Post Office / Town Hall

This photograph dates to the 1930s and shows the Aylmer Post Office. This building was built in 1913 and served as the Post Office for over 50 years. In the 1970s the post office moved to Sydenham Street, and the building currently houses the Town Hall. The Cenotaph located to the left of it was created by J.W. Hutchinson, a former Mayor of Aylmer. It was dedicated on November 25, 1928.

South side of Talbot Street East

Photograph of the south side of Talbot Street East taken c. 1930s. While most of the streetscape has been altered by fires throughout time, this section remains very similar.

Luton Schoolhouse / Community Centre

Luton was originally known as Centreville, as it was located in the centre of the township. The name Luton was adopted when the post office opened, with L.R. Tyrell serving as the first Postmaster. The first schoolhouse was built in 1840, and around 1877 a new brick schoolhouse (S.S. #8 Luton School) was constructed and used until 1968. This photo was taken c. 1910 and shows the brick schoolhouse and schoolyard. The building still stands and operates today as a community centre.

The Mansion House / Mennonite Furniture Gallery

The Mansion House was located on the south-west corner of Talbot Street and John Street, the current location of the Mennonite Furniture Gallery. This photo was taken c. 1913. Following the Mansion House, the building later served as the Merchants Bank of Canada and a grocery store (run by Angus Hughes c. 1945 and later Don Burgess and Bill Wall c. 1955) before being destroyed in the Great Fire of 1965. It sat as a vacant lot before Stedmans (which moved from the SE corner) occupied the building and eventually the Mennonite Furniture Gallery, as it exists today.

Main Street, Springfield

This photograph is of Main Street Springfield taken c. 1909.
The Clunas and Yoder families were among the first to settle in Springfield. It was first known as Clunas until 1855 when it was named Springfield, for the abundance of springs in the field. By the 1860s there was a doctor, tailor, general stores, furniture makers, blacksmiths, shingle mill, wagon maker, shoe maker, and carpenters. It was incorporated as a village in 1878. This photo, taken c. 1909, shows Main Street and some of the many businesses that were located in Springfield.

Talbot Street East facing west

This photograph is of Talbot Street east, facing west, taken c. 1923.

Thayer's Garage / Aylmer Rad Shop and Waydan Auto

This building is located on the south side of Talbot Street East. It originally served as the Baptist parsonage, until J.L. Thayer purchased the home and remodeled it to serve as a gas station and Ford Sales & Service dealership. This photo dates to c. 1920 and advertises gas was 27 cents a gallon, plus 3 cents tax. In the 1950s the building served as a car show room for Merlin Motors. The building now serves as Waydan Auto Repair and Aylmer Rad Shop and Agricultural Parts.

Talbot Street facing west

This photograph is of Talbot Street east facing west, taken c. 1939

Town Hall and Aylmer Steam Laundry

This photograph shows the Town Hall and Aylmer Steam Laundry c. 1939. The Old Town Hall (housing the library and theatre) and Aylmer Video are located there now.

Methodist Church / St. John's United Church, Springfield

The Methodist Church in Springfield was established in 1879. This photo was taken c. 1918, and shows the original tower before it was replaced. The church later becomes, and still operates as, St. John’s United Church.

Talbot Street Looking East

This photograph is of Talbot Street west facing east taken c. 1905.

Capitol Theatre

This photo shows the Capitol Theatre c. 1939. The Capitol Theatre was located here from 1927-1947. Jack Van Patter Limited later remodelled and had his furniture and appliance store in the building. It currently sits as a vacant store.

Talbot Street Looking East

View from the intersection of John Street and Talbot Street facing east. This photo was taken c. 1925.

Church of England / Trinity Episcopal / Anglican Church

The Church of England was constructed in 1879 by Thomas Wooster, featuring both red and yellow brick. This photo dates to c. 1908. It now serves as the Anglican Church.

Rockabore Inn / Private Residence

The hotel at the corner of Hale and Colin Street originally served as the Amasa Lewis Hotel built in 1854. It later became the Rockabore Inn, as seen in this postcard from c. 1915. It currently serves as a private residence.

Ray Lemon and Gettas / Hills Pharmacy and Johnny’s

Ray Lemon Drug Store and Getta’s Restaurant c. 1939, now Hill’s Pharmacy and Johnny’s Restaurant.

The Baptist Church, Aylmer

The Baptist Church was originally constructed in 1871, costing roughly $16,000 to build. This photo was taken c. 1915. On July 12, 1950 a large fire destroyed the church leaving only the tower and walls standing. The church was rebuilt costing $138,000. The building still exists as the Baptist Church and the congregation has recently celebrated their 200th year.

Aylmer Hardware and White Drug Store / Campbell’s II and Campbell’s

Aylmer Hardware and White’s Drug Store c. 1939. Now Campbell’s II and Campbell’s.

