This photo and letter to the editor ran in Detroit Free Press in 1982. 30 years ago, that’s hard to believe!
Above is the actual photo that was used with the letter to the editor.
A detail shot of the east side of Ouellette. Just south of the CIBC building, I believe that’s the old C.H. Smith’s still standing.
Have a great Canada Day long weekend everyone! No post Monday, see you back here Wednesday next week!
Happy Canada Day!
And a Paul Martin Building free of scaffolding. What a sight!
AH! gezz looking at these photos makes me home sick for the way downtown used to be parking on both sides of the street and awnings on Kreesge’s and shanfields fabrics something not seen anymore in windsor now there’s vibrancy not this BS eddie francis talks about today’s downtown is anything but vibrant, look how uncluttered the sidewalks are and another thing thats in the photos not present today real shopping in REAL!! stores happy canada day Andrew:)
Great picture! Hard to believe it was as busy. Let’s hope downtown looks as busy in the days to come with potential commitment from the city, UofW and St.Clair.
Have a great Canada Day!
I believe Smith’s was gone by 1982. It became Michael’s in the late 1970s – around 1977 and later was torn down. I don’t think the building lasted into 1982. Anyone remember for sure? The picture I think is the corner of Chatham and Ouellette looking North – I see Bank of Montreal and Shanfield’s Fabric and further down Shanfield China Store
I think it became Marks and Spencers. And I believe I can see the Smiths building in the picture.
I think Smiths moved to Devonshire Mall and where located next to Simpsons (remember them ?) Marks & Spencer took over after a couple of years.
When the Art Gallery went to the Mall they used the store where Smiths was located.
smiths moved to the mall but it didn’t have the same appeal that the dowtown store had
The picture is from University and Ouellette. The old Kresge store is visible at Chatham street.