The Hamilton Road Historical Tree Trunk Tour

2. Panda Bears

Qing Zhu Chen, a famous and in demand Chinese contemporary artist, was asked to head a committee of artists in China, to come up with a concept that would symbolize the coming together of our two great cultures in the spirit of friendship and cooperation. In keeping with this theme, we ended up with the coming together and cooperation of two great art forms and mediums, as well. One the oldest on record, water colour painting and the other one of the newest and fastest growing, tree trunk carving.

An initial water colour submission featuring two panda bear cubs hugging each other on a rock with bamboo shoots and maple leaves in their grasp was submitted by Mr. Chen and his group. With this as a template, the final carving commission features the two panda cubs sitting on a large rock and hugging each other around two tree trunks, one of Bamboo and the other a Canadian Maple tree winding its way around it. Both umbrella into beautiful displays of bamboo shoots and maple leaves respectively and the cubs Jia Jia and Lin Lin

Sculptor: Mike Winia

Created: June 2014

Tree Type: White Oak

3.Hog Feathers

This design was created by London chainsaw carver Mike Winia and executed with the assistance of Steve Kenora, from Peterborough, and Paul Danielski, from Rondeau Bay, ON.

The eagle doing a burnout on a motorcycle was a challenge to create. Popping a wheelie in wood is just as challenging as the real thing!

Plating Master chrome's parts for custom motorcycles.

Sculptor: Mike Winia, Steve Kenzora and Paul Danielski

Created: 2012

Tree Type: Oak

4.The GrapeLady Mural

New vinyl mural was installed by Bolt Signs in 2022.

Tourism London provided the BIA with a $10,000 grant to be used for murals. This was one of the two murals that were done with that funding.

Since 1982, Danny’s Wine & Beer Supplies have been committed to being one of Ontario’s leaders in wine and beer making.

5. Aberdeen Public School

The original school was built in 1883 facing Hamilton Road and named after Lord Aberdeen, Governor General of Canada, who visited London in 1893, the Board of Education decided to name the school in his honour. 

The present building with the entrance on Grey Street was opened in 1914. 

The public school received more attention in 1901 when it became a Model School. This meant Aberdeen was used as a training ground for future teachers – the reason was that principal George Kirk had a First Class Teaching Certificate and at least three of his staff members boasted Second Class Certificates and future instructors were awarded a Third Class Certificate and could head off to teaching careers.

In 1914 Four members of the senior kindergarten class died that year. Their deaths might have been caused by influenza or diseases like smallpox or scarlet fever.

6. Gone Fishing!

We approached London Major Appliances owner John Vanderhoeven and after our little sales pitch, he was on side completely. We needed to come up with a design that would fit.

Sculptor Mike Winia worked with John and they designed what we call the Lonely Fisherman. The idol gentleman fishing on the edge of the dock is a Maytag Repairman. In keeping with the cliche, he has nothing to do so he is trying to catch the big bass lurking in the weeds below his spot.

Carved out of almost two tons of oak, this was another sculpture that was created in a lead up to the World Figure Skating Championships in March of 2013. Mike Winia shows his skill with the area’s inside the sculpture that are open space. Very difficult to create with a chainsaw.

Sculptor: Mike Winia

Created: 2012

Tree Type: Oak

7. Rear Mirror Mural

Artist Ken Galloway approached the owners of Stew Krafts Auto Centre with a brilliant idea to drees up their rooftop and add some vibrancy to the area. Drivign north along Adelaide St. provides a great view of the mural as you cross Hamilton Road. Just one of many great art pieces you'll find in the neighbourhood.

Artist: Ken Galloway

Created : 2022

8. All Saints Anglican Church

The congregation dates back to 1887 

Land was originally owned by Waterman Brothers and The Atlantic Petroleum Works.

In 1906 it was replaced with the current structure built o plan by William Sheppard

Known for over 8 generations as the “Workingman's Cathedral”

9. Good Sheppard

In the fall of 2012, just as our little Tour started to take off, we were contacted by Rev. Peter Leonard the minister at All Saints.

 With STIHL sculptor Nancy Wood’s guidance, they decided to replicate the image of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, that was the mainstay of one of their feature-stained glass windows.

This would be sculptor Nancy Wood’s first solo contribution to our Tree Trunk Tour. With access to sculptor Robbin Winsowski’s equipment and advice, she created a sculpture that depicts the Good Shepherd standing with a lamb in his arms and a Shepherd's staff in the other. 

It is lit up at night and looks very impressive.

Sculptor: Nancy Wood

Created: 2012

Tree Type: Maple

10. Imperial Oil Company

The site of the first oil boom in North America was in Enniskillen Township, Lambton County, Canada West (Ontario) near Petrolia in the 1850s. 

By 1860 there were dozens of Oil refineries in London and the majority of them were located in the Hamilton Road area just east of Adelaide.

They kerosene would have been one of the most popular derivatives being supplied at the time.

It was at that time that 16 companies in the Hamilton Road area amalgamated to form the Imperial Oil Company and downsize to a single property on Cabell St.

1898 - In need of expansion capital, majority interest of Imperial sold to the Standard Oil group in the United States. ExxonMobil, a descendent of Standard Oil, still owns 69.6 percent of shares ( S.O. or aka ESSO)

In 1907 Imperial opened Canada's first service station in Vancouver, British Columbia, where gasoline was dispensed by a garden hose. Not until 2017 was when the first Mobile-branded service stations opened in Canada.

11. The Hyatt Mosque

(formerly The Hyatt Avenue Methodist Church)

Built in: 1908

Designed by John Louis Thompson

Congregation dates back to 1873

In the 1960s a house on Hyatt Street would have cost $5000-$10,000 and some would have had  multiple European families living in the same home

Today houses on Hyatt Ave sell for 400-500k on average with the highest being a duplex for $690,000

12. The Thinking Squirrel

In 2012, original owner Ron Van Rooyen was on our Board of Directors and he had gotten the bug as well. After the success of King of Pigs, we were all starting to realize the advertising value of having a sculpture associated with your business.

