11th
Senior Member
Everything was a decimal place cheaper. I love seeing how cent was the base unit for most food prices - dollar was a rarity.
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The Albion Centre
- Thread starter J-M-Z
- Start date
J-M-Z
Active Member
Would be interesting to see a Big Boy location in Rexdale again. Even with the McDonald's already in Albion's food court.
With further research, I discovered that (for a period of time) franchisees were required to have their names posted above each Big Boy sign. In the same style of No Frills locations.
The franchisee that owned the former Big Boy at Albion Centre has a blurp written about him on Big Boy Burgers' Wikipedia page:
JB's (Canada - Ontario, Alberta and Quebec, 1969–1979, founded by John Bitove, Sr.) Bitove, a well known Canadian businessman, was the franchisee for Canada generally, along with Roy Rogers Restaurants, both Marriott owned brands. JB's of Canada grew to 32 Big Boy restaurants before selling to Elias Brothers.
J-M-Z
Active Member
Today's amazing finds were submitted by Ken Hutcheson and Eugenio Arcilesi of the "Rexdale - Old Photos" facebook group.
The photos depict Albion Mall in 1964. Albion Mall wouldn't be enclosed until the 1970's; offering a different layout and design
than what is pictured in the following shots:
Looks like a wider shot of a photo already posted. If you look closely, you can see the Church along Kipling and Stevenson Rd.
in the background towards the right.
Around 1970, apartment buildings would start to crop up from behind this shot along Stevenson Rd.
Ken also supplied this photo of Brewers Retail. Since Albion Mall isn't in the background, I'm kind of skeptical on this one. If so, did Brewers Retail
exist before The Albion Mall's development?
I may have to check on some aerial photographs from the 1950's to verify.
If the above photo was taken at the location that would become Albion Mall, than the farm houses in the background would be sitting along Stevenson
as well.
To the right of the photo is Albion Rd. heading towards (I believe) Kipling Ave.
Looks like Kipling is in the background with the Church sticking out on the far left. This was the original location of Loblaws, if I'm not mistaken -
before it moved to the other side of the mall. Eventually, Fortinos and later No Frills would take Loblaw's place as Albion Mall's grocery store.
In the olden days, Martin Grove rd. and Kipling Ave. were called "First" and "Second Concession" respectively.
I was told Hopedale Drugs became Rexall Drugs before finally becoming Shoppers Drug Mart. Loblaws is to the right of the photo.
Brewers Retail (not pictured) would be to the left of this photo. Strategically placed, don't you think?
The bank to the left looks like it says "Canada Bank of Commerce". The Bank of Montreal wouldn't open in Albion Mall until 1967.
The photos depict Albion Mall in 1964. Albion Mall wouldn't be enclosed until the 1970's; offering a different layout and design
than what is pictured in the following shots:
Looks like a wider shot of a photo already posted. If you look closely, you can see the Church along Kipling and Stevenson Rd.
in the background towards the right.
Around 1970, apartment buildings would start to crop up from behind this shot along Stevenson Rd.
Ken also supplied this photo of Brewers Retail. Since Albion Mall isn't in the background, I'm kind of skeptical on this one. If so, did Brewers Retail
exist before The Albion Mall's development?
I may have to check on some aerial photographs from the 1950's to verify.
If the above photo was taken at the location that would become Albion Mall, than the farm houses in the background would be sitting along Stevenson
as well.
To the right of the photo is Albion Rd. heading towards (I believe) Kipling Ave.
Looks like Kipling is in the background with the Church sticking out on the far left. This was the original location of Loblaws, if I'm not mistaken -
before it moved to the other side of the mall. Eventually, Fortinos and later No Frills would take Loblaw's place as Albion Mall's grocery store.
In the olden days, Martin Grove rd. and Kipling Ave. were called "First" and "Second Concession" respectively.
I was told Hopedale Drugs became Rexall Drugs before finally becoming Shoppers Drug Mart. Loblaws is to the right of the photo.
Brewers Retail (not pictured) would be to the left of this photo. Strategically placed, don't you think?
