“Commencing with the opening of the Bank of Nova Scotia on Monday, October 17, 1955, you are invited to enjoy the facilities,” wrote Mr. Shipp.
Mr. Shipp’s letter listed the merchants and professionals now open for business. They were: (from west to east) Dominion Store, Bank of Nova Scotia, Darcelle Bakery & Delicatessen, Maher Shoe Store, Don Sproul Men’s Shop, Glory Ann Children’s Wear, Glory Ann Ladies Specialty Shop, Murray’s High Grade Shoes, Shore’s Specialty Shop, Chreston’s Applewood Restaurant /Apple Villa Banquet Hall, Trans Canada Jewellers, Patrician Beauty Salon, McCormick’s Barber Shop, Brodie’s Shoe Repair and Luggage, Martin’s Gift Shoppe, Mainprize Drug Store, Paramount Cleaners and Laundry, Kingsway Television Service, Jack Fraser’s Men’s and Boy’s Wear, and Yott’s Hardware.
At the eastern end of the shopping centre, was Haggart’s B.A. Service Centre while at the western end stood Applewood Sunoco Station. The B.A. Service Centre was later owned and operated by Clare Wilson who lived on Henley Road.
While memories fade, there remained a tangible reminder which always brought a smile to many of the children who grew up here. For some time after Glory Ann Children’s Wear had closed, and new merchants moved in, the entrance to the original store remained untouched. A door for the adults, and a tiny little door for the children.
Professional suites on the second floor in the centre of the shopping complex were occupied by Dr. P.J. Comrie, D.D.S., who had been practising out of his Applewood home, at the corner of Dixie Road and Primate Road. Dr. F.P. Giardine, Obstetrician and Gynecologist, and Dr. L.A. Eckert, Surgeon also had offices on the second floor. The executive offices of G.S. Shipp and Son Limited occupied the east block of the second floor space.
While promotions became the norm at every shopping centre or mall in the country, it’s interesting to note that one of the first promotions organized for Applewood was in June 1956 when a three-day new car showing was sponsored by eight area automobile dealerships. It’s ironic that one of the longest lasting promotions held at Applewood is also automobile oriented. Every Wednesday evening from May to September since 1989, California’s Restaurant has promoted ‘Cruise Nights’, which brings together owners of a variety of types and models of automobiles for a walk-around display. Vehicles of the 1950’s are again in abundance. This promotion was originally developed in 1986 by Janet Dixon, her daughter Addrene and Janet’s sister, Jean McQuaid. The trio worked with the plaza merchants developing car shows, originally with an old movie theme.
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