Skene Block
434 Turnberry Street, Brussels, Ont.
( Built: 1891 )
Ellen Skene bought the south part of Lot 9 in 1892 from Margaret Wilson. John Skene had already begun the process of building on this part of the lot in 1891. The Brussels Post gave its readers step-by-step progress reports on the construction. Excavation began in February, tenders were let in March and construction began in earnest in May. The building was to be “30x60 feet with a commodious dwelling upstairs.” Skene moved into the store in October: “JG Skene is moving into his new and commodious store next week. He has a very comfortable dwelling over the store.” (Brussels Post Oct. 2, 1891) A gilt lettered sign was installed at the storefront.
In 1893, The Post published a profile of Skene’s business: “In this article we will take for the subject of our sketch the popular establishment of the gentleman named, who ranks as one of the most successful merchants of the county. Mr. Skene’s establishing in business here dates back about 10 years. During this period he has met with a degree of success which reflects great credit upon his ability and integrity as a merchant and which is evidenced in the flourishing condition of his business and its wide and general popularity. As headquarters for a large portion of the people of this community for their mercantile supplies the establishment is kept up with the times and offers every advantage to the public which capable, experienced management can secure. The principles of integrity adhered to accounts largely for the popularity of the business. A child is as safe purchasing here as is the most experienced shopper. Judging from the splendid stock on hand the business is well prepared for this season’s trade.”
Advertisement Above Left: shown in the Brussels Post 1897, and Above Right: from the Brussels Post June 21, 1939 and Below: the ad appeared in the Brussels Post 1896.
Mrs Skene, at some point, assumed responsibility for the store. She offered her stock of dry goods for sale, promising bargains in all lines, on March 4, 1909. No purchaser was recorded until Jane Thompson bought the property in 1920. She had occupied the store since 1918. Mrs Thompson had a grocery store here until 1944.
Other occupants of this store were the Legion from 1946 into the 1960s, J&K Shoes and Jeans in 1977, and part of the Oldfield Hardware store from 1985 to the present.
Brussels Post Excerpts
Dec. 11, 1891
New gilt lettered signs have been placed at AR Smith’s and JG Skene’s store fronts. They look tip top.
Jan. 7, 1898
It seems a little cold blooded for JG Skene to begin advertising his new prints in January but JG is bound to be to the front.
Nov. 22, 1900
The chrysanthemum display in JG Skene’s store window attracts considerable attention.
Above Photo: Jane Thompson’s general store as it was in 1915. The photo was taken from the front of the store and shows, from left to right, John Oliver, Mrs. Whitie Lowry, Norm Thompson and Jane Thompson. The Photo Below: was taken from the back of the store and shows Mrs. Thompson amid her wares. The photographs, courtesy of Frank Thompson, were taken from "Our Story", pg 115.
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