The bank to the left looks like it says "Canada Bank of Commerce". The Bank of Montreal wouldn't open in Albion Mall until 1967.
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J-M-Z
Active Member
Two more vintage shots from Albion Mall have surfaced. Both depicting Albion's LCBO:
Fur coats, fedoras, suits and trenchcoats. Pretty spiffy.
Someone is filling out a small form next to an LCBO menu. Could it be an order form that was brought to the main counter?
Fur coats, fedoras, suits and trenchcoats. Pretty spiffy.
Someone is filling out a small form next to an LCBO menu. Could it be an order form that was brought to the main counter?
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J-M-Z
Active Member
Alan Aerts (Admin for the Rexdale - Old Photos facebook group) was gracious enough to provide some input on this photo:
Alan writes:
"If memory serves, this was directly across from Open Window Bakery, which was right next to the Odeon."
By Alan's account, this would place this photo looking towards Albion Mall's Finch exit. The opening on the far right could
be the relocated Loblaws which I believe moved to this side of Albion after Kmart took over.
Alan writes:
"If memory serves, this was directly across from Open Window Bakery, which was right next to the Odeon."
By Alan's account, this would place this photo looking towards Albion Mall's Finch exit. The opening on the far right could
be the relocated Loblaws which I believe moved to this side of Albion after Kmart took over.
J-M-Z
Active Member
Today's find is a larger, zoomed out shot of Albion Music and Record Shop. Circa late 1960's.
The sign in front of the cashier is an advertisement for Ray Conniff's album Mary Poppins which was released in 1965.
Two records down looks like a record by Lawrence Welk. Next to it a record by The Cyrkle.
Besides LP's and 45's, Albion Music and Record Shop looks like it also sold musical equipment. For instance, the sign in the back (Hohner) is a German manufacturer
of musical instruments. To the left of the cashier are tambourines, maracas, and a couple metronomes.
I can also see what looks like music sheets and stands on the right of the photo.
Reversing the poster on the front door refers to Shoppers World Albion as "Albion Mall". While it's hard to make out, I think the slogan underneath reads
"Easter Picking _ _ _ _ _ _ _"
The sign in front of the cashier is an advertisement for Ray Conniff's album Mary Poppins which was released in 1965.
Two records down looks like a record by Lawrence Welk. Next to it a record by The Cyrkle.
Besides LP's and 45's, Albion Music and Record Shop looks like it also sold musical equipment. For instance, the sign in the back (Hohner) is a German manufacturer
of musical instruments. To the left of the cashier are tambourines, maracas, and a couple metronomes.
I can also see what looks like music sheets and stands on the right of the photo.
Reversing the poster on the front door refers to Shoppers World Albion as "Albion Mall". While it's hard to make out, I think the slogan underneath reads
"Easter Picking _ _ _ _ _ _ _"
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J-M-Z
Active Member
More classic movie adverts; back when Albion Cinemas played Hollywood movies:
Looks like Albion Cinemas featured midnight screenings for various movies.
Judging by the upcoming dates, I'm guessing this advert was for Halloween night.
Night of the Living Dead first aired in 1968. The House Dripped Blood in 1971.
3 In The Attic (1968). Gimme Shelter (1970), Monster Pop (???) and Burn (1969).
Eugenio adds Monster Pop might be a typo for the movie Monterey Pop a 1968
concert film featuring Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix; which blends in with the
theme of the other listed movies that feature famous musicians.
With a bit of research, I've read that Albion Cinemas used to host contests and dance parties before a movie
would begin. In the case for the above advert ...was Mike Jagger the official knockoff of Mick Jagger?!
No. Turns out, the name of the movie was Performance, a flick from 1970 that featured Mick Jagger. Must have
been a typo.
I love you Alice B. Toklas is a 1968 comedy-romance movie.
This advert is from 1971.
All of which come courtesy of Eugenio Arcilesi of the Rexdale - Old Photos facebook group.
Looks like Albion Cinemas featured midnight screenings for various movies.
Judging by the upcoming dates, I'm guessing this advert was for Halloween night.
