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The Changing Face of a Corner — Brock Street West and Spruce Street, Uxbridge
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At first glance, the corner of Brock Street West and Spruce Street may look like just another busy intersection in downtown Uxbridge — but this spot has seen more than a century of change, growth, and community life. From a grand department store to the old post office, a bowling alley, and now a mix of thriving local businesses, this corner has always been at the heart of town.
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Photo courtesy of www.scugogheritage.com
William Henry’s Grand Department Store (1885–1902)
The story begins in 1885, when William Henry built an impressive structure on this very corner to house his department store. The interior was said to be patterned after Simpson’s in Toronto, bringing a touch of big-city sophistication to small-town Ontario. Henry’s store quickly became a local landmark, and as business flourished, he expanded the block to the east.
For nearly two decades, it stood as one of Uxbridge’s most impressive commercial buildings — a symbol of progress and prosperity in a growing community. Sadly, that grandeur was short-lived. In 1902, a devastating fire destroyed the building, erasing one of the town’s early architectural gems.
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Photo courtesy of Uxbridge The First 100 Years, by J. Peter Hvidsten
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The Old Uxbridge Post Office (1911–1971)
Almost a decade later, the site would take on new life. Around 1911, construction began on the Uxbridge Post Office, a handsome stone and brick building that took three years to complete and was officially opened in 1914. For more than half a century, this post office was a cornerstone of the community — a place where neighbours crossed paths, mail arrived from afar, and town life unfolded daily.
In 1969, the Town of Uxbridge purchased the old post office from the federal government. However, in a controversial move, the town sold it just a year later, along with two other municipally owned properties. The building was demolished in 1971, paving the way for a new commercial complex that reflected the modernization of the era.
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Uxbridge Post Office – Photo courtesy of www.scugogheritage.com
Uxbridge Post Office – Photo courtesy of www.scugogheritage.com
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The Modern Era — Bowling, Business, and Community
The new building that replaced the post office was designed with versatility in mind. It featured five business spaces on the main floor, a bowling alley and arcade upstairs, and parking underneath — a forward-thinking layout for its time.
Over the years, these storefronts have been home to a number of well-remembered Uxbridge businesses. For many longtime residents, a few stand out in particular:
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Evans Fine Jewellery & Gift Shoppe, located right on the corner, sparkled with timeless pieces and gifts for every occasion.
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J.B. Variety, the classic go-to convenience store for generations of Uxbridge kids — and still proudly serving the community today.
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Uxbridge Electronics, once located where Coldwell Banker R.M.R. Real Estate now operates, was the place to go for televisions, stereos, and all the latest gadgets. Many households in town bought their entertainment systems from Bob Jamieson, who became a familiar face to countless customers.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Uxbridge Electronics also became the place to rent movies — first on the short-lived RCA VideoDisc (yes, that was a thing — look it up, kids!) and later on Betamax and VHS tapes. Many a neighbourhood birthday party or family movie night began with a trip to that very store.
Upstairs, the bowling alley was a lively gathering spot for birthday parties, league nights, and evenings out with friends. It was a beloved part of the Uxbridge social scene for decades until it sadly closed in 2024, marking the end of another era for this well-known building.
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Today’s Corner — A Blend of Past and Present
Today, the building continues to serve the community, housing a vibrant mix of local businesses:
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Polished By Vanessa Inc.
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J.B. Variety
Though the architecture and occupants have changed, the spirit of this corner remains the same — a place of connection, commerce, and community. From William Henry’s elegant department store to the familiar hum of the post office, the laughter from the bowling alley, and the modern mix of today’s shops and offices, this intersection tells a story of Uxbridge’s enduring evolution.
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A Corner Through Time
This corner has seen more than just buildings rise and fall — it has witnessed the life of Uxbridge itself unfold. Each new chapter adds to the town’s tapestry, reminding us that history isn’t just found in museums or books — it’s right here, built into the streets we walk every day.
Photo credit
Uxbridge/Scott Museum