It had also become a “cool” thing to do. Ron could not decide on a sculpture idea and finally, under great pressure and with much forethought, he decided. It would be similar to a picture he had seen in an airplane magazine advertisement while flying back

to London from Vancouver. Robbin Wenzoski did his chainsaw magic and in a short couple of weeks, he and wife Laura had #5 put away. They had started calling it the Thinking Squirrel, and with a lack of anything better, that stuck.

The Accutax Accounting “Thinking Squirrel”, which Robbin carved from one of our area’s Maple trees, is sitting on a stack of income tax and accounting books while he works away at an old-fashioned mechanical calculator.

The Building was since purchased by Mark Simpson Law Firm. Mr. Simpson is a former member of the BIA board and continued supporter of the tree trunk tour.

13.Gardner Galleries Mural

Gardner Galleries with their muraled alleyway was an old Loblaws grocery store built in the mid 1900s. A mural was added to add some life to your walk along their parking lot throughway.

This store opened on 1 March 1951, and is a fantastically-preserved specimen clad in yellow porcelain enamel tile. The structure was expanded at some point after 1957 (the original west wall is still visible as an extra yellow pillar on the facade), and it operated as Loblaws until the 1970s. The rear of the store is clad in blonde brick and features an incinerator smokestack, typical for food stores of this era.

14. Casa Cubana Mural

Commissioned by the owner of this property to help brighten up a rear alley

15. V-Spot Donut Mural

Another Business owner chipping in to help bring some excitement to the visitor experience on Hamilton Road.

The V-Spot serves up delicious recipes with plant based food.

Located inside the former Canadian Bank of Commerce building that was built in 1919 and designed by company architect Victor Horesburg.

16. Electric Sub Station #2

Cabell St, an area known for industry in the early 1900s,  is the original location of Electric Power Hub #2 which was built in 1910 and driven by Sir Adam Beck in his quest to get electric power to the common people.

Date of Construction: 1910, significantly expanded in 1921 at 825 Cabell St.

Architect: Uncertain of Architect

17. Bucky The Beaver

Bucky the Tile Town Beaver was the third in our Tree Trunk Tour and another tipping point in our plans for this to become something more significant. After all, we rationalised, one is one, two is a pair, and three???? Three makes it a series or at least something with little inertia building up.

“Bucky” is just East of Rectory, on the south side, across the street from the Hamilton Road Animal Hospital’s “Pet Pole”. In this sculpture you can see Bucky laying some tiles onto his tree.

We had to get our business community onside financially for this to work and this was the first one that was actually going to be sponsored by a business. Tile Town’s Jake Scollon saw the light at the end of the tunnel and bought into the concept. Their foresight, vision and faith in our plan were crucial to the genesis of the TTT, which did not actually exist up until this point in time!!

Sculptor: Robbin Wenzoski

Created: 2012

Tree Type: Black Walnut and Black Oak

18. The Vet Pet Pole

The Pet Pole was the 10th in our Stable of Tree Trunk Carvings.

In 2012, Dr. Rupi Avapal moved into the building renovating it into a state-of-the-art Veterinarian Treatment Centre.

Dr. Rupa wanted to show he was part of the community and the opportunity to participate in our TTT was irresistible. We commissioned local chainsaw carver Mike Winia to put together this pet pole which reflects Rupis’ specialty’s dogs, cats and exotic pets and birds.

The sculpture is carved out of a solid Oak log as the cat reaches for the parrot under the dog’s watchful eye. There are no separate parts.

Another notable example of professional offices moving into our area and filling in the spaces between the “Good stuff”

Sculptor: Mike Winia

Created: 2012

Tree Type: Oak

19. EATHAMILTONROAD.COM

Hamilton Road is loaded with great places to enjoy cultural cuisine from all over the world. The Hamilton Road BIA is in the midst of creating a website to help visitors navigate to their favorite spots to have a bite.

 http://eathamiltonroad.com/ 

List of Food Services

Kothur Indian Cuisine

Piri Piri Portuguese Diner

Mamas Italian Pizzeria

Marys Place

East Side Bar & Grill

Império Dos Frangos Portuguese Take out

Uncle Googie’s Pizzeria

Gonzales BBQ - London Ribfest Champ 2022

Apollo Pizza 

Home Tyme Food Services

The Baked Bites House

Portuguese Fish Market

Rei Dos Leitões - Portuguese Restaurant

TnT Tabanca - Caribbean Restaurant

Casa Cubana

Lady Rosa Family Restaurant

Rico's Pizzeria

Scotian Isle Baked Goods

Kohn's Meat Market

Lucky Restaurant

Pho Mi 888 Restaurant

Gusto Pizza Wings

Dem Stush Jamaicans

Chicks Wings London

Burger Hood London

Romanos Pizza and Wings

Mexicactus Bar & Grill

Pasta King

Subway, Pizza Hut, McDonalds & Tim Hortons

20. Former Site of The White Ox Inn

The original building was demolished in 1982 and the plaque is now mounted in the Ivey Family London Room, Central Library, London Public Library, 251 Dundas Street, London, Ontario.

In 1819, Colonel Thomas Talbot located Tilley Hubbard and his family on the future site of the White Ox Inn. Settlement duties required Hubbard to build a dwelling within a year of receiving his property.  

When London suffered the first of three cholera epidemics in 1832, Hubbard`s house was appropriated as a hospital. Most of its patients were poor immigrants since persons of means were treated in private homes. As many as 25 deaths may have occurred out of a population of 300. The victims were buried in the cemetery on the northwest corner of Dundas and Ridout streets.

In 1838, Samuel Parke bought this property and sold a two-acre lot in 1851 to George Pegler who “built” the White Ox Inn three years later.  It is not known whether Pegler’s building was a completely new structure or an expansion of the Hubbard home. Apparently the Inn was named for an ox that had collapsed in front of it. 

The location of the hotel was ideal, since Hamilton Road was a main thoroughfare into London. Legend has it that British troops from the London garrison stopped here in 1854 on their way to serve in the Crimean War.

