Smith Block
422 - 428 Turnberry Street, Brussels, Ont.
( Built: 1891 )
The north part (60 sq ft) of Lot 9 was sold to William Armstrong in 1860 as part of his hotel property. The south part was sold to John Grewar in 1863. Grewar mortgaged the property for $400 in 1868 then sold to GW Wright and GR Ross the following year. An article in the April 29, 1870 issue of The Huron Expositor listed Wright & Ross as one of the major mercantile establishments in the village.
In 1872, Wright & Ross put their stock and building up for sale: “Selling Out in Earnest – Messrs. Wright & Ross being determined to sell off the balance of their stock at once have resolved to commence an auction sale on Thursday, the 18th January. There is a considerable amount of stock of one kind or another yet on hand, and good bargains will no doubt be going. The next month the business was sold: “Messrs. Wright & Ross have sold the remainder of their stock and the premises lately occupied by them to one Mr Duncan lately from Australia. He intends to open out, in a few days, a complete stock of all kinds of wares. He will doubtless secure a share of the general prosperity of our merchants. It is reported that our friend, Mr Wright, is going to the southern States to recruit his health. If true, we hope he may turn again hale and hearty as of yore. It is said that it is the intention of Mr Ross to make a pleasure trip during the coming summer to the hills and dales of his native land. We wish him a pleasant time and are only sorry we cannot accompany him.” The next week’s issue of the newspaper reported that Mr Duncan had backed out of the deal. (Huron Expositor, Jan. 12, Feb. 2, 1872)
William Tufts leased the premises formerly occupied by Wright & Ross in March of 1872. In April he took Mr A Hamilton into partnership and they added a large stock of liquors to their already fine stock of groceries. The partnership only lasted a year, however: “Messrs. Tufts & Hambleton, grocers and butchers, have dissolved partnership. Mr. Tufts will in future carry on the grocery business, and Mr. Hambleton the butchering.” Tufts entered into partnership with John McGregor, but that relationship lasted just one year as well. (Huron Expositor, July 18, 1873)
Advertisement Right: Shown in the Brussels Post March 3, 1880. By May of 1875, Mr. Tufts had purchased the store and lot which he already occupied from Mr. George W. Wright, formerly of Brussels and now of Clinton, for $1,500. In 1876, Tufts & Co. discontinued the sale of liquor and crockery, adding dry goods to their stock of groceries. And in 1877, they went out of business: “The stock-in-trade of Messrs. Tufts & Co. has been sold to Mr Logie, of Toronto, at 65 cents on the dollar cash. Mr Logie intends assorting up the stock and opening out in a few days a general dry goods and grocery stock. He intends to take up his residence in Brussels.” Logie leased the 3rd new store in the newly built Graham Block: “It has a fine double front, has a ceiling 15 feet, and is 3 stories high.” (Huron Expositor Apr. 6, Aug. 31, 1877)
Tufts property was assigned to James Knox in September of 1877. A Huron Expositor report of a fire in the Little Bros. bookstore on May 27, 1878 described the store as being “in the centre of a dense row of wooden buildings, and most of them of the very worst class.” James Knox owned the south part of Lot 9 and the north part of Lot 10 at the time. He lost a building to the fire. The story goes on to say that Little Bros. saved nothing from the fire which spread south to Thomas Fletcher’s store and home. Other merchants and tenants who suffered losses in the fire were George Davidson, saddler, John Tait, liquor dealer, John Parker of the Brussels House, James Mannell, lessee of the Brussels House, JW Carson, butcher, Dr. William Holmes, buildings; J. Alexander, Strachan & Smith, Thomas Leadbeater, stocks damaged by moving, and McKinney Bros. of the American Hotel, furniture damaged in moving.
William Armstrong sold part of the lot to Alexander Strachan and John C Smith in 1875. In July, Strachan & Smith “commenced the erection of their new store, just south of Armstrong’s Hotel. It is a frame 28x60 and two stories high.” Previously, Strachan & Smith were in business in a store north of Armstrong’s Hotel.
