Standing the test of time
This small building still happily stands in Victoria Street just to the south of the Collingwood Street intersection on the east side of the street. It was built in late 1903 to early 1904. The builder, one J.P.Murray (Bricklayer & Builder) put up the structural walls in double if not triple brick.
About the same time, a building was erected to the north forming the right of way to Pomeroy’s smithy. It was known quite early in the piece that part of the building would be occupied by the well-known Hamilton photographer, Henry Gaze. The other half was taken by F. Tonge, ‘Meals at all hours’. Down the right of way was a billiard room and Jolly & Clements, carriers & coal merchants. In the building to the north was J Lawrence – the sign is leaning against the side of the building: Pianos, Organs, Music, Violins, Gramophones Etc’. (The signwriter was clearly not acquainted with the correct spelling of gramophone).
At the time of building it was 35’ by 55’ – that is in feet. To understand it today, it is 10.67 x 16.8 metres so not what we would consider large.
