Elora, Ont.
over the
Years
Photographs of Elora
​​A picture paints a thousands words and that is especially true when it comes to the images included below. These photos are comparisons of photographs taken of buildings downtown Elora in the early to mid 19th century to those captured present day, 2015.
Depicted as The Royal Hotel on the Fire Insurance Map in 1904, this old century hotel was re-established as the Elora Legion in 1932. It wasn't until the mid to late 20th century that the building under went reventions to expand it's size. It is interesting to see how the township of Elora transformed a single historic building to better suite the needs of the population at the time. The Elora Legion is still an important part of the community where many host parties, fundraisers and gatherings.
The image seen on the left was taken in the early 20th century when the center of town was just beginning to be established and the image on the right is current day 2015. The differences between the two pictures speak volumes to how much society has transformed over the last century. Buildings that were once used as barns and storage for goods are now department stores, apartments were constructed that now block the view of the rest of town and dumpsters are placed right next to the path where citizens walk.
Construction of the Bissell Park Dam began in the 1950's when the image on the left was first taken. Bissell Park is now one of Elora's most visited tourist destinations for its natural beauty. The walking bridge was built in the early 21st century which over looks the waterfall.
One of Elora's most iconic buildings is the Dalby House, formally known as the Iroquois Hotel. The building was built in the late 19th century and has since then been renovated multiple times. One of its most popular features is its unqiue shape and how it seems to center off the middle of town perfectly. The Dalby House was well known for it's food and late pub nights, however it has recently been constructed to house medical offices. The Dalby House is another timeless example of how the community of Elora reuses historically buildings to grow with the economy and society rather than tearing it down.
Google Skecth Up to properly portray the buildings shape.
The Post Office was relocated and constructed in 1911 and quickly became the focal point of the community. It is important to the history of Elora because it signifies the strength and unity of the town. In 1971 there was a plan to demolish the building and restruct a more modern model, however it is said that the community came together and saved this historic building. It is still used as the only Post Office in Elora today.
Another building that illustrates the change in society is the mid 19th century Elora Drill Shed. This building was originally designed to house miliatry excersises and community use. It is now currently the towns only LCBO. Once again, this historic building is an example of the town utilizing older buildings to suit their current needs.
Sources: historicplaces.ca
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* Some of the photos have been complied into a working slider to better compare. Simply click the white line seen in the middle of the image and slide left or right!