One
of Simcoe's oldest stores changed hands, it was learned
yesterday, when it was announced that the store now known as the
Wallace book store on Norfolk Street, has been sold to Edward
Peachey of this town.
Interviewed
yesterday by the Reformer, Mr. Peachey, who at present operates
a service station at the corner of Robinson and Colborne
Streets, confirmed the transaction but did not disclose the
nature of the business that he intends to carry on in the store.
Known to be
one of the first stores in Simcoe, it dates back to the time
when there was a continuous row of verandahs, about eight
to ten feet wide facing the store along Norfolk St.
At that
time there was not a pane of glass in town, the panes of glass
that were then used being about 28 inches high, with shutters
placed in position each night for protection.
Store's
Early History
The
earliest recollection of this store is that it was kept by Geo.
Turner, who was a prominent worker in the Methodist Church.
The next
proprietors were Collins and Collver, grocers. Ed Collins was a
wagonmaker and he made a venture in the realm of shopkeeping
with his brother-in-law Carlton Collver, but they dissolved the
partnership.
William
Swain Perry also had here a men's furnishing department and he
conducted it in connection with a shirt manufacturing business.
Another
occupant of the store was Richard Edmonds who was also a grocer.
He then operated a dry goods department as well as a flourishing
china department and after carrying on business for several
years gave up the business when he was appointed inspector under
the O.T.A.
Operated
by B. B. Baillie
The store
was then used for something entirely different when Byron B.
Baillie, a newspaperman and printer from Ingersoll established a
book and stationery shop which he carried on until his death a
few years ago.
It was then
taken over by Wm. A. Wallace, its present tenant, although the
building remained in possession of Mr. Baillie. Mr. Wallace took
over the store in the summer of 1929 and since that time he
carried on a stationery business. The building went out of
possession of the Baillie family when Mr. Peachey purchased it.
