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| | SPECIAL CENTENNIAL VOL. 10, No. 32 THE JOURNAL *Ji-- J fm m* M m m tiftafiw* CkJtm iiU m m i OAKVILLE, ONTARIO, THURSDAY. JUNE 27, 1957 Building Booms Began To Shape In 1912 Developers Ottered Haven Far From City's Noise And Bustle By BILL COTTON Few present residents recall the halcyon days when Oakville was a prosperous lake port, but many will recall, with nostalgia, the planning and laying out of the at tractive Brantwood Survey. In fact, several oldtimers will probably question, momentarily, a reminder that 45 years have passed since Brantwood left the drawing boards to become a brick and stone re placement for lush woodland. selling copy definitely rated a credit line. Making the most of artful illustrations featuring lovely town estates, he began his sales pitch: "Beautifully situated on a gently rising slope . . . Brantwood comprises over a hundred acres within the corporation limits. The location, from the standpoint of convenience alone, is ideal. To reach the station takes a brisk eight minutes walk, while Lake side Park is within ten minutes (mighty brisk walkers in those days!). For natural beauty, it would be difficult to imagine a lovelier spot than Brantwood, with its wealth of vegetation, and boundless possibilities for the landscape gardener. To the man whose lifelong wish has been to own a little spot in the country, where he may enjoy the seclusion and privacy of country life while sacrificing none of the modern conveniences afforded by the city, Brantwood makes an instant and irresistable appeal." This, as I have said, was written in 1913! M e a u m D u u t/ / o c a te d + : * m cj f n iir r o u n c / m < s Frontispiece and Fly Leaf Illustration for v ilin a ^ r o s p e c l? ^ ^ a s in q i/ ts ta s U C ite / C liflC o n v e n ie n c e s Honored Chief According to a very attractive prospectus published in 1913, Brantwood was named in honor of Chief Joseph Brant, "that heroic Mohawk who, with his tribe of Indians, occupied the land prior to the war of 1812." The survey, a project of the Cumberland Land Co. Ltd., swept seven blocks north ward from Colborne St. to Spruce St., bounded to the east and west by Gloucester Rd. and Allan St. Agent was W. S. Davis, pioneer town realtor and former mayor, whose son, W. E. Davis, thought fully provided the copper plates from the original prospectus for republication on this page. Selling Copy I haven't been able to discover the identiy of the writer of the prospectus, but all who read it must agree that his crisply lyrical Perfumed Air And Oakville must indeed have been a different town in that e r a minus the atmosphere of the chick en packing industry and the threat of oily aroma. Continued the pros pectus: "The surroundings are C u m b erlan d Land Company, Limited healthful and in every way desir able. The air is pure and invigor ating. Gentle breezes, laden with the perfume of balsam and pine, ensure that sound, refreshing sleep so essential to the brain worker, and only too often denied the city dweller." By the outbreak of World War I, the advantages outlined were in creasingly recognized, as "more than a score of handsome resi dences" had been built in Brant wood. Perhaps the promise of the survey's social life was one of the attractions-- or maybe it was the prospect of outdoor sports and leisure activities. " Here everybody knows every body, and life might well be de scribed as one continuous round of pleasure," declared Brantwood's first eulogist. "Nor does one lack for variety, for there are frequent changes of programme from de lightful little garden functions and tennis matches to coaching parties, motor rideS, boating trips, bridges, receptions and informal dances, where shirtwaist suits and snowy white ducks not infrequently re place the conventional evening at tire. Brantwood is rapidly becom ing a community of cultured and neighbourly country home dwell ers, where the new arrival is greet ed with courteous cordiality and made to feel at home. The friendly nod of greeting, and the hearty `good morning' to one from all, is one of the rare attractions which appeal to the heart of the new comer." Rather Different Something of a farish cry, it may be felt by today's newcomers, into whose friendly, extended hands are courteously thrust petitions and pens. Ah, well, there are some things that haven't changed. Like the big tree in the middle of Doug las Ave., which has merely become much larger and more impressive, and the commuter train schedules that are listed in the prospectus. And there is something vaguely familiar about the sports agenda-- with one exception, for which the enthusiastic writer of the prospec tus may well be excused. He relat ed: " Among the pastimes enjoyed are: bathing at the delightful Oak ville Beach, fishing, boating on the river and lake, bowling, tennis, golf and riding; while in the win ter, excellent open air rinks pro vide skating and curling. The summer aquatic sports program is a never-ending source of enjoy ment, and canoe races and tilting tournaments furnish much excite ment and amusement. Canoeing' on the picturesque river is one of the chief delights of the Brantwood resident." QUALITY WORKMANSHIP and MATERIALS GANITROL W . S . D a v i s A g e n t , O a k v ille ,O n t. HEATING and COOLI NG HEATI NG GARWOOD TEMPERED-AIRE AUTOMATIC Congratulations Oakville on Your 100th OAKVILLE SHEET METAL 44 INGLEH ART AV E. VI. 5-1401 Joyous Days Other Items Mention is also made of the Oakville Club, whose president at that time was F. A. Prime, and whose secretary was H. L. Read. It was also noted that shopping fa cilities were close at hand, as were parks, churches and schools. But, over and above the multiple attractions offered in 1913, it would seem to this 1957 reviewer, must have been the fact that com modious two-storey, three-bedroom brick and stucco homes were sell ing--house and lot -- for $4,000 each! Those must indeed have been joyous days that will be recalled wistfully by several older citizens as they exchange reminiscences throughout Centennial Week. We are glad to share in your progress/ OAKVILLE T o d ay 'i achievements are built on the triumphs of our pioneer post, and m ark the beginning of still greater things to eome. The road to success is , open . . . we can attain the benefits o f prosperity end happiness by being loyal to our eommunity . . . by trading and Investing here, by employing local labor, by all co-operating and working together for our common good. Happy birthday, OAKVILLE. Sound Familiar? Four decades before zoning maps hereabouts, the Brant wood Survey prospectus em phasized that adequate restric tions " are necessary for the protection" of residents and prospective purchasers alike. Staunchly declared the pros pectus: " The Brantwood resi dent is assured of permanent freedom from the city's cease less turmoil. The neighbour hood can never become crow ded . . . Brantwood lots are protected by adequate building restrictions . . . and each indi dual lot is of sufficient area to preclude any possibility of congestion. Thus the man who buys now may be sure of a permanent home in the most desirable locality." In those days, the former Finch-Noyes property was not a major issue. It was merely the site of a gracious mansion tucked into the southwest corner of Brantwood. W ATSON A V E . -- BEFORE AND AFTER SIDEW ALK INSTALLATION * INTERIOR TRIM for AUTOS * BUILDING PRODUCTS * WEATHER STRIPPING * NARROW FADRIC PRODUCTS SCHLEGEL CO- C anada QUEEN ELIZABETH WAY E. ltd . H1GH£CHOOL W A S A L R E A D Y T IU M E .. DOUGLAS A V E , TREE W A S MUCH SMALLER VI. 5-4631