Lost Ottawa Facebook 2016

Here are all the Lost Ottawa posts that appeared on Facebook in 2016, starting with the most recent and going backwards.

You can view the posts in various ways. You can read the descriptions on this page and see the initial comments. You can click on the three dots at the bottom of a post to see more comments. You can click on the picture to see a “full screen” version of the picture with comments. You can view the original post on Facebook and leave more comments there.

At the bottom of the page there is a “Get More Posts” link that will load additional posts to the page. We are still working on a way to make the posts searchable.

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Friday December 30th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Ottawa when it wasn't Winter in 1960 -- and when the Sparks Street Pedestrian Mall was still an experiment.

Hey, the Metropolitan store is still there!

(CSTM CN-54887-29)
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Ottawa when it wasnt Winter in 1960 -- and when the Sparks Street Pedestrian Mall was still an experiment. 

Hey, the Metropolitan store is still there!

(CSTM CN-54887-29)

Comment on Facebook

The diamond ring I am wearing on my right hand was bought at People's Credit... on credit. My dad bought it for my Mom and she left it to me when she passed away. I still shop at the "new" People's.

I remember it well, worked on Sparks Street in the early 60's and loved shopping at People's, even had a credit card there, think it was my first

Working at Bank of Canada, with my friends we would go for a walk on Sparks St., I bought gifts to my family at People Credit Jewellers,

Funny ... - I thought Woolworth was on Rideau - Bu I notice that a mall had been set up and indeed that was on Sparks St

In 1958 or so, went to watch movies at the Centretown theater. Lots of weird ppl hung out in there. After a couple of times I stopped going.

Great. Now I have the jingle for People's Credit Jewellers stuck in my head

It was just a year or two before that picture was taken that I bought a pearl necklace and earrings for my mother and a Bulova President watch for my dad at that Peoples store.

Woolworths around there somewhere too. Lunch counter and chocolate sundaes

I worked at the Met for four years and bought my first watch at People's which I lost a week later, it was a Bulova lol

Is that Reitman's on the left? And Brights Wines - anyone else remember what ghastly plonk Niagara wines used to be?

Kinda miss those days.

I remember the lunch counter...

Worked at Sherman's Records on Sparks and Bank.

Sparks Street - when it was cool πŸ™‚

1960 was the first summer that the Sparks Street was a pedestrian mall.

Worked at 56 Sparks Street at that time πŸ™‚

Was just a youngster when they opened the Spark's St. Mall

Not the most welcoming 'play space' !!

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Friday December 30th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Postcard from Ottawa Featuring Ottawa prestigious Rideau Club, circa 1920 perhaps.

The other day we had a picture from the top of the club's current digs. This the old digs on the corner of Wellington and Metcalfe.

The old club burned down in 1979 and is now an open square across from Parliament.

(From a Postcard for sale on Ebay)
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Postcard from Ottawa Featuring Ottawa prestigious Rideau Club, circa 1920 perhaps.

The other day we had a picture from the top of the clubs current digs. This the old digs on the corner of Wellington and Metcalfe.

The old club burned down in 1979 and is now an open square across from Parliament.

(From a Postcard for sale on Ebay)

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It was a beautiful building .... IIRC the American's took over for Embassy purposes and then it became the press building? Great dinners when it was the Rideau Club!! BTW .... the building still stands.

I watched from the 5 th floor of the building behind on Metcalfe n Sparks until it got too hot. Giant flaming embers the size of a loaf of bread were raining down everywhere and the water flowing down Metcalfe was over the curbs so the flaming embers were floating down the street. A spectacular fire!

I remember watching it burn many years ago. First noticed flames coming out of upper left windows and before long it was ablaze.

Remember this building well from my days working at CKPM (1440 on your dial) Radio back in the late 60s. We were located at 140 Wellington.

My father brought us down to watch the fire. I was 6. You could feel the heat from Parliament Hill across the street.

Was at that fire, one of the first fire crews on scene, many more would follow. All night blaze and into the next day.

I was only at the club a couple of times but have never been to the new one.

I had lunch at the new one. Was never in the original.

I remember the fire too - this picture is awesome!

The fire was Jean Pigott's fault.

Is this the Terry Fox corner?

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Thursday December 29th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Something else you could over Christmas holidays in Lost Ottawa, visit the chick incubator at the Science and Tech Museum.

Shown here in 1968, the incubator lasted into the late 90s, I'm told.

Always popular.

(NMST J-19975-14)
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Something else you could over Christmas holidays in Lost Ottawa, visit the chick incubator at the Science and Tech Museum.

Shown here in 1968, the incubator lasted into the late 90s, Im told.

Always popular.

(NMST J-19975-14)

Comment on Facebook

The Museum of Science and Technology of the 70s and 80s may look ridiculous by today's standards but nothing was more fun than the chick incubator, crazy kitchen, periscope, the steam locomotive that we weren't supposed to climb (but always did), enough push-button activated displays to keep you busy all day long and the computer room with Breakout and the computer psychiatrist. I still remember the narration for the oversized computer display. "The customer wants soup and the order is typed in. The central processing unit, or CPU, then takes complete control." Good times. πŸ™‚

I used to bring my son there early Sunday morning when a farmer would arrive to collect the recent hatchlings. The farmer used to put a handful of chicks in my 2-year old son's lap and he'd play with them on the lawn in front of the museum. We did this several Sunday's in a row one summer.

A favourite memory is hanging out at the museum with a group of high school - we played in the trains and the kitchen and around the space capsule- it was very daring for me at the time - one of those friends became my husband over 40 years later.

I remembered going there as a kid! Watching the chicks hats was so cool!! And the crooked kitchen...I'm sure that's why I'm a kitchen designer today!!

Loved that place as a kid; museums were free and in most ways better (though not flashier) than they are today. I do miss the old Atlas rocket out front.

I remember , used to take my kids their all the time, can't wait for the new one to open up, I'll have to take my walker. Hahaha.

The incubator left in 1994. Trust me as someone who had to take care of it on the weekends, they are much happier on the farm.

I remember this! I have been going to that museum since I was four years old and I am 24 now. I really hope they reopen this museum soon. I have a pic of my dad, brother and I inside the indoor locomotive that you could go up in. I remember how I used to be a bit hesitant going to the trains because they were so big and the area was dark LOL! And the crazy kitchen was always the cherry on top of every time I went. The last time I was there just before it closed they had this seriously cool light tunnel and if you were wearing white going inside it you'd glow. I went there as a kid, then we took my 20 year old nephew there when he was very little, and before it closed I would bring my daycare kids there.

I had a part-time job as a guide at the Museum for school groups in the early 1970s and the incubator was one of the highlights. A regular/common question was where do the chicks go? We were instructed to say "Oh we take them to a friendly farmer". It was a little white lie...unless the farmer lived in heaven. πŸ™‚

Omg. Jeff o'shaunessy and I spent every Saturday there. Crooked kitchen, trains, cafeteria.

We spent many happy hours here in 80s. Saw Halley's Comet from the observatory, the satellite on display that my dad helped construct, played on the trains, watched the chics hatching, and wobbled in the crazy kitchen. I came back as a volunteer host in my teens. Great place to grow up!

Best museum in Ottawa can't wait till it reopens. SSW the incubator as a kid, good stuff.

Used to go to the McDonald's nearby and go to the museum all day on Sundays when it was free,great times .

Holy memory lane ... no idea it has been around for so long

You mean i could give someone a ride never to be seen agaimn, To quote a French Canadian fried of mine "I'm the the BOY that me."

The best part was having mcdonalds afterwards usually at a birthday party in the caboose.

A definite happy part of my childhood was going there !!! πŸ’œπŸŒŸ

A friend of mine designed it. I always thought it was a space ship. He said its a fried egg. His sense of humour...

I used to love that! My grandmother made a point of seeing it when she took me

when is the museum of science and tech is going to reopen?

Could just as easily have been me in that picture.

That was my second favorite thing at the museum, the first was the crooked kitchen!

Loved going to see the chicks! It was always a highlight of the visit!

The incubator moved to the agriculture museum in the late 90s if I recall correctly.

I remember being blown away by watching the eggs hatch!!!

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Thursday December 29th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Stuff you could do over the holidays in Lost Ottawa ... like go to the Science and Tech Museum where original curator John Corby (on the right) would explain this model steam locomotive for you.

