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THEN & NOW: Crystal Palace at Dunlop and Maple

In the late 1800s, you could get just about anything at Freeman’s

Editor's note: This new feature from Deb Exel at the Barrie Historical Archive shows an old photo from the collection and one from the present day. 

The Crystal Palace

1875 – A photo of Freeman’s Crystal Palace on the northeast corner of Elizabeth Street, which became Dunlop Street West in 1952, and John Street, which was renamed Maple Avenue in 1910.

By all accounts, in the 1870s and 1880s you could get just about anything at Freeman’s.

In the June 29, 1882 edition of the Barrie Examiner, an advertisement announced "Immense Spring Stock" at Freeman’s Crystal Palace: "Berlin wool and FA NY Goods. In every variety, UNDERCLOTHING. Agents for Guthries Health Corset."

This corner still has just about anything in its current mixed use: shopping, a photographer, art gallery and a design company.