In 1868, the hotel was sold to John Wilson, who had previously kept a hotel in the old Orange Hall at 267 Wellington Street. 

John Pegler (brother of George) operated a pottery business at the rear of the inn, and his son Anthony ran a successful florist business from greenhouses he had built on the property.

 Historic Sites Walking Guide (londonpubliclibrary.ca) 

21. Sporting Lion

The Nucleo Lion guards the entrance to the Nucleo Sporting of London at 499 Hamilton Road.

This lion sitting with his paw on a soccer ball is the crest for the Nucleo Sporting Club and their soccer team. This sculpture was completed by Mike Winia, who is well known for his biological detail.

The Lion is carved out of a solid block of black walnut, resting on a slab of white pine and a base of white oak.

The “Lion in PInes' ' carving at Pinheiro Realty is another lion representing the Sporting Lisbon Soccer Team as Joe Pinheiro was also a founder of this sports club.

Sculpture: Mike Winia

Created: 2013

Tree Type: White Oak base, Pine slab and Black Walnut Lion

22. Dr. Tree-age

Dr. Tree’age was created to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of the Victoria Family Medical Centre! (VFMC). The TTT was a good fit with their desire to do something in honour of their 50th anniversary.

“Dr Tree’age” is a “Health Care Provider Bear”, to be politically correct. The family of owls, in his hands, represent the range of ages the VFMC looks after. A caduceus (or medical cross thingy) is carved in relief into his back. Logos on the collar and shoulder are that of London Health Sciences Centre and the Schuler School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Sculptor: Robbin Wenzowski

Created: 2020

Tree Type: Red Oak

23. Diversi-tree

In the fall of 2016, we were looking desperately for an opportunity to create our next sculpture which had not happened for almost a year. We had a spot staked out at the Seniors Centre that was ok with them and the city as well.

We needed to come up with a theme that fit both the neighbourhood and the seniors at the centre. In the lead up to Hamilton Road’s redevelopment, a questionnaire was distributed to our citizens. The number one word used to describe Hamilton Road, in one word, was “Diversity”.

How appropriate it would be if we could create a sculpture called Diverse-Tree (puns are cool) that would reflect this in its composition.

We have diversity in the number of animal sculptures and the mix of men and women sculptors. The area animals depicted are mixed together with wolves, foxes, birds and fish all intermingled together. Carnivores are mixed in with prey and hunters with grazers, in a giant metaphor of our unique community where everyone gets along regardless of race, colour, or religion. The majestic owl sits above symbolic of the Seniors watching over everyone and a Hamilton Road sign, carved out of a

fallen ash tree, towers above everything. Four of Ontario's top carvers worked together and coordinated this exceptional work of art. In keeping with the theme, we had two women and three men contribute.

Sculptor: Robbin Wenzoski, Nancy Wood, Laura Wenzoski, Neil Cox, and Jeff Taylor

Created: 2016

Tree Type: Maple

Sponsor: Hamilton Road Business Improvement Area

24. EOA Sasquatch

As always, the sponsors would be STIHL Canada and Tourism London but this time we used over $3,000 raised by the Fans of BobNoxious. They used a go-fund-me account set up by our local Rock station FM96 and Taz & Iim, the morning hosts.

A few years prior, a local Hamilton Road rock and roll group called BobNoxious recorded a song called EOA. (East of Adelaide)

The self-deprecating, tongue-in-cheek lyrics attracted much criticism, at the time, because it drew attention to many area problems that some of us wanted to pretend did not exist.

When this band decided to use our Tree Trunk Tour in their lyrics as a sample of something good in our area, the only good thing mentioned, this started a chain of events that ultimately resulted in our most prominent and visible sculpture to that date.

Sasquatch Unveiling Video -  https://www.facebook.com/FM96London/videos/10155708027682221 

Media Exposure  https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/sasquatch-spotted-on-hamilton-road-in-london-1.4403058 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvOZZF_Uogo 

25. The Crouch Library

By the time the cornerstone of the new Library and Art Museum was laid on November 17, 1939, Canada had already been at war with Germany for two months.

While the mood of the country was apprehensive, there was throughout the art community that day in London a tremendous feeling of satisfaction and optimism. At last, after fifty-five years of struggle, London was to have its own art gallery, thanks largely to the generous Elsie Perrin Williams, and to an imaginative librarian, Richard Crouch.

The Crouch Library was established in 1922 and municipality purchased a home at Sackville and Hamilton on this property to later build the first Crouch Library in 1925. A new building was built in its place in 1958 followed by the current modern build of its time in 2002. London’s 2nd Flex Street was added to the streetscape in 2020.

Richard Edwin Crouch was born in 1894 and studied political economy at the Western University of London, Ontario, interrupting his studies to serve in the First World War with No.10 Stationary Hospital in France. He returned to Western, and then attended the universities of London and Paris on an Ontario government scholarship.

In 1923, Crouch succeeded Dr. Fred Landon as Chief Librarian at the London Public Library. He developed the library as a multimedia institution, lending books, films, film equipment, recordings, and art.

Richard Crouch was the first chief librarian and director of the art museum.

26. The Honey Tree

The Crouch Library Branch and The Crouch Neighbourhood Resource Centre selected the submission from local artist Ted Hayes, who had completed his first full carving.

 His design starts at its base with an opened story book titled “Celia’s Honey Tree” in honour of his first grandchild who was born on the same day he started the mother bear base. Mother bear is presenting her cub as she appears out of the book while she is being showered by the honey from the tree.

Words of inspiration are featured on the spines of each book above the honey as they spiral higher on the tree. They are being used to support 3 stacked and off balanced children’s ABC lettered playing blocks. These blocks are being used by 2 squirrels who have retreated to a safe place from the busy street below.

As a reminder of the 3 R’s, which in current times often reflect re-use, reduce and recycle, a wise old owl perches itself on a recycling bin that emerges from the back of the trunk carving.

A White Oak trunk was used for the lower half, which came from London’s own Boler Mountain where the tree was removed for a new ski runs. Top half is White Ash rescued from London’s ongoing Ash trees.

