Through The Decades
From cobblestone streets to old brick storefronts to the iron black lamp posts, Downtown Belleville is a physical manifestation of history. Over the past few weeks, we’ve been looking back on Belleville’s beginnings with our ‘Through the Decades’ social series. Now, each throwback is in one place for you to see.
⬆️
In 1948, Carl and Irene Roluf opened a small store at 16 Victoria Avenue and turned a life long passion for photography into a full-time career by selling cameras. In just one year they expanded into selling records and film. Since Irene’s retirement, Andy and Gita Vadhera have been operating Roluf’s and now offer a wide variety of items including luggage, cameras, travel clothing, gifts, jewellery, handbags and greeting cards.
⬆️
Barber’s Flowers, once located at 24 McAnnany Street, is now located at 122 Front Street.
⬆️
What is now Belleville’s House of Prayer was once Leslie’s Shoe Store.
⬆️
In 1857 Mr. Thomas J. Higgins, a Marble Dealer, built a three-story marble front stone structure directly opposite one of the two famous 1930s bridges that spans the Moira River at 395 Front Street. Known as “Marble Hall”, the entire cost of the building was $2,600. Today the 160-year-old Marble Hall is the proud home of @thomasestevezdesign where the owners Erin and Jesus welcome you at the impressive wooden front door, dazzle your senses with their creative custom artwork and one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces.
⬆️
Dr. Rufus Holden opened Holden’s Drug Store at 297 Front Street. In 1850, a 17-year-old apothecary apprentice named Albert Loft Geen was hired by Dr. Holden. Geen earned his license as a pharmaceutical chemist from the Ontario College of Pharmacy in 1871 and purchased the business from Dr. Holden, changing the name to Geen’s Drug Store. Today the building is home to @yourtvquinte!
⬆️
What was previously Reddick’s Bakery is now home to L’Auberge de France.
⬆️
Previously Bonita, now under construction and soon to be home of Loyalist Business Acceleration program to open in October 2021.
