Canadian Flag History

Stores and restaurants from times gone by Vince Gatton

1972 Elizabethan Restaurant, 92 Ontario St.

1910 Carter's Musical Merchandise and Phonographs

1910 crown Hotel later Kent Hotel, 209 Waterloo St.

1910 The Hub or Barnsdale Department Store Market Square

1921 Kenner Book Store, 44 Ontario

1921 Whyte Packing Store, 42 Downie

1926 Budd's Feed Store, Market Sq.

1928 Eatons Department Store, 16 Downie St.

1940 J. Pauli Butcher Shop, 31 Ontario St.

1948 Rankin's Restaurant and Confectionary, 81 Ontario St.

1964 Beattie & Co. , 34 Ontario St.

1969 Centre Restaurant. 81 Ontario St.

1972 Elizabethan Restaurant, 92 Ontario St.

The residents of Stratford for over a century and half have enjoyed a unique downtown shopping experience. Bounded by the Courthouse and the Huron Street Bridge to the west. The Avon River to the North and Ontario Street at Nile Street to the east. Further south we have Downie Street to the YM/YWCA and Wellington Street to St. Patrick Street. In the Centre there is the Market Place and Market Street.

Within this area we have a great collection of period buildings that have enjoyed a long life with few alterations. We lost a few to fires and a few to new developments. We have faired well in comparison to many neighbouring communities.

Not one of the remaining retail stores, eateries or service business have survived with its original interiors. Have you ever wondered what it might be like to visit the interiors inside to see what greeted the customer of years ago. The photos here are dated with their address given. Enjoy this imaginary walk back in time as you enter into the stores.