The final carving weighs in at more than 1,000 kilograms ( that’s 2,200 lbs for us older types) and towers in excess of 4 metres in height.

Sculptor: Ted Hayes

Created: 2012

Tree Type: Oak & Ash

Sponsor: Crouch Library, Tourism London and STIHL Canada

27. Home of Lewis Coray

In 1951, Coray became the first black police officer to join the London Police Service. His journey to this point, as well as what he continues to do for the community, is what makes his life so remarkable.

Born in 1925 in Vancouver, B.C., Coray spent most of his childhood in the province’s capital, Victoria. Coray dropped out of high school in Grade 10 to help provide for his family and worked multiple jobs trying to make ends meet. During the Second World, Coray decided to enlist.

“And of course, you probably know back in those days, they weren’t taking coloured people, not in the army, the navy or the air force. But a couple of years later, they let them in,” explains Coray. “When I went to go sign up, I wasn’t old enough. I was one month short of being 18. So [my mother] signed off for me.”

He spent his time with the Royal Canadian Air Force at the air training station in Yorkton, Sask.. After being discharged in 1946, he moved to London and eventually married his wife, Lorene Coray.

Coray spent a good part of three decades with the police service, initially as a patrol officer, and eventually he worked his way up to a detective, in the fraud unit. He retired in 1982.

In 2012, the London Police Service created the “Lewis Coray Trailblazer Award” in his namesake to recognize the contributions of Black youth in the London community. The award is honoured annually during Black History Month.

Bread, milk and ice were delivered by horse and wagon to the Coray home at 89 Sackville St. His

28. The River & Oak Mural

Local property owner and entrepreneur invests a great deal of money, time and creativity to help dress up an entire block, setting the tone for the revitalization of the community.

This is the first of a row of buildings owned by Mike Kowalik and his family who originally owned The London Bakery that ran out of one of their building in the 80s & 90s.

The Peppermint Lounge, Dine and Dance Restaurant opened at 541 Hamilton Road in 1962. Riding on the crest of a new dance craze, the 'Twist', this establishment was named after the famous Lounge in New York City where the 'Twist' originated. London's Peppermint Lounge featured both live music and juke boxes. The hours of operation were 8am until 3:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 8am until 2am on weekdays. The kitchen featured BBQ Spareribs, Pizza, and Chicken in a Basket. The Peppermint Lounge was owned and operated by Bob Papp.

Mike Kowalik was living in Toronto in the early 2000s before returning to London to embark on an entrepreneurial journey on a quest to revitalize every nook and cranny of these buildings.

This full building mural was created to accent the River & Oak boutique inside.

Artist: Mike Kowalik

Created:2022

29. LaundryMat Cafe Mural Gallery

The Alleyway of Art is the brain child of Mike Kowalik. His creativity a eye for design has inspired many other artists and property owners to do the same.

There are multiple murals and attractions to see as you walk around these iconic buildings on Hamilton Road. Along with the well known Bob Marley mural painted by Mike himself, he's also added a set of angel wings for phot ops and the back of a van as a take out window.

Even inside the Neighbourhood Cafe you'll find images' that display the history of the building along with some artistic touches like a boat on the wall that make the space inviting and fun.

30. Tom Thomson Mural

The mural was created to honour the 100th year anniversary of Tom Thomson's suspicious death that happened on a canoe trip through Algonquin Park

Tom Thomson was affiliated with the Group of Seven artists along with Emily Carr

Jenn helped teach the kids about the history while learning how to paint murals at the same time

The childrens lit up with excitement and will never forget their paint mark they left on local history

Family of Tom Thomson also lived down the street at the time and were invited to the unveiling ceremony

Mike Kowalik was thinking of adding an old boat he had into the mural when Rick Pinheiro of the Business Association suggested an upgrade. Rick contacted the owners of the famous and local  Nova Craft Canoes and they were more than happy to donate a canoe to top off the mural.

The colourful portion is a homage to one of Tom’s famous paintings called “The Jack Pine” and the dark portion represents the industrial times of his era.

Artist: Jen Romnes & Pearson Students

Created: 2017

31. Dog Mural

Another masterpiece commissioned by Mike Kowalik and painted by an amazing artist from the US. Located on the side of his building and making a parking lot a local tourist attraction.

Artist: Calina Mishay

Created: July 2022

32. White Tailed Dear Family

One of the last surviving Elm Trees to succumb to the Dutch Elm Disease but its reincarnation creates the start of a local tourist attraction.

The great Elm tree spent its life on the east side of the Egerton Baptist Church and the canopy once reached across all of Egerton St.

The sculpture took 9 days of carving using scaffolding to reach the higher areas. Animal theme was chosen to accent the Moosehead and create a theme for the series.

33. The Homister House

Built in 1877 and originally known as the New Market Inn. Later it was bought by James Homister in 1887.

Known for hosting Jockeys from The New Market Race Track that needed a place to stay for the night while leaving their horses in the barn next door where Trafalgar School sits today.

James Homister tried a new location on Rectory for a short bit but trouble with City Licensing brought him back to this site. He built an addition on the original building that had a saloon and bar that welcoming gamblers, travelers and perhaps hosting some other naughty activities as well.

34. The New Market Race Track

Newmarket Race track that was located further east along Trafalgar street, just a block or two away from Egerton St. and named after a famous Race Track in England.

The Queen's Plate was run at London's Newmarket course on four occasions, in 1865, 1869, 1878 and 1882. The Queen's plate was only on tour for just over a decade before returning to Toronto indefinitely since 1883.

The oldest North American Thoroughbred Race still running and since the Queens death in 2022 , now known as “The King's Plate”.

In 1883 "Buffalo Bill" Cody's Wild West Show was staged there. Presumingly because he had family in Woodstock at the time that he liked to visit and most likely wanted to perform nearby when performing in Toronto.

35. The Savoy Theatre

The building was constructed in 1928 and was known as the REX Theatre until 1951

Continued to be a popular movie theatre throughout the 60s-70s.

