorf
Draft beer room.
All photos courtesy PreVIEW, Local History and Archives, Hamilton Public Library.
When the Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo Railway was built through the west end of the already built up City of Hamilton in the summer of 1895 , several streets were bisected completely. The railway company built wooden bridges to reconnect streets such as Pearl Street.
On Saturday afternoon, July 29, 1965, a 14 year old boy deliberately set fire to a bushel basket containing rubbish which was standing near the Pearl street bridge. The fire quickly spread to the dried grass and then onto the bridge, causing serious damage to the structure.
In the first two images, the bridge is seen on fire, and also seen is a large crowd of neighbouring residents gathered to witness the excitement.
The bridges were the responsibility of the railway company to maintain and repair generally, but the railway company proved to be reluctant because the damage was the result of arson. The estimated amount needed to fully repair the bridge was $75,000 (1956 dollars)
In the above image, taken in March 1961, the bridge was still unrepaired, and closed off, with neither cars nor trucks allowed to use it.
The bridge would ultimately never be repaired and more many years was only used by pedestrians and bicyclists.
Now even those uses are not possible, although the 1895 bridge is still in place.
Photos courtesy PreVIEW, Local History and Archives, Hamilton Public Library.
Until the 1850s, it had been originally known as Swazie’s Corners, then Hines’ Corners, then it became known as Mount Hope.
In March, 1951, Spectator photographer visited Mount Hope as part of his survey of the small towns, villages and crossroads in the Greater Hamilton area.
Above is the Glanford Community Hall, site of innumerable social events, including community suppers.
Glanford Township clerk and Treasurer Jessie Reed. At one time, Jessie claimed to have known everyone in the township, but by 1951, she lamented that population growth had made that impossible.
Mount Hope’s only industry in 1951, the Mount Hope Feed Mill which had been in operation since the 1890s.
Booker’s General Store and Post Office.
On Highway #6, St. Paul’s Anglican Church.
Prominent in St. Paul’s church grave yard are the burial lot and markers for Royal Air Force pilots who lost their lives while training in the vicinity.
All photos courtesy PreVIEW, Local History and Archives, Hamilton Public Library.
Delving into the rich photographic portfolio of Jessie B. Dixon – self-portrait above.
This collection is devoted to Jessie’s photographs, and in the above case including herself in the image. Jessie is second from the right, holding the shutter tripper.
A group of friends posed in a backyard.
A house party.
On the tennis court.
Girl friends in the Dixon back yard.
All photos courtesy PreVIEW, Local History and Archives, Hamilton Public Library.
Registration for the first convention ever held outside of the United States of the Ancient Arab Order of the nobles of the Mystic Shrine for North America, Empire State Grotto Association – i.e. Shriners from New York State.
Meeting up with friends on the second floor of the Royal Connaught Hotel.
Wives and daughters in attendance as well – time for the dance.
Shriners Drummers on parade, marching east on King Street in front of the Royal Connaught Hotel.
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Shriners Brass Band playing up a storm on Main Street East, marching westward at John street intersection.
Always fancy vehicles, regular size or very small, in Shriners’ parades.
Photos taken in September 1955, courtesy PreVIEW, LOcal History and Archives, Hamilton Public Library.
