Historically Speaking

There were various other rides to appeal to thrill seekers, but the most exciting ride to be found at LaSalle Park during the roaring ‘20s was this old roller coaster.

The site was known as Wabasso Park for many years until the name was changed in the 1920s to honour the arrival of LaSalle to the area.

The huge roller coaster was the main attraction, but there were many other rides set up on the grounds to the east and north of the pavilion, including a merry-go-round, a giant circle swing, a helter-skelter and a ride called Over the Jumps.

The park was said to have rivaled Toronto's Sunnyside in its heyday.

Grand opening of the Towers store in Aldershot in 1961.

Known as the Towers Plaza for many years, even after the store changed owners, this building, as well as all the other outlets on the site, was demolished for a major redevelopment of the site.

Hotel Hochelaga - Kingston, Ontario

1878
This Victorian-styled mansion was built for John McIntyre, a prominent lawyer that also served as Mayor of Kingston in 1878. The property was originally inherited by Harriet MacPherson who is known as a niece of Sir. John A. Macdonald and became John McIntyre’s wife in 1877. The construction began in 1878 in the beautiful Sydenham Ward District and was completed in 1879. Architected by the famous Joseph Power, this three-storey red brick building features elaborate wood and brick decoration. The details in the design, wood carvings, and overall construction of the building is what makes it so unique and one of a kind.

1907
In 1907, the Bank of Montreal’s Hochelaga Foundation purchased the property from John McIntyre and owned it until they sold it in 1933. The building served as the Manager’s residence and an executive retreat for employees traveling between Montreal and Toronto. It was the Bank of Montreal that moved the main fireplace to the middle of the dining and living room to create a gorgeous double-sided fireplace that shares a warm live fire for relaxation in both the dining and living room. This era of the property’s history is honoured through its name. Hochelaga is an Iroquois word for the land that the City of Montreal is built on today; and it means ‘beaver dam’.

1933
After 25 years of ownership, the Bank of Montreal sold the property in 1933 to John McCullogh, who converted the large mansion into 11 apartment units. The building was later sold to Gordon Bale & John Rutherford. In the 52 years-time that the large Victorian-mansion operated as an apartment building, it unfortunately began to show its age and become a little bit run- down. Even to the point that there were discussions rumbling in Kingston to potentially have the building condemned.

1985
In 1985, the property was purchased and theoretically saved by a Picton based hospitality company called “Someplace Different Hospitality Group”. They completed grand renovations that turned this old building with 11 apartments into a beautiful 22 room hotel with a private ensuite bathroom in every bedroom. While making it beautiful and luxurious for its time, they managed to keep ample amounts of the nearly century-and-a-half worth of history. As can be imagined, this was not a simple flip-renovation. It took extensive planning and years to complete.

2021
The Hochelaga has seen a few different owners over the years but has always continued to operate as a bed & breakfast Inn since it’s transformation in 1985. In July of 2021, the Hochelaga was purchased by ACE Kingston Hospitality Inc. We truly believe in the property and our vision is to provide modern and luxurious hotel amenities, continuing our reputation for exceptional guest service, and providing a comfortable and inviting environment, all while maintaining the rich 142-year history of the property.

It had been known as the Fisher Farm for many years, but in the late 1960s, the Burlington Mall started to take shape on the former farmland.

This aerial photograph shows the huge parking lot as the mall prepares for its official opening in October, 1968.

One of Ontario's first lunatic asylums in Kingston, Ontario - Rockwood.

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Elevator cage from the Chicago stock exchange building which was built in 1893 and demolished in 1972

The Death of Socrates, Painted in 1787 by French Neoclassical master ⁠Jacques-Louis David, The Death of Socrates depicts the final moments of the Greek philosopher as described in Plato's Phaedo. Condemned to die by drinking poisonous hemlock for his teachings, a calm Socrates reaches unhesitatingly for the cup while gesturing upward, symbolizing truth, reason, and the immortality of the soul over fear.

located in The Met

From the book Images of Burlington -

When the Pig & Whistle was built in 1928, the English-style inn quickly became a popular spot for travellers then taking the Toronto-Hamilton Highway.

Situated on a large parcel of land just across from the lakefront, the main building, seen here, featured a high-pitched roof with rolled eaves, and once inside, visitors were treated to fine dining, plus, in keeping with the times, an intimate dance floor.
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The kitchen at Dundurn Castle.

Notice all the servant bells.

LP

From the book Memories of the Beach Strip -

In 1903, a modest little amusement park began beside the canal. It was called, simply, the Canal Amusement Park. It was a small venue with a bath house, snack bars and a Crazy House.

When plans were announced for an expansion, the Burlington Beach Commission was opposed to it and a bylaw was enacted banning any exhibition of waxworks, circus, menagerie, riding or any other such show usually exhibited by showmen.

Despite the bylaw, the park did expand and flourish. In 1912 it got an Eli Ferris Wheel and in 1914 a genuine Herschell Little Beauty carousel.

Shown here, the kiddie coaster at the Beach Amusement Park attracted young and old alike to the popular ride.