Editor's note: The author points out that over the years, the building in this block between the two ends of the unit has been reused and renamed, but the Hill Garage was once part of the Barrie second-hand store and the Empire Theater business.

I have become one of those people staring through the barbed wire fence at the demolition site.

Not for the pleasure of watching monster machines twisting steel and shattering concrete, but for a last, nostalgic glimpse before a piece of history is reduced to rubble. 

Sometimes, we briefly look at walls, windows, and other architectural features that have been hidden for decades before they disappear forever.

This week, like many people, I have been monitoring the work being done in the old theater block of Dunlop Street West. These buildings are currently being chewed part by part and transported away. In the process, the back of what was once Hill's garage is exposed.

At the turn of the 20th century, the theater block we are talking about was not a busy area in the city center. To the southeast corner is the enduring MH Spencer Toronto Tea shop-for most of us, this is the famous Roy Lem's restaurant. The building was built in 1867 and made of bricks. The retaining wall of the building was erected three feet above the roof, and shingles were laid with mortar to form a cement roof, so it was as fireproof as possible.

In the middle of the block, Harold Hill will open his garage and second-hand garage there, a paint shop and a plumber. There are vacant lots on both sides of the building, and the other end of the block is on the corner of Mary and Elizabeth (now Dunlop) Street, where there is a music store.

Harold Hill married Irene Christie of Craighurst in Knox Presbyterian Church in 1928. Hills lived in their garage in the early years and eventually moved to Toronto Street. 

Harold's love for Durant cars is obvious-most of the cars he previously owned on his lot were Durant (with or without rumble seats), although there were some Hudsons and even Pontia Grams can be sold. Interestingly, in 1933, Hill announced that he was willing to accept large amounts of wood as part of the payment for his used cars. Read this column by Mary Harris to learn all the details about Hill's automotive business.

But for many of us, we will remember that this building was part of the Bari second-hand store, which later became part of the Empire Cinema. But no matter where your memory takes you, this is your last chance to take a look at the old Hill's Garage store.

Deb Exel, the curator of the Barrie Historical Archives, is presenting this series of old photos from the series and a current photo, as well as the stories behind them. 

This story was realized by our community leader program partners.

Thank Georgia International for helping to expand local news coverage in Bari. learn more