Movies such as “The 3 Musketeers” and “Carnival in Costa Rica”

Later demolished and currently the home of Fine Motors

36. The Sutherland Home

An immaculate home for the times. Built in 1910 by the Owners of The Homister House.

Still being used today as a multi unit rental property

37. Trafalgar Public School

Built in 1925 an used as a military hospital in 1940s during WWII

Military tents were added throughout the playground. Prisoners of war were said to be held in the yard behind barbed wire fence

Students were moved to nearby Chelsey and Ealing Public schools. Chelsey School has since been demolished and WWI weapons were found buried in the school yard.

38. Dominion Grocery Building

Dominion Groceries was a huge company at the time that jumped to 60 locations in its first year. 

Built in 1950, this was the 3rd purpose-built Dominion Grocery Store in London. 

Two of the first London Stores ever were also located on Hamilton Road, the second at Gore Rd.

Continued on as 2 different grocery stores before turning into a second hand store in the 1990s.

Bought and fully renovated back into a grocery store by the owners of Payless Afro International Food Market in 2021.

39. Transportaion Bench

Our first bench and the first to use “History” as a new theme for our carvings.

Bench weighs roughly 1000lbs and is carved out of a Maple tree. A reflection of all the different types of transportation vehicles that have been present along Hamilton Road over the last couple centuries.

Left column depicts a CNR roundhouse used to turn trains around.

Right column depicts a 2-man jigger used to maintain the rails at the time

Horse and Wagon - mid 1800s- used to deliver coal derivative (coke)

Horse drawn Street car used until the late 1800s

Street Cars convert to electricity around 1895

Gas powered Barton & Rumble Truck built in 1918

Sculptor: Robbin Wenzowski & Neil Cox

Created: 2020

Tree Type:

40. Barton & Rumble Building

Built in 1918 and current the location of the Hamilton Road BIA (596 Hamilton Road) today used to be the address of Barton & Rumble which was a factory that made a specific flatbed truck that was used by many different companies at this time.

In the early teens, Fred Barton partnered with Mr. Rumble and they built all the truck parts, except drive trains, on-site. Production of these trucks only lasted until 1923 so only about 50 of these legendary commercial vehicles were ever built including one for Wm. D. Joynes. Who operated a business from his Queen Anne style home located at  655 Hamilton Road. (c.1900)

This was a small operation, never having more than 10 employees at a time. Barton and Rumble ceased production in 1923,

Even the London Mayor of 1852, Mr. Edwards Adams was one of the first to buy a Barton & Rumble truck for his grocery store on Dundas St where he established the first wholesale grocery store in London decades before becoming Mayor.

Currently used as offices for the HRBIA as well a storefront for TNT Custom Ink that helped print our BIA banners.

41. Egerton Baptist Church

This amazing place of worship was built in 1914 and designed by London architect William George Murray 

September 18, 1904, when a meeting was called after the regular morning service of Adelaide Street Baptist Church to grant letters of dismissal to thirty-five of its members to form, if possible, the Egerton Street regular Baptist Church.

The earliest beginning of the work dates back to the year 1887. It was in the Spring of that year that two young men, Mr. Robert Nesbitt and Mr. Thomas Hawkie who were members of Adelaide Street Church, started a Sunday School in a small frame building on South Street. It was here that the Egerton Street work really originated.

On the 28th of May, 1913, a committee was appointed to canvass the congregation for funds and pledges to finance a new and larger church.

The new building costing approximately $21,000 was ready for services in the Spring of 1914.

In 1914 the First World War started and in 1916 the Rev. W. C. Riddiford resigned to become Chaplain of the 142nd Battalion.

Rev. W. A. Cameron of Toronto, who preached forty years prior, was at the opening of the new building also lead the service on the 50th Anniversary of their establishment as a congregation.

Building also suffered a fire in 1920 and had to be restored.

42. The Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church

This was once the site of The Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church that stood here from 1910-1999 and designed by London architect William George Murray 

43. Duc Quang Buddhist Centre

Surrounded by stunning hand crafted statues this modern day Buddist temple is a centerpiece at Hamilton Road and Egerton St.

The Old church was not salvageable when the owners tried to repair the building.

A new church was erected and built by the congregation themselves.

The new hand carved statues were delivered from over seas and found their new home on Hamilton Road

44. Paul Bear'rrr

Carved out of a 200 yr old Ash tree, this is one of the last to succumb to the Ash Borer disease. It stands almost 9 feet high and weighs over a ton.

Mounted on a slab of Manitoulin Limestone

His name is Hamilton C. Price - named after the intersection it sits at and the C for Clifford Evans who established the Evans Funeral home in 1924

Oldest business on Hamilton Road

Also under the Furtney Funeral Homes corporation is  Logan's Funeral home which is the oldest Funeral Home in the cIty . Est. 1887

At just 20 years of age George A. Furtney became the youngest graduate the Canadian School of Embalming had ever produced. He spent time as an apprentice in London before moving on to take over a new Toronto firm, the Arthur B. Ridley Funeral Home, in 1957

When the venerable Logan Funeral Home came up for sale in 1962 it was time for Mr. Furtney to return to London

Over the next twenty-five years George Furtney would grow his business and a reputation for excellence. Key to his success would be the long line of dedicated professionals who would join him along the way.

He kept the Logans and Evans names in place in respect for those leaders of the industry that came before him

His greatest crowning moment was a building this new Funeral Home in 1987 at 648 Hamilton Road before unfortunately passing away in 1988

His wife Joyce took over as president and in 1991  in 1991, the firm would establish the Furtney Funeral Home Memorial Forest in George's memory. 

In 2002 Joyce sold the firm to longtime funeral director James Squires and operating partners Stephen Michaelchuk and Dave Pizzey.

45. Home of Isaac Crouse

Marked as a London Historical Site, 77 Price St. was the last home of pioneer bridge builder Isaac Crouse

He was responsible for building the first metal Black Friars Bridge and the Meadowlily Bridge amongst many other achievements (King St, Dundas St & Wellington St)

Born in 1825, raised in Westminster area and went to school inside a log cabin in Pond Mills.

