14
The fire was not the only damage the mill suffered in its history. In 1947, when ice blocked the dam and the river swelled with ice floes, the river jumped the banks and flooded the land on both sides. Water smashed through a wall in the Howson & Howson mill.Howson and Howson had bought a mill in Blyth prior to the flood and fire, so they moved the centre of their operations.
15
This was the location of the very short lived newspaper, the Wingham Vidette (1883 to 1885).2004
185 Josephine Street, Wingham, Ontario, Canada
16
Prior to the flood and fire, Howson's had bought a mill in Blyth. They switched their milling operations to it after the fire but kept a main street presence in Wingham with their store at 185 Josephine Street.In the 1990s, they sold the store to a flower shop, the Flower Nook. Over time, a Ministry of Transportation license renewal outlet was added as well as a used book operation.
17
Meyer Block in 19821982
187 Josephine Street, Wingham, Ontario, Canada
18
The Meyer block was built by lawyer, H.E. Meyer in the 1880s. His office was in the central office (189 Josephine Street).The Meyer block has remained virtually unchanged since it was built.
19
Spotton Business College handbill, 19171917
187 Josephine Street, Wingham, Ontario, Canada
20
The second floor of the Meyer building was the meeting hall of the Anchor of Hope Lodge.In 1917, George Spotton moved his business college from the 3rd floor of the Macdonald block to the 2nd floor of the Meyer block. He mounted a huge electric sign on the building near the door leading to his college. It extended over the complete width of the sidewalk and was reputed to be the largest sign in Western Ontario. It had 300 light bulbs which flashed on and off every few minutes. It cost 50 cents an hour to operate, at 1917 electricity rates.
George Spotton had a chain of 10-12 business colleges in Western Ontario. The business college in Wingham opened in 1905 and celebrated 35 years of business. During World War I, free tuition was given to the daughter or son of an overseas soldier.
21
Storefront of Pattison Radio and Electric when it was located in the Meyer block (1945 to 1953)1948
187 Josephine Street, Wingham, Ontario, Canada
22
Prior to 1887, the Wingham Advance had their printing offices in this store. They moved to the north store of the building in 1887.In 1900, William Bullock, one of the owners of the National Iron Works foundry, opened an office here to sell shares in his foundry. He had many people invest in the foundry much to their dismay. In 1901 he and his partner, John Galt, walked away from the foundry, leaving it and its debt on the hands of the town and its many local investors.
John Pattison opened Pattison Radio & Electric in this location in 1945, thus moving his business from his parent's home. John Pattison is shown in the following photos.
23
John Pattison doing electrical work.1950
187 Josephine Street, Wingham, Ontario, Canada
24
John Pattison doing electrical work.1950
187 Josephine Street, Wingham, Ontario, Canada
25
From 1944 to 1950 this was the location of Pattison Radio and Electric.2004
187 Josephine Street, Wingham, Ontario, Canada
26
After John Pattison moved his shop to 188 Josephine Street in 1953, this storefront had a number of businesses rent it.Wade's Children Wear was followed by Starr Real Estate. Then in the 1980s, Holst Real Estate was located in this storefront.
The 2004 resident is the Wingham Drive-In Cleaners who moved here from their location on Diagonal Road.
27
Photo of lawyer J.W. Bushfield1962
189 Josephine Street, Wingham, Ontario, Canada
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