Then you could ride the train down a track through the train bay, showing how powerful even a tiny locomotive could be.

It could pull at least six people.

(NMST 71-9065)
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Stuff you could do over the holidays in Lost Ottawa ... like go to the Science and Tech Museum where original curator John Corby (on the right) would explain this model steam locomotive for you.

Then you could ride the train down a track through the train bay, showing how powerful even a tiny locomotive could be.

It could pull at least six people.

(NMST 71-9065)

Comment on Facebook

Hope Sci Tech comes back as it was in the good old days. It had become a shell and a total bore well before they closed it.

Loved that museum as I was a kid growing up in the 70's. I got married and moved to Fredericton NB in 1990 but we took our own kids to the museum when we were home on summer vacations. It went downhill over the years and just wasn't as much fun as when I was a kid. They should have kept a lot of the hands-on exhibits that were there in the 60's and 70's...That was what made it so great for kids, you could touch everything and press endless buttons without getting scolded! Lol

Even more model trains were shown at the museum for several days during the Christmas period when the Cumberland Third Rail Modular Club demonstrated many, many train models in action for the public with motion, smoke, lights, action accessories from various steam and diesel manufacturers. Those were the days!

They have live steam at the Cumberland Museum these days still

Remember Mr Corby very well. He was as enthusiastic explaining to us girls as he was to the boys! If you were interested, he was too.

I miss the museum of Science and Technology, I went so many times with my kids and always had so much fun!

Bring it back! Bring it back! Bring it back!

will it ever come back.. what are governments plans...did they sell the land it was on

used to like the hand operated printing press and the ham radio station....

Valerie Clarke

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Thursday December 29th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Lost Ottawa is on a plane to Los Angeles this morning. No problem with the pictures. We have those all lined up, but we might be otherwise a little incommunicado for the next few days.

Meanwhile, a picture of the sculptures out front of the airport.

Saved from the 1960s Uplands Terminal, you can see them on the left as you drive in.
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Lost Ottawa is on a plane to Los Angeles this morning. No problem with the pictures. We have those all lined up, but we might be otherwise a little incommunicado for the next few days.

Meanwhile, a picture of the sculptures out front of the airport. 

Saved from the 1960s Uplands Terminal, you can see them on the left as you drive in.

Comment on Facebook

In LA, I recommend staying at (on) the restored RMS Queen Mary moored in Long Beach harbor. Good rates, free parking, fascinating hotel, excellent restaurants. 4/5

Enjoy your break from frigid Ottawa!

Enjoy LA!!!

They point them south during the winter and north during the summer.

Does anyone remember when you could go up to the roof of the old terminal and in the open air watch planes come and go? This was around 1972 and earlier, presumably.

Had to go there yesterday and didn't notice them. Thanks for the posting. Is it true the air terminal that the present terminal replaced is still onsite and fully intact?

Back when flying was more adventure, and less like a bus terminal

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Thursday December 29th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Alexa Pritchard shares a second picture of the back of the original Parlimanet Buildings, taken by famous Ottawa photographer Topley, this time featuring the Library.

If I recall correctly the library was finally finished in 1876.Topley 104 Sparks Street Studio photo circa 1878-1883 the library, Parliament
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Alexa Pritchard shares a second picture of the back of the original Parlimanet Buildings, taken by famous Ottawa photographer Topley, this time featuring the Library.

If I recall correctly the library was finally finished in 1876.

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My great grandfather was part of the crew that put the original copper roof on the Library

2 years ago I saw the library beautifully restored on the outside!

So the library never burnt down with the Peace Tower then?

Thursday December 29th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Alexa Pritchard shares the first of two pictures of Parliament Hill, taken by famous Ottawa photographer William James Topley.

Amazing how forested the cliff face was at this time, and helps you understand why they later built Lover's Walk through the trees. Gave you a complete getaway from the city.

Notes Alexa:Topley 104 Sparks Street Studio photo circa 1878-1883
the locks below Parliament hill.
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Alexa Pritchard shares the first of two pictures of Parliament Hill, taken by famous Ottawa photographer William James Topley.

Amazing how forested the cliff face was at this time, and helps you understand why they later built Lovers Walk through the trees. Gave you a complete getaway from the city.

 Notes Alexa:

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When they built the dam a Point Fortune, QC, in the 1960s they raised the water level in Ottawa between 2 and 3 feet. That probably is sawdust in front of the locks. I wonder if the building, centre right, with 4 or 5 doors, is the Ottawa Canoe Club boathouse.

Why is the river so low? There's no using the locks at this level.

Love it. Thank you.

Wednesday December 28th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

You know, there are a lot of portraits of people from Ottawa online at Library and Archives Canada. But unless they're famous or actually your relatives, the pictures aren't necessarily that interesting to most people.

"So," I says to Myself, "what could I do with them?"

"Well," I replies to Myself, "there are an awful lot of ladies wearing magnificent hats, and maybe they first took them out of their boxes on Boxing Day."

And so here is our first experiment ... Ladies in Hats, Part I.
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My grandmother wore a similar hat. Have always been fascinated with the styles! Loved your montage. Played it a few times!

Wish we could wear hats like that today without looking as if we were desperate for attention!

It is interesting to think that the massive, awkwardly balanced hats might be seen as another way to keep women in their place and restrained, not competing with men in being active and physical - rather like hobble skirts, high heels, etc. - This from one who loves to wear hats, but they are firmly & comfortably fixed so that I can be as active as I wish at the same time!

Omg this is amazing. Thank you for this montage. Looking forward to the next one. I hope the Royals never give up this tradition although I don't know that anyone could top Queen Elizabeth and her hats. I wish I had been of this generation

Love the hats and noticed they all looked beautiful with no makeup.

I remember my mom and aunts had hats in hat boxes, They did not go to a formal occasion without one. It completed the outfit. Like gloves. it looked elegant.

Loved the hats Brian, thank you. Was really enjoyable to watch. Lots of work in making some of these styles. I too can remember my Gran wearing a similar style, although much more modified. Xx

Love the styles and designs of all those hats! I wonder the average amount of hats a lady would have. Id assume they must have stored them away in hat boxes when not used.

Bring back fancy hats! Ones that need fancy pins. So fun!

I loved the montage because I love portraits. What I found remarkable was the flawless complexion most women seemed to have. Was it possible to touch up photographs at that time or did they really have such natural beauty?

Amazing and magnificent - but not one that would keep the ears warm in winter!

It was terrific, I would have liked to see the woman identified though.

All hats and furs, but nothing to keep her ears from freezing off. Good thing these gals didn't live in Ottawa. Oh.

So glad those hats don't exist today,,,,,music was good though.

I wish we still wore hats today. They completed an outfit. Not as big as these ones but I wish a nice dress hat would come back in style

I would hate to sit behind any one of those women at a concert.

I could watch this all day!

love it - and glad we don't have to wear hats now

Love this montage.

How wonderful to see these. Thank you.

Nicely done!

Fabulous

I love it πŸ™‚

Love what you did....great idea!

Excellent! Love hats πŸ‘Œ

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Wednesday December 28th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Ottawa from the Air: John Ripley shares a photos that nicely complements several other photos shared over the holidays.

Future site of the Museum of History on the other side of the river.

Writes John:E.B. Eddy plant, taken from the Peace Tower, early 1960s
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Ottawa from the Air: John Ripley shares a photos that nicely complements several other photos shared over the holidays.

Future site of the Museum of History on the other side of the river. 

Writes John:

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Cette photos est superbe elle doit daté des années 1965 environ on peu remarqué la compagnie Woods à Hull d'on l'édifice a été détruite vers 1966 à gauche de la pointe du parlement.

Thank you for sharing. Can see the fields of my Grandparents farm in Ironside.

The photo reminds me of the hang glider who flew over the Peace Tower in the 1970s to protest the airport Trudeau wanted to build in Pickering.

I can still remember the smell of sulfur,

This is really a marvellous photo, especially when enlarged!

Also, nice view of the top of the Library of Parliament! The photo enlarges nicely!

My cousin Wayne Martineau worked at EB Eddy's back in the day, he retired from there way back when

Amazing photo !! Thank you! (y)

Great shot

Great shot... Love all the tree trunks in the water ..