Died in 1915 after an illustrious career and honoured by the City of London in 2003

46. Vauxhall Park

A great baseball and leisure park since the mid 1900s with amazing trail access along the Thames River and great location for community events

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZepckJhrCgg 

47. Holy Cross Church

Land was surveyed and owned by Col. Bullen in the early 1900s. He was married too the widow of Col. Mount. Whos family were the first European Settlers in Delaware.

The Land is then sold to George Nelson and  his wife who sells it to Arthur C. Carty for $1 in 1947

 Arthur C. Carty receives it and he donates the land to Catholic diocese  in 1947

Holy Cross School built in later in 1947 and Holy Cross Church followed in 1953.

The Church is the centre of the Portuguese community in the area during the late 1960s till today

Holy Cross School was demolished in 2021 to make way for an affordable housing development for Indigineous Mothers & Family

48. HDC - Affordable Housing Project

London to provide safe housing for First Nation, Inuit and Métis people

Links to further Information:

 https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/london-to-provide-safe-housing-for-first-nation-inuit-and-m%C3%A9tis-people-1.6103105 

 https://london.ca/sites/default/files/2022-04/Urban%20Design%20Presentation_AODA.pdf 

49. Lion in Pines

The Lion represents the patriarch of the family business established in 1979

Carved out of a Maple tree trunk

The Lion represents Joe Pinheiro, the patriarch of the family business established in 1979. Joe's favourite Soccer Team in Portugal is Sporting Lisbon and their mascot is the Lion. 

Joe was also one of the founders of the London based Sporting Club that is also located on Hamilton Road and also has a carving we will visit on our tour.

The Lion watches over the families and houses in the neighbourhood much like Joe did over the years with his help with numerous boards, associations and families in the community. He played a pivotal part in keeping Holy Cross School open for the last 30+ years as he fought to keep it open in the 90s.

Joe was also 2 time President Of the London Real Estate Board and Chairman of the Real Estate Council Of Ontario that regulated the industry in our province

Designed as a Pine Tree, which is the Portuguese meaning of the name Pinheiro.

The building at 696 Hamilton Road also has history as it is seen on maps dating as early as 1892. It was originally the home of the YWCA that hosted horse drawn sleigh rides for children that toured up and down Hamilton Road in the early 1900s. In 1948 it became the new home for Gord Reef Pharmcy before passing it on to Pinheiro Realty in 1979.

50. Hammie

This was the fourth carving and second to be sponsored and located at one of our businesses.

As The Tree Trunk Tour was beginning to take shape, this old oak tree was carved by Robbin Wenzowski 

51. Tommy Hunter Way

The road along St, Julien park is called "Tommy Hunter Way '' named after the legendary Canadian Country music and television star. Tommy Hunter grew up in the Hamilton Road area before moving on to become one Canada's greatest stars of his era.

According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, Thomas James Hunter, CM, O Ont, singer, guitarist, television host (born 20 March 1937 in London, ON.) An icon of Canadian country music & television personality, best known for hosting CBC TV’s widely popular The Tommy Hunter Show (1965–92), North America’s longest-running TV music program. 

Known as “Canada’s country gentleman,” Hunter is a member of the Order of Canada, the Order of Ontario, the Canadian Country Music Association Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee.

After dropping out of high school at 16, he joined the London Little Theatre production of Dark of the Moon and performed at the Dominion Drama Festival in Victoria, BC. 

In 1956, Hunter joined CBC TV's Country Hoedown as rhythm guitarist with King Ganam's Sons of the West. He remained on the show while also hosting his own CBC Radio program, The Tommy Hunter Show (1960–65), which made the leap to television and succeeded Country Hoedown as a weekly program in 1965. Essentially a Canadian version of the Grand Ole Opry, it was extended from a half-hour to an hour in 1970.

At its peak in the early 1970s, The Tommy Hunter Show drew three million weekly viewers in Canada. It featured virtually every major country performer in the business, from Hunter’s heroes Hank Snow, Wilf Carter, Roy Acuff and Eddy Arnold to Roy Rogers, Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, the Judds and Garth Brooks. It also featured such Canadian artists as Maurice Bolyer, Al Cherny, the Rhythm Pals and Anne Murray, and opened the door for many new acts including fiddler April Verch and singer Shania Twain, who first appeared on the show in 1979 at age 14.

52. Eastside's Music Mural

The BIA decided to join in on the enthusiasm of some local business owners who recently had new murals painted on their buildings.

With the help of a sponsorship from Tourism London we were able to add this amazing work of art to the community.

The design was inspired by the amazing music that's been heard between these walls and played on this stage over the many years in the last few decades.

Artist: Ken Galloway

Created: 2022

Sponsor: Tourism London

EAST SIDE BAR & GRILL

Formally known as JRs, The Empire House & The St.Julien Tavern

Patsy Cline and Tommy Hunter have graced this staged along with many other legendary musicians over decades of music

George Karigan the current owner has been a long time supporter of the Hamilton Road Business Association and founding Member of the BIA Board of Management

Many BIA meetings and events have been held here including the little chat over some beers when Dave Broostad brought up the idea of the Tree Trunk Carvings over a decade ago

53. The Stihl Band Tree-O

The BIA wanted to capitalize on the exposure and began brainstorming ideas to connect a new carving with the Junos

In early 2018 Tourism London announced that the Canadian Music Juno Awards would be held in London the following year

As it turned out, Hamilton Road’s very own Eastside Bar & Grill was announced as a music venue for the awards. They also had a parking lot on Hamilton Road that was begging for a carving

The serendipi-tree continue when we approached carver Robbin Wenzowski with the plan

Robbin had an idea was in his head since 2007 that involved a 3pc band and three tree trunks on his farm that he new would fit the bill

Tourism London and Sthil Canada were excited to help sponsor this great project and Larry Barker from Summers Home Hardware along with George Karigan from East Side Bar & Grill stepped in to help with the funding as well.

