Since the fall of 1979 I have been lucky enough to call Cambridge my home.
I accepted the position of classified advertising manager for the Cambridge Reporter in the fall of that year, it closed almost 20 years ago after 187 years in business. So many changes have taken place since, then newspapers and magazines were the social media. No one had a cell phone. We were more social, less pressured, and more laid back.
Some of the local merchants are still here, although we often write about newcomers, we rarely mention the loyal old timers, the mainstays, often referred to as 'The Old Guard,' many of them intergenerational. Learning about them is interesting, so today I am sharing a few excerpts taken from their history.
F.J. Brown & Son In the late 1890's, Captain Francis John Brown had settled in Galt (part of what is now Cambridge). He and his son Francis James opened, featuring many imported items from the newly opened country of Japan. Francis James was a watchmaker and optician. In the early 1900's James' sisters Minnie, Emma and Bertha managed the store and expanded more into the jewellery field. Their nephew Albert (Francis James' son) came into the business in the late 1940's. In the early 1970's Albert's son Tom joined the firm after a period in the textile industry. Tom ran the business for a couple of decades and welcomed his son Ted to F.J. Brown and Son after he completed university in 1992. Ted later completed the graduate gemologist program at the Gemological Institute of America in Santa Monica, California in 1994. When Tom retired, Ted carried on the family business as he does today.
Thyssen Shoes. Matthias and Jacqueline Thijssen opened Thyssen of Galt in 1971 as a store where people could find quality footwear. Main Street in Galt was a quaint but vibrant part of the city, with wonderful history and charm. His son Fred and wife Monica purchased the store in 1990 and have been managing it ever since. Although the hairstyles may have changed, the passion and commitment to quality has stayed the same with the second generation. Their service is superb.
Reid’s Nut and Candy. In 1935, Raymond Gibney founded his first nut shop in Kitchener. By 1955, there were Raymond’s Nut Shops across Ontario, from Owen Sound to Hamilton and from Kitchener to Cornwall. Originally located on Main St. Galt as a Raymond’s Nut Shop, it was opened in 1948. In 1960, Hugh and Isabelle Reid became the new owners on Main St. where they operated the store successfully for the next 11 years. In 1971, when the store moved to the south side of Main St., Tom and Kathy Drew-Smith purchased the business and Reid’s began to offer handmade chocolates and confections. Now Tom has retired the store is run by his and Kathy’s son and daughter. People come from far and wide for their treats.
Graham & Sons Interiors founded by Wayne Graham forty- five years ago is a family run business with various family members being involved. Although Wayne still is very active his son Mark and daughter in law Meghan offer the stability to move forward.
Gadsbys (formerly Sid Somers menswear). The final chapter in an 80-year business took place in 2009 when Mike Somer retired after 36 years of tailoring and Sid Somer's Men's Wear passed into history. Mike’s father Sid started the business in 1928 as part of a family-owned chain of clothing stores known as the Red Front Department Store. His brother Irving operated the Red Front store in Kitchener, and they were later joined by other family members who operated stores in Guelph, Stratford and Hamilton. Somers Men’s wear was taken over in 2009 by employee Paul Gadsby who has maintained it’s excellent reputation. The final chapter in an 80-year saga was written this week in Preston when Mike Somer retired, and Sid Somer's Men's Wear passed into history. His father Sid started the business in 1928 as part of a family-owned chain of clothing stores known as the Red Front Department Store. His brother Irving operated the Red Front store in Kitchener, and they were later joined by other family members who operated stores in Guelph, Stratford and Hamilton and Mike tailored there for 36 years.
Barrie's Asparagus Farm. Started in 1892, now in it’s fourth generation has become a favourite for many in the region. Their asparagus is a delicious treat and a sign we look forward to in the spring. A short drive into North Dumfries is a rewarding trip with their store offering a variety of asparagus flavoured treats among other goodies. During the shutdown due to the pandemic, they were very innovative in arranging a pickup drive-by from one of their sheds so we could still get our fresh asparagus.
Saltsmans Dry Cleaners. I cannot find when they opened, but know they were already well established when I first came. Their tailor Art does a very professional and reasonably priced job, which is why he always has a long pile of alterations beside his sewing machine.
These are just a very few of the many family run businesses in our community. All of them have modernized and kept up with current trends, as they continue to bring personal and caring service to the citizens of Cambridge.