Advertisement Left: Shown in the Brussels Post 1889. The Strachan Brothers were in business from 1881 to 1890. In June of 1876, Alexander Strachan died: “This sad event took place at the residence of his mother, in Grey, on Monday morning last. About 18 months ago the deceased had contracted a severe cold, which ultimately turned into consumption. Being deeply engrossed in business, he allowed this insidious disease to grow until it secured so firm a hold of him as to be past all cure. Last fall he took a trip to the Pacific Slope in the hope that the warm and more congenial climate of that country might benefit him, but all in vain. He had waited too long, and a few weeks ago he retuned to his home and his friends worse than he went away, and after lingering until Monday, departed this life. Mr Strachan, who was but 31 years of age, was a young man of considerable ability, of marked integrity, and of such gentleness and kindness of disposition, as to win the esteem and respect of all with whom he came in contact.” (Brussels Post, June 9, 1876) Despite the untimely death of one of the partners, the business continued as Strachan & Smith. This March 19, 1880 ad announces: “Strachan, Smith & Co. – ninth year, 17th semi-annual season – Boots & Shoes, ready made clothing, groceries, crockery, patent medicines, hardware; clothing made to order, AR Morris is our cutter.”
Strachan Bros., general merchants, succeeded Strachan, Smith & Co. in 1881. An extensive article on the business interests of the town, published in the Brussels Post December 17, 1886, describes Strachan Bros.: “The business conducted by the above named gentlemen has been before the public for about fifteen years, and has met with a steady and increasing trade. Today the firm ranks among the first business men in Brussels, and their business certainly commands a large share of patronage…. The building is a very commodious establishment, about 90 feet long by 21 feet wide, besides a large storehouse at the rear. It is well stocked with a splendid assortment of goods. The different departments may be described as follows: On the right are the dress goods and trimming departments, both of which are well know for their excellence and the very high standard they maintain. Further down is a heavy stock of staples. On the left is a splendid stock of general groceries, also a fine display of crockery, glassware, boots and shoes that can hardly be surpassed, certainly not in Brussels. They are of the best American and Canadian manufacturers and at prices to suit customers. The stock also includes ready-made clothing of which there is a good selection, also hats and caps, &c. latter in furs as Persian lamb, seal, &c. This firm is one of the most popular in our town and well deserve their success.”
Strachan Bros. dissolved their partnership in January of 1890. D. Strachan, the elder brother, retired. Alex Strachan continued business in the old stand.
In the fire of November 1890, the fronts of both Strachan’s and Skene’s stores were pulled down to help stop the southward march of the fire. Mr. Strachan was able to save some of his stock and remove it to the Egg Emporium. On December 12th he offered “great bargains in goods damaged by the fire.” By January 23, 1891 Strachan had “leased the commodious corner store in Dr. Graham’s block for a term of years” and removed his stock.
The owner of the property, Barbara Strachan, set about rebuilding. Reporting on the new American Hotel The Post noted: “A space of about 2 feet was to be left “between the American Hotel and Mrs. Strachan’s block so as to admit light and air to the bedrooms in the former.” Excavation began in February 1891. The brickwork was completed by July. In August, Dr. McKelvey advertised “Rooms to rent over Mrs. Strachan’s new block. Will be in readiness by Sept. 1st. Suitable for office, sewing rooms or dwellings.” In October, J Irwin and N McBain of Atwood leased the northern store in Mrs. Strachan’s new block and opened out a stock of Dry Goods, Groceries, Boots, Shoes etc. It was reported that: “Both gentlemen have had a number of years experience and are very highly esteemed in their own locality. Mr. McBain has been engaged in Listowel. The stand chosen by Irwin & McBain is one of the best in Brussels.”