Left Ottawa in 1968 - love these LOST PHOTOS πŸ™‚

Nice to see Ottawa when it was productive

Bernard Janise Viau

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Wednesday December 28th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

You never know what you'll find, but you probably won't come across lingerie in Ottawa for 59 cents ... even at a Boxing Day sale.

Ad from Journal shared by Nancy Ellacott, who writes:This is an ad from the March 10, 1932 Ottawa Journal.
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You never know what youll find, but you probably wont come across lingerie in Ottawa for 59 cents ... even at a Boxing Day sale.

Ad from Journal shared by Nancy Ellacott, who writes:

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I loved Freiman's. It stood where The Bay now stands on Rideau Street. It was the best store Ottawa ever had. They weaved hair pieces to match your colour, they made custom cosmetics on the main floor, and then there were those 5 cent chocolate malts, down on the basement level. Their Christmas Window display was the New York Marcy's display from the previous year. It was an elegant store.

There has never been another store to compare. When they changed to Hudson Bay, it was a real shame. I still do not understand why they could not continue to keep it like Freiman's; the clothing was quality, the make up department was the best and the elevator ladies, were great. Those were the days. They also sponsored a great xmas train ride to Montreal where Santa Clause would embark and return to ottawa serving homemade oatmeal cookies. Great memories.

I sure do remember Friemans very well!! My best friend's family store was on York Street...her Dad would give us money to swim at the Chateau Laurier pool(he provided much of their food) and then we would go for their famous malt!!!! We loved it!!! Being born and raised in this amazing city and to have watched it evolve and change to the city it is today...I was then so very proud and continue to be very proud of my amazing hometown of Ottawa...feel so blessed that it is "MY HOME"!!!πŸ€—

Advertising lingerie in the papers in the 30's?! Wow! Wasn't that considered risque? I've been watching Mr Selfridge on Netflix-set twenty years earlier in London. Interesting to see how social behaviour changed over the years.

I should do something similar to this. I have a large hard cover binder of all the issues of The Ottawa Journal of 1887. There are interesting advertisings of medicines of the time, etc...

Love these old ads. When we started the renovation on our house built in 1908, we found the wallpaper was backed with newspapers from the time period of about April to July of that year. Although I eventually photographed quite a bit of the interesting advertising and news of the day, I haven't done anything with the photos, and they definitely need editing.

Just bought a second hand coat and it was from Friemans. Did some research into the store and family... Interesting family. Am originally from Glasgow, and crave the history of it all.

my mother used to take me to Freiman's for the malted milk drinks in. the basement. My mom's favourite store, but occasionally we went to Laroque's. Remember the hand made candy at a shop on Dalhousie and The Nut House on Sparks Street. Ahhh the good ol' days

My uncle always called it AJ's, miss him, miss the store but especially miss the ten cent malts in the basement.

I like a bargain just as much as the next person but 1.98 for a pair of shoes?? And that was probably a lot back then!

I remember that store at Westgate. It was where the movie theatre is....

Wow 11.95 for two pant suits. Man we'd be rich if clothing only cost that much now a days. I'd have a gazillion pairs of shoes at that price. πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„

My mother worked in the fur department and my first part time was there too all over the store

My father George Joiner was the store superintendent for many years at Freimans.

My mom used to work at Friemans, at Westgate shopping center

Multiply by around 18 to get the equivalent in 2016 dollars. So, the undies are around $10.60, which doesn't sound all that cheap.

1/2 price sale at the dollar store... all "lingerie" now 50cents

I remember Freimans

Unfortunately, those days are long gone,lol.

Wow the prices unbelievable !

$2 shoes.... πŸ˜πŸ‘Œ

Men's good suits today....&1,195.00

Amazing!

I to have many great memoriesof A J friemans

These were 'seconds' of five dollar lines!!

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Wednesday December 28th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Lise Mohs shares her Ottawa Christmas from 1952.

Outfits? Priceless!

Says Lise:Christmas photo 1952, My brother and me
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Lise Mohs shares her Ottawa Christmas from 1952.

Outfits? Priceless!

Says Lise:

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The tinsel brings back memories! Our tree looked just like this.

Styles back in the early 50's

Wednesday December 28th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Lise Brown shares a Lowertown Ottawa Christmas from 1959. Love the glasses!

Says Lise:from 1959 in Lowertown Ottawa - 30 A St Joseph street to be exact. I was 7 and my baby sister was 6 months old. I wouldn't trade my childhood nor the neighbourhood of my youth for all the money in the world!
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Lise Brown shares a Lowertown Ottawa Christmas from 1959. Love the glasses!

Says Lise:

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Hey I was 6 months old at Christmas 1959 too!!...and I'm pretty sure the first pair of glasses I got 6 years later looked like that too,lol

I think my granny in Hull had the same linoleum in her living room lol. Precious memories.

Gee those glasses are back in style! lol!

...and I love that linoleum.

I lived on Preston and Louisa, and loved my youth.

Where was St-Joseph st. in lower town ?

That is so precious!

Me either I lived on Ivanhoe they are my fondest memories

where was St. Joseph St. ? down by Ste anne?

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Tuesday December 27th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Victoria Edwards shares some mug shots -- of the original (or at least the original return version of) the Ottawa Senators.

Definitely some players I had forgotten in the line-up.
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Victoria Edwards shares some mug shots -- of the original (or at least the original return version of) the Ottawa Senators.

Definitely some players I had forgotten in the line-up.Image attachmentImage attachment

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My memory of Ottawa Senators would be the likes of "Legs" Fraser, Butch Stahan, Dr. Bobby Copp Eddie Dartnell, etc. Played at the Ottawa Auditorium in the QSHL. Loads of fun back then.

My old boyfriend was no 51 for the Ottawa Roughriders, he was Soupy Campbell linebacker. That was when Russ Jackson was our quarterback!

I remember their first game was the same night as game 2 of the alcs at skydome. They broadcast updates of the senators game between innings.

There's so much business happening in the front and parties happening in the back!

Instead of Lost Ottawa, shouldn't this be posted to "Ottawa Lost" - such a bad record πŸ˜‰

Peggy memories?

#3 Brad Marsh, loved his breakaways,

Vigneault and Bowness still in the NHL

Erna, Gary would like this.

Lots of ex-Jets in that line-up.

I work with Jim Kyte. Great guy!

No Alfie #11

Jack Moher

Eric Doty

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Tuesday December 27th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Dianne Despault Suarez shares a before and after of an Ottawa home.

The original was built on Malarctic on nights and weekends by her father, at the same time he worked days at EB Eddy, saving pennies to buy the lots (for $50).

The house naturally changed over the years but was recently replaced with a new build. "A sad moment," says Dianne.
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Dianne Despault Suarez shares a before and after of an Ottawa home.

The original was built on Malarctic on nights and weekends by her father, at the same time he worked days at EB Eddy, saving pennies to buy the lots (for $50).

The house naturally changed over the years but was recently replaced with a new build. A sad moment, says Dianne.

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You know this is someone's home now. And they put a lot of effort and money into buying the lot and building what they want for their family. Just like the previous owners did. It must be hurtful for them to see their home posted here and then insulted.

The white house with the brick chimney and carport is identical to my former in-laws (in Orleans). So weird to see it after 35 years, but the changes to this one is remarkable. I do understand the need to replace some old homes with faulty wiring, poor plumbing, asbestos in the walls, etc.

This is so sad. My grandparents' old post-war house suffered a similar (albeit not as well executed) fate. I find this erosion of architectural heritage quite upsetting.

The new house was built because the old one burned down, shed/garage is still there!

The same is happening far too often.

Very sad indeed ...

The same happened to the house where I grew up too.

Those are great photos. Thanks for posting them.

At least it's not a monster McMansion.

The shed stayed in the same location though!

Looks like the original garage may have survived.

I usually love your posts but this one is just RUDE. Someone owns that new house, your criticism of it is unwarranted.

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Monday December 26th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Alexa Pritchard shares a second photo by Ottawa photographer William James Topley, taken from the top of the original Parliament Buildings.

This one looks upriver towards the Chaudiere Falls, and over the neighborhood that used to exist north of Wellington along the escarpment above the Ottawa River.Topley 104 Sparks Street Studio photo circa 1878-1883
overlooking the Ottawa River.
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Alexa Pritchard shares a second photo by Ottawa photographer William James Topley, taken from the top of the original Parliament Buildings.

