Alright, so maybe you already know about these things that exist in Hamilton, but I discovered most of them recently. It’s always great to still stumble across new and interesting things in a city you already love. Some of the items on this list are the equivalent of discovering your spouse has a secret passion for making duct tape wallets or collecting cowboy boots – you love them anyway. Others are the equivalent of discovering they actually enjoy snow shoveling and lawn mowing – you love them even more.
How many of these did you know exist in Hamilton?
LOCKE STREET BRIDGE – Love Locks One item on the long list of ways Hamilton is identical to Paris, is the collection of the love locks on the Locke Street bridge. Ok, so it might be the one single similarity and ours is not yet as impressive, but it still does make me smile. I inadvertently took my boyfriend past here on our first date to get a picture for this column and he later told me he was worried I was going to pull out a lock to commemorate our first meeting. Dating is just that weird sometimes – a crazier girl might have done such a thing.
SPY SHOP – I did a double take when I saw this place on Ottawa Street near Barton, but I guess there are people who wish to buy double agent equipment and do it in person. The slogan is “Wanna catch them in the act?” and really the only thing I want to catch in the act is the mouse deftly removing the cheese from the trap without tripping it. Maybe a nanny cam will help.
LITTLE LIBRARIES – These are one of the nicest and simplest examples of civic engagement and neighbourhood pride and they are all over the city. The people who build and maintain them are gems and always put such craftsmanship and thought into them. This one on Grosvenor near Sherbrooke is one of the best. Watch for my donated copy of War & Peace – maybe someone else can get through it!
QUILLS TYPEWRITER NIGHT – I discovered this at the Locke Street Festival last year – Quills is a beautiful stationery and invitation shop above Starbucks. One of the coolest things they do is host a free monthly letter writing night where you can use their amazing antique typewriters – the first Thursday from 7pm–9pm. As an avid letter writer, I’m all over this…and who doesn’t love that satisfying *ding* at the end of a line?
OTTAWA STREET MURAL – There was a great shop called Refinerie on Ottawa, whose owner, an LA transplant, commissioned this incredible mural on the side of the building, just south of Cannon. It’s so remarkable and stunning. Also remarkable is the fact that no one has vandalized it all this time. I like to think the felonious among us are too awestruck by its beauty and take their sabotage elsewhere.
MOOSE LODGE FAMILY CENTRE – I will admit that I thought these sorts of club only existed in Flintstone’s Bedrock. But, while I cannot confirm they don’t wear large hats, I can tell you it is a Family Fraternity and the location on Barton near Parkdale is one of many. They have events, leisure leagues and fundraisers and yes, there is such thing as Moose of the Year.
HAMILTON TOY MUSEUM – There is no more sure-fire way to feel old than to see your childhood toys categorized and put on display at a museum. But if you have kids, take them to relive your youth at this museum on Main near Ottawa (and coincidentally the now-open Dairy Queen). I would expect to find my favourite toys including a Cabbage Patch Kid named Natasha, a furry and mildly creepy ALF doll and a Sit n’ Spin. Play on, old friends.
HAMILTON BIKERS’ CHURCH – We all know the (former) Hells Angels clubhouse and we’ve all seen an episode of Sons of Anarchy, but there is a lot more to bikers, including a church geared toward riders. On Ottawa Street, held on Thursday nights “We’re out riding on Sunday!!”, HBC is an inclusive and non-traditional style of service. Go read their FAQ at www.hamiltonbikerschurch.com – it’s pretty fun.
FIREFIGHTER TRAINING ACADEMY – I only know about this place on Stone Church because I used to see it when I went to Roller Gardens for Saturday afternoon chasing of boys in 1993. They used to hold firefighting demonstrations in the burnt out building. They also run charity car washes or something that may or may include shirtless firefighters. Or so I have heard.
ACTIVE ANSWERING SERVICE – I’m all for family owned small businesses and I also appreciate the ways of days gone by (paper daytimer, DVDs, print magazines) but even I am scratching my head at this actual brick and mortar answering service on Main near Kenilworth. Is it really just a room full of people taking messages? Is a storefront necessary? What am I missing? Press 1 to be connected.
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