Both Mr. Koenig of the American Hotel and Mrs. Strachan had problems collecting on their insurance. The case was settled in July 1892: “When A. Koenig’s hotel and Mrs. Strachan’s stores were burned down in November 1889 [1890] they held insurance policies of $1,000 and $500 respectively, in the City Mutual Co. of London, Ont. Shortly after the fire the Company got into financial difficulty and the business went into liquidation. Last week Mr Koenig and Dr McKelvey went to London to endeavour to effect a settlement of their claims. They succeeded in doing so but had to take 50¢ on the dollar. Gibbons & McNab are winding up business. Some policyholders only received 25¢ on the dollar.” (Brussels Post, July 15, 1892)
Irwin & McBain had a “neat, gold-lettered sign placed at their store door” in December 1891. John McBain worked as a clerk in the store and it was reported: “Their pay as you buy system works well so Jim tells us.”
Perhaps the pay-as-you-go system worked for a time, but by August of 1893 Irwin & McBain had declared bankruptcy. Messrs. Ferguson & Halliday leased the store. James Irwin spoke of removing to Atwood, but remained in town and continued as a general merchant until 1896 when he again was forced to declare bankruptcy.
Advertisement Below: From the Brussels Post circa 1891. Irwin & McBain operated on a "strictly cash system" but did take "good butter, eggs and poultry in exchange for goods."
In an article promoting local business, The Post described Ferguson & Halliday as “the popular and flourishing Dry Goods establishment of the enterprising firm above named, who rank among the most successful merchants of the county. It is now about 5 years since Messrs. Ferguson & Halliday commenced business here. The success they have met has been very gratifying, which is evidenced in the flourishing condition of their business, the large trade it enjoys and its popularity with the people. We have no hesitation in saying that the public find every advantage in dealing here which capable management can serve. The firm purchase their stock from the best markets and the store is always filled with a large and superior line of Dry Goods, mantles, clothing, &c.” (Brussels Post Oct. 20, 1893)
Miss MacPherson, a milliner, moved to the millinery department in the store of Messrs. Ferguson & Halliday in November 1893. The walls of the millinery show room and workroom were papered and generally tidied up for spring. In August of 1894, Miss MacPherson severed her ties with Ferguson & Halliday and moved her stock of millinery back to her former stand in the Stretton block. Ferguson & Halliday then used the millinery room for a mantle showroom. (Brussels Post Nov. 10, 1893; Aug. 17, 1894; Apr. 3, 1896)
In July 1896, Ferguson & Halliday dissolved their partnership. “After a successful co-partnership in the Dry Goods business for 5 or 6 years, the firm of Ferguson & Halliday have agreed to dissolve, so next Tuesday begin a Dissolution sale of their fine and well-assorted stock, to continue for a month. Mr. Ferguson continues the business after the dissolution and Mr. Halliday will combine business and pleasure in a trip to the Pacific coast this Fall.” (Brussels Post July 31, 1896)
John Ferguson appears to have continued in business at this location until 1905. In January 1905, it was announced in The Post that Mr. Ferguson would partner with DC Ross: “It is reported that Jno Ferguson and DC Ross will form a co-partnership and do business in the two stores in the Garfield block before 1905 has taken its flight. They are both good businessmen in their respective lines.” (Brussels Post Jan. 12, 1905)
AR Smith, the other occupant of the Smith Block, started in business in 1878 or 1879. He may have been a partner in Strachan & Smith in the early years, leaving in 1881 when the business became Strachan Bros. In 1883, he built an addition to his store and secured the services of a city milliner. Miss Kate Ferguson was the milliner, succeeded by Miss Lack. She, and her fellow milliners from the village, attended the millinery openings in Toronto each season where “she made a personal selection of a full line of fall millinery consisting of all the novelties and leading styles of the season.” (Brussels Post Sept. 11, 1885) AR Smith was said to have “much the best” millinery in Brussels.