This one looks upriver towards the Chaudiere Falls, and over the neighborhood that used to exist north of Wellington along the escarpment above the Ottawa River.

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of course the fucking catholic church was the biggest thing there!

With all the wood piled up, no wonder there was eventually a massive fire.

Monday December 26th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Alexa Pritchard shares the first of several pictures of Ottawa by famous photographer William James Topley, this one looking towards Nepean Point from the Victoria Tower of the Parliament Buildings.Topley 104 Sparks Street Studio photo circa 1878-1883 from the Parliament Buildings looking north east ... See MoreSee Less

Alexa Pritchard shares the first of several pictures of Ottawa by famous photographer William James Topley, this one looking towards Nepean Point from the Victoria Tower of the Parliament Buildings.

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Fantastic! Zoom and the details show life as it was. Even tents.

Similar view October 2016

Thanks, That's a great photo.

Cool

Nepean Point was really ruined by the bridge. It should have been left just like this.

What are the tepees in the distance for?

How different everything was before the Interprovincial Bridge

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Monday December 26th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Raymond Bjornson shares his family and Christmas tree from 1959 in our ongoing series of Ottawa Xmas pictures.

I think we had that exact same TV, complete with the Bunny Ears, as we still call them.
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Raymond Bjornson shares his family and Christmas tree from 1959 in our ongoing series of Ottawa Xmas pictures.

I think we had that exact same TV, complete with the Bunny Ears, as we still call them.

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I miss the trees that are like that one, with space for ornaments and tinsel to really hang -- instead of those that are trimmed to grow with unnatural density.

Oh my gosh - I have practically the same photo - except that it was taken about a decade later and in color!!! I am holding a doll in the picture too!!!

Raymond Bjornson. Is the lamp shade on the little lamp...On the TV.....Made of metal? Sure looks like one my grandmother had for years

We called them rabbit ears...lol. I guess ours were older..hahahaha

OMG! Have practically the same picture - but with three younger brothers. Hardwood floors, living room carpet, sparse tree, all so familiar!

I have photos taken in 1956, our 1st Christmas in Canada after emigrating from Austria.

Wow I think this setting could be anyone of us back then.. funny but we had it good in those days.

2016 christmas pics be like

Me too - almost the exact same photo, probably 1955 or so.

I had the same dollβ€πŸŽ„β€πŸŽ„

Those curtains look familiar ....the pattern.

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Monday December 26th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Sheila Croome shares a second memory of Ottawa Xmas.

Writes Sheila:Christmas in Ottawa 1957.
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Sheila Croome shares a second memory of Ottawa Xmas. 

Writes Sheila:

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Back when the icicles you put on your tree were made of lead? Or did I just imagine that?

I bet I was the same age in 57. We're you born in 53?

What was on the floor in front of little girl?

Monday December 26th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Sheila Croome shares a memory of Ottawa Christmas.

Writes Sheila:Back in the 1960's when my parents made this Christmas lawn ornament from plans they sent away for from The Ottawa Journal newspaper.
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Sheila Croome shares a memory of Ottawa Christmas.

Writes Sheila:

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Unfortunately, we don't see many things like this anymore.

Do you still have this treasure?

"Merry Christmas" ?? How politically-I .

A real treasure.... and what Beverley asked?

Monday December 26th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Boxing Day, featuring the the downtown Ottawa Ogilvy's store done up for Xmas, complete with its famous Christmas Tree over the front door.

Picture thought to be from the 1940s.

(City of Ottawa Archives CA024764)
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Boxing Day, featuring the the downtown Ottawa Ogilvys store done up for Xmas, complete with its famous Christmas Tree over the front door.

Picture thought to be from the 1940s.

(City of Ottawa Archives CA024764)

Comment on Facebook

I not only shopped their with family as a kid, but worked there out of high school in the 80's, just before it became part of the Rideau centre. i remember working working with a group of ladies in ladies wear. who would get you to fold everything neatly in tissue paper at that day and age. as they wanted to make sure the customers were happy, so they would guarantee they would return the next time.

Great store, still miss it. When I started working, once a week I would stop on Rideau St. on my way home. I loved shopping in those stores and especially at O'Gilvy's if you wanted something special and of the best quality. As a wedding gift, we rec'd a silver chafing dish from my aunt who worked there at the time. It will be 47 years ago tomorrow and it still looks like it just came out of the box.

Loved shopping there......they had good quality items, not junky stuff like most stores nowadays; and the elevators operators wore their tartan outfiits......Great store.

I would go shopping from Caplan's to Laroque's, to Ogilvie's and then Freeman's...great fun, nice things...Ogilvie's was a tad more expensive and classy.

I remember that store well ... back in the late 60's and all through the 70's and 80's I shopped there. High end good quality store!

I can remember going to Ogilvy's with my nanna when she got her hair done. It was a lovely store, especially at Christmas.

My mother's favourite store. Her go to store for quality items. I remember looking at my feet in the X-ray machine in the shoe department.

They sure had great deal after new year and it was only once a year had so much fun going shopping then beautiful and good deals what happened to those days

I loved shopping at Ogilvy's when I started working. I bought my kid gloves in all colours, scarves and accessories there. I still go to Ogilvy's in Montreal. Classy store.

Many fond memories of this store! Shopping with my Mom and then later on my own. They had the most marvellous China department downstairs!

my fatrher used to buy his tools there as they had a separate building for those. This building is part of the rideau centre now.

My sister in law used to work there - long after the 1940s though!

I have a purse that was my grandmother's with the store receipt still in it. We used to shop together here.

Oui, ogilvy was a classy store, then there was Larocque store corner rideau and dalhousie sts

So did I..I ued to work at Shaeffers for a while then.My brother in law was manager in the shoes at Larocques and H

They had a great fabric department and I made the best clothes with their pretty cottons and woollens.

What is he the street corner? Does the building still stand?

May be from the late 49's or 50. The the front of the car on the left may be a 49 or 50 Ford !!

many happy memories of shopping there with mom and siblings

This brings back good memories of a great Ottawa store

Trudel Hardware. .run by. Manny and Katherine Trudel..once upon a time. .

he gave me all the shoe saples size 5

I remember this store so well. Loved shopping there with my mom

De bon souvenirs de cet endroit.

I remember this well and I would be about 5 in 1950. It was always beautiful and such a lovely store!

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Sunday December 25th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Sir Wilfrid Laurier contemplates another Ottawa Christmas from edge of the Parliament Buildings in the 1960s. ... See MoreSee Less

Sir Wilfrid Laurier contemplates another Ottawa Christmas from edge of the Parliament Buildings in the 1960s.

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Thank you for posting the old photos. I so enjoy them 1

This is a beautiful one

looks the exact same basically today.

Wonderful photo.

Sunday December 25th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Old School Santa display decorating the lawn of suburban house in December of 1955.

Ho, Ho, Ho!

(City of Ottawa Archives CA035926)
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Old School Santa display decorating the lawn of suburban house in December of 1955.

Ho, Ho, Ho!

(City of Ottawa Archives CA035926)

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I like driving through that area to look at the Christmas lights. Also like to do that in the Island Park and Rockliffe Park areas as well to see the nice older homes decorated at this time of year.

This house is at the corner of Carling and Connaught Avenues. Used to pass by there quite often, and at one point their flower gardens were quite elaborate.

The part of Alta Vista Drive that runs from Smyth Road to Heron Road used to be nicely decorated back in the early 60's.

My Dad made a set like this that decorated our front lawn for years.

Much nicer than those wretched inflatable things

May be old school but man looks so much nicer then some of the cheap stuff of today

I grew up in McKellar park and my home looked identical to this photo every Christmas.....could be my house?!

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Sunday December 25th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Under an Ottawa tree in 1956 -- now there's a youngster who looks happy!

(City of Ottawa Archives CA042534)
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Under an Ottawa tree in 1956 -- now theres a youngster who looks happy!

(City of Ottawa Archives CA042534)

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The stroller looks very much like the one I sat my younger brother in when he was a baby; he was a big baby and my Mom told me years later that she often wondered if the fabric would hold him lol lol Love ya Robert Murray Duncan

And what is wrong with giving 20 or 30 presents? One year I hit some hot deals, so with few dollars... I had more presents for my nieces and their parents and Sanata. What a fun thing to see!

