Michael Jordan Store
14 Main Street South, Seaforth, Ontario
( Year built: 1895 )
Andrew Calder had his photography studio at this location, next door to Mrs. Griffith’s confectionery, from 1872-76. He also sold sewing machines. When he lost his building and photographic stock to the fire of 1876 it was valued at $600; he had no insurance. Calder temporarily “fitted up rooms over Mrs. Markey’s grocery store” and later moved to another location on Main Street. Thomas Downey, the owner of the middle part of Lot 9 throughout the 1880s to mid-1890s, used the property to store lumber. Sydney Jacobs, a tinsmith, seems to have had a small shop here in 1893-95. Michael Jordan, a grocer with a shop just south, bought the property in 1895 and had the present brick building constructed.
The building is grey cement brick with red brick detailing. The grey brick has an irregular, moulded surface. There are four square pilasters which become round above the second floor windows. The two colours of brick were used to create bands across the upper façade and to accent the gently arched windows. The tall, narrow windows were placed at a lower level on the façade than those of the building to the north. The cornice at both levels has been removed. The two inset doorways at either end have metal posts at the inner edge of the doorway. The woodwork panels on the inset walls of the doorways appear to be original. The building is remarkable in that its design and colouring are so different from its neighbours on Main Street, although it is quite similar in appearance to the Commercial Hotel further south.
Above Photo: The photograph was taken circa 1900, and shows M. Jordan’s grocery store. In May of 1896, “Mr. M. Jordan placed a handsome new delivery wagon on the road. It was made at the establishment of Mr. John Kale.” Jordan had his grocery business here until his death some time in 1901. Below Photo: A family photograph taken by Andrew Calder between 1873-77.
George Baldwin had a store here for a few years from 1903-05. Then, Richard H. and Martha Peck had a music store at this location for many years. Maud (or Martha?) Peck took over the business in 1928. Peck’s music store continued in business here until 1950. The store then became a bakery for several years, first run by James McDonald, then by Glen Smith. Smith was the building’s owner by 1966. Trapnell’s Bakery was in business here at that time. The Tasty-Nu Bakery & Cheese House opened shop here in the late 1980s and was here for many years. For a few years in the early 1970s, Agnes McClinchey had a restaurant here.
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