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Then and Now

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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: Penetang St. home helped open up old Barrie

THEN AND NOW: Penetang St. home helped open up old Barrie

One-time owner of the first property on the north side of Penetang Street was Gilbert Love, who ran a livery business
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THEN AND NOW: Warnica family home remains a 'looker'

THEN AND NOW: Warnica family home remains a 'looker'

Family became influential after George Frederick Hanning Warnica immigrated to area from Denmark
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THEN AND NOW: Former steamship had inspirational history

THEN AND NOW: Former steamship had inspirational history

Though the author has said otherwise, the Enterprise is widely believed to be one of the inspirations for the Maripose Belle in Stephen Leacock's novel Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town
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THEN AND NOW: Elephant parade was a sight to behold

THEN AND NOW: Elephant parade was a sight to behold

In 1901, the Ringling Bros., in advance of the circus show in Barrie, brought dramatic mile-long parade of wild animals, exhibits down Dunlop Street
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THEN AND NOW: A sorrowed past

THEN AND NOW: A sorrowed past

While the home has a cheerful look, 113 Owen St. isn't without some sorrow from its past
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THEN AND NOW: Too many Ross Blocks to count

THEN AND NOW: Too many Ross Blocks to count

In the 1870s, there were many Ross Blocks and Ross Streets across Barrie until the town put an end to the confusion in 1910
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THEN AND NOW: Named for township, Essa Rd. home drips history

THEN AND NOW: Named for township, Essa Rd. home drips history

The house at 103 Essa Rd. was once home to longtime Innisfil residents Thomas and Isabella Hastings
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THEN AND NOW: Canadian Tire changed downtown dynamic

THEN AND NOW: Canadian Tire changed downtown dynamic

In 1938, Hamp Fralick opened Barrie's first Canadian Tire store at Dunlop and Mulcaster streets, but it was 'Mr. Canadian Tire' Arch Brown who really left his mark on the city
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THEN AND NOW: Old Kavanagh home on Owen St. has aged well

THEN AND NOW: Old Kavanagh home on Owen St. has aged well

‘Ontario farmhouse’ likely built about 1875 to 1880; It has lost a few of its original features, but also some ‘modern’ modifications
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THEN AND NOW: Military family, judge called mansion home

THEN AND NOW: Military family, judge called mansion home

Dundonald Street house later belonged to Barrie hockey pioneer Leighton 'Hap' Emms
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