And only 2 or 3 presents - not the 20 or 30 we need today!

Look at the doll pram! That would last forever.

Familiar pictures to kids of the fifties!!

Merry Christmas!

I'm content with my family being together.

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Sunday December 25th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Christmas in Ottawa, with two kids from the Desmarais family wearing their cowboy outfits in front of the tree.

Delivered by Santa in 1955.

(City of Ottawa Archives CA036195)
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Christmas in Ottawa, with two kids from the Desmarais family wearing their cowboy outfits in front of the tree.

Delivered by Santa in 1955.

(City of Ottawa Archives CA036195)

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Hey - we have one of those cowboy pictures too! Merry Christmas to the folks at Lost Ottawa and to the folks who follow it - it has been wonderful finding you and following you on Facebook! 🌲

Those were the days of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. My brother got the guns & cowboy hat, etc., and I got a doll and other girl stuff. I wanted to play with my brother's things but in those days, that's the way it was. Thanks for all the good memories Lost Ottawa, so happy I discovered you... Happy Holidays.

Merry Christmas Lost Ottawa. Thank you for another year of sharing great memories of our great city.

I was 9 in 1955 - and found the same two guns under our Christmas tree - Roy Rogers' guns and holsters - had a lot of fun with those.

I bet those kids were thrilled to pieces with their cowboy gear..nice πŸ™‚

The boy looks like he's old enough to take out a second mortgage...

I still have my Roy Rogers gun and holster. I had the hat and vest, but never got the nice boots.

I had one of those outfits too! Around the same year!

I had a Roy Rogers tent to go with my Roy Rogers gun and holster

My older brother and I Christmas 1957 maybe 1958.

Love lost Ottawa

Thanks lost Ottawa for resercting all those wonderful Ottawa memories

I had the cowgirl outfit. I thought I was Dale Evans.

Dale Evans and Roy Rogers outfits I bet.

ha ha ha, my sister always got to be Roy Rogers…

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Saturday December 24th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Rare footage of the search for Santa conducted by the Dominion Observatory in 1911.

Merry Xmas to All!
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you should send this to norad. they would love it. is the telescope still in that building as I thought I heard it was removed some years ago?

Merry Christmas Lost Ottawa

I like the film. The telescope shown in the film is not the same one currently at the Museum of Science and Technology. It is much smaller. I am wondering if they used another telescope for that part of the film or if the Dominion Observatory had a smaller telescope initially before they purchased the one that was moved to the Museum of Science and Technology. This is what the telescope looks like that was moved from the Dominion Observatory.

When they build the new hospital on this site, I hope they leave the observatory intact!

Here is a picture from 1949 from within the Dominion Observatory (courtesy of Royal Astronomical Society of Canada Ottawa Archives)

Hmmm... must be searching in Summer - a LOT of leaves on those trees!

Mystery solved. The telescope shown in the movie is the smaller transit scope and was not located in the dome.

Excellent.

That's great. I remember that place...

Oh please, it is Merry "Christ"mas, not 'Xmas'........

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Saturday December 24th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Christmas Eve on Queensline, in Ottawa's west end in the later 90s.

This was long after my parents had given up on real trees in favor of the Canadian Tire model, but it never made any difference to the amount of Christmas cheer, especially as the pile of presents grew higher and higher on Christmas Morning.

Best Wishes to Everyone.
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Christmas Eve on Queensline, in Ottawas west end in the later 90s. 

This was long after my parents had given up on real trees in favor of the Canadian Tire model, but it never made any difference to the amount of Christmas cheer, especially as the pile of presents grew higher and higher on Christmas Morning.

Best Wishes to Everyone.

Comment on Facebook

One block west, of Island Park Dr. But this was mine, & the westend's, zeitgeist, of Christmas in Ottawa/72-82(?) !!!

Lived on Queensline in the 80s and 90s!

So very true....Merry Christmas!!

I grew up on Queensline Drive!

I've given up on all Christmas trees, too much trouble.

Dale Cox I found our old tree! Haha

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Saturday December 24th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Quite a few people asked for a slow version of my timelapse drive around Ottawa the other day. I'm posting this one for them.

Many of the requests, I noticed, came from people who now live elsewhere. The original was too fast for them to see some of the sights they wanted to see. The new video is about as slow as it can go, since it's a timlapse. Many of the frames are simply missing, so a slower speed makes it very jerky.

My original notion was to drive around in the heavy snow we had the other day (I should do it again right now!). So I went out to the Aviation Museum via Sussex, then to Alissar's on St. Laurent for a shawarma (my favorite Lebanese place) and then back downtown via Smyth Road, Riverdale, Bank, Landsdowne Park and the Driveway.
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I'm glad I'm not the only person who lives elsewhere now that thought your drive was a nice reminder of some of the nice places and sights in Ottawa. πŸ˜€

Could not believe! The video starts with my car ! Great job "Lost Ottawa"! I enjoy your page. Merry Christmas!

awesome. you just saved me a thousand bucks in plane fare! πŸ™‚

Thank you. I go down all those streets at one time or another whenever I return to Ottawa. Brings me home.

Thanks for sharing. I miss not being home for Christmas this year. You put a smile to my face. Merry Christmas πŸŽπŸŽ„

Thank you. Have not been there in 20 years. Lived there from 1983 to 1996. Funny how a quick glimpse of a spot brings back so many memories. Thanks for that special gift

Thank you for that video. I have been in the hospital now going on four months. You'll never know how much seeing all those sites have meant to me. To be honest I cried most of the way through it. Thank you &Merry Christmas

I have a dash cam always running and have recently acquired a VIRB action camera. Although I have been shooting footage for almost two years I have never yet looked at it. This inspires me to start using the VIRB for some creative edits! Thanks for sharing this.

I've lived here all my life but still nice to see everything from another persons point of view. However, rally have to disagree with you on Alissar's as Shawarma Palace is the hands down best Shawarma in Ottawa :).

That driver in the Pathfinder on Elgin needs to learn some manners.

Great spin! Yep, westbound Sunnyside right turn at Bank was your slowest bottleneck of the whole trip. I think the green light there lasts all of about 12 seconds in real time. Looking forward to a summer version of your time-lapse video.

nice video. i know exactly where you live as my parents have had a real estate property in the area for 55 years now. small world. cool idea to give a tour around ottawa.

Lots of fun to watch, I lived in Ottawa for most of the 80s and early 90s. Brought back some great memories, but don't think my wife or kids could handle the cold and snow

Thank you so much for the slowed down version. having left Ottawa in 1980 it is nice to be able to pause and recognize streets and buildings that were then then! Much has changed in the past 36 years.

I loved the slowed down version, lived in Ottawa from 1965 to 2003, in NS now, so awesome to recognize so many of the streets and buildings!

Look at shooting video and then processing with (free) Microsoft Hyperlapse. Very neat!

Thx 4sharing, it was mesmerizing . I think i recognized center pointe Drive too. πŸš—πŸš˜πŸš–πŸ˜…

Good Job πŸ™‚ you even got the construction zones πŸ™‚

I like the speeded up traffic lights.

Thanks for this version--not been on Ottawa streets since 2012 !

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and all the best in 2017 to all Ottawans from Calgary!

NO!

That was nice. Brought back a lot of memories!

Thanks, I enjoyed the drive!

That's cool.

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Saturday December 24th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Last Minute Xmas Shopping in Lost Ottawa? You might need to refuel at Red Barn. ... See MoreSee Less

Last Minute Xmas Shopping in Lost Ottawa? You might need to refuel at Red Barn.

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Shared from the internet a few years ago.

There is still one Red Barn building that I know of, on St. Laurent Blvd just north of Montreal Road, across from Beechwood Cemetary. It is a car dealership.

Early 70's on Saturday mornings we'd walk to St Joseph boulevard to the Gallery de Hull, buy the latest 45rpm hits, walk over to the Red Barn and wait till 11 AM when they would start cooking burgers and, of course, we'd get the Big Barney!!

Loved going to the one on Merivale (just north of Emerald Plaza) when i was a kid. They served plain hot dogs - a huge deal for my time as a picky eater.