In their December 1886 profile of local businesses The Post had this to say: “AR Smith, Dry Goods and Clothing – The above named gentleman is too well and favourably known to the citizens of Brussels and surrounding country to require an introduction in this edition of The Post. He has been engaged in the Dry Goods and Clothing business for over eight years and his name has consequently become a household word throughout the community. Mr. Smith’s stock of goods is always found full and complete. Always alive to the interests of his patrons, the greatest attention is given to purchases in securing rare bargains at the lowest cash discounts. At one time we find him negotiating for a large stock in some of the eastern cities, taking advantage of the markets and at another time availing himself of the benefits of rates of purchasing in London or Toronto. Besides his business in this town Mr. Smith also conducts a similar business in Sunshine. Each department of his establishment evidences signs of progress and enterprise. It would be impossible within the limited space of this article, to give anything like a description of his stock, so we will just call attention to a few of the leading departments. On the right side of the show room are the Dress Goods and Tweed Departments, both of which commend themselves to every purchaser. In the dress goods are some very elegant lines such as Jersey cloths, ottoman cords, bancle, also mantle cloths, colored and black silks, velvet and velveteens and a full line of trimmings. On the left is an immense assortment of ready-made clothing and overcoats, at all prices. The stock of boots and shoes, rubbers, overshoes, &c., is very large and complete. It contains some excellent lines in ladies’ fine wear. The Millinery Department, at the rear, is very attractive for its great assortment of stylish headgear of all kinds. This department is under the charge of Miss Lack, an acknowledged artiste. Mr. Smith is meeting with great success, as he deserves.”
In 1887, AR Smith called his store the Brussels Clothing House. He “engaged the services of another first-class salesman in the person of Alex Robertson” in September of 1888. Miss Brownlove was the milliner that year and the next. In 1890, Miss Ella Inman was engaged as saleslady and was said to be “competent for the position.”
The fire of November 1890 forced Smith to move his store into the Smale block “where he will keep a large and well assorted stock of ready-made clothing, tweeds, hats and caps, boots and shoes, gent’s furnishings, etc. Mr. Smith was a heavy loser by the fire but he has pluckily gone to work and is rushing off the small balance of goods saved from the fire and pushing the sale of the large new stock arriving.” (Brussels Post Dec. 12, 1890)
AR Smith moved to his new store in the newly built Smith block in October 1891. In December, Miss Hannah Ball rented rooms over Smith’s store and “placed a piano there for the purpose of making it convenient to her pupils and others desiring to take lessons. Miss Ball is pronounced to be a fine pianist by competent judges.” TA Hawkins, a music teacher, leased the rooms in September 1893.
Photo Below: All the buildings pictured here were built in 1891 after fire destroyed the existing hotel and stores. From Right: American Hotel, Smith Block, Strachan Block, and the Skene Block.
The Post, printed in an October 20, 1893 story, described A. R. Smith’s: “The business has a phenomenally successful record and through periods of depression as well as prosperity it has always maintained the confidence and popularity of the public. While the long and uniform course of fair and upright dealing of this establishment has won the appreciation of the people, the advantages it has always offered to the public has exerted a marked influence in drawing trade to the town. A merchant of experience and ability with purchasing facilities secured by high commercial standing, this establishment is fully up with city houses. The large and commodious store is splendidly equipped with a superior and extensive stock bought from the leading wholesale houses and direct from the manufacturer and embracing all kinds of staple and fancy Dry Goods, ladies’ and gents’ furnishings, carpets, ladies’ cloaks and mantles, furs, clothing, boots, shoes, &c. Mr. Smith makes a specialty of readymade clothing and ordered work. Those who fail to inspect the stock on hand for this season’s trade will be doing business an injustice.”
Advertisement Below: Shown in the Brussels Post October 18, 1895. SMith & McLaren became partners in 1894 - "The Post predicts a prosperous future for Mr. Smith & Mr. McLaren."