Night of the Living Dead first aired in 1968. The House Dripped Blood in 1971.
3 In The Attic (1968). Gimme Shelter (1970), Monster Pop (???) and Burn (1969).
Eugenio adds Monster Pop might be a typo for the movie Monterey Pop a 1968
concert film featuring Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix; which blends in with the
theme of the other listed movies that feature famous musicians.
With a bit of research, I've read that Albion Cinemas used to host contests and dance parties before a movie
would begin. In the case for the above advert ...was Mike Jagger the official knockoff of Mick Jagger?!
No. Turns out, the name of the movie was Performance, a flick from 1970 that featured Mick Jagger. Must have
been a typo.
I love you Alice B. Toklas is a 1968 comedy-romance movie.
This advert is from 1971.
All of which come courtesy of Eugenio Arcilesi of the Rexdale - Old Photos facebook group.
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J-M-Z
Active Member
More vintage newspaper clippings courtesy of our friend Eugenio with the Rexdale - Old Photos facebook group.
I'd estimate by the age of some of these films, this clipping is from 1971.
You wouldn't know it today, but back in the 70's, Albion Cinemas had it's fare share of Rock N' Roll
on the big screen.
I wonder if Albion Cinemas ever played anything by Dario Argento?
Never seen this one, but for a $1.50 and a midnight screening at Albion Cinemas? Count me in.
Released two months before the Beatles broke up, The Magic Christian may feature Beatles drummer Ringo Starr,
but, I think the main selling point of The Magic Christian was
...Raquel Welch who played the domineering role of "The Mistress of the Whip".
I'd estimate by the age of some of these films, this clipping is from 1971.
You wouldn't know it today, but back in the 70's, Albion Cinemas had it's fare share of Rock N' Roll
on the big screen.
I wonder if Albion Cinemas ever played anything by Dario Argento?
Never seen this one, but for a $1.50 and a midnight screening at Albion Cinemas? Count me in.
Released two months before the Beatles broke up, The Magic Christian may feature Beatles drummer Ringo Starr,
but, I think the main selling point of The Magic Christian was
...Raquel Welch who played the domineering role of "The Mistress of the Whip".
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J-M-Z
Active Member
Here's an aerial view of The Albion Centre from 1970.
Kipling ave. is to the right and Albion rd. is going diagonal towards the bottom.
The above aerial shot was taken prior to Albion Centre's enclosure into an actual mall back in the 1970's. By the looks of things, re-construction was already underway.
Albion Cinemas looks like it's the vertical building closest to the construction. The store at the very bottom with the writing on the front looks like Loblaws in it's
original location. Above Loblaws would be Rexall (former Hopedale Drugs).
By the end of the 1970's, Kmart would occupy the largest building towards Kipling before becoming a Canadian Tire.
From behind the Albion Centre, Finch Avenue West looks like it was still in development, too. The Police Station and two strip plazas along Finch Avenue wouldn't be
constructed for another 30+ years.
In the top left corner on the other side of Finch Avenue West is Food City. The lone house next to Food City would eventually be demolished; making way for more stores
to be built by 1973 in what is now known as the Finch-Albion Centre.
Food City would eventually become Price Chopper and then Sunny's Food Mart. At the very top of the shot (behind Food City) is Stevenson rd.
Kipling ave. is to the right and Albion rd. is going diagonal towards the bottom.
The above aerial shot was taken prior to Albion Centre's enclosure into an actual mall back in the 1970's. By the looks of things, re-construction was already underway.
Albion Cinemas looks like it's the vertical building closest to the construction. The store at the very bottom with the writing on the front looks like Loblaws in it's
original location. Above Loblaws would be Rexall (former Hopedale Drugs).
By the end of the 1970's, Kmart would occupy the largest building towards Kipling before becoming a Canadian Tire.
From behind the Albion Centre, Finch Avenue West looks like it was still in development, too. The Police Station and two strip plazas along Finch Avenue wouldn't be
constructed for another 30+ years.
In the top left corner on the other side of Finch Avenue West is Food City. The lone house next to Food City would eventually be demolished; making way for more stores
to be built by 1973 in what is now known as the Finch-Albion Centre.