The Brown House / IDA

The Brown House was located on the south-east corner of Talbot Street and John Street. It was constructed in the late 1800s by Hiram J. Brown. The photo seen here dates to c. 1915. It was later sold and renamed The Aylmer Inn. In 1934 a large fire damaged the building and resulted in the death of 3 occupants. Later the main floor housed the Selrite Store and then Stedmans. In the 1970s the building was torn down and the current building was constructed. The Aylmer News and Camera Centre, Lovers, the Big V, and Shoppers Drug Mart have all occupied the building, until recently when it became IDA.

Port Bruce Pier, Malahide

Port Bruce was very important in the early history of Malahide. It was originally referred to as “Catfish Harbour” because of Catfish Creek. The Harbour in Port Bruce wasn’t established until the 1850s because the Hale Family refused to sell or develop two lots of land. Amasa Lewis and Lindley Moore constructed a warehouse and four hundred foot pier. Once the pier was in operation Port Bruce became a shipping centre for the lumber and grain produced in Malahide Township. The Harbour lost its importance once the railway was introduced in the 1870s. This photo dates to c. 1938 and shows the period of time after the warehouses and before the lighthouse was added.

Aylmer High School / East Elgin Secondary School

In 1885 a bylaw was passed to raise money to purchase the site of the current high school, with a new street named after the principal, W. W. Rutherford. The new High School, called the Collegiate Institute, was built in 1886. In 1899 the cannons were secured for the high school. They both date to 1806 and were brought to Canada for use in the War of 1812. Additions were made throughout time and eventually the building was torn down and replaced by a modern structure around 1940.

Aylmer Band Shell

The Aylmer Band Shell was constructed in 1940 as a venue for the Aylmer Boy’s Band. It was restored in 2010/2011 and sits in what is now known as Palmer Park.

John Street Bridge

View from the intersection of John Street and Talbot Street of the John Street North Bridge taken c. 1915

Knox Presbyterian Church / Legion

Photograph of the Knox Presbyterian Church in Aylmer taken c. 1915. An addition was later added, and now houses the Aylmer Legion Branch No. 81. The original building can still be seen behind the addition.

Carnegie Library/Desjardins Insurance

This building was constructed in 1912 in Edwardian style. It was financed by a grant from Andrew Carnegie and served as the towns library for 70 years. This photo is from c. 1920. It now houses State Farm Insurance.

Talbot Street Looking East

Photo of Talbot St. West looking east c. 1905. This photo was taken prior to several large fires that drastically changed the streetscape, including the fire of 1965.

Methodist Church / United Church, Aylmer

This church was constructed in 1874 in Gothic Style. It originally served as a Methodist Church, as it is in this photo from c. 1910. It originally featured a 156 foot steeple which was later removed. It now serves as St. Paul’s United Church.

Town Hall / Old Town Hall

In 1873 the Village Council passed an act to build a Town Hall and Market building. The Old Town Hall was constructed in 1874 and served as the Town Hall, Police Station, Mechanics Institute, and Opera House. Originally it had a large cupola on top. This photo dates to c. 1912. The building was restored in 1982 and now houses the Aylmer Library and theatre.

Private Residence / Park Space

This property, located south of the Old Town Hall on John Street South was the site of a house torn down c. 2008. This photo dates to c. 1915. The property now serves as a park space.

Port Bruce Harbour

Photograph of the Port Bruce Harbour c. 1910 compared to now. Note all the warehouses and buildings that lined the harbour.

The Traders Bank of Canada / Hamilton Ward and Cathers

Photograph of the Aylmer branch of the Traders Bank of Canada, located on the north side of Talbot Street East. This photo was taken c. 1910. Dr. Woods Dentist office can be seen above the bank.

The Traders Bank of Canada / Hamilton Ward and Cathers

Photograph of the Aylmer branch of the Traders Bank of Canada, located on the north side of Talbot Street East. This photo was taken c. 1910. Dr. Woods Dentist office can be seen above the bank.

Catholic Church

Photograph of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, located on the west side of John Street South, prior to completion. This photograph was taken on March 31, 1940 by Bradt Studio.

Talbot Street West Looking East

Talbot Street west looking east c. 1938. The fire of 1965 significantly changed the streetscape at Aylmer’s main corners, especially the northwest and southwest corners of the intersection.

Talbot Street East Looking West

Photograph of Talbot Street east looking west c. 1955. The streetscape of Talbot Street East has remained relatively unchanged over the past 60 years. Businesses including Hugh Shaws Men’s Wear, Van Patter Electrics, Capital Café, the City Butcher Shop, and the Barber Shop can all be seen.

View of Port Bruce Pier

View of Port Bruce looking towards the pier, c. 1935 and now

Talbot Street East looking West

Talbot Street east looking west c. 1935. A gas station can be seen on the south side of the road at the current site of CIBC.