In 1894, Smith entered into partnership with George N McLaren, who had been in Smith’s employ for four years. “This combination will make a strong firm as both are practical men with modern ideas of managing business. Mr. Smith’s mercantile career has been one of which any young man might be proud. Notwithstanding reverses by fire, he is in better shape today than ever. The Post predicts a prosperous future for Messrs. Smith and McLaren.” (Feb. 16, 1894)
AR Smith made regular buying trips to Toronto, London and Hamilton to select dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, gents’ furnishings, etc., for the store. He also served a wide clientele, according to this ad of November, 1897: “Sound Judgment on the Part of Five Brothers – Last Thursday evening, after tea, five stalwart men, who live near Blyth, drove over to Brussels, and purchased five overcoats from Smith & McLaren and went away well pleased with the bargains they got. Smith & McLaren can give many an instance where people from long distances buy their clothing from them, as they carry the largest assortment of clothing in the County. They also carry a fine stock of Dry-Goods, Boots & Shoes.”
In January 1899, Smith & McLaren dissolved their partnership. Smith continued in business in the Smith Block store and McLaren moved to Midland.
AR Smith continued to do various things to distinguish his business. In August 1899, he became the agent for the new Ideal patterns. The Brussels Post of April 19, 1900 declared: “AR Smith’s new awning is the ‘loudest’ thing in town.” Smith sold his business at the close of 1900.
Late in 1905, George N. McLaren returned to take up business in Brussels again. “Fred McCracken and staff are busy painting and brightening up the store in the Smith block preparatory to the coming to town of Geo. N. McLaren who will be opening up a new stock of Dry Goods &c., in the course of a few weeks. Mr McLaren is well and favourably known and has had a wide experience so that he is well up in the ways and means of doing business. He has married since he was a resident of Brussels and will be moving Mrs McLaren and baby here too. The date of opening the stock will be announced in due course.” (Brussels Post Oct. 5, 1905) McLaren was in business here, in the north store of the Smith Block, until his death in 1918.
In June 1915, Roy McKay leased the store in the Smith block, one door south of GN McLaren’s, where he opened an up-to-date grocery and restaurant. In July he installed a telephone, No. 40x.
Photograph Galleries & Offices Above the Stores
A photograph gallery was fitted up in the upstairs of the southerly store when Mrs. Strachan’s block was built and Lorne Hunter, photographer, moved in November 1891 from the Stretton block to a studio over AR Smith’s store. Hunter advertised “aristotype work for Christmas” produced in his “Art Studio.” (Brussels Post Dec. 18, 1891) Mr. Hunter moved to Toronto in April 1892 and CE Perry leased the photo gallery. In 1895, Harry Brewer moved his photo gallery from the Stretton Block to the one in the Smith Block.
Above Photo: Photograph taken by professional Harry Brewer (Huron County Museum Collection)
Early in 1910 a new proprietor arrived: “GF Maitland, who bought the photographic business of HR Brewer, arrived in town this week and is having a number of improvements made in the studio. He will be ready to attend to the requirements of the people of Brussels and community on Thursday 17th inst. Mr Maitland is an artist of experience and merit and has been in business in Stratford for years. We welcome him to town and wish him success.” Maitland was in business for about five years. In December 1915, the photo gallery was re-opened: “Free Bros., have leased the Photo studio formerly in charge of Artist Maitland, Smith Block, Brussels, and Friday of this week will open it to the public. Good work guaranteed at reasonable rates, they say.” Free was in business here until 1918.
Advertisement Above: Shown in the Brussels Post December 8, 1910, and the Advertisement Below: is from an 1893 issue of the Post.
