Belleville is a city in Ontario located on the north shore of the Bay of Quinte. The city’s bustling streets contrast with the rolling countryside that surrounds them. In 1615, Samuel de Champlain explored the area. It was settled by Americans after 1776 and given the name Meyers’ Creek in honor of John Meyers, who operated a gristmill at the time. Belleville was renamed in 1816 in honor of Arabella Gore, wife of Francis Gore, lieutenant governor of Upper Canada.
Belleville was incorporated as a city in 1877. As part of Ontario’s reorganization of municipalities, the City of Belleville merged with the surrounding Township of Thurlow in 1998 to form an expanded City of Belleville. Quinte West was also annexed to the west by the city.
Below are some fascinating vintage photos that show What Belleville downtown looked like in 1975.
#1 Carmen’s Beauty Salon at 269 and Meagher’s Men’s Wear at 267 Front Street, Belleville
#2 Reddick’s Bakery at 304 and Wray’s at 306 Front Street, Belleville
#3 Woodley Furs at 273 and The Coach Room at 271 Front Street, Belleville
#4 Fish and chip restaurant at 352 Front Street Belleville, and T. and J. Variety store at 356 Front Street
#5 Murrays Foodmaster store at 290 Front Street, Belleville
#6 Building on Bridge Street East in Belleville west of the TD Bank.
#7 186, 188, 190 and 192 Front Street, Belleville, Ontario (the Lister Block).
#8 194, 196 and 200 Front Street, Belleville.
Businesses included McKinney Insurance and Central Taxi which was located on the southwest corner of Bridge and Front Streets
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