Then and Now

Then and Now shares historical photos and personal stories of past people, places, and events and connects them to their significance today. They are made possible through the continued support of Georgian International as part of our Community Leaders Program.

THEN AND NOW: Mary St. house was focal point of busy life

Turn-of-the-century photos offer glimpse into the lives of happy, young Barrie family, but tragedy would soon rear its ugly head

Jun 4, 2023 12:00 PM Read more >

THEN AND NOW: How Barrie's CKVR made history

Barrie was the smallest community in North America to have its own TV station when CKVR went on the air in 1955

May 28, 2023 12:00 PM Read more >

THEN AND NOW: Little Lake always a big attraction

Not only was the area enjoyed by skaters and duck hunters, prospectors also sought uranium and oil

May 21, 2023 12:00 PM Read more >

THEN AND NOW: Coffey’s store ground to a halt around 1971

Urban legend indicates keen interest in sporting events in the 1870s and 1880s … and apparently there was 'more life and more money in circulation in Barrie than any town in Canada'

May 14, 2023 12:00 PM Read more >

THEN AND NOW: Looking back on Barrie's VE-Day history

Given that restaurants were closed on V-E Day in May 1945, the Barrie Active Service Club and Canteen recorded one of its busiest days ever

May 7, 2023 12:00 PM Read more >

THEN AND NOW: Bradford St. home has some baseball history

It’s possible the sport may have been played in Barrie as far back as the 1850s, but it was Benjamin Wilson Rhinehart who formally introduced American-style ball to town, says history columnist

Apr 30, 2023 12:00 PM Read more >

THEN AND NOW: Charles Palk rolled out the red carpet

Successful entrepreneur expanded his business rapidly and also lived in 'gracious' home on Mary Street

Apr 23, 2023 12:00 PM Read more >

THEN AND NOW: Sinclair House part of Baptist complex

Verandah has changed at 35 Clapperton and small balcony at the front has been removed, but former Sinclair home still recognizable

Apr 16, 2023 12:00 PM Read more >

THEN AND NOW: Baptists started meeting on Clapperton St.

Shutters, fanciful veranda and decorative entrance way that once distinguished structure at 40 Clapperton now live in the past, writes history columnist

Apr 9, 2023 12:00 PM Read more >

THEN AND NOW: Built in 1884, Lyon home 'unpretentious'

'Handsome house' on Owen Street remained in Lyon family estate until 1966, writes history columnist

Apr 2, 2023 12:00 PM Read more >

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