This ongoing series from Barrie Historical Archive curator Deb Exel shows old photos from the collection and one from the present day, as well as the story behind them.
Corby Motors – Market Square
Market Square has been an agricultural and commercial centre in downtown Barrie since the 1840s. And up until the late 1960s, you could even shop for a car there.
These days, it’s hard to imagine a car dealership or showroom right in the heart of the city, but there had been several back in the day.
Fred Van Patter opened the first Ford car lot in 1912. His garage on Elizabeth Street (now called Dunlop Street West) near the Capitol Theatre advertised the following: “We specialize on service. We cater to all makes of cars. Ladies Rest Room in Connection.” It was rumoured that in 1923-24, about the time Van Patter opened his garage on the main street, that only three cars operated year-round in Barrie!
The Ford Motor Company would soon have an even bigger footprint in Barrie.
In 1949, Jack Corby applied for a building permit to construct a garage on the north side of Market Square, opening Corby Motors in 1950. Three short years later, Corby’s business was growing and expanding. His Market Square location would be dedicated to the sale and service of Ford and Monarch cars and trucks.
With the Ford Motor Company of Canada’s launch of Ford and Fordson tractors, Corby also established a tractor showroom and garage at the corner of Steel Street and Highway 11. Having adequate space at the new Corby Motors branch, he closed his used car lot on Essa Road and relocated it to the new site.
The new tractor division, which included Dearborn farm implements, was housed in spacious premises and well-equipped with service doors at each end of the building to accommodate large trucks and vehicles. The branch opening was a well-attended event, featuring the new 1953 Ford tractor.
In a brash move later that same year, a tractor was taken from the Steel Street branch and used as credit on a vehicle at the Market Square location! The thief drove off with a new car, but was ultimately apprehended and charged with tractor theft and intent to defraud, pleading not guilty on both counts.
Through the 1960s, the Bay City Ford Sales car lot continue to operate at the Market Square site, but by 1969, the building was vacant.
In 1971, Don’s General Store occupied the structure until it became the Barrie Public Children’s Library Annex and Public Library Film Annex by the mid-1970s.
The former car dealership building is now part of the Barrie City Hall complex.
