Capital History

Ashley Newall makes a case for a new marina on the Ottawa River—just like back in the late 1800s.

Much has been written about what became of H.F. Brading’s Victorian-era brewery come the 20th century, particularly regarding infamous Ottawa-born magnate E.P. Taylor, who parlayed it into a gigantic beer empire. Then there’s the small matter of the SECRET BEER TUNNEL under Lebreton Flats, built around 1945. I won’t be talking about any of that: This is the largely untold story of the man who started it all, Henry Fisher Brading (1836-1903), and his original Union Brewery.

If you’re interested in Nicholas Sparks’ house, Apartment613 has you covered: this is the second piece on the topic to appear on the blog, the main differences this time around being colourized photos and a quirkier approach. Enjoy!

Due to new pandemic restrictions, this week’s roundup does away with our traditional Roundup in favour of a curated pile of ideas to get you through the weekend and hopefully the next little while!

Sir Winston Churchill first appeared in Ottawa in December 1900 on a speaking tour, spinning the tale of his escape from the Boers, a highly publicized escapade that had just launched his political career. Immediately following the lecture, citing “fatigue,” he decided to blow off his next tour stop and sit tight for a bonus day in O-town.

Step back in time with Ashley Newall’s colourized photos of Ottawa’s railway station through the years.

The current site of the War Memorial used to be the location of Ottawa’s grand post office and custom house. Check out the pictures of that beautiful old building here, in our latest Capital History article from Ashley Newall.

Who doesn’t love a good diner? Bowles Lunch’s two Ottawa locations were long-time prime meeting places for rich and poor to congregate and chew the fat.

As the pluralized name suggests, they were indeed a chain, with a second location at 209 Bank Street, right on the northeast corner of Nepean Street. Premier Hats was founded in 1912 by the delightfully named Samuel Gluck, his first store opening on an opposite corner of Bank and Nepean.

Ashley Newall’s “Capital History Ottawa” (#colourized) has been chronicling past scenes in the city through his newly colourized photos and accompanying factoids. The project’s home is on Twitter, but once a month, a more in-depth piece delving into the stories behind the pics will be published here on Apt613.