Used to see Red Hot with Pat Travers, in the basement of St. Richard's church then cross over to the Red Barn in Merivale. Always packed:)

Saved my allowance and spent $2 for lunch at the one on Carling Ave. It was a long but worthwhile trek from Broadview Public School.

The carling avenue one was still standing when I moved to Mckellar Park in 1984. Its now the parking lot for the medical building.

Here is the former Red Barn on Merivale Road in Nepean. It was a Cora's for many years, then a flooring store, and now a Four Seasons Cookhouse.

I thought this one in Aylmer was the same chain, but seems unlikely... www.lafermerouge.ca/#!/pages/about-us

Fiona Griffith: this was our favourite fast food place back in the day. We now know it as the Four Seasons Cookhouse

the last one to shut was the location on st. laurent near notre dame cemetary I remember and the building is still there and a different colour, but just became different businesses of over the years!

I too remember Lexa. There was one in Langley Park across from McDonalds. They always had burger war on cheaper cheeseburgers. I recall the lowest was 20 cents

I worked at the Red Barn on Bank St. It was my first job and a great experience. Mopping floors, making French fries and my own lunch/dinner. I drank a lot of root beer which was OK if you brought your own cup. They let me go when I didn't want to do the grill !

When my brother and I were young (back in the early 70's, our parents used to take us to The Red Barn on Saturdays. We went to the one on Montreal Rd. Wow...that brings back some memories...

My Grama and I would go here (St Laurent location) for lunch after church, which is still right up the road from here (St David and St Martin Presbyterian) πŸ˜„β€οΈπŸ‘ŒπŸ»

Ya. The nearest to Old Ottawa South was just south of Billings Bridge SC. They weren't quite Royal Burgers but they were pretty good. Look at the old cars; must have been the after school from Commerce, Glebe and Tech. 59 cents for a chicken dinner - good grief Charlie Brown.

I went there every year for my free birthday burger, drink and fries πŸ˜ŠπŸŽ‚ on Bank Street

Just down Bank Street from the Royal Burger, now that was my favourite drive in burger joint...wish they were still in business, they had that unique sauce that can still make my mouth water just thinking of it.

Before there was Macdonald's, there was Red Barn. I always had the hamburger hungrys or the chicken hungrys. This looks like the one at Calling and Saville by the A&P.

McDonald's killed the Red Barn franchise, Pondarosa never could cook you steak the way you wanted it.......

I was the bat boy for the Ottawa Canadians baseball team back in the 70's, Bill James was the coach. A great baseball coach. The team had a deal with Red Barn one year that with every win the whole team would get free burgers and fries. I don't think we lost a game that year. That was the beginning of the end for that franchise. Lol

I remember the one on Merivale Rd. A real treat to get a hamburger & fries. Before the Macdonald 's days

Omigod!!! My first job was at a Red Barn when I was 16. It had to have been in east end somewhere, because that's where I lived. (Beacon Hill) anyone remember if there was one on Montreal Rd. or Ogilvie Rd???

I have fond memories of my Uncle taking me, my sister and cousins there...always a treat!

That was right across from my church.

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Saturday December 24th, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Christmas on Queensline -- Queensline Drive that is, out in Ottawa's west end in the early 1990s (actually still Nepean then).

This is the snow piled up on the back deck, reminding you that the BBQ is, alas, in the garage ... but Spring will come again.
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Christmas on Queensline -- Queensline Drive that is, out in Ottawas west end in the early 1990s (actually still Nepean then).

This is the snow piled up on the back deck, reminding you that the BBQ is, alas, in the garage ... but Spring will come again.

Comment on Facebook

Wow! I didn't know that Nepean is now called Queensline. When did this happen and WHY?

I remembered this, thanks for sharing. Merry white Christmas.

Friday December 23rd, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Mark Elliot shares a last moment in Ottawa radio history.

Explains Mark:This landed on my desk yesterday.
Until now I had never heard what I did on the air that night in 1986 when I resigned from CFRA Radio on the air (thanks Craig Jackman) but I've had to explain it for the past 30 years.
No, I never barricaded myself in the studio. I used no foul language and simply said I was leaving after my show that night. So, I did. CFRA confiscated my recording of that night and never wanted it heard again.
Also note: I'm not included in any "official history of CFRA" even though I take up a whole paragraph on Wiki. And the Ottawa Citizen caught me as I walked out the door that night. It's one of the saddest moments of my life. Listen to July 16, 1986 at 9:15 pm on "The Top 5 Countdown on CFRA" soundcloud.com/craigjmedia/mark-elliot-quits
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Mark Elliot shares a last moment in Ottawa radio history.

Explains Mark:

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I remember listening to Mark back in the day. He was one of those DJs you could listen to whatever you were doing. It was always hard to turn the radio off during his shows. I did not hear him announce his leaving until now, when I played this clip on Facebook. It sounds all too familiar with today's changes. Mark is an Ottawa icon who will not be forgotten. You can still mention his name today, and people still remember who he is. All the best Mark.

God, i remember hearing about that. I was in algonquins radio and tv program when it happen and it was the talk amongst studemts and teachers for years. If i remeber correctly, a second year algonquin sdtuen named Chris was your op that night.

I loved Mark's show on CFRA. When I was about 10 years old, he was kind enough to allow me to interview him for a school project. My mother borrowed a proper tape recorder and microphone from work and drove me to the station where I waited for him in the lobby. I was so nervous. I could barely speak. Mark was so nice. He helped me with my list of questions and gave me some pointers on how to do an interview. Couldn't wipe the smile off my face for days. Pretty sure I got an A on that project too.

As, "bad" as it was, for you, look what happened to unsuspecting, popular, long term hosts, 30 years later, under Bell! Don't keep us hanging, are you still in radio?

I loved Mark and his show. Time moved on and so did he. He is and will be remembered.

I am playing old reel-to-reel tapes of music and have some of the later eighties from his countdown show on CFRA.

worked with you Mark back in the late 70s...this pic..was it taken in the Isabella building? The signage looks familiar

I remember you, hope it was the right choice for you. Take good care, you were great!!

I remember that night . Glad to see you still around

I remember Mark on CFRA.

Todd Kerr

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Friday December 23rd, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Here's an Xmas scene that greeted the good folks of Ottawa for years -- the giant Christmas tree all lit up outside the Green Valley restaurant on Prince of Wales.

Shared during the summer by one-time owner of the restaurant, John Myers.
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Heres an Xmas scene that greeted the good folks of Ottawa for years -- the giant Christmas tree all lit up outside the Green Valley restaurant on Prince of Wales.

Shared during the summer by one-time owner of the restaurant, John Myers.

Comment on Facebook

Enjoyed many a Shirley temple adorned with a colourful plastic mermaid or giraffe or monkey. Celebrated my grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary there shortly before it closed. Good memories!

Same grandmother ..... I remember the tree being on the family "light tour" and I do remember the special occasions (just a couple) but always dressed up. It was a lovely place.

Many special family celebrations there...Shirley Temples, Mickey Mouse ice cream and awesome gift shop. Bring back the Green Valley!!!

Loved that place. Classy service, great food and a beautiful Gift shop downstairs. Oh for the good old days. Thanks for sharing

Our family stayed at the Green Valley cabins when we moved to Ottawa, and our house wasn't ready. Fond memories of family celebrations, and the gift shop was great!!

We always wanted to try the restaurant but unfortunately they closed down before we had a change. I always loved their Xmas tree.

Yes went there many times as a family. My Aunt and Uncle had their wedding reception there in 1971. It was a great place in its day!

My grandmother Margaret Moore managed the Green Valley for years and my Aunt Marilyn and many other family members including myself worked there as well. It was a very special spot!!!

The Green Valley Tea Room and Cabins was opened by Wally Stewart and wife in the mid 30's. When they retired the operation was run by Lyle Gillespie, their Son -in-law. He was an ex-Major and met with Prime Minister John Diefenbaker with the idea that a Changing-the Guard Ceremony to be performed on Parliament Hill. It was not to be a tourist attraction, but an opportunity for us to see and appreciate our Military .

It was a very special occasion when we had a dinner out at the Green Valley Restaurant. My father would always caution us not to fill up on the bread!

Our first family dinner was at the Green Valley restaurant in Ottawa. It was January our youngest child's birthday, great family restaurant.