Food City would eventually become Price Chopper and then Sunny's Food Mart. At the very top of the shot (behind Food City) is Stevenson rd.
Attachments
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J-M-Z
Active Member
More vintage photos from Albion mall's humble beginnings. Today's first submission is a store list of Albion mall from 1965.
Loblaws is the only major anchor here.Which is listed as "Lobaws Grocer".
According to Eugenio Arcilesi, next up is an aerial view of Albion mall from 1974:
By the looks of things, Albion mall wasn't enclosed just yet. Let's try to read the labels on the aerial shot:
Top left is Albion Odeon (now Albion Cinemas).
One building over from Albion Cinema is marked "Leon's Hardware" followed by "Albion Restaurant & Tavern" at the end
with a "Pool Hall" next to it.
The middle building is marked "Rexall", then "Dr. Wuls" along with a "Barber Shop". Directly below the middle building is Loblaws.
The largest building is marked "Kmart" with "Jolly Friers" and "Pizza Nova" at the top of the building.
Special thanks to archivist extraordinaire Eugenio Arcilesi for sharing these finds.
Loblaws is the only major anchor here.Which is listed as "Lobaws Grocer".
According to Eugenio Arcilesi, next up is an aerial view of Albion mall from 1974:
By the looks of things, Albion mall wasn't enclosed just yet. Let's try to read the labels on the aerial shot:
Top left is Albion Odeon (now Albion Cinemas).
One building over from Albion Cinema is marked "Leon's Hardware" followed by "Albion Restaurant & Tavern" at the end
with a "Pool Hall" next to it.
The middle building is marked "Rexall", then "Dr. Wuls" along with a "Barber Shop". Directly below the middle building is Loblaws.
The largest building is marked "Kmart" with "Jolly Friers" and "Pizza Nova" at the top of the building.
Special thanks to archivist extraordinaire Eugenio Arcilesi for sharing these finds.
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Towered
Superstar
Geez, that looks shockingly close to Teela cosplay...
J-M-Z
Active Member
I was thinking Princess Leia (slave costume), but the Star Wars saga was made a few years later.
Looks like our next retro movie night here at UrbanToronto will be "The Magic Christian".
J-M-Z
Active Member
Today's double-whammy was submitted by Alan Aerts and Eugenio Arcilesi of the Rexdale - Old Photos group.
The first is a photo that was already shared in this thread. The photo was taken in 1966 and now has a bit of context added:
Alan writes:
"This photo caused much controversy about a year ago. It's been around the internet for a while now but was uploaded by
Jocelyn Gordon asking where exactly the image was. Over 300 comments later, it became obvious as to where the photo was originally taken - the Albion (strip) Mall in 1966. Yes, the area you're seeing is now inside the mall as it was enclosed in 1970. Ahead is the hardware store (which is still there) and the restaurant would've been just around the corner. To the left, you would have the cinemas and beer store (see photo location in comments). It took a lot of arguing and friendly banter but we eventually figured it out. The Hopedale Drugstore you see on the right was eventually replaced by Shoppers Drug Mart, which moved into the old Loblaw's location. This is a great example of the quality Kodachrome photos of the past. Great photo!"
Eugenio added a very rare exterior shot (which is a zoomed-in version of another photo also posted here) of the same location, back when the spot served as Hopedale Drugs:
Do you have vintage photos or memories of Albion Mall? We'd love to see them and hear from you!
The first is a photo that was already shared in this thread. The photo was taken in 1966 and now has a bit of context added:
Alan writes:
"This photo caused much controversy about a year ago. It's been around the internet for a while now but was uploaded by
Jocelyn Gordon asking where exactly the image was. Over 300 comments later, it became obvious as to where the photo was originally taken - the Albion (strip) Mall in 1966. Yes, the area you're seeing is now inside the mall as it was enclosed in 1970. Ahead is the hardware store (which is still there) and the restaurant would've been just around the corner. To the left, you would have the cinemas and beer store (see photo location in comments). It took a lot of arguing and friendly banter but we eventually figured it out. The Hopedale Drugstore you see on the right was eventually replaced by Shoppers Drug Mart, which moved into the old Loblaw's location. This is a great example of the quality Kodachrome photos of the past. Great photo!"
