Here’s a neat old postcard of the Armouries with a giant “Mobilization Centre” banner across the front. As for a date, I’m guessing pre-1920. What was the Mobilization for? The Influenza outbreak of 1918? World War I?
It’s nice to see the building with all the original windows. The building was built in 1900, and it was designed by Ottawa architect David Ewart, the chief architect for the department of public works, of the Dominion of Canada. Locally, Ewart also designed the Sandwich Post Office.
What a great shot of the old lady. I’m sure somebody could help date this pic based on the cars parked out front. I suspect it’s in the 14-18 timeframe, but you never know.
Interesting to see the house in the left corner where the current (former) Top Hat and future Burger King is to be located.
If City Council could ever get the plug out, maybe this location could be turned into a world-class civic museum, utilizing the Chimczuk fund.
Mobilization center is for WW1. I have heard of recruitment centres that had been called the same in the past. I would imagine that the armouries would have also been the recruitment center.
Thanks guys for the info.
I suspected that it was WWI. From this series of postcards, I have never seen one that was postmarked after 1920. Most are in the 1919 – 1920 range of dates, so it was probably taken towards the end of the war.
BBS – I’m sure an automotive expert could nail the date from the cars. I however am not that guy 🙂
Someone once told me that the front of the Armouries is actually what appears as the right side of the building in the postcard above. Note the large doorway about midway down the side. I later saw a picture taken facing that side. There was a lawn in front of the door and the entire area was open to Ouellette Avenue. There were no buildings on Ouelllette as there are today and the lawn may have been a parade area.
RWS – You are correct. The west side of the building was originally the main facade and entrance. The original Palace was built on the parade square in 1923 or so…