Vintage Downtown Brantford Story-telling Contest… Before and After

We all have favourite memories and love to share the tales to those close to us. BUT…would we be willing to go public?  

Downtown Brantford decided to experiment with this premise to determine if telling positive stories would help dispel the negative perceptions of a few and launch a new renaissance feeling in the core.

The results were incredible! We used Facebook/Vintage Downtown Brantford as our vehicle and the public responded in kind and we received a diverse collection of personal submissions. Some supplied old photographs and others clicked on ‘like’ or added comments. Some told stories of their recollections of downtown, sparking conversation by others. The judges narrowed it down through measurement of public response, depth, and originality to three final participants. Ed Clarence Place sent a black and white photo of the Esquire Theatre with a story about Downtown Brantford and cinema experiences in the 1950’s. It was a delightful reflection and well–received. Tae McIntosh-Hislop is a renowned local photographer and her photographic expositions drew great attention. She combined photographs of Brantford in the early 20th Century overlaying the current imagery in the same location. There were several, but the one gathering the most attention was that of the current Post Office (Federal Building), which, ironically, is 100 years old this year. How many of you have sat on those Post Office lions? The third was a humourous story by Barb Day, as a five year old taking the bus downtown and sharing the trials and tribulations of the excursion with her older sister many years ago, called ‘The Annoying Little Sister’. 

The Winner?  Congratulations Barb Day.

This is what did Barb and her husband Chuck won: a $1000 package of experiences in Downtown Brantford. Barb had the choice of a variety of discoveries and these were her decisions: Blue Heron Rafting; Chauffeur driven service for the weekend by Beckett-Glaves Limo; a Botanical Wellness Spa experience; 2 nights at the Quality Inn; tickets to ‘Sloan’ at the Sanderson Centre; and dining experiences at Piston Broke Gastro Pub, Rocklings Tap and Grill, Cobby’s Diner on Market, Sophia’s Café and Bakery, and Brown Dog Speakeasy. 

How they perceived their weekend:

DOWNTOWN BRANTFORD:

Congratulations on your prize winning submission. What was your reaction to the win?

BARB:

I was on holidays in the States and my kids forgot to PVR the Rogers announcement, so I googled it on-line when I got home and yelled over the whole house, “I won!!” I’d never won anything before except a couple of coffees so “this was my Roll-Up-The-Rim- Downtown-Brantford moment”.

DOWNTOWN BRANTFORD:

You grew up in Brantford and had many visits to Downtown. Did you discover anything different about the Downtown from this experience?

BARB:

Especially over the past 4 or 5 years there has been a considerable cycle of change. I have worked downtown for almost the past 30 years but didn’t know all that it offered. I was shocked by the variety of night life events. Even some of the old places people used to complain about have been rebuilt and are classy, modern and beautiful. There is everything from what the Sanderson offers to acoustical guitar and rock and roll live performances. And that is beyond the great Harmony Square events.

DOWNTOWN BRANTFORD:

You spent almost three days wandering around Downtown Brantford. Were you ever fearful for your safety?

BARB:

Not at all. I would say it is probably one of the safest parts of Brantford, even in the evening. Part of that is all the student activity everywhere you look. Also, the Downtown Beat Unit for Brantford Police Services share an office with the Laurier security services and the Student Union have an organized Walk Safe initiative. 

DOWNTOWN BRANTFORD:

What was the greatest revelation you discovered Downtown?

BARB:

Even though I have worked downtown for many years, I am usually home by 4:30pm. I had no idea that there is so much going on at night. It’s like a different city. I will be spending more time now that I see all that’s happening and I hope the growing number of specialty stores increase over time.

DOWNTOWN BRANTFORD:

You had a number of Downtown Brantford businesses offer you choices for the weekend. What was your overall reaction or special note you may have taken?

BARB:

To begin with, the whole package was terrific. Customer service everywhere was awesome. Everyone was personable and excited for us. Our hotel room was a suite with a fireplace, a Jacuzzi and a deck overlooking the pool. My husband and I felt like rock stars. Yet, there was uniqueness, a small town feel, and we developed relationships we will continue. Have to say, I didn’t know that riding in a limo would be so thrilling. We felt like celebrities. Earl and Ruth, our chauffeurs, were the best. At one point Earl came to open our door and suddenly realized there was a puddle at our feet. He politely closed the door, moved forward a couple of feet and returned to help us out. So cool. The new restaurant, Rockling’s, was icing on the cake. The staff was so calm, down to earth, professional and treated us like special guests even to making a special desert in our honour. Chef Vip, also the owner, after a tremendous and filling dinner, created ‘Flaming Crepe Suzanne with Orange Sauce’ to die for. And Trevor at Cobby’s went out of his way: Great food; Great service; Great guy. The young waitress at Piston Broke was so helpful and the food was great. Susan at Botanical Wellness Spa demonstrated all her private and sterile suites including the ‘Lady Gaga Egg’ for body hydration. I’ve never seen that service anywhere in Brantford before. Oh yes, having Downtown Brantford taking our pictures at each location was such a cool paparazzi experience. It enhanced the events. Did you know you can get “Green Eggs and Ham’ at Brown Dog, as well as those famous apple fritters? Dr. Seuss would be happy. The ‘Sloan’ concert was wild. Everyone was on their feet for most of the second half remembering all their tunes. And we rescheduled the BlueHeron rafting experience until next summer when it is warmer. We will combine that with a Sophia’s Café afternoon.

DOWNTOWN BRANTFORD:

Thank you again

BARB:

Thank you and everyone involved. I sure hope this will be an annual contest.

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