Eugenio added a very rare exterior shot (which is a zoomed-in version of another photo also posted here) of the same location, back when the spot served as Hopedale Drugs:
Do you have vintage photos or memories of Albion Mall? We'd love to see them and hear from you!
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Towered
Superstar
I watched it years ago because I love Peter Sellers. It's quite an amusing example of surrealist humour. I can see why many wouldn't like it though.
J-M-Z
Active Member
Today's first submission comes from Philip R Walsh of the Rexdale - Old Photos facebook group. It's a shot of Kmart's Cafeteria
from the Albion mall.
Judging by the Pepsi and Mountain Dew posters to the side, I'll estimate late 1990's before Canadian Tire took over.
Our next submission comes from Alan Aerts - Admin of the Rexdale - Old Photos facebook group. It's a very rare interior
shot of Albion Mall from 1978!:
Alan writes:
**𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸**
#34. Some of you may remember there used to be a donut kiosk at the Albion Mall just outside the main Kmart entrance - called the Snack & Donuts. It was usually my last stop after shopping as I was heading home, out the Becker's entrance. Chances are, you may have been served by Laurie Naughton's mother (pictured here in 1978) as you ordered freshly made donuts or day olds at the end of the day. If memory serves, behind her is the medical center where my dentist, Dr. Wuls, used to be among other doctors. Laurie, please tell your mother she made great donuts! Nice memories.
Speaking of rarities, here's a few photos of the Albion Mall from the 1970's that come courtesy of Dmg Gree; also of the Rexdale - Old Photos facebook group:
If you take a look at the window reflection on the right, you may notice a reflection of the Odeon Cinemas (now Albion Cinemas) sign.
The showstopper for today is the oldest known photos of the Albion Mall area. Dated September of 1959 (five years before the Albion
mall first opened).
Submitted by Doug North of the Rexdale - Old Photos group, Doug writes:
"Some time ago, I mentioned the barn that once sat where the Albion Mall now sits. This is a shot of the roof of that barn taken from my parents front lawn on Taysham. She tells me they had 11 children and the barn was so big they stored floats from the Eatons Santa Claus parade in it till the land was sold and the first strip of the outdoor based mall was built."
from the Albion mall.
Judging by the Pepsi and Mountain Dew posters to the side, I'll estimate late 1990's before Canadian Tire took over.
Our next submission comes from Alan Aerts - Admin of the Rexdale - Old Photos facebook group. It's a very rare interior
shot of Albion Mall from 1978!:
Alan writes:
**𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸**
#34. Some of you may remember there used to be a donut kiosk at the Albion Mall just outside the main Kmart entrance - called the Snack & Donuts. It was usually my last stop after shopping as I was heading home, out the Becker's entrance. Chances are, you may have been served by Laurie Naughton's mother (pictured here in 1978) as you ordered freshly made donuts or day olds at the end of the day. If memory serves, behind her is the medical center where my dentist, Dr. Wuls, used to be among other doctors. Laurie, please tell your mother she made great donuts! Nice memories.
Speaking of rarities, here's a few photos of the Albion Mall from the 1970's that come courtesy of Dmg Gree; also of the Rexdale - Old Photos facebook group:
If you take a look at the window reflection on the right, you may notice a reflection of the Odeon Cinemas (now Albion Cinemas) sign.
The showstopper for today is the oldest known photos of the Albion Mall area. Dated September of 1959 (five years before the Albion
mall first opened).
Submitted by Doug North of the Rexdale - Old Photos group, Doug writes:
"Some time ago, I mentioned the barn that once sat where the Albion Mall now sits. This is a shot of the roof of that barn taken from my parents front lawn on Taysham. She tells me they had 11 children and the barn was so big they stored floats from the Eatons Santa Claus parade in it till the land was sold and the first strip of the outdoor based mall was built."
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