Driving in from Perth for dinner at the Green Valley was a Christmas tradition for our family as long as I can remember as a child.

Love that restaurant! Went there as a kid and always got the Mickey Mouse ice cream for dessert!

I had my university graduation dinner at The Green Valley. It was Father's Day too.

Yes, I liked the Green Valley restaurant. Had lunch there once.

Great photo. And thanks to all the folks at Lost Ottawa for all the great postings over the past year.

Remember the restaurant with fondness. Took my two kids there at Christmas when we first moved to Ottawa.

Loved going here with my mom and nana!! Would go on occasion after church on Sunday

My grandmother knew the original owner and we went there on special occasions. They had a cool gift shop as well.

Loved that restaurant, my family enjoyed meals there many many times.

We ate there with my Nana. Mickey mouse sundays and shirley temples sure made us kids feel special!

enjoyed many family gatherings at the Green Valley, old world

Remember this Penny πŸ™‚

Nice memories

Are there no pictures of the Ranch House on Carling? There's a lot of my memories tied up with that dance hall.

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Friday December 23rd, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Postcard from Ottawa, featuring Karson's on Rideau Street.

Where you might have had your quiet Xmas tΓͺte–à–tΓͺte, back in the day.

Shared by Chris Karson, who writes:Interior shot of Karson's Tea Room and Grill, 49 Rideau Street.
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Postcard from Ottawa, featuring Karsons on Rideau Street. 

Where you might have had your quiet Xmas tΓͺte–à–tΓͺte, back in the day.

Shared by Chris Karson, who writes:

Comment on Facebook

I remember the very similar Cavendish Restaurant on Sparks Street. The Cavendish burned down. It was not as formal. Does anyone have closing date of this one? I may have eaten there when I was a very young child.

Wow things were so formal back then! Compare this to a food court

Fancy back in the day, no onsies allowed.

The building on the left is on the corner of Sussex and Rideau. Karson's was right at the site of last summer's sink hole!

Rather palatial!?

I like the design of that place.

Too bad its no longer there beautiful interior

Back when the Nation's capital had class.

The same view today. You can see the roof outline of Karson's

gorgeous!

What a place.

Beautiful! The last vestige, of gracious living.

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Friday December 23rd, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Where many a Christmas lunch or dinner were had in the past -- the Green Valley Restaurant on Prince of Wales across from the Experimental Farm.

This was one of the earliest pictures ever posted on Lost Ottawa, and one of the most popular ever..

Thought I would post it again since it shows the restaurant done up for the Holiday Season.

(Photo: Gar Lunney. LAC Mikan 4301886)
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Where many a Christmas lunch or dinner were had in the past -- the Green Valley Restaurant on Prince of Wales across from the Experimental Farm.

This was one of the earliest pictures ever posted on Lost Ottawa, and one of the most popular ever.. 

Thought I would post it again since it shows the restaurant done up for the Holiday Season.

(Photo: Gar Lunney. LAC Mikan 4301886)

Comment on Facebook

It was iconic. Should never have been destroyed. Little by little they are getting rid of historic landmarks for more modern look and we've lost some of our history

You were probably were getting out into the countryside where the restaurant was when this photo was taken. 1965 GeoOttawa view of restaurant and surrounding area.

I lived very close , just down prince of wales . Favourite restaurant when my grand parents came from Toronto. Special memories. Family!Always had a Mickey Mouse desert , felt very grown up with Shirley Temple drink. Sunday dinners , dressed in your best church outfit , patent shoes! The Christmas🌲 tree lights where a landmark showcase for the city .Nothing today can compare to this family owed high class restaurant.

As a little girl went there often with my family. The Mickey Mouse ice cream was the greatest dessert! Remember the prime rib was delicious too.

I just loved the Green Valley. Their children's ice cream dessert was made to look like Mickey Mouse with chocolate wafer cookies for ears! Thanks for sharing this great memory Hope.

Oh yes. We used to go there as a family... a Christmas lunch and sometimes after church for lunch. Of course, we had to be dressed up. I remember the gift shop... pretty nifty. The other one I remember was The Red Door on Carling near Parkdale/Holland Ave. Then there was The Town & Country. All these were great restaurants. Wish they were still here.

I remember it well. There also used to be a hotel, well little cottages. We stayed there often. I was actually there the day the bridge feel when it was in construction on Baseline road.

Green Valley was a family favourite. My parents celebrated their Wedding Anniversaries there and a Birthday luncheon was held there for what would have been my mother's 75th Birthday in 1993.

I worked as a waitress at the green vallley restaurant for 18 years, it was a lot of fun and I met some great people. I really miss that place.

I loved going to the Green Valley Restaurant. We would dress up and I felt soooo grown up!! Miss it! Another one was The Guardsman on Rideau Street. You always wore your best dress and I remember the Guard standing outside at the door and the desserts being brought to your table on silver trays on a tea trolley. Oh the good times!!

Another thing that made this restaurant so popular was its home style food. Simple but good. It also had a homey atmosphere.

Shirley Temples, Mickey Mouse Sundaes, the gift shop and good food well loved by my kids. Too bad it burned to the ground. Nowhere quite like it nowadays.

All special occasions were held here as a child. Giraffe swizzle sticks and monkeys holding your cherry in your Shirley Temple!

It was one of my favorite places for lunch particularly around the holidays. Brings back memories of of when I worked in the government on Booth, that was the chosen place for our Christmas lunch. Loved it!

Hilary Fitzgibbon we were so fortunate to grow up with The Green Valley Restaurant for every special occasion, event and many Sunday dinners.

My parents had their wedding reception there 61 years ago! Sure miss the huge Christmas tree that used to be outside...a landmark. Great memories

I worked there!!! Wore that identical red uniform and apron and I'm strill friends with Girls I worked with there!!!!. It was iconic for sure. The Ice Cream Nut Roll, and Mickey Mouse Ice Cream are 2 of the favourite desserts. The Seafood Crepe was a hit, too. So sad when it burned down.

The would light up they're large beautiful Christmas tree every year. Homemade pies were a favourite of theirs.

I bought my first artificial Christmas tree there. It was truly different because it was the first time clear white lights were in vogue. NOW they are a standard. We bought it in the mid 60's and I still had it and was using it 40 years later. It was plastic but VERY realistic hemlock.

I worked there for a few years!! Such a great place and amazing people to work with 😊😊 It was so sad when they had to close!!

oh do I remember having a great dinner at this place with my family in my teens and the blueberry pie was so yum at the time!

On Scott's good comment...the photo including haircuts and dress-style looks pre-1965ish. That being the case, the family order-of-dress for dinner out was exactly as pictured. Practically nobody did evening or Sunday dinner dressed otherwise.

Never went for Christmas Dinner but remember going with my mom for lunch...she loved their asparagus on toast...thanks for the memories!

Not sure I ever ate there but I do remember the huge tree on the property that they lit up for Christmas. It was beautiful; you could see it from the top of the toboggan hill at Mooney's Bay.

My Mom and Dad used to take us there for VERY special occasions. Does anyone else remember the chocolate wafer desert they had for kids that looked like Mickey Mouse's head?

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Thursday December 22nd, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Two minutes of driving through Ottawa, out to the east end and back downtown.

A wee experiment ...
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Haven't lived in Ottawa since 1980 but still recognized portions! Would love to watch a slower version! Thanks for sharing, Lost Ottawa, and Seasons Greetings to you and yours! All the best in 2917.

Like my comment if u knew the name of every street he was on

I really wanted you to slow down,but loved itπŸ˜‰

Pull over, I'm going to throw up.

Very cool! I'd watch a longer vid if it were a little slower so we could see more of the scenery. I was able identify just about every intersection, though. πŸ‘

Neat! It looks like country driving for most of the video. What a wonderful city we live in!

Kyle, if you wanna see what I see driving around town.

It's not the complete Ottawa driving experience unless you get cut off by a beaten up pickup truck with Quebec plates. πŸ˜€

Cool. I'd feel more comfortable if the license plates were blurred though

It might be just a blur to those who don't know the area, but on familiar roads it is some fun!

Like it, but half warp would be better !

I have this saved for when I'm feeling homesick and for when I have the need for speed lol. Keep up the good work πŸ’•

Ah, I've done that. Mostly by accident. Great city. πŸ™‚

Breakneck speed is too much for me.

