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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1973-06-28, Page 571970 - 2500 sq. ft. 1011111•0111.111•14110- 1971 - 4000 sq. ft. 1972 - 8500 sq. ft. 1 1973 - 13,000 sq. ft. We're comparatively new here, starting in 1970 with only 2 employees. By 1975 we'll have significantly expanded in size and will be employing 15. BUILDING PRODUCTS LTD. Highway 83 East - Exeter "Encouraging a standard of excellence in metal building products" Copper-toed shoes were once the styl e of the day JOTTINGS BY J.M.S. July 17, 1958 The other day I became in- terested in a pair of shoes that reminded me of earlier days and the long way we have come from the days when a shoemaker was a maker of shoes and not just one who repaired broken down footwear. The pair of shoes I refer to would be classified as top boots for a child three or four years old. I was told they came from the store belonging to the late J.A. Stewart, afterwards Southcott Brothers and now the Gould & Jory store on Main Street. The shoes are about a foot high and made of leather, The soles of the shoes were put on with wooden pegs, identical with what were used in larger shoes in those early days. The heels were nailed on. Across the front of the toe was a thin, narrow strip of copper. This narrow strip of copper was used on many of the larger boots in those early days and became known as copper-toed boots. At the top of the boot was a diamond- shaped piece of red leather which added to the attractiveness of the foot-wear and inside were two leather loops for pulling on the shoe. I imagine it would be a proud youngster who wore the boots or prouder still the parents to see their offspring strutting out in something super-duper. It was the same spirit that prevails today to see the youngsters dressed in the height of fashion. When Mr. Stewart first came to Exeter, I would say about 75 years ago, he advertised his business as the bankrupt stock store for that was exactly what it was. He started with and af- terwards bought up bankrupt stocks which he was able to sell at bargain prices, until finally he had one of the finest general stores in the town. The shoes above referred to no doubt came / from the stock of someone who had failed in business. Mr. Stewart was ,a progressive business man and was one of the first in town to diicard the old coal oil lamps for lighting the store and install an extensive system of acetylene gas lighting. A plant for making the gas was made in the form of a circular cement tank at the rear of the store and piped to gas jets throughout the store, giving a brilliant light. So successful were the lights that Mr. Stewart had the gas piped to his home a black east of the store. The gas was more or less dangerous but I never heard of there being an accident. It was this same acetylene gas that was used in the early headlamps for motor cars. Mr. Stewart was a shrewd business promoter and at one time he had a Shetland. pony displayed in one of his windows Exeter Times, July 5, 1.877 The other day we were shown specimens of the art as executed by Mr. Senior, of this place in comparison with those of the popular artists of the cities and we must say the work compares most favourably. Exeter Times, July 5, 1877 If you want your umbrellas or your parasols fixed, call at E. Fish's shaving saloon. Exeter Times, Aug, 23, 1877 On Wednesday, morning of last week, Mr. Will Hooper went to the cage of his mocking bird for the purpose of feeding it. Those of our readers sho have listened to its beautiful notes, which it seemed never to tire of warbling may imagine his sorrow when he picked up a dead bird. The bird was a general favorite, and will be much missed and seemed to be in excellent health. He had refused $75 for it a short time previous. p tis on which tickets were given for a draw on the pony with each purchase in the store. When Mr. Stewart retired from business in the twenties he was in comfortable circumstances but A Real Pleasure To serve Exeter on the memorable occasion of its 100th birthday. Best wishes for success during your gala celebrations. I look forward to joining you, as I'm sure all other residents of Huron do. Jack Riddell Huron MPP unfortunately he suffered heavily in the stock market crash of the thirties. (The shoes above referred to used to be in the possession of T.O. Southcott.) SOCIAL CENTRE - The old Exeter Opera House was the centre of social activities in the town for many years. The building was eventually torn down and a theatre built. It was located across the street from the library on the present site of McKerlie Automotive and the IGA parking lot,