Then and Now

By Bob Tuomi

Then...

Fred Paines Grocery Store 1914 - 1919

Image C-06406 courtesy of Royal BC Museum, BC Archives

This photo of Fred Paines Grocery Store was taken at some time prior to 1919. A glimpse into the windows suggests that Mr. Paine offered patrons household goods as well as groceries, a convenience store of the time.

Located at 39 Ontario Street, the City Directories indicate that neighbours toward Dallas Road included the Dominion Immigration Station and to the left of the photograph, a Mr. Irvine, at one time operated a tavern.

The grocery store existed from 1914 until 1919. By 1920 the directory indicates that the building was tenanted.

...Now

Photo by Jim Gerewing

The Paine family should be proud that their two-story brick building is still standing a century later and providing shelter for six tenant families. The street is now all residential with townhouses at the Dallas Road end.