Are you related to Ed Dobrucki. Went to Holy Family School with him. Very familiar with the area. My husband & I both lived in the area . Me at Cannon & Kenilworth & he on Paling Ave. Very good, interesting article. Surprised the school was for sale. I guess not enough young people in that area anymore. Times are changing & not always for the better! Beverley (Parker) Simpson

Hi Ed. I was raised in a big family, grew up in the neighbourhood in the Fifties and Sixties.. The soda shop you speak of was Buttenhams, next to the service centre at the corner of Britannia and Kenilworth. They made the best milk shakes for 25 cents. We kids would stop at Shipton’s grocery store on the way to school for fruit and Buttenham’s for candy. Frith’s meat shop had sawdust on the floor and chickens with yellow legs. On Satudays we’d go to the Kenilworth movie theatre with our popcorn and some with bread loaves from the bakery across the street. Sometimes it would get wild, kids throwing food at each other and the manager would threaten to shut down the Show. I attended Holy Family School, and have great memories of the teachers, friends, and parish activities like bazaars, talent shows. It was a different time of innocence and sometimes mischief in the alleys. But back home parents were strict and we knew the rules. Thanks for posting the pictures.

Lloyd’s variety store, if my memory serves me correctly, was originally called Chapman’s and they sold Penny Canada.

Firth’s if you recall had the two-headed calf in their window.

Further down Kenilworth South same east side was the Golden Pheasant Lounge where the Bikers and “ Hardrocks” hung-out with their Brylcreemed head of hair. On the corner was Shipman’s Grocery Store, where Mr. Bill had the freshest Pomograms.

On the Westside of Kenilworth right at the corner of Barton was the Ken-Bar ( or Bar-Ken) variety complete with the bestSoda Bar in town (Walker’s at the Corner of Weir and Barton was a close second, their two Dogs lived on their Patio Roof).

Proceeding South, still on the Westside of Kenilworth was the Tavern, then Shugerman’s Children’s and Ladies Clothing across from Joe Robinson’s Mens Wear and Bob’s Sports and Dive Shop.

Who could forget the Kenilworth Theatre and the Saturday Movie Entertainment with Buddies.

I believe Dave Stringer’s Tailoring Shop was adjacent to Robinson’s.

Further South, Chiarellie’s Fruit Market, who were the Grandparents of the Dechecci’s.

Len, still playing Guitar like you used to with the Castels? Great Band!

I hope Joanne, Bernie and your youngest Sister are all doing well. I think Bernie Bowled with us a couple of times at the old Normanhurst Community Center under the tutilege of Brian Lum’s Mother, “Ma Lum”.

Thanks for the stroll down Memory Lane.

Best Regards
Andy McGivern

I lived in the area in the late 80’s until the late 90’s as a child. Also a Holy Family Alumni. Father Mike was the best Priest. Very kind. As well, so was our custodian Mr. Traina (sp?)

I remember Mr Robinson was our principal, our secretary had black hair. Very nice lady, but can not remember her name. For teachers I can remmeber ..we had kindergarten Mrs. Mayor (sp?), the lovely Mrs. Bin, Mr.s Thompson, Mrs. Brenabyck (sp?), Mr. Travallee, Mr. Worthman, and Mr. Diadamo, who was also an alumni. Speech Therapy was Mr. Evoll (sp?) & Mrs. Wolfe. Two very nice people as well.

I remember the cafeteria downstairs, the boiler room, the older stall bathrooms. There was a class upstairs in the grade 2/3 hall that had beautiful windows and sunlight coming through.

We were the Holy Family Huskies. I remember writing my name under the senior stairwell. The large rounded sinks for hand washing. Our school yard was all paved, which was horrible, but made for some excellent hopscotch and kick baseball.

I love seeing the photos and wish there was more!

The Kenilworth library, where it still stands today with great memories.

Ann & Bob’s variety on the corner of Campbell & Agnus. We loved going in to see Bob for our penny candy and slush puppies. I was one of “Bob’s Girls”. Unfortunately Bob passed away during covid. I really wish I would have gotten the chance to say goodbye. He was very special, kind, and would tell you how he lost his fingers if you were inquisitive enough to ask.