"Rocabore Bay" in Port Bruce

Photograph of the “Rocabore Bay” in Port Bruce c. 1920. The King George Pavillion, later known as the Rocabore Inn and now a private residence, can be seen in the photograph. Historically flooding in this area has been an issue. In an effort to prevent further ice jams in the Rocabore Bay area, the western part of the bay was filled in in 1991, and a stone berm was built along the east side in 1997. This created a more streamlined channel, with less risk of sediment building up, reducing the risk of further ice jams in area of the bay.

Port Bruce

This photograph was taken at the Ford Picnic of 1915. Photograph taken in June of 1915 compared to June 2018. Note the large warehouse on the pier as well as the Rocabore Inn, then known as the King George Pavilion, in the centre of the photo.

Talbot Street East Looking West

Talbot Street east looking west c. 1938 in comparison to now. Businesses including Dominion Grocers, Getta’s Restaurant, and the Barber Shop can be seen.

The Brown House

This photograph shows horse and carriages and a marching band on John Street South c. 1900. The Brown House and the Baptist Church can be seen in the background.

Aylmer Branch of the Molsons Bank

Photograph of the Aylmer Branch of the Molsons Bank, located on the north side of Talbot Street East. The photograph is part of an advertisement for the bank out of the Holiday Number of the Aylmer Express for 1903-1904. This photograph of the Molsons Bank also appeared in the Souvenir of Aylmer of 1897.

The building, which looks much the same as it did at the turn of the century, now houses Gloin, Hall & Shields Barristers and Solicitors.

Aylmer Branch of the Sovereign Bank of Canada

Photograph of the Aylmer Branch of the Sovereign Bank of Canada, located on the north side of Talbot Street East. The photograph is part of an advertisement for the bank out of the Holiday Number of the Aylmer Express for 1903-1904.

North Side of Talbot Street East

Photograph of the North Side of Talbot Street East c. 1923. The streetscape of Talbot Street East has remained relatively unaltered over the past century. Even the shape of many of the windows as well as the decorative elements above them, have remained the same! Also notice that at this time Talbot Street was a brick street.

North Side of Talbot Street East

Photograph of the north side of Talbot Street east c. 1905. The office of Dr. Fear, a dentist, can be seen as well as White’s Drug Store can be seen. While much of this section of Talbot Street has remained the same, the northeast corner of Talbot Street and John Street was destroyed in a fire in 1960, 5 years before the large fire that destroyed much of the northwest and southwest corners of intersection.

Talbot Street East Looking Northwest

Talbot Street East Looking northwest c. 1900. While much of this section of Talbot Street has remained the same, the northeast corner of Talbot and John Streets was destroyed in a fire in 1960, 5 years before the large fire that destroyed much of the northwest and southwest corners of intersection. Signs for Buchanan Harness & Co. and A.J. Anderson Furniture and Undertaking can be seen on the left of the picture. Buchanan’s Harness Store sold horse collars and bridles, as well as various furs including men’s coats and robes and horse blankets. The store also featured a selection of leather boots and shoes.

King Street Facing North

Photograph taken of an unknown man on King Street facing north c. 1910

Northwest Corner of Talbot and John Street

Photograph of the Province of Ontario Savings Office c. 1930, located on the northwest corner of Talbot and John Streets. In the fire of 1965 the streetscape, and especially the northwest and southwest corners of this intersection, were drastically changed. In 1972 The Royal Bank moved to its new building at the northwest corner of Talbot and John Streets. Prior to this they were located on the north side of Talbot Street East, at the current site of Hamilton, Ward and Cathers.

Talbot Street West and Elm Street

Photograph of the northeast corner of Talbot Street West and Elm Street, c. 1965. The Supertest Gas Station can be seen on the left, the current site of Mac’s Convenience Store and Subway.

Town Hall

Photograph of the Aylmer Boys’ Band Practice Room that was located behind the Post Office. This photograph was taken c. 1938, prior to the construction of the Band Shell in 1940. The Band Shell was restored in 2010/2011 and the Post Office building now houses the Town Hall for the Town of Aylmer and Aylmer Community Services.

Talbot and King Street Looking South

Photograph of King Street in Aylmer, taken c.1905 from Talbot Street East facing south. The photo was taken from the second floor of the Traders Bank. The current photo was taken from the second floor of Hamilton Ward and Cathers Insurance Ltd. At the end of the road the McLay House on Pine Street East can be seen prior to the addition of the large Doric columns and pediment in 1950.

Malahide Township Office

Photograph of the residence and office of Dr. Peter W. McLay, located on the northeast corner of John St. and Pine St. This photograph was taken in 1878. Dr. McLay is standing in the gate wearing a long coat and hat. Mrs. McLay is on the upper porch with two girls.

Old Post Office / Town Hall

Photograph of the back of the Post Office, taken by M.G. McKnight at 1:03 pm on Monday, January 20, 1936. The photograph was taken from Centre St. facing Talbot Street West. The building now houses the Town Hall, and an addition on the back of the building houses Aylmer Community Services.

East Elgin Secondary School

The Aylmer High School pictured here c. 1932 now East Elgin Secondary School.