This ongoing series showcases historic photos in the Collingwood Museum collection, with research and writing by Melissa Shaw, the museum supervisor.
Today’s featured photograph was taken nearly 110 years ago on May 6, 1915. The three-storey brick building was constructed in approximately 1901 for the expressed purpose of housing the very successful and burgeoning business operation of two Collingwood brothers – William George and Charles C. Begg.
The Begg Brothers purchased Oak Hall, a clothing business operated by Messrs. Vernon & Co. They soon outstripped the available space in what was then known as the Callary Block on the east side of Hurontario Street and required the construction of a new building to meet their needs. With nothing suitable available, a new and impressive three-story brick building was constructed constructed in 1901; however, the location of this new building is presently unknown to Collingwood Museum staff. Upon its completion, the building was described as the finest retail store north of Toronto.
The Collingwood Bulletin Industrial Number from December 1906 boasts “go into the big store at any time on an afternoon, and the observer will find the place swarming with customers and although a large staff of clerks and salesmen are kept, a great number of people will be found waiting their turn to be served.”
Today’s photograph shows the location of the Begg’s operation in 1915. The large staff is believed to be pictured in front of the storefront for the photograph’s occasion. A list of 19 handwritten names on the photograph’s reverse hints at the staff’s identities, but portions of each name have been cut off. Identifiable surnames include Thomas, Corkindale, McKee, McIntyre, McDonald, and Nettleton.
The names of W. G. and C. C Begg are visible in the photograph. “C.C. Begg” appears prominently above the stained-glass transoms, while “W. G. Begg” appears along the base of the storefront displays. The latter is accompanied by a list of provisions available for purchase: dry goods, millinery, furnishings, clothing, and socks. Three other Begg siblings (John, T.C., and Arthur) operated similarly successful businesses in Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay, and Parry Sound.
The Begg’s three-storey brick building graced Collingwood’s downtown for 100 years, between its construction by the Long Brothers following the Great Fire of 1881 and its demolition in the early 2000s. The building witnessed Collingwood’s development through two world wars and saw the rise and fall of the Collingwood Shipyards and many changes within the downtown.
Today, this section of Hurontario Street is unrecognizable unless you are one of the lucky residents or visitors who remember the building or tenants at 32 Hurontario Street. These included, but are not limited to, Walker Shoes, the Savings Place, Radio Shack, and Saunders. At some point in the building’s history, the third storey was removed, leaving a smaller but still impressive building in its final years.
Today, 32 Hurontario Street is the approximate location of the south portion of the parking lot for Loblaw Great Food. If you have any memories or stories to share about this building, please contact Collingwood Museum staff.
