A Ghost of Milkshakes Past: Unearthing Johnstone's Dairy Bar
There's a peculiar magic in the mundane act of renovation, isn't there? We often see construction as a force of destruction, tearing down the old to make way for the new. But sometimes, just sometimes, the process unearths something far more precious than a mere structural improvement – it reveals a forgotten piece of our collective memory. This is precisely what happened on Queen Street East, where a renovation project peeled back the layers of time to reveal a vibrant relic: the sign for Johnstone’s Dairy Bar.
What makes this discovery particularly fascinating to me is its immediate evocation of a bygone era. It’s not just a sign; it’s a portal. Personally, I think we often underestimate the power of these tangible links to our past. They serve as potent reminders that our cities are not static entities but living histories, built upon the dreams and hard work of those who came before us. The very existence of this sign, tucked away and forgotten, speaks volumes about the transient nature of commerce and the enduring power of nostalgia.
The Man Behind the Milkshakes
Digging a little deeper, we learn about William “Bill” R. Johnstone, the man who brought this beloved establishment to life. Arriving in Sault Ste. Marie in 1940, Johnstone was clearly a man of action and ambition. His philosophy – “You either do a job or you don’t, but never say you will take a job and do nothing about it” – is, in my opinion, a timeless lesson in dedication. It’s this kind of work ethic that built communities and fueled local businesses. What’s striking is how he seemed to embrace all aspects of life, from his love for the outdoors to his entrepreneurial spirit. He didn’t just settle in the Sault; he actively invested in its growth, purchasing a dairy and launching his dairy bar in the same year.
A Taste of Simpler Times
Johnstone’s Dairy Bar, opening its doors in 1940, was more than just a place to grab a bite; it was a community hub. In its early days, the focus was on classic desserts – think thick milkshakes, rich sundaes, and take-home ice cream. The anniversary specials, like two chocolate milkshakes for a mere 15 cents, are a detail that I find especially charming. It paints a picture of a time when a small amount of money could bring immense joy, a stark contrast to today’s economic realities. What many people don't realize is how such affordable treats fostered a sense of shared experience and simple pleasure. The expansion to include soft-serve ice cream and hot food, and eventually the creation of the “Pine Room” with its booths and live music, shows a business that was not only successful but also evolving to meet the desires of its patrons.
More Than Just a Sign
From my perspective, the true significance of unearthing the Johnstone’s Dairy Bar sign lies in its ability to spark conversation about our urban heritage. It’s a tangible piece of a vibrant downtown that, like many others, has transformed over the decades. This sign is a quiet testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that once defined Queen Street East. It reminds us that behind every storefront, every business, there was a story, a family, and a community being built. If you take a step back and think about it, these unearthed relics are crucial for understanding the layered identity of our cities. They offer a counter-narrative to the relentless march of modernization, reminding us of the foundations upon which our present is built.
What this really suggests is a need for us to be more mindful of preserving these fragments of our past, not just in archives, but in the very fabric of our urban landscapes. The discovery of Johnstone’s Dairy Bar sign is a beautiful, albeit accidental, act of historical preservation, a sweet echo from a time when a simple milkshake could be the highlight of a day. It makes me wonder what other stories are hidden just beneath the surface of our everyday lives, waiting for a chance to be revealed.