The sculpture was our most expensive project coming in just under $20,000

It was with this perfect storm of people and events that the Stihl Band Trio was born

Carved by 4 amazing artists out of 3 different tree trunks (maple, Oak & Ash)

The Wolf Guitarist is Clyde, Buster the Bear on Bass Fiddle and Wingo on the Drums

Two Plaques were attached recognizing London’s Juno Award winners from 1970-2018 along with London’s Music Hall of Fame Inductees including Hamilton Road hero Tommy Hunter.

Sculptors: Robbin Wenzoski, Team Leader, Neil Cox, Jeff Taylor & Nancy Wood

Created: 2018

Tree Type: Maple, Oak & Ash

Unveiling Video -  https://www.facebook.com/hamilton.road.london/videos/348409205994737/ 

Creation Video:

 https://youtu.be/h-HZhOm4CoU 

54. Black History on Glenwood Ave

James Frederick Jenkins founded the first newspaper dedicated to issues that were important to Black Communities.

He arrived in London from the US in 1907 and lived in a home at 95/97 Glenwood Ave

Black communities were still kept separate and Mr. Jenkins saw a need for Black communities to communicate and share thoughts on Black Issues 

Created a newspaper for Black Communities called “The Dawn of Tomorrow”

First Issue of this historic newspaper was launched from his home on July 14,1923

Following WWI, the Black community in London began slowly to grow again, rising to about 250 people by 1930. This was the estimate made by the Canadian League for the Advancement of Coloured People, an organisation founded in London in 1924. The League, whose leadership included both Black and White Londoners, was organised “to improve the condition of the coloured people of Canada,” particularly through the provision of educational opportunities for the young.

The founding of the League was mainly the work of James F. Jenkins, a Georgia native who had been a resident of London since 1907. The League had an official newspaper, The Dawn of Tomorrow, which Jenkins had founded in 1923. The Dawn carried news of interest to the Black community, much of it originating in the United States. It also brought the Black communities in other Ontario towns and cities closer together by listing their activities in columns of social and church notices. It was also Jenkins’s intention to “chronicle any achievements of (the) people and any advance that would spur young people to self effort.

James Jenkins died suddenly following surgery in 1931. His widow Christina (later Mrs. Frank Howson), who had, from the beginning, supported and encouraged her husband’s work, carried on the publication of The Dawn of Tomorrow with the help of her large family. The success of the newspaper, at first a weekly and then a monthly publication, is a testament to the efforts of the Jenkins family. At its height about 1971, it had a total circulation of 48,000, and 21,000 subscribers in various parts of the world.

55. Stanley “Gabby” Anderson

Legendary Black Baseball player from the local neighbourhood.

Arrived in London in 1930 from the US

Living on Glenwood Ave and aspiring to be a Professional Baseball player

He went back to the US to play in the Pony Leagues but later returned to London

Played for the London Majors for a decade and made the All-Star team 8 times

He later co-founded an affordable youth baseball program called Eager Beavers

He sat on the Board of Directors for many years

Link to more Info -  http://www.attheplate.com/wcbl/profile_anderson_stan.html 

 https://youtu.be/afs22YzIqaA 

56. Ealing Public School

Ealing was a small village outside of London and the 1st post office was at Hamilton and Egerton/Trafalgar intersection.

Ealing School public school was originally known as S.S. #22. The first school was a one-room wooden structure. This is the second school building on the site, and this the 3rd building built in 1912.

The school also took in students from Trafalgar School in the 1940s during WWII when Trafalgar School was used as a Military Hospital.

57. The Eagle's Nest

Carved out of 100 year old White Oak tree harvested from the Byron Ski hill.

Located at on old round about for LTC buses

Area was originally known as Ealing 

became East London in 1875 followed by Potterburg and The Gore

Principal at the time  Mike Tamasi asked the students for ideas and the mascot of the school was chosen and the newsletter called the Eagle’s Nest was the inspiration

Names of the grade 1 students were etched into the Driftwood branches 

The Indigenous students wanted their culture represented and so the medicine wheel was added to the back

Sculptor: Mike Winia

Created: 2012

Tree Type: White Oak

Additional Video -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmpMfVKHyEE 

58. Mr. Parkinson's Bridge

In 1926, Mr. Parkinson built a bridge for his son to attend school across the river.

Mr. Parkinson lived in Pond Mills and wanted his son Charlie to attend Ealing

He built a suspension bridge at the end of East St. to help Charlie get to school

He used 4 telephone posts, long cables anchored to the posts and suspended the bridge along with 6”x 2” planks fastened underneath spanning the river.

The kids loved it but parents  hated it and some were heard saying things like “If I ever find you near that bridge, I’ll drown you myself”

An idea on the table at the BIA is to reconstruct Mr.Parkinson’s suspension bridge and connect St.Julien Park with trails on the the other side in Pond MIlls

59. McDonald's Sculpture

This sculpture was completely sponsored by Jason Lessif the Owner of McDonalds.

Made out of Maple Tree

This sculpture was completely sponsored by Jason Lessif the Owner of McDonalds.

Mr. Lessif was also a founding Member of the Board for the BIA

Fins are as close to golden arches as Copyright would allow

The concept is a fictional friendly creature reading to some children

Video Footage:  https://www.facebook.com/hamilton.road.london/videos/268494474044425/ 

60. Meadowlily Wood Trails

Meadowlily Woods Environmentally Significant Area (ESA) is situated on the south side of the South Thames River.

The ESA contains floodplain woods, deep ravines, mature woodlands, and some active and retired agricultural fields that are now meadows. Along the Thames west of Meadowlily Road is the Meadowlily Nature Preserve, owned by the Thames Talbot Land Trust. The public is allowed to hike the trail through the preserve.

London is located in the traditional territory of the Attawandaron, Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, and Lunaapeewak peoples. Over 60 archaeological sites are documented in the Meadowlily area, especially on the Ingersoll Moraine. The sites span the entire 11,000 years of prehistory and include everything from aboriginal camps to villages. In the early part of the 19th century, private homes for commissioned officers were built along the east end of Commissioners Road. One such house was built in 1848 on Park Farm. The Fraser family purchased Park Farm in 1908. Portions of the property were farmed, but the wooded areas were protected by Harrison Fraser until his death in 1982, at which time the City of London obtained the Park Farm estate.