Blocks from my house. Every part so familiar.

Slow down,lol

Not impressed?

Loved it! Do more. Please. πŸ™‚

Pretty cool

Would love to see it slowed down!

Is there a chance we can see a slower version?

Dizzying!

I so don't missing living yhere

Reminds me of my courier days...''lol''.

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Thursday December 22nd, 2016
Lost Ottawa

The Bytown Museum shares a picture of Ottawa fuel merchant John Heney's downtown yard.

Looks like the Heneys started off in cordwood here, beside the canal.

Says the Bytown:Today we're sharing a photo of the snowy wood yard of John Heney circa 1900, looking North towards the old City Hall in the distance.

Like this? Don't forget to "like" the Bytown Museum on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @bytownmuseum and get involved in YOUR #613History!

[Bytown Museum, P1813h]
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The Bytown Museum shares a picture of Ottawa fuel merchant John Heneys downtown yard. 

Looks like the Heneys started off in cordwood here, beside the canal.

Says the Bytown:

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My parents were getting oil from John Heney's company in the 50s and 60s.

My parents use to buy coal and later fuel oil J Heney

Thursday December 22nd, 2016
Lost Ottawa

To go with our earlier post of an Ottawa shop, Mark Evans shares a picture of the downtown end of Rideau Street in 1898.

You might be Xmas shopping there today!

(LAC C-001109)
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To go with our earlier post of an Ottawa shop, Mark Evans shares a picture of the downtown end of Rideau Street in 1898. 

You might be Xmas shopping there today!

(LAC C-001109)

Comment on Facebook

You'd never even know this was Rideau Street compared to today. There's no one asking for change, no homeless people passed out and no crazy people holding signs about God.

The former sewing machine shop at 36 Sussex became, in 1898, S. Rogers & Son undertakers. It was just past T.M. Garland's saloon at 32 and Stewart & Co. Palace Furniture at 34.

That street's a lot worse now, isn't it?

I think they had phones but was there hydro back then

So much space.. what to do..lol.

More advanced than today!

Sometimes 'progress' is not all its cut out to be !

It was a great street.

Was yesterday!

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Thursday December 22nd, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Alexa Pritchard shares a picture of a group of well-dressed people outside an early Rideau Street shop.

As Alexa explains:Tom Shea was a 'traveller' for Martin & Co. Sewing Machines between 1886 and 1890. They moved from 36 Rideau Street to 74 Sparks Street in 1889. This photo is likely 1886/1888.
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Alexa Pritchard shares a picture of a group of well-dressed people outside an early Rideau Street shop.

As Alexa explains:

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II've known Ottawa since 1946...I've seen many of these scenes!

Wow!

Thursday December 22nd, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Ottawa's 1962-63 television line-up in this photo shared by Julie Tremblay (I remember quite a few of them).

Says Julie:This is one of a series of photos I have ,taken at the C.J.O.H Studios, by the photographer and cameraman John E.Gleason.
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Ottawas 1962-63 television line-up in this photo shared by Julie Tremblay (I remember quite a few of them).

Says Julie:

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Amusing to see it written as "C.J.O.H.", as if it's an abbreviation. It isn't - it's just the call letters assigned to the station.

Do you have any photos of when Stan Gets played there? Fond memory!

I will take a guess and say that perhaps Uncle Chichimus was on at the 4:00 slot? I learned to love the line 'DJ you dirty guy' from Beany & Cecil. Also learned it's not a good idea to try the line out on your Uncle as he comes into the house....ouch!

Bill Luxton on the left (Uncle Willy)

I remember most of those shows, especially the cartoons.

TV listings for Friday, December 14, 1962

Les Lye and Bill Luxton. Willy and Floyd. Miss them.

That lineup looks pretty boring.

This is before carol ann Meehan started messing shit up

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Wednesday December 21st, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Long before before Zeller's, the original building at Sparks and O'Connor was Poulin's -- one of the many Ottawa "dry goods" stores that weathered the commercial transition to "department store."

Here a lady dashes across a winter street to check out the deals in December of 1909.

Zeller's wouldn't take over until the 1940s, it seems (check Patti Jo's previous post), and also the extended story at:

urbsite.blogspot.ca/2012/04/sparks-departed-departments-part-1-of-5.html

(LAC PA-009640)
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Long before before Zellers, the original building at Sparks and OConnor was Poulins -- one of the many Ottawa dry goods stores that weathered the commercial transition to department store.

Here a lady dashes across a winter street to check out the deals in December of 1909. 

Zellers wouldnt take over until the 1940s, it seems (check Patti Jos previous post), and also the extended story at: 

http://urbsite.blogspot.ca/2012/04/sparks-departed-departments-part-1-of-5.html

(LAC PA-009640)

Comment on Facebook

I worked at that great store during my high school years. We got payed 85 cents an hour. Mr Cansonetti was the boss. Lovely man. He hired Immaculata girls because we were trustworthy, and he was right.

Donna Hargrove - this article might interest you... You worked in this building for a time, didn't you?

The Urbsite reference has an ERROR. Zellers took over the store and reopened it in 1931. ---------------------------------------------------------- On December 29, 1928, L.N. Poulin announced his retirement and the long term lease of his store to Schulte-United Limited, an American firm with retail stores amongst its vast holdings. The new tenants reconfigured the ground level storefronts with large curved plate glass windows with marble bases, and a new corner entrance. Zellers, a new chain of Canadian-owned thrift stores, took over the lease when Schulte-United declared bankruptcy. Before reopening the store in 1931, Zellers modernized the building’s street-level appearance with black “Vitrolite” panels and an aluminium awning in the streamline-moderne style. ------------------------ Reference: heritageottawa.org/50years/poulins-dry-goods-zellers-department-store

I remember Woolworths

My Mom worked at Zeller's from 1940 to 1946, her first job. I remember finding the store opening ads in the Ottawa Citizen from 1932.

That's no lady πŸ™‚

And now it's Winners

Zellers, Murphy Gambles, People Jewelers

It was Kressges in the 50"s

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Wednesday December 21st, 2016
Lost Ottawa

Patti Jo shares a picture of the downtown Ottawa Zellers at the corner of O'Connor and Sparks ... and a good story, too.

Says Patti:Photo of Zellers on Sparks Street right after the building was named a heritage building. I got my first job there in 1976 and, in the '80's, my mom rushed into Zellers to see me right after she shook Princess Diana's hand on the hill. (My mom's a Brit/War Bride so it was a big thrill for her).
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Patti Jo shares a picture of the downtown Ottawa Zellers at the corner of OConnor and Sparks ... and a good story, too.

Says Patti:

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Even my Dad worked at Zeller's in the late 1950's or early 1960's before he joined the federal government. I shopped there in the 1970's ...especially after I joined the federal government in 1973 (MacDonald Bldg., 123 Slater Street near Metcalfe)

I spent lots of money there when I was working for the Department of Transport in the Hunter Building, which is visible behind the Zeller's store.

I ment my husband working there. We have been married for 41 years😊

And there is the Hunter Building behind it. I had an office in that echoee monster just before it was torn down for the second Met Life Tower. It was 98% vacant. Spooky place.

I love the pictures on Lost Ottawa, they bring back so many memories, I was pretty much a country girl who moved to the city to go to school in 1965!

like the old pic...but didn't they build a huge gold colored building...with Zeller's on the main floor there...back in '88...??

I remember that store well back in the late 50's and early 60's.

My first job while attending high school was at that Zellers in 1961/62. I worked in the toy department over 2 or 3 Christmases.

I remember going in there to buy corgi and matchbox cars.

Did a lot of shopping when I worked at the office tower that was built on to the back of the building. Heritage bldg.

Caplan, Slovers in the Market, Lefevre, Bazinet (on Dalhousie) school uniforms at Basinet

My youngest son bought his most important birthday present for me there. I still have it. A tiny pendant watch.

Remembering shopping there as a child and then began working there in 1989-1994. My first job. πŸ˜€

I went into that Zellers a lot of times of the years.

Loved that store!!! Shopped there all the time..

ss kresge (Kmart). In the 1950 s

I worked there in spring of 1977 ... in hosiery.

I worked in the Booth Building on Sparks!

I still miss Zellers

Denise Paradis

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