BLYTH FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

A view of Dinsley Street from the Roof of Industry Hall

On the left side of this early 1900 photo you see part of the cement block structure of the current Blyth Inn. There are two attached frame structures and then a livery stable. This livery stable was later replaced by another structure at the north east corner of the property. At the eastern edge of the property we see an open shed. This is where guests could tie up their horse and store their buggy. This building remained standing. though unused. until about 1950.

In the right foreground we see the McKinnon & Co. sign. This is the same building that is now occupied by the Gift Cupboard. The second storey of McKinnon's store housed their millinery department.

In the distance on the left side of the photo, we can see St. Michael's Catholic Church which still had its spire. We can also see St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church near the centre background. This church in 1925  became a United Church of Canada. At the same time, the Queen Street Methodist Church became a United Church as well and for several years there were two United Churches in the village. Eventually the two congregations joined together in the former Presbyterian Church, and the continuing Presbyterians purchased  the Queen Street Church which is now home to the Blyth Christian Reform Church.

Brock Vodden