Category: Commercial Property

London Free Press Building

In 1849, the town of London, Ontario was a small community of just 5,000 people. Roads were unpaved, sidewalks were made of wood as were the majority of buildings. A local entrepreneur named William Sutherland founded a newspaper named The Canadian Free Press.The Canadian Free Press was printed weekly with publication beginning on January 2nd,…


Bowlerama Royale in London Ontario

Bowlerama Royale in London, Ontario

The Bowlerama Royale, nestled along Dundas Street in London, Ontario, was a vibrant 32-lane bowling alley. In 2015, the building, previously known as the London Furniture building, was purchased by Mark Decman and Brenda Dotterman.According to a former employee, Brenda and Mark purchased Bowlerama from Jack Fine’s son-in-law. Jack passed away in 2013/2014 and his…


Midland Drive In Theatre

The Midland Drive In opened in 1953. There was a single screen to show movies on.The early management was James Wilson in 1953 and Allan W. Perkins (1955-1956). In 1956 the theatre was acquired by Odeon. Sometimes women were offered free admission on Mondays & Tuesdays if they were the driver.In 1982, brothers Dave and…


Castle Village – June 2023 Revisit

castle village midland

Castle Village was located in Midland, Ontario. It closed prior to the Covid pandemic and never reopened. The owner,  Paul des Roches, passed away in December of 2022. The property was put up for sale and in April of 2023 it was announced that it had been sold.There’s no word on what the location will…


MarineLand Antler Warehouse

marineland antler warehouse

I have very little information on this location except that it’s being used for storage by MarineLand in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The warehouse is located on the grounds of a chemical production company which produces products for refineries and industrial factories. In one section of the warehouse are enclosed hot dog carts which are on…


Private Eyes Gentleman’s Club (Club 55) in Niagara on the Lake

club 55 in niagara on the lake

Private Eyes Gentleman’s Club Note: I attempted to visit this location shortly after Private Eyes closed but was unsuccessful. I returned after it transitioned to Club 55. While this article covers the history of both businesses, my visit and photos are solely of Club 55. This location began as the Rainbow Inn, located at 3…


Castle Village And Enchanted Kingdom in Midland Ontario

This amusement park was built in 1972. It began as a single castle built by Mr. Paul Des Roches. Mr. Des Roches built the castle intending to sell his handmade crafts and woodworking. He produced birdhouses, candlesticks, and other wooden products on his lathe. The business was so successful that he was selling his products…


Nighswander Equestrian in Aurora

nighswander equestrian aurora

Nighswander Equestrian was the business venture of Gloria and Jim Nighswander who lived in Aurora, Ontario. For over five decades Gloria and her staff taught students saddle seat riding techniques, provided riding lessons, and offered education on the variety of horse breeds. Nighswander Equestrian also offered indoor and outdoor boarding at their year-round operation. They also…


Eatonville Roadhouse

eatonville roadhouse

The Eatonville Roadhouse began as a business venture of J.A. Eaton to operate a hotel and roundhouse in Ontario. Eaton already owned a hotel in Chicago and wanted to expand his business to offer accommodations to people needing a place to stay while travelling from Detroit to Buffalo or Niagara Falls. Mr. Eaton chose a…


Dougherty’s Meat Packing Plant

Homer's Meats Fort Erie

Closed in 2010. The plant was located on Centre Street in Thorold.