Dr. Alexander McKelvey had an office upstairs in the Smith Block from 1891 to 1895 when he sold his practice to a Dr. Proctor, a young gentleman from Niagara Falls. Dr McKelvey planned to move to New York City. The deal with Dr. Proctor may have fallen through or was changed to a more temporary arrangement; a notice in the Brussels Post of December 10, 1897 reported: “Sold His Practice – This week Dr. McKelvey, who has been a successful practitioner in Brussels for the past 11 years, disposed of his practice and his residence to Dr. Snider, of Inwood, Lambton Co., who is to take immediate possession. Dr. McKelvey will visit the hospitals of New York and probably take a course in some of the best institutions in the Old Land before locating in any place. Mrs. McKelvey and family will continue to reside in Brussels in the meantime. Dr. Snider is a married man. While expressing regret over parting with old friends, we welcome Dr. and Mrs. Snider to Brussels.”
Dr. Alexander McKelvey died in 1912. His offices were taken over by Dr FT Bryans, MD. Fred Bryans was in practice here until 1918. In 1919, Dr. John White occupied the office and was here until 1927. Dr. WDS Jamieson replaced White in 1928 and practiced in Brussels until 1937.
Dr. Field, Dentist, had an office next to Brewer’s Photograph Gallery by 1905. In May 1910 he sold his practice: “It was a surprise to many to hear that Dr RP Field had disposed of his dental practice to Dr Hamilton, of Brussels, and will remove shortly to Owen Sound, where he will open an office. Dr Field has been a highly esteemed resident of the town for a good many years; is a good dentist and his removal, and that of Mrs Field, will be deeply regretted by many.”
Dr. Richard D Hamilton, Dentist, had an office here from 1910 to 1945. In 1925 he installed an electric motor in his dental office. “This will do away with the foot work in his ‘research work for nerves.’ ”
Robert Ferguson, a tailor, had a shop upstairs in the Smith Block from 1929-1931.
Photo Above: Dr. Richard Hamilton is seen in his second floor dentistry office. (Photo taken from "Our Story" pg 78) Advertisement Below Left: Brussels Post November 16, 1905. Below Right: Hart & Grimoldby ran the "Red Carpet Front Bargain Store" in the Smith Block from 1920 - 1925, Brussels Post 1920.
DC Ross, Tailor and Clothier, occupied the north store for a couple of years after McLaren (1918-1920). JT Wood leased the store in May 1920: “JT Wood has leased the larger store in the McKelvey block lately vacated by DC Ross, and will use it as a store room for finished stock from the Excelsior Knitting Factory and also for packing goods for shipment to customers. It will make a good spot and help clear up the congestion at the factory.” (BrusselsPost May 20, 1920)
Later Stores in the Smith Block
John Hart and James Girmoldby ran The Red Front Bargain Store in the north store of the Smith Block in 1920 to 1925. David Shapiero, Merchant, occupied this store from 1926 to 1928. William Dellow, Laborer, is listed as the tenant from 1929-1933.
In 1934 EJ McTavish started the Brussels General Store in the north store. He was in business here until 1940. The Walker Funeral Home was the next tenant in the north store. It was here from 1941 to 1945.
Dan McTavish ran The Farmers Club store in the south store of the Smith Block from 1921 to 1953. Moses Wineberg purchased the Smith Block from Catherine McKelvey in 1944. Wineberg’s business occupied the north store from 1945 to 1958. He sold one store to Robert Krogman of Brussels Home Furnishings and one store to Stanley E Rutledge in 1959. Krogman was in business until 1962. Rutledge was proprietor of Rutledge’s 5¢ to $1 Store in the north store into the early 1970s.
Advertisements Above Left : appeared in the Brussels Post May 15, 1940, Above Right: the Brussels Post November 13, 1940, and lastly the Advertisement Below: May 17, 1972 issue of the Brussels Post.
Russell Knight had a business in the south store in 1969. Ray & Helen’s Family Centre replaced Knight in the south store in 1977 and was in business here until 1979. George of Brussels, a hair salon run by George Langlois, was here in 1980. Langlois owned the store and it stood vacant during part of the 1980s. Patricia Langlois ran The Pantry and Country Ceramics in 1982. Anna’s Dress Shop was in the second store in 1980.
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