Uxbridge History December 28, 2022

Corner of Brock Street W & Spruce St Downtown Uxbridge

Corner of Brock Street W & Spruce St Downtown Uxbridge

Photo courtesy of www.scugogheritage.com

 

History of the Corner of Brock Street W & Spruce St Downtown Uxbridge

The Corner of Brock Street W & Spruce St Downtown Uxbridge has seen a few changes over the years.

William Henry built the building in the photo above in 1885.  It was later expanded to the east to where the current post office is located.  Unfortunately in 1902 this building was destroyed by fire.

Henry's Department Store

Photo courtesy of Uxbridge The First 100 Years, by J. Peter Hvidsten

 

Uxbridge Post Office

Below is a post card showing the post office that was built at the corner in 1911,  and would serve the community until the post office we know today was opened in 1969.  It took 3 years to build and would not be officially opened 1914.

Uxbridge Post Office

Uxbridge Post Office – Photo courtesy of www.scugogheritage.com

 

Uxbridge Post Office

Uxbridge Post Office – Photo courtesy of www.scugogheritage.com

 

Corner of Brock Street W & Spruce St Downtown Uxbridge Today

In 1969 the town purchased the old post office building from the government, however in a controversial move in 1970 the town sold it along with two other town owned buildings and was then demolished in 1971 to make room for the building we see at this corner today.

Corner of Brock Street W & Spruce St Downtown Uxbridge Today

Corner of Brock Street W & Spruce St Downtown Uxbridge Today

These four stores have been home to a number of businesses over the years.   A few of our memorable ones growing up where Evans Fine Jewellery & Gift Shoppe located right on the corner, JB Variety (which is still in business today) and was our go to convenience store as kids and Uxbridge Electronics.   Bob Jamieson, one of my neighbours growing up owned Uxbridge Electronics located where the current Coldwell Banker R.M.R. Real Estate office is.   I am sure over the years a lot of Uxbridge households purchased their TV’s and Stereos off Bob.   Many of our neighbourhood birthday parties growing up where entertained by movies rented on RCA VideoDisc (for you younger people it’s a thing, google it) and later on VHS from his store.

 

The building is currently the home of

Parish Lanes

Preston Gallery

Polished By Vanessa Inc
Community Cleaning Ltd
Coldwell Banker R.M.R. Real Estate
J B Variety

 

Photo credit

www.scugoghertitage.com

Uxbridge/Scott Museum

Uxbridge The First 100 Years, by J. Peter Hvidsten