Over 110 species of migratory and breeding birds have been observed in the Meadowlily Woods area. Due to its large size and location along the river, the forest supports forest interior and area sensitive species such as Pileated Woodpecker and Ovenbird. Other nesting species include Red-tailed Hawk, Great Horned Owl, Belted Kingfisher, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and American Goldfinch. The animal life is typical of the London area with Raccoon, Coyote, Red Fox, White-tailed Deer, Grey Squirrel, and Beaver. The many wet habitats are home Green, Wood and Leopard Frogs, Spring Peepers, Eastern Redback Salamander, and Midland Painted Turtle. The meadows provide nectar-producing flowers for butterflies and moths. Giant and Tiger Swallowtails, Clouded Sulphur, and Spring Azure are among the species recorded in the area.

 Brochure - https://thamesriver.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022-MeadowlilyESA-brochure.pdf 

Video -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQIO9iG5DVA 

Facebook Page -  https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=211217388905816 

 Meadowlily as a Cultural Heritage Landscape (escribemeetings.com) 

61. Urban Roots London

Developing agricultural opportunities for the neighbourhood, social enterprises, and community organizations within the City of London.

Urban Roots is a non-profit organization that revitalizes underused land in the City of London for agriculture by:

- Producing high-quality, organic vegetables and herbs

- Distributing produce locally, directly to consumers and to private and social enterprises

- Developing agricultural opportunities for the neighbourhood, social enterprises, and community organizations within the City of London

- Growing a self-sustaining, urban agricultural model to germinate to new sites

Business Model is 33% Donations, 33% Affordable, 33% Food Outlets.

Growing Fresh, Healthy, Connected Communities

 https://www.urbanrootslondon.ca/ 

62. Fairmont Public School

This public School was established in 1992. Check some drone footage of the property.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Czx6l8rr_9s 

64. The Graham Hotel (former site)

Historic Hotel in London East with a famous story about a brawl and murder.

Hotel Graham was located on the north side of Hamilton Road east of present-day Bob Hayward Y. Originally named the 'Three Horse Tavern', it was the sporting headquarters for London and all Western Ontario in connection with horse racing. On December 14, 1911, Daniel 'Gypsy' Reynolds and Frederick Culver were at Graham's Hotel and got into a drunken brawl. Grabbing an axe, Reynolds struck Culver in the left leg severing a major artery. Culver bled out before medical help could arrive. In April 1931, this old landmark was destroyed by fire. Since it was then located outside of city limits, a lack of water contributed to the difficulties in fighting the fire. The only source of water was an old wooden pump located in the front yard. Benjamin Graham, a son of the owner, was one of the city fire fighters who responded to this call. Firefighters put more than 100 gallons of chemical on neighbouring buildings, including a Supertest gas station, to prevent them from catching fire due to the intense heat.

Vintage London Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/vintagelondon/photos/a.448239138635722/969232669869697/?type=3 

 https://www.facebook.com/vintagelondon/photos/p.972870376172593/972870376172593/?type=3 

64. The Figure Skaters

Carved from a Maple Tree of one of London’s biggest events ever in history.

The 2013 World Figure Skating Championships were being hosted in London and the Hamilton Road Business Association wanted to capitalise on the exposure.

Our usual Sponsors London Tourism and Stihl Canada teamed up with the Tim Hortons at Horton and Wllington to help bring this work of art to life

Originally installed at Dundas and Wellington for 6 months surrounding the event

Visitors and News Media from all over the world used the sculpture as a backdrop for selfies and newscasts across the globe

Unveiled on cold winter day just after the Mayor's Breakfast for Joe Fontana

Use of Tessa and Scotts faces would have cost too much 

A video presentation by CFPL London called “Welcome to Canada’s London” featured the sculpture and was broadcast internationally

The sculpture was later moved to Residensia Italia which is an affordable retirement style living facility for seniors. The same development group is also responsible for creating  a similar building across the street called “Residentia Ortona”

Roger Caranci was on the original Business Association at the time and played a big role in helping launch these carvings and buildings at the time

Bud Polhill was our Ward1 councilor at the time and he was also a supportive leader since the inception of the Tree Trunk Tour.

Sculptor: Robbin Wenzoski and Neil Cox

Created: 2012

Tree Type: Maple

Sponsor: Tim Hortons (Horton & Wellington)

 BIZBEAT VIDEO - https://www.facebook.com/586807061/videos/pcb.10154811775607062/10154811762887062 

 CARVING PICS - https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10152389657080290&set=a.10152389656870290 

 (28) CTV Coverage of Unveiling - YouTube 

65. The Siddall House

Built in 1820, this possibly the oldest house in the City Limits still in use as residential rental units.

The Siddall Family moved to Upper Canada in the early 1800s from England and settled in the village area of Westminster before moving to a 160 acre parcel of land on a property in the area known then as “The Gore”. 

In 1820 The Siddalls built this family home where they later welcome 8 children

The property was known to have hosted the first meetings of the Masonic Temple in the area

The Siddalls moved onto a property in Lobo where along with their sons they build a series of mills sparking more businesses in the area and the creation of Siddalleville, which no longer exists today

Honoured as one of London’s Historic Sites, this building is now over 200 years old. Siddall House was the meeting place of the first Masonic Lodge established in the London District, and was known as Mount Moriah Lodge #773. This house remains one of the oldest in the area.

 Historic Sites Walking Guide (londonpubliclibrary.ca) 

66. TEE-REX

Standing just east of their park entrance way, T-Rex, the East Park Mascot, is over 8 feet tall .

When East Park approached us, it seemed like a perfect fit. At the eastern edge of our area, their prominence and appeal to families was exactly what we needed to add to our Tree Trunk Tour’s appeal. Standing just east of their park entrance way, T-Rex, the East Park Mascot, is over 8 feet tall and carries a golf club in one hand while a water tube hangs over his opposite shoulder.

Sculptor: Robbin Wenzowski

Created: